Photography

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

A. When choosing a photographer for your event, wedding or whatever the need... communication is the key. Don't be afraid to ask for references & always verify that the photographer has a website that's legitimate & not just a "flickr" or "snapfish" site of photos. You do get what you pay for & a professional will cost more than some weekend shooter & you would expect to pay more for someone that does it for a living vs. extra weekend money. It's not the "nice camera" that is making that photo.. it's all in who's behind the lens, no matter what the camera.

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

A. My customers do ask for photo tips for family & fun personal photos & I offer help where I can. Most people want to know how to shoot without a flash but unfortunately it takes a fast, expensive lens to shoot in low light- or it takes a little know how of your camera in manual settings. Most point & shoots are designed for just that- point & click & the camera does the thinking. I also tell people to shoot more than one photo. Shoot 3 or 4 & pick the best later. Use a flash on outdoor people shots- the flash fills in shadows. Also, google the rule of 1/3's & composition will come right along. Don't be afraid to experiment..

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Like any profession, photography is no different. You want to know that there are many happy customers before you. You want to verify that this is an actual profession & not just a camera owner that moonlights on weekends..you need someone that does this all the time for the best results. Would you hire a plumber that just did it on the side? I doubt it. So ask for references & recent work examples...AND them having a real website will certainly help put your mind at ease as you browse through image examples.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. When you hire a photographer for an event of any kind, you are trusting that person to get what you have asked for & if they are really good they will also shoot on instinct & help tell the story you haven't thought of visually, in photos. You should have the price, hours or days needed, any meals included, post production hours (if any), travel expenses, etc- all ironed out before so there are no surprises on your end or the photographer's. The goal is for me to arrive early, have a look at the room(s), lighting, meet my client & review the event & go to work. I like to show the client a few pics through the event as well.