Photography Blog
Wedded Bliss - June
It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged-sorry. This past weekend I was in my best friends wedding (June 6th) and she was so relaxed and the couple was so happy together. The photographer took some great shots, which I can’t wait to see. I also took some shots at the reception just so I could send her a few while she is waiting on the photographer’s photos. Sometimes that can take awhile depending on who you are using. May this good looking couple have the best in the new lives together. Congratulations!
Keep Smiling!
Be Ready! – Dec.
When you book me to come take photographs I have one simple request. Be ready! Please!! Especially if kids are involved. A few months ago I photographed a family with an 18 month old – and since I photograph on location I went to their home. When I arrived the Mom was not ready. In the mean time I was taking pictures of the soon to be toddler (per her request) and by the time she got it all together (an hour and a half later) the child was done and I did not get a great family shot. So we scheduled another day and time and the exact same thing happened again! So the 3rd time I had her come to a park closer to me. That way she had no choice but to be ready. It was not until then I got the perfect shot of this sweet family. So I have one simple request. When you book your appointment be sure you are ready and please do not hassle your kids about smiling or acting good ect…That just makes my job 83x harder. If the kids are relaxed and not being told what to do by a parent - my job becomes a lot easier and I bet I’ll get the perfect shot for you. Thanks in advance!
Keep Smiling!
What I See - Nov.
Many times people watching me shoot wonder – what on earth is she taking photos of?? Or the person I’m taking pictures of is stressing because they want everything to be perfect. All I can really say is trust me! Relax and have fun!
When I’m behind the camera I’m focused on my subject whether it’s a bride, people having fun at a corporate event, or the rascal on the other side of the lens making funny faces at me.
If you, the kids, your significant other etc... are having a good time then the perfect picture will happen and the moment will be captured.
Keep Smiling!
Fall Photos – Oct. This is one of the prettiest times of year to have pictures taken. The leaves are changing (well, at least in a lot of places) and the fall colors make an excellent background. Book an appointment early while the weather is still pleasant and the scenery is pretty. If you wait too long you will be left with bare branches and brown grass. You might even want to consider some black and white pictures during the fall time of year. You may be thinking why on earth would I want that??? The heavily saturated colors will make you stand out in a black and white photo.
Keep Smiling!
This is just my opinion of photoshop: Although I think photoshop is a great tool for non-professionals, I think professional photographers should know how to go out and take great pictures without relying on photoshop to make their image look good. A good photographer should be able to capture the moment and not have to worry about all the extra hours it takes to edit their photos. ANYONE can make a picture look good with photoshop or any photo editing software. That’s why you hire a PROFESSIONAL. So they know how to take pictures without having to relay on some editing process on the backend. I know very little about photoshop and do not use what little knowledge I do have. One reason for this is what I stated above, and the other is I would be afraid I would become too reliant on editing to fix anything that might go wrong in the field. So while I’m out taking pictures I capture the moment and move on to the next moment. Luckily my pictures turn out well enough to not need photoshop. I disagree with how much this editing software is used in the professional world of photography.
Keep Smiling!
Kids and Sports – Aug.
Well school is almost back in session and kids will be joining sports teams and having a ball. Some of my best memories are looking back on my high school pictures of sports and other activities in which I was involved. When I look at those pictures from my high school years, it puts a big smile on my face.
I can do the same for your kids. If they are playing sports, I can come to a game and take several shots of them in action. You will be given a CD so you can load those pictures on your child’s laptop when they go off to college. They will have those memories to look back on, which I can guarantee will put a smile on their face.
Keep Smiling!
Weddings-June/July
As you know June and July are the most popular months for weddings. Keep in mind that it’s not the pose that makes a great picture, it’s your personality. So be relaxed and be sure you are enjoying your day. If I am photographing your wedding, all you need to help me with is making sure your family members are all there for those types of pictures, other than that I will handle everything else. The bride and groom should not have the stress of worrying about what photos the photographer is taking. Instead hire someone who can capture the moment because those will be the only memories you have of this special time in your life.
Of course if there are any specific pictures you want, be sure to let the photographer know what they are. I am a Charlotte, NC wedding photographer and the surrounding areas such as Lake Norman, Huntersville, Mooresville, NC - Fort Mill, SC - Rock Hill, SC and more. Just ask.
Remember to Keep Smiling!
Black & White Photos – May
Most people think you need to wear white (or black) when taking black and white photos. Although; that does seem logical, this is not the case. White has a tendency to be too bright and black has a tendency to be too dark in these types of pictures. Don’t get me wrong - it can be done, but it will look a lot nicer if you simply wear solid colors other than black and white.
Keep Smiling!
Best Time of Day to Photograph depends on YOU – Apr.
That’s right - the best time of day to have photographs made will depend on when women are happiest with their hair and when children are not tired, grumpy and ready for a nap. Try to plan the appointment right after nap time for little ones.
Aside from when you are happiest try to be careful of the sun too. If we are going to be outside, it’s best to have your appointment before 11 am or after 3 pm. If pets will be joining you please let me know that ahead of time.
Keep Smiling!
Easter/Spring Pictures - Mar.
Well it’s March and I’m not sure the landscape is quite ready for the colorful pictures you might have hoped for, but none the less I can still achieve a beautiful pictures for your family. This is the time of year when things really start to pick up for photographers since Easter is this month and many of you want to have those spring pictures made in those adorable outfits. Outfits you may have bought back in Dec or Jan. since that’s when stores were getting in the new spring merchandise! Be sure to book your appointment early so you can get the day and time that works best for you and your children.
Keep Smiling!
What to wear for photographs in the New Year! Jan/Feb 08
Simple clothing is photographed best and will draw the attention to you and not what you are wearing. You want something that you can look back on several years later and not realize that the picture was taken many years earlier by what you are wearing. Darker colors are more flattering.
If you are having a group picture made, try to coordinate clothing colors and styles. If colors are in the same color range - no one person will stand out by wearing something much brighter than everybody else.
If you need a haircut it’s best to get that done about one week before your photo session, that way your hair won’t look like you just got it cut.
Keep smiling!
2007
Holiday Photos!-Dec.
Well it’s December and that means holiday pictures! The best thing to do is to book early and allow plenty of time for your photo shoot, especially if little ones are involved. Parents – please allow me to get your children to smile. I promise it will work out much better that way. If they refuse then you will have some funny memories when they are older.
One of my favorite shots of my oldest son, who is now 9, was when he was extremely fussy during a photo shoot - he was crying etc….I was not happy at the time, but I purchased the pictures anyway. Today, I have that picture on my fridge and it makes me smile every time I see it. Today, I absolutely love it. Now, call to book your appointment so I can create some precious memories for you and your family!
Photographing Children-Nov.
When young children are having their pictures made it is best if the parents let me work with the children. This allows the child to relax and not get frustrated at a parent telling them to smile or look a certain way.
It’s natural for children to take a few minutes to warm up to me. I want to give them that time to get to know me, relax and to just be them. This allows me to get you much better images of your family and children.
Little ones are photographed best in the morning hours after the wake up from a nap.