FAQs

What should I wear to a portrait session?

Often, clients have a good idea of what they’d like to wear to a portrait session, but just as often, I’m asked for my recommendations. There aren’t many things to avoid when choosing what to wear with one exception: white. If we’re shooting outside, white can easily become over-exposed. That’s not to say it’s not possible to shoot white and get a well-exposed image; if this was the case, the entire wedding photography industry would be in trouble. But if we’re doing a portrait or headshot session, I recommend solid colors or simple, large patterns. We can discuss clothing options (including change of clothes) during our free 30 minute consultation.

What equipment do you use? What camera should I purchase?

I get questions about gear quite often. I can always give my professional recommendations and personal preferences, but what camera is best for you is really dependent on the type of photography you’re looking to do. Not to mention, camera technology changes pretty regularly, so what might have been your best bet to buy one quarter might be completely different the next.
With that being said, I prefer Canon cameras. I shoot with a 5D Mark IV and have several zoom lenses. I don’t have a prime lens because I really prefer the flexibility and versatility afforded by zoom lenses. It’s like having an entire collection of lenses without having to store, transport, and pay for a lot of gear. Currently I shoot with Canon L series lenses; I have a 17-40mm, 24-105mm, and 70-200mm. Some would say I’m sacrificing lens speed by using all zoom lenses and no primes, but that hasn’t been a problem for me thus far.
I purchased the Mark IV fairly recently and decided on a DSLR instead of a mirrorless camera because I already had several L series lenses and didn’t want to replace my entire system. The next time I upgrade, I’ll probably end up purchasing whichever mirrorless system is the best at that time, maybe Sony or Canon.

Why does professional photography cost so much?

Photographers are technicians as well as artists. There is technical knowledge and aptitude that go into operating a camera proficiently, but there is also an element of art; photographers see the world and capture that vision to share with others. That’s special. And while an experienced photographer will make using a camera look easy, it does take a level of technical expertise and artistic talent to create beautiful images.
Photographers charge for their time shooting and editing. When a session ends, the photographer still has to cull, edit, and deliver your images.
Many professional photographers are self-employed. Because of this, the cost of doing business is often built into a photographer’s rates.

How can I feel more comfortable in front of a camera?

Feeling awkward in front of a camera is a topic of discussion with many of my clients. Many people feel that they aren’t photogenic and many feel like they have an “unblinking eye” focused in their direction, capturing every flaw for all time before or during a session.
As a photographer, I’m looking for what makes you unique, what emotion I can evoke from you, and what the lighting conditions are during our shoot. My goal is to help you let your inner light shine and capture it for posterity. I’m there to support you in seeing yourself as I see you: a uniquely beautiful person with a bright spirit, and to capture that so that others may see it, too, when you’re not there in person.
There are several techniques I use to coach clients to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. I have a background in mediation and teaching exercise classes, so I can empathize with clients as well as offer easily-understood direction to create great shots. After all of that, lighting is also key. Being able to see light and know how to shape it or use it is what makes a truly great portrait photograph.
I’d love to chat with you about how to feel more comfortable in front of the camera during a consultation.

What is the best place for a photography session?

This is a great question and always comes up during a consultation. The location for a shoot determines the background in the images we will create together. I always ask a few key questions in order to make recommendations about where to shoot:

• For what purpose will the images be used? For instance, is this a professional headshot to be used on your website? Is this a couple’s portrait session with images to be shared with friends and family?

• What are some key words you’d use to describe the emotion you’d like your images to evoke? Because, let’s face it, images tell stories and stories are meant to make us feel things. I’ve had clients say, “energetic,” “professional,” “entrepreneurial,” “light-hearted,” “romantic,” etc. So what comes to mind when you think of your future images?

• Do you have a preference between a studio setting or outdoors? Urban or nature?

Let’s chat about location during your consultation.