F.A.Q.'s
No. 0001: What is your style of photography?
No. 0002: Where are you located?
No. 0003: Do you have a studio?
No. 0004: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
No. 0005: What do I wear in a photo session?
No. 0006: Do you photograph weddings?
No. 0007: I see you also photograph landscapes & other settings. Why?
No. 0008: Do you sell Fine Art Prints?
No. 0009: I would love to have my own custom Fine Art Prints that reflect my own natural surroundings for my home. Is this something you provide?
No. 0010: Can I purchase gift certificates for photography sessions or products?
No. 0011: Do you do Freelance Photography?
No. 0012: What are your credentials?
No. 0013: Why custom photography?
No. 0014: Why does photography seem like such an investment?
No. 0001: What is your style of photography?
My style is artistic, dreamy, vintage and at times poetic. I am an artist at heart, and love the feel of the old combined with the new. As I have mentioned, I love peeling paint, rust, old buildings, furniture hauled outside into a field or the beach. I find all kinds of potential in many places and things!
I consider myself to be a lifestyle/photojournalistic photographer. This means that I really enjoy photographing babies, children, youth, adults & families in a natural setting that may be slightly posed, but not staring directly at the camera. I truly prefer more candid shots....you know, the one's where you didn't know I was looking. I find that I am able to capture more of your personality this way, and who you truly are by yourself or in a group setting. I believe that your photos should be a celebration of who you truly are in life....a beautiful reflection of your individuality, lifestyle & passions, while composed naturally.
No. 0002: Where are you located?
I am based out of Bashaw, Alberta which is centrally located just 50 minutes to Red Deer and within 40 minutes of Camrose, Ponoka, Stettler and Lacombe.
No. 0003: Do you have a studio?
Currently, I do not. However I have been stockpiling & collecting items as I plan to have something set up one day. It is on my "manifestation list!" But not to worry, your house, the beach, a field, an old abandoned building....we can usually come up with a location that we will both love.
No. 0004: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
Well, I find that babies and children are naturally candid and show their personalities, which is why they are my absolute favorite to photograph. I also really love photographing individuals one on one. Seems to me, that people of all ages let their guard down and relax when others aren't nearby. Even children tend to "perform" better for the camera when mom or dad are not too close. Yes, one on one, is definitely a favorite of mine. Also, the more ideas you bring to the table to make the memories truly yours, the better!
No. 0005: What do I wear in a photo session?
I always tell people to wear what they are comfortable wearing (although your wife may have something to say about that). If you are casual, wear casual. Khaki's or jeans with a nice top works well. I personally try to stay away from everyone wearing the exact same white t-shirt for instance. Although it does work for kids. You could wear a white linen shirt for the guys, a breezy white sundress for the gals & mom. Then throw a cute plain white shirt on your little guys, and you are good to go!
How about going all out and spoiling yourself with a photo album of just you? You could be your own Mr. GQ or Fashionista. Bright colors, jewlery, hats, dresses or sports jackets all work well for this type of session (I love these kinds of sessions). I do recommend trying to stay away from logos or printed items on clothing unless that is something you wish to be photographed. Also, when you are in a group photo, unless you want to be the complete star of the show, you may not want to show up in orange polka dots or patterns when everyone else is wearing beige. Lastly, take a look in the mirror when you are getting ready for your session. Do you feel great in your clothes? Do the colors complement or do they drain the color from your face? If all else fails, bring a few items with you. I always have a rule, and that is...."you must look good and feel amazing in your own eyes." This rule usually makes for a successful photo session!
No. 0006: Do you photograph weddings?
Although weddings are a beautiful event to photograph, at this time I do not. Perhaps in the future....
No. 0007: I see you also photograph landscapes & other settings. Why?
I enjoy nothing more than grabbing my camera all by myself and just seeing what nature has to offer. It is a form of relaxation for me, and I tell you what....nature is quiet and just lets you be creative in whichever way you wish. I love to travel, and would like to photograph raw corners of the earth in this lifetime.
No. 0008: Do you sell Fine Art prints?
Yes, I do. You can find my prints in the Boutique. I have also started a Limited Edition Collection, and hope to add one piece to the collection each year. Though the number of different prints may seem limited at this point, I am hoping to be able to spend more time in this area. If you wish, you may also purchase an e-Gift Certificate for loved ones or employees. Why not let them choose a piece of art for their home or office?
No. 0009: I would love to have my own custom Fine Art Prints that reflect my own natural surroundings for my home. Is this something you provide?
Yes. If you would like landscape prints or still prints of your own surroundings, I simply treat it the same way as a regular session. We will discuss what you would like photographed as part of your session, and then there are many products and options for you to choose from when thinking about your home. We can discuss the details in a consultation.
No. 0010: Can I purchase gift certificates for photography sessions or products?
You bet! You can purchase an e-Gift Certificate from the Boutique. The recipient of your gift may use it towards the purchase of their photo session fees, any of the products found in the collection or for Fine Art prints (which can also be found in the Boutique).
No. 0011: Do you do Freelance Photography?
Depending on what your project is, yes I do freelance photography. I like to keep my freelance work within my scope of creativity and really wish not to stray into areas that are not my current interests (even though some of my current projects are fairly corporate). If you like my style of photography, we will most likely be compatible. I am always open to an idea and to a project. You can view my Freelance Portfolio to give you an idea of some of the work I have done. Please contact me if you would like further information or pricing regarding a Freelance Project. I will require all of the details of the project and will provide you with a quote for your review.
No. 0012: What are your credentials?
To be honest, if you are looking for a fancy photography degree, you will not find one here. I have loved photography since I was a kid and burned through many a disposable camera. It wasn't until a year & a half ago that I decided to pursue photography as more than a hobby. I am 100% self-taught, and have spent countless hours exploring what I enjoy and what I am passionate about in the photography world. I am a knowledge seeker, and always felt through my school years that it is better to be "doing," than pouring over books. I have been inspired by many photographers who have literally blown me away with their work. The secret is that many of them were self-taught. I believe in how a photo makes you feel. That is where the true magic of photography lies.
No. 0013: Why custom photography?
I probably shouldn't say this, but to be honest with you, if I wasn't a photographer myself, I would most likely not be hiring a professional photographer each year to photograph my family, unless my budget was unlimited. However in saying that, if I had very little skill behind the camera, it would be well worth my investment to have myself, my family or my little ones photographed every few years. What I find is that most people usually invest in photography about every 3-5 years. If you would like to invest more often, that is a personal choice and I am sure us photographers will not turn you away! There truly is a difference between a snapshot and a professional photograph...if you have the right photographer.
No. 0014: Why does photography seem like such an investment?
I personally treat each photo session individually & strive to create your photos into a piece of art. I suppose what most people do not realize, is that there is a lot of time and skill that is required to be a photographer. Even though this is something that we are passionate about, we do invest many hours into just one session. On average a session takes about 13-19 hours of a photographers time. Since I am a research girl, here is a photographer who gives a very good explanation on why you may wish to choose custom photography, and why photography is an investment.
I will leave you with this funny little story from another photographer friend of mine. "A photographer was invited to dinner with friends and took along a few pictures to show the hostess. She looked at the photos and commented "These are very good! You must have a good camera!" He didn't make any comment, but, as he was leaving to go home he said, "That was a really delicious meal! You must have some very good pots." We may all have pots and cameras, but it is how & what you create which makes you special :o)
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