SMB Photography: Blog

What to Wear?

2013-01-19T20:51:51Z

I have never seen this said better, so I am copying this word for word from Jen Hebert's photo site:

"I always say COORDINATE do not match, meaning pick 3 or 4 colors and everyone wear a variation of them . I love COLORS patterns and layers and accesories.

Here are some of my Do's and Dont's=

DONT wear all WHITE shirts (or black or red or ANYTHING where everyone is in the same color. This is a very dated look (90's:)) Also everyone blends together and makes the image less interesting.

DO wear patterns! I love little boys and men in a colorful plaid shirt. I then would have others bring out one of the colors of the plaid shirt and wear a plain colored shirt and pair it with a cute scarf, boots or heels.

DONT wear LOGOS!!!!!! No NIKE, PATAGONIA, GAP or other labels. This is VERY distracting in an image. There is a slight exception to this... if you prefer a more urban style sometimes graphic tees work:) For example a "Rockstar" shirt, make sense?

DO layers! Put a polo shirt under the little guys plaid shirt. Bring a denim Jacket to wear over the dress. A cute Pea Coat with matching heels is just darling! Switching out layers changes up the look and feel of the photos.

DONT wear something unflattering. This seems like a given right? BUT Im constantly surprised when women complain that they hate their arms yet they choose a short sleeve shirt. To this I say 3/4 length sleeves:)

DO go shopping and purchase new clothes (or at least some new items). I figure, if you are investing in a photo session than you would like the images as awesome as possible right? Put some thought into the outfits:)"

Here is a link to her awesome work/examples: http://jenhebertphotography.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-to-wear.html?spref=bl

$25 for a "4x6!"

2012-10-13T17:02:00Z

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=244501

I recently found this thread and don't find it coincidental that the person who started it is no longer allowed on the forum. This is not a "professional" question nor does this person have an understanding of what professional photography is. Let me give you an idea of what I just did recently for a client that I adore:

-Many back and forth emails about what they were looking for and rescheduling due to availability and weather

-Test shoot to ensure I was understanding what they were looking and was ready to ensure I could deliver

-A quick editing round to post online proofs

-An in home proofing session to make sure I understood what she wished to order

-A few back and forths to finalize pricing/desired order

-Back and forths with printers to research an exact treatment they wished for

-Another editing round to go to order

Now, do you see why we would charge a minimum of $25 per image that we capture? It is not about the cost of the paper/print. It is about ensuring you take the time to capture images that the client loves and therefore values and ensures you an income. My thought is if I haven't captured an image that you love, then I do not deserve $30 for it/I have not done my job.

It was not until I ran my own business that I understood the cost of running a business and could therefore try to help clients understand this. One friend told me she thought her wedding photographer was "too expensive." I asked her what she thought the photographer needed per wedding to ensure she could make a living? What do you think a photogrpaher needs to spend just to keep their equipment up? I know even the smallest repair or piece of equipment costs me a minimum of $50.

Shannon

Then Comes Baby in a Baby Carriage...

2012-05-13T14:01:01Z

Here is my beautiful pregnant bride, gone wife then mama! Congratulations.

First comes maternity, then comes newborn. I’m great with the newbies. I especially have noticed over my years of capturing them, that they all do something different with their hands and toes. I tried to combine some of my favorite baby parts images into one composite. I used to love the intimacy of nursing and how they clutched on to their blankets.

Here is the link to all of my favorite maternity and newborn work: http://www.zenfolio.com/smbphotography/p160223021

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

2012-05-13T13:42:58Z

I assisted many other wedding photographers before I started capturing my own weddings. My galleries only allow for 50 images, so I am posting my favorites as http://smbphotography.zenfolio.com/p142296146. I am including a bride which is now pregnant so that I can transition into my maternity and newborn galleries. I will select this now pregnant bride as the main image. Congratulations to her!

Senior Photography

2012-05-13T13:12:52Z

I just photographed the last baby of my favorite client. Here is her session, along with some favorites from other senior sessions: http://www.zenfolio.com/smbphotography/p403657707.

I love capturing the beauty of senior year. Oh, to look young and have a young body again. I will not tell them how much their body changes as they veer closer to 40 then 30. You cannot take a bad picture of these beauties! I take my seniors on a “road trip” so we can find the perfect scenes. Clients have said themselves that “I don’t just take pictures, I create art.” I love to stylize their portraits, as well. I make blue eyes bluer and pick just the right edit to accentuate them in their scene.