Ask the Photographer

Last week, I shared a post asking you to ask me anything! It was such a fun experiment and the questions asked were GREAT!!! Thank you to all who participated!

Q: Do you ever do holiday mini sessions (or majors?)?

A: Yes! I am currently scouting locations for the perfect holiday session (if you have a spot in mind, let me know!) Also, if you are seeking to do a “major” I offer family photo sessions that are an hour long that can be scheduled on the same days as the Holiday sessions! Also you can contact me to schedule a full family shoot whenever! I would be happy to capture your photos!

Q: What is your favorite weather to shoot in?

A: My favorite season is of course is Fall! The lighting, colors, and fun that can be captured has always been my favorite!

Q: Why do you like being a photographer?

A: I love being able to interact with families and capturing their precious moments. Being able to have a creative outlet excites my soul. Taking that great photo is what makes it all worth it! Also, one of my most favorite thing about being a photographer is that I get to share this passion with my family especially my son. This year my son has really shown interest with taking photos and asking questions. I love going out on walks with him and his camera and create photo challenges to help teach him how to capture the perfect photo. I truly am impressed with his work.

Q: What made you decide to do photography?

A: Photography has always been a part of my life. Between my father and my brother I always watched them capture beautiful photos. While I was in college, I started to get involved with modeling but I also had interest about what it took to be behind the camera. I took photography courses while at Ohio State. On the weekends, I would also help assist my brother who at the time had his own photography company. Having that modeling background I was able to help with posing ideas and scouting out locations to capture beautiful photos.

Q: What made you decide to start on your own?

A: To be honest, I have always played around with starting out on my own but didn’t have the guts to do it! Our neighbors (and best friends) were discussing about finding a photographer to get their 1 year anniversary photos. I offered to take their photos and after we finished and edited the photos they quickly told me that I need to start taking photos to share my gift.

Q: How much time does it take you to go through all of the photos after a shoot? How much of it is viewing and how much is spent editing?

A: Before any photoshoot I go through a checklist of photos that are an absolute must (Family, couple, kids, parents with kids, etc.) so that during the reviewing process I can pick out the photos that I really want to edit and give back to the family. It takes about 1 hr. to 2 hrs. to fully go through every photo. Viewing definitely takes more time to go through all the photos since typically every photoshoot I take roughly 150+ photos. Editing all depends on if there are items in the photo that need to be removed (random debris and posts/signs) then it’s all about cleaning up the image. The goal of being a professional photo is to not have to full edit images. You should be able to capture the photo behind the lens not through the computer.

Q: How do you make sure that people aren’t retouched too much (you can always tell who uses too many filters on selfies?)

A: I try to keep my images raw so that it doesn’t look overly edited and retouched way too much. I do like to smooth everyone out just a little bit to get rid of small imperfections like pimples, or discolorations. There are many free apps out there that people download that can be used to make you look really touched up with filters and airbrushed. Finding a good middle ground and having a good eye helps with making photos not look overly retouched.

Q: Do you do airbrushing to help us mammas with lines and wrinkles? Can you make me look skinnier?

A: As much as we all would love to be cover models on magazines, overly edited images steals away from the precious moments that I try to capture. Life isn’t perfect, it’s messy, and full of fun adventures, late nights, and moments spent with family. I try to capture that essence, however if someone is concerned I am able to edit for an additional price. In regards to looking skinnier, I've got you, there are many ways to pose that can accentuate your body to make it more flattering.

Q: What are the most common mistakes you see from people when getting photos done?

A: Having really high expectations. Having expectations is necessary when choosing a photographer but having extremely high expectations on how the photoshoot will work puts a lot of stress on the entire family. This changes the whole environment for the photoshoot making everyone unhappy and unsure about the experience.

Q: What can someone do to make your shoots easier?

A: Getting your photo taken can be extremely awkward, there are so many things to think about while the photographer is capturing your photo.

Q: What’s your go to camera and lens?

A: I am a Nikon girl through and through. Maybe one day I will venture to other brands but I have always been happy with my Nikon D5200 with 18-55mm lens.

Q: What’s your dream camera?

A: My father’s current camera, A Mirrorless Nikon Z6.

Q: How does a camera work?

A: In the easiest way to explain, is a box that allows light to enter that reaches a light sensitive surface which is typically the digital sensor. Your lens, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and image plane can all change the factor of your photos output. Your aperture controls the size of your lens which can restrict the amount of light that passed through the lens. Your Shutter speed also controls the light it’s very much like opening and closing your eyes.

Q: What would be the best advice to a newbie?

A: Get out there and just start shooting! Even if you don’t have the best camera, or if you just have a phone get out there and play around. I also suggest to venture to manual mode (or called professional mode on some phones) this way you can play around with your Shutter Speed, Aperture, and your ISO. Get out onto Pinterest or google images and try to recreate the photos that you see is also a fun way to get started in photography.