#1. the questionnaire
I send out a pretty lengthy questionnaire before any and every session to get to know you and your family better. I try my best to make every session unique to each family and this questionnaire helps me allow to do just that. i ask all about you and your little ones. Questions like, how old are they, what interests them, am I allowed to use bribery during our session, and how can I connect with them during our family session. I want you and your family to feel comfortable around me. I want to be able to relate to your kids and to talk to them about their hobbies, favorite sports, or cartoons. I want them to be able to relax and have fun so you don't have to stress and so we can get the most genuine expressions in your photos. I want to capture what makes your family so different and unique from any other family out there. My pre-session questionnaire allows me to insure you'll have photos that capture what makes you guys special.
#2. I'm not a budget photographer
Rarely will you find me offering mini sessions or deals and let me explain why. Family sessions aren't to be rushed. They're already stressful enough for parents when it comes to picking out outfits, working about conflicting schedules, and making sure everyone behaves. In order for me to be able to provide you with genuine smiles and emotion we have to take our time. I have to give your family time to warm up to me before they completely relax in front of the camera. I'm not a 15 minute session here's 5 digitals and I'll see you later kind of photographer. Nope. I'm a let's get to know each other and let me create some seriously stunning memories of you and your family kind of photographer. I also hand retouch every image to make sure the tones, lighting and vibe are all consistent and cohesive. This takes skill time and work which also affects my final pricing. I strive to focus on quality. A quality experience from start to finish and a quality product in the end. So please understand my pricing reflects my skill, education, business model, and time. I may not be the photographer for you if you're looking for a deal or a few quick shots. If your looking for photos full of emotion that capture you and yours then you should just maybe consider hiring me.
#3. I'm a college dropout
I never got that degree in veterinary medicine I so badly wanted. Instead I picked up a camera. I've learned about business by creating my own. I've learned about culture by traveling all throughout Europe for four years. I've learned about hard work by starting from the ground up every time we move due to the military. I've learned about love, relationships and family by being so far away from mine. I'm a horrible classroom student. I need to see it, try it myself, and succeed through trial and error. That's why photographer clicked for me. while I'm constantly learning more through life experiences I'm also keeping up with the technical side of things. I'm constantly educating myself to stay ahead and be the best I can be. spending so much time trying new things and applying them to my sessions with clients. I try pretty hard to stay current and to be able to provide my client's with a unique photography experience. None of my photography knowledge was learned in a classroom. I've invested thousands of hours and dollars into learning from the best in the biz online and I don't plan on slowing down any time soon.
4. I'm a little extra
I might suggest we do something completely out of the norm for your session. Let's do engagement photos while you grab drinks at the cool pub down the street. How about we do family photos at the nearby pumpkin patch while you guys sip on cider and pick out the perfect jack o lantern. How about the day after your wedding we get some pictures of you guys on a beach in the sand! How about you bring your favorite furry friend to your session. Pets are part of the family too. I want to make your photo session unique to you. I want to showcase your love and your story. I want your pictures to look different than everybody else's. I want your session to be a great memory for you and your family. To be able to capture that is just the icing on the cake, so let's get a little extra.
5. you might get sick of me
Let's say you love your photos from our session together and you loved the experience too! You might chose me to photograph your wedding, or your graduate's senior pictures, or a lifestyle session of your newborn baby girl. Maybe you refer me to a friend who interested in getting boudoir pictures, or you hire me to take your family pictures when your extended family comes to town. Whatever the case may be you might be seeing me a bit more often after our session together. I can promise I won't complain! This is why having a relationship with your photographer is so important. You want someone who you can vibe with to capture those special moments for you. You want someone who you feel completely comfortable with. Someone you know will do well around your tribe of people and someone who's company you enjoy!
If my sarcasm didn't scare you away...
and you're in need of my services please fill out this contact form and let's get in touch. Whether you're looking for family portraits, seniors, engagement, wedding, boudoir, or lifestyle let's make it happen. I can't wait to work with you!
