Why are group sessions priced a bit more than solo sessions? It's simply more work. A bit more work during the session, but a lot more work in the editing process, where I use Lightroom and selectively edit every face to eliminate blemishes, smooth skin, enhance eye clarity. The more faces, the more time required.
What is Lightroom? Before digital photography, there was film and dark rooms for developing. Lightroom (see the play on words) is a program most professional photographers use for processing and editing on computers or digital devices. I shoot in what's called "raw", so every photo needs to be converted to jpg but not until I've edited each portrait quite lovingly and painstakingly. This is where photographers differ in their editing style and where the creativity comes alive post-shoot. I lean toward "true tones" but with a bit more contrast and warmth. My goal is "glowy and sunny" vibes. Some photographers use Presets-- these are like filters created by other photographers to get a particular vibe and style, like Light & Airy or Dark & Moody. I create my own presets for each series within each session. It can be time-consuming, but it ensures a unique stamp on your session. My style is fairly consistent, though, so I won't give you something you didn't expect if you've perused my gallery. You are even welcome to tell me which gallery photos you like most, and I can ensure a similar style.
Do you use Photoshop? Photoshop is another editing programming that some photographers use to do more intense edits, like face swaps, changing the sky entirely, adding landscape that wasn't really there, etc. I do not use Photoshop because I like true-to-life photography, more journalistic. While I admire artistic portraiture that heavily relies on Photoshop, it's not my style. I will occasionally use a Photoshop app that adds natural elements easily, like a light flare or extra bokeh. And in emergency situations (like a face swap), I will use Photoshop.
What camera brand and lenses do you shoot with? I love my Nikon D750, considered to be the top-of-the-line professional Nikon bodies, and most often use my 50 mm 1.4 or 35 mm 1.8. Both lenses create lovely portraits with wonderful bokeh.
Why don't you offer prints? To keep it simple, affordable, and to provide clients the most freedom and versatility for how they want to use their portraits. I recommend Mpix for printing, but there are many good print services, as well as canvas and photo gift creations out there, and I want clients to have those options.
Why do you limit travel time for portrait locations? Honestly, because I have a little driving anxiety for all parties involved. Portrait sessions tend to end as the sun goes down, and I don't want to drive an hour or two in the dark. Also, I value my family time and have always made it a rule to have jobs with short commutes (literally every job I've had has been a 10-minute drive or less from home). I do understand that this eliminates some beautiful Jacksonville area locations, but I am happy to recommend photographers who enjoy the drive or live closer to your desired site.
What are your favorite sessions to shoot? Oh, this is a tough one! I very much enjoy getting to meet new people or seeing repeat clients on their special occasions, so it's hard to choose a favorite. I'll admit, what I'm best at are senior portraits, probably because I taught high school English previously, and I just truly get that age-- not everyone can say that about teenagers! They often go into the session so nervous, not knowing what to expect, and by the time they leave, they're telling me how much fun they had and it was an amazing experience! That always makes me glow. But I also love them when they're little. Lifestyle family sessions are another favorite, because I'm capturing families in their own homes, in natural "poses" and some of my favorite images in my gallery are from those sessions.
What type of sessions will you NOT take on? I only have a tiny pop-up studio for the time being, so anything that requires a large studio, I usually cannot take on. There are local studios available if clients are willing to help cover the studio rental fee. I will do lifestyle newborn sessions in client's homes, but not studio newborn sessions (wrapped, posed, prop usage). There are wonderful local photographers who specialize in this! And it's not me ;) I don't want the liability of handling your precious newborn, so I only shoot where parents are the handlers. I won't take on most weddings, maybe a small, backyard-kind-of-wedding, but nothing that would require my presence for several hours straight. I will shoot engagements, proposals, anything that fits in that 60-minute time frame. I am not opposed to boudoir but I do not have a studio set-up for it, so it would have to be more of an in-home sexy lifestyle session. And I won't shoot nudity. I think that mostly covers it?
What's the best way to prepare for a portrait session with you? I send clients a detailed Tips for Your Portrait Session document that covers wardrobe selection, location/time selection, what to consider beforehand. For family sessions, please be prepared for closeness with your family members! Be affectionate! I know not every family is touchy-feely, but just pretend for your session! Always feel free to email me your wardrobe ideas and questions.
How do I choose a good location for my session? First, think about you/your family's personality. Where will they have fun & be comfortable? Is the drive too long for your toddler? etc. Then consider the wardrobe style you want to wear. For casual vibes, I prefer the trail bridges or more urban locations. For flowy dresses, I love the beach, woods, or gardens. See Services for a list of my most popular locations.
What is Lightroom? Before digital photography, there was film and dark rooms for developing. Lightroom (see the play on words) is a program most professional photographers use for processing and editing on computers or digital devices. I shoot in what's called "raw", so every photo needs to be converted to jpg but not until I've edited each portrait quite lovingly and painstakingly. This is where photographers differ in their editing style and where the creativity comes alive post-shoot. I lean toward "true tones" but with a bit more contrast and warmth. My goal is "glowy and sunny" vibes. Some photographers use Presets-- these are like filters created by other photographers to get a particular vibe and style, like Light & Airy or Dark & Moody. I create my own presets for each series within each session. It can be time-consuming, but it ensures a unique stamp on your session. My style is fairly consistent, though, so I won't give you something you didn't expect if you've perused my gallery. You are even welcome to tell me which gallery photos you like most, and I can ensure a similar style.
Do you use Photoshop? Photoshop is another editing programming that some photographers use to do more intense edits, like face swaps, changing the sky entirely, adding landscape that wasn't really there, etc. I do not use Photoshop because I like true-to-life photography, more journalistic. While I admire artistic portraiture that heavily relies on Photoshop, it's not my style. I will occasionally use a Photoshop app that adds natural elements easily, like a light flare or extra bokeh. And in emergency situations (like a face swap), I will use Photoshop.
What camera brand and lenses do you shoot with? I love my Nikon D750, considered to be the top-of-the-line professional Nikon bodies, and most often use my 50 mm 1.4 or 35 mm 1.8. Both lenses create lovely portraits with wonderful bokeh.
Why don't you offer prints? To keep it simple, affordable, and to provide clients the most freedom and versatility for how they want to use their portraits. I recommend Mpix for printing, but there are many good print services, as well as canvas and photo gift creations out there, and I want clients to have those options.
Why do you limit travel time for portrait locations? Honestly, because I have a little driving anxiety for all parties involved. Portrait sessions tend to end as the sun goes down, and I don't want to drive an hour or two in the dark. Also, I value my family time and have always made it a rule to have jobs with short commutes (literally every job I've had has been a 10-minute drive or less from home). I do understand that this eliminates some beautiful Jacksonville area locations, but I am happy to recommend photographers who enjoy the drive or live closer to your desired site.
What are your favorite sessions to shoot? Oh, this is a tough one! I very much enjoy getting to meet new people or seeing repeat clients on their special occasions, so it's hard to choose a favorite. I'll admit, what I'm best at are senior portraits, probably because I taught high school English previously, and I just truly get that age-- not everyone can say that about teenagers! They often go into the session so nervous, not knowing what to expect, and by the time they leave, they're telling me how much fun they had and it was an amazing experience! That always makes me glow. But I also love them when they're little. Lifestyle family sessions are another favorite, because I'm capturing families in their own homes, in natural "poses" and some of my favorite images in my gallery are from those sessions.
What type of sessions will you NOT take on? I only have a tiny pop-up studio for the time being, so anything that requires a large studio, I usually cannot take on. There are local studios available if clients are willing to help cover the studio rental fee. I will do lifestyle newborn sessions in client's homes, but not studio newborn sessions (wrapped, posed, prop usage). There are wonderful local photographers who specialize in this! And it's not me ;) I don't want the liability of handling your precious newborn, so I only shoot where parents are the handlers. I won't take on most weddings, maybe a small, backyard-kind-of-wedding, but nothing that would require my presence for several hours straight. I will shoot engagements, proposals, anything that fits in that 60-minute time frame. I am not opposed to boudoir but I do not have a studio set-up for it, so it would have to be more of an in-home sexy lifestyle session. And I won't shoot nudity. I think that mostly covers it?
What's the best way to prepare for a portrait session with you? I send clients a detailed Tips for Your Portrait Session document that covers wardrobe selection, location/time selection, what to consider beforehand. For family sessions, please be prepared for closeness with your family members! Be affectionate! I know not every family is touchy-feely, but just pretend for your session! Always feel free to email me your wardrobe ideas and questions.
How do I choose a good location for my session? First, think about you/your family's personality. Where will they have fun & be comfortable? Is the drive too long for your toddler? etc. Then consider the wardrobe style you want to wear. For casual vibes, I prefer the trail bridges or more urban locations. For flowy dresses, I love the beach, woods, or gardens. See Services for a list of my most popular locations.