Sometimes I wonder why I chose a profession that forces me to wake up at 5:30 a.m. on a weekend. True, I’m a morning person, but six days a week of groggy mornings a bit much for anyone. So why do I keep doing it Saturday after Saturday? Because that’s what it takes to make a gorgeous photograph – and that’s my job – (and I’m sure I subconsciously love it?)
Early rising is about catching the right light. The first and foremost important factor in all of my shoots is working with great light, and if we’ve booked an outdoor session that means I’ve probably scheduled it before 9 a.m. or directly before the sun sets.
Good light, or at least the light that works for my style of shooting, is soft and even and makes things look interesting when it hits the earth — that happens in the wee hours of the day (or under overcast skies) so it can’t be wasted!
So naturally, I’m up super early and a stickler for being on time. When I’m behind the camera lens the hours zip by at incredible speeds, making that small window of good light super precious.
When discussing schedules, some clients will look at me like I’m nuts. Why on earth would I want to meet them at 8 a.m.? Because I want to make you or your family gorgeous. Because, while a midday session will work with the right lighting tools, I’d rather open up more possibilities with those post-dawn/pre-dusk time frames.
Timing is also important during those hours when I’m not fact to face with my clients. Some people ask if I get paid $200 an hour. Ha! I wish! The majority of costs associated with photo shoots aren’t incurred when I’m behind the camera – they happen when I’m in front of the computer post-processing, billing, backing up and organizing. I’m seriously considereing compiling a video to show everything that goes on behind the scenes of just one session.
Timing is everything. The lack of enough time is a photographer’s worst enemy but the right timing of a shoot is a photographer’s best friend!
Liam’s got my heart on a string. Brave and curious, he was torn between wondering who the heck I was to ignoring me completely to explore the farm. His mom helped me entertain him in front of the camera for hours and even grandma jumped in to dote on her sweet little boy.
Moody and expressive, Liam is a child photographer’s dream. And as coincidence would have it, he was born right around the time I met my significant other, so I’ve dubbed him an anniversary baby whether he likes it or not. Can’t wait to take my next trip out to western Maryland to watch him grow up!
Sweet little Kira welcomed me with an inquisitive smile when I visited her and her family on a quiet, early Saturday morning.
When it comes to kindness, her mother is queen, and you can tell – even at only 4 months – that Kira’s going to be a lot like her. She spent a bit of our shoot eating her Christening dress and the the rest giving me perplexed looks and mischievous, infectious grins at her momma. When she laughs, watch it… you will too! Before we wore her out to the point of passing out on the couch we made some superb baby portraits for her family to coo over for years to come.
All of my moving preparations has put real estate photography on my brain. Coincidentally I spent some time with James Grant of the Eng Garcia Group last month to take some shots of a condo for sale in Alexandria, Virginia. The unit has a great wrap around porch — lots of fun to shoot with my wide angle lens — and huge living area that opens up to both the kitchen and living room. Even more entertaining was the chihuahua keeping me company during the shoot. (He may have gotten a few belly rubs in between shutter clicks.)
Not more than a few weeks later I signed a lease of my own in the quaint area of Old Town, Alexandria. No doubt I’ll be sharing photos of packing, moving and our new loft space once the madness has subsided!
Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to honor the Human Resource Leaders of Greater Washington once again at the annual HR Leadership Awards Gala. In years past I have had the opportunity to work with the organization in a variety of capacities and this year I was hired to serve as their official portrait and event photographer. The first event I attended was their VIP reception where all of the nominees, sponsors, and committee members met, mingled, and had their portraits taken.
Most people go to the mountains to ski. Some go to kayak or climb. I decided to go to turn my brain off and relax.
A design conference I decided to attend, HOW, was hosted in the mile high city this year, and only 2.5 hours away sat Vail, beckoning me for a minor spa retreat.
I tend to ask a lot of questions, and it’s not because I merely inquisitive. They are an avenue of means to help me deliver the best photograph I can create for you. Here are three important questions I pose to all of my portrait clients:
1. How are your photos going to be used?
This is essential in helping me determine venue, gear, wardrobe… just about everything for your shoot. Are you posting these photos on Facebook, hanging them on your wall at home, giving them as gifts or all of the above?
This past week I had the pleasure of photographing the lovely Stef, Abbie, Amy & Leigh who won CityShopGirl’s Sex and the City likeness contest. Below are their “before” headshots and “after” glamourshots.
Saturday morning, 6:00 AM, I step on to the National Mall. All is silent, but in the distance I see two enormous air-filled balloons. I step closer, and closer, and closer, until I get WHAPPED in the face with the sent of baby powder, flowers, and what is that… estrogen?
The first impression you make should be the best. In an age full of noise – twitterfacebookflickrtublerlinkedinmashable… etc. etc. etc., you first impression will likely be your last, unless you make it memorable.
These days a website is like owning a property smack dab in the middle of the chaotic streets of NYC. You’ve got millions of neighbors all vying for attention. When you walk into that store, how long are you going to stay if you don’t see any smiling associates there to serve you? Having a high-quality website is essential in gaining and serving repeat clients, and having a high-quality headshot is essential in capturing that client’s attention in the first place.
