09/30/2025
As a photographer, here's some things I wish people knew:
●Just because I own a nice camera, doesn't mean I have it with me all the time.
●Just because I own a nice camera, doesn't mean I won't get "normal" pictures with my cell phone. *don't base my work off of my personal page photos... I can assure you they do not have the same quality and do not accurately represent my work.
●When you ask for "Just a couple quick snaps" its NOT quick for us. We take these images in raw, which means you have to upload and change the format before they're sent out.
●The raw images you ask for? They can look like absolute crap. Yep, I said it. 😆🤷🏼♀️ We aren't just being paid for standing behind a lens, its the editing -our artwork- that you are paying for.
●Editing takes time. It not a fast process. Sometimes we have to remove power lines, or a tree branch sticking out. Some times its full face clean up-acne or a baby's messy face. A single image can be as little as a few seconds editing, or as much as 30 mins plus.
●Please wash faces, hands, fingernails, and feet/toenails, and wipe eye corners and noses before a session. The common "oh you can just edit that out" comment literally makes us groan. That can add so much more time to the editing process. It is not as simple as one thinks!
●I cannot edit wrinkled clothes, sweat stains, or sweaty hair. I also cannot change shoes. Please come prepared to have the clothes you are wearing to have their flaws be accurately portrayed in your images.
●I will do my absolute best to pull a smile from your upset child. I will jump, sing, make goofy faces and noises. Go above and beyond. But there is only so much I can do. If your child refuses to cooperate, we will get more creative. But I can't just pop a smile on while editing. The eyes show more than a fake smile.
●Parents, ALWAYS be ready for the camera! Do not worry about your children! Look at me and follow my prompts. Do not talk. Do not scold your children. If you're feeling frustrated, ask for a few seconds to compose yourself and walk away to do so. Come back with a smile and a calm happy demeanor. Seriously, the energy coming off the mother specifically can change the entire family. And husbands, the energy you put off deeply effects the wife's. Its a trickle effect. No amount of editing can l change a session to be fun and happy. You will remember having a horrible day/time and the photos will not be special to you.
●We are not charging an arm and a leg... its more than a 15 min to 2 hour behind the camera price. Its the props we may purchase, the possible rental fee for the location, and time -most likely hours- spent behind the computer editing to create art for you!
●*Remember, none of this is aimed at anyone specifically! It was just musings at seeing other photographers posts, images, and conversations with others.
I love all my clients and am grateful for you all!!!! 😀❤️