Custom Photography~ What is it exactly?
~Good Question! And I have a good answer! A long but good answer....Well, we've all been to chain portrait studios, and so we are very familiar with that experience. Whether Sears, Walmart or other department store chain, we all know, to some degree, the experience of the process. In contrast to this, custom photographers aim to provide their clients with a custom experience-something special, something worth investing in.
~Custom Photography is a luxury. Unlike other chain studios, custom photography affords you the luxury of completely customizing your session to your family's needs. Working with a custom photographer means you will be working with someone invested in taking the time needed to ensure you get the very best from your portrait experience. Sessions are not rushed, and you are never "just a number."
~ I for example, take pride in what I do. I absolutely LOVE it!! And I will do everything in my power to make sure you love your images, and you loved your time spent with me as we created those images. A custom photographer (like myself) takes the time to consult with their clients before the session to obtain information about their client's vision for the session, to select favorite locations, to discuss the best clothing choices, and to pre-plan the combinations of individuals to be photographed in each session.
~ Your session is never rushed. Although I usually do plan a time frame of up to two hours, if our session takes a little longer, NO Problem! It usually just means that we are having fun and lost track of time! Again... never rushed!! I have fun with what I do and I strive to make every session special, unique and fun for my clients!!!
~ Custom photographers work personally with their clients to ensure high level of satisfaction! If your not happy, I'm not happy, and that is just the way it is! Unlike a chain studio where your session is simply a cookie-cutter replica of everyone else's session, a custom photographer tailors your session to what you want, and how you want to remember your memories. A custom photographer will go that extra mile to make sure you are happy!!
~Custom photographers (again, like myself) doesn't disappear as soon as the camera goes into the camera bag after the session. I like to follow up with my clients, make sure they had fun, and most of all, help them in the purchasing process. I never push you into purchasing items that you don't need or want, but I will consult with you about your final images, and assist you in selecting the best images for display.
~So there it is... my definition of custom photography. In basic terms it is simply providing the attention to detail, the highest level of customer service, the outstanding product quality, and the fun experience my clients have come to expect. I personally love what I do, and I hope it shows!!!
Kristen, What is your Style?
~ I strive to make your session as comfortable and fun as possible, and I promise to never ask you to "say cheese." I spend a lot of time just observing and shooting as you and your family interact naturally and without pretense. Though a traditional posed portrait is a must, I also love natural moments. Some of my most favorite portraits are ones that are spontaneous and unexpected. I love to capture a deep belly laugh or a wistful glance, a shining moment between a parent and child that might otherwise go unnoticed. (Which may mean that the subjects of my most treasured portraits are not always looking at the camera.) This is my inspiration and the driving force in my work.
~I am constantly looking for new ways to bring photos to life, and sometimes this means stepping outside the box just a bit. I might ask you to do something a little out of the ordinary, so I can capture the moments that are unique and creative, but most of all, YOU!! Just as no two families are exactly the same, no two sessions with me are the same either. I want to capture the personality of every individual that I photograph!!
What Should we wear?
~This is the number one question I get asked, so you're not alone if you have no idea what to wear! First and foremost remember that simple goes a long way. You don't want to look back at your photos years from now and cringe (or laugh) at what you were wearing, so I recommend wearing classic styles that will prevent your session from looking outdated in a few years.
~I"m not a huge fan of everyone wearing the same outfit, and I absolutely love the way complementary colors look in photos so please do not feel like you have to show up in the same "uniform". If you feel stuck, try choosing colors from the same palette (for example everyone in shades of blue or green). In general, solid whites tend to wash out in photos, so it's generally best to avoid wearing them. Stay away from any logos or cartoon characters, as those can be distracting in photographs.
What Can I Expect During Our Session?
~Fun!! That's right... we will have fun! I am very laid back. We will go with the flow! For starters, we will chat for a few minutes. Get warmed up. Being in front of the camera can be an intimidating experience, so I thrive on making you feel comfortable. I want to capture you being you! We will walk, play, jump.. whatever! I will direct to some degree, but I honestly don't like posing...it looks un-natural. Family sessions, for example, I will direct the family to go sit down, in a set up they feel natural in. I might re arrange to some degree, but otherwise I am shooting them in the process of "getting to" or "in-between" those posed shots, and those images, my friends, are my most favorites! The spontaneous shots I love!! If we are talking about wedding photography, well the formals are a bit more posed, some of them....not all of them. I will provide a number of both styles to meet everybody's taste.
What can I expect after our session?
~ After your session is finished, I then go home and GET TO WORK!! I will carefully and artfully process each image to give it that WoW! Factor. The custom editing and processing of images may take anywhere from 1-2 weeks, depending on my work load. In the mean time I will post a sneak peak to both my Facebook fan page AND to my blog! You can easily access both right here from my website. After all images have been edited they will be uploaded to my website. You will receive an official invitation to view your online gallery via email. If you have chosen to have a private gallery, your password will be provided in this same email.
Online Gallery and Ordering
~ Once you have received the "official invite" ... your gallery is now considered "live". Your gallery will remain "live" for 14 days. During this time you may purchase prints and other museum quality products to showcase your amazing custom artwork in your home.
~ After 14 days, your gallery will expire. You will receive reminder emails prior to the official expiration of your gallery. Once your gallery has expired, you may request an extension for $50 per week for a maximum of two weeks, so please try to make your purchases within that two week time frame to save yourself the Re-hosting fee.
Why will the gallery expire?
~ I strive to provide the best customer service along with a fun and memorable session. Our session is just the tip of the ice burg! There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into running a legit photography business. I put my heart and soul into the session and editing of the images, and I do so to get them out to you within a decent turn around time. In re-turn I appreciate an order within this two week time frame. It saves both you and I fees associated with extending the expiration of your gallery.
What kind of Camera do you use?
~ Great question! I'm a Canon Girl all the way! I have two Cameras. My main camera is 5D Mark III and my back-up is my 5D Mark II. Both are high-end professional cameras. I also have a variety of lenses, and other accessories that make it possible to get great shots in a variety of difficult lighting situations.
Are you insured?
~ Absolutely! Fully licensed and insured by Hill and Usher. In today's world.. you can never be too careful.
Thank you for taking the time to read my F A Q's page! If you have any questions that I haven't answered here, feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email! Either way, I look forward to hearing from you!!!
