FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I get asked this question a lot and I am embarassed. I grew up with a camera at my side. I took pictures ALL THE TIME. My bedroom wall in high school was a collage of photos; top to bottom, side to side. But I never considered photography, I went to school to be a teacher, then business, then insurance, then childcare. I knew I was very creative and wanted to do something with that but photography never crossed my mind. Finally, at the age of 25 I got the opportunity to edit my own engagement and wedding photos and was hooked. From then on I have been committed to learning everything I can about photography styles and and have developed my business. I'm ashamed that it took me so long to find my calling but am so happy that I finally did!
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Take your time. Look at the quality and consistency of work presented and make sure that their photos match the style you are looking for. If possible ask to meet up (or talk on the phone) with your potential photographer before hiring them--this way you get a feel for one another and can decide if your personalities mesh. Photos ALWAYS turn out better when everyone is having a good time. Make sure that the person you hire is someone that you think you could have a good laugh with!
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Before entering this industry I was very focused on price. Who can get me the product/service I want for the cheapest price. I am STILL like this to a degree and many times it backfires on me. Yes, there are tons of photographers on craigslist and Facebook etc that offer the same services I do for much less money, and many that offer the same services for much more. I encourage my customers to shop around and really look into the quality and consistency of the work they produce. It really is tricky because the technology of cameras has come so far that a novice can have a beautiful wedding album online because they happened to take pictures in a great location on a perfectly lit day. Don't let one album make your decision. There are so many factors that go into composing a beautiful photo and if one factor is a bit off (example: weather, uncooperative kids, poor lighting indoors, etc) you want to be sure that your photographer knows how to compensate for that and ensure YOUR photos will turn out just as beautiful! I would suggest making sure they have photos from at least 10 weddings that all show consistently beautiful pictures that match your style.