Newborn, Family & Wedding Photographers

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. The best advice I have ever been given on how to find a photographer who is the right fit for me was from my friend and Portland family photographer, Rachael May Photography (http://www.rachaelmayphotography.com/). Here is what she suggests -

1.) Ask to see an entire previous session captured by the photographer.
2.) Make sure the session type you request (and view) is the same type of session you are hiring her/him to do.
3.) Ask about your photographer’s policies both in refunds, rescheduling, how long they store files, etc. You do not want to be surprised later if an unforeseen situation occurs and you're not aware of the terms you agreed to.
4.) Meet face-to-face with your photographer. The reason you are hiring a photographer to provide a custom session for you is because you want more than just a stranger snapping your picture. Having a good connection with your photographer as a person and not just their work makes for an overall better experience.
5.) Make sure you are open and honest with your photographer about what your session expectations are or even if you have a vision of what you'd like in your session. Be honest about yourself and your family, be open with your love and let the photographer take care of the rest :)
6.) Ask to see your photographer’s contract (yes, they can show it to you before you decide to book with them)
7.) Many people have a friend or at least know someone who is a photographer. It is o.k not to hire this person if you don’t feel their style is a right fit for you, if they are a professional they will understand.
8.) Cheapest and most expensive should not be elements you base your decision on since having a custom photography session of your life and love is an important investment in your memories.
9.) Now, once you have hired a photographer whom you believe to be a good fit for you and your family…turn the artistic reins over to them on the day of your session.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I'm not exactly sure what big secrets there are to share, but there are many things you should know about Simply by Suzy. We are a team of two people who are both partners in life and in our business. Some quirky facts about us -

* Vasili and I love good food and are huge health nuts (and you will often find us making gourmet salads, soups or enjoying take-out sushi when we're too tired to cook). Which leads me to my next point...
* We met years ago while working at Whole Foods. Vasili was the stock boy, I was the bag girl.. and the rest is history *smile*
* Vasili is an amazing guitar player (and if you have any instruments laying around he'll gladly pick up one and entertain you for as long as you let him!)
* You will often find me sitting at my computer desk with our cat, Basil, sleeping in my lap and a hot ginger peach tea in my hand (courtesy of Vasili - without him I would probably never eat or sleep!)
* We love animals and have 2 dogs and a cat. We're crazy, we know, and will likely spend a quarter of our life time vacuuming but we wouldn't have it any other way!
* I will always hug you good bye
* I love to get to know my clients better so don't be surprised if I ask you out to breakfast or coffee at some point to talk about things non-work related