Photography FAQ

I decided on doing a FAQ page a while back in regards to photography… just because I get so many emails from people asking me similar questions. I would love to answer each one personally… but sometimes my time is limited. For those times I figured a FAQ would be better than nothing :) I hope people understand the need for me to do this… and don’t take it personally when I forward them a link to it, rather than writing them more specifically via email.

Enjoy, feel free to comment if you have any more questions and I will update here with the answers, in time.

1. How did I get started in Photography?

When I was 16 I took photography in High School (the year 2000-01). At that time we used manual cameras and developed our own film and prints.

After High School I ended up enrolling into a community college to major in Graphic Design. Along with photography I was very much into art and computers. I figured GD would give me a the chance to use both of those loves.

Long story short…

I only finished a year 1/2 of college before marrying (2003), getting pregnant and becoming a full time mom and Pastors Wife.

The dream of ever doing any sort of graphics or photography did not come into the picture again until the birth of my 2nd son Taite (in Dec. 2006).

I remember dreading each time we had to take our children to a studio for portraits. Caleb (who was 2 at the time) one particular time gave us the biggest headache at Portrait Innovations. I never enjoyed the environment either… the big lights… the umbrella alien looking things, on people looking as they walked by.

I then began to play around doing my own portraits… and after the encouragement of a friend, I began Touched Photography (2007).

I started my business using a small snap shot camera (FinePix Fuji Film v10 – 5MP). Once I began to have a demand my husband then invested in my business by purchasing me a Canon Rebel XT 8MP SLR camera and 50mm 1.8 lens. (cost was around $600.00 for everything – batteries, cards, camera and lens)

From there my business grew even more. I began expanding my knowledge of photography via flickr groups and other professional photographers.

I have never had any professional training except for what little I learned in High School… It has taken a lot of trial & error on my part… and I must say I have made lots of mistakes, but with each mistake a lesson learned!

Now here in 2012 I have expanded from not only shooting children and babies… but maternity, bridal, engagement, families and even wedding & births. I truly feel so very blessed to be able to do what I love “being a mother…” but also enjoy the art of photography.

2. What kind of equipment do I have?

- Canon Rebel XT – I loaned this camera out now :) – and as of right now it is on loan to this mom who has 8 sweet children and needed something to remember those moments with her kids. I no longer used it and knew it bless her.. So for now, that is where it resides :)

- Canon 30D – This is my toss around camera. I purchased it used off of ebay years ago for $500. It is a great camera and I will continue to hold onto it to use as a backup for weddings.

- Canon 5D 12.8 MP (otherwise known as the 5D classic) – This is my main camera now. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Its a full frame canon.

- Canon 7D - This is my back up body but also a camera I use at weddings for a different perspective. I use it mainly with a telephoto lens or longer prime. This camera also does beautiful in low light and shoots HD video.

- Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 – Great wide angle zoom, however it will not work on my 5D. I only use this on my 7D or 30 – it is very sharp and does well in low light, however it has a loud focus.

- Canon 50 mm 1.8 II (they call this one the plastic fantastic or nifty fifty. Its cheap looking but works well IMO. I use this for personal use and teamed with a macro filter I have used it to shoot more detailed type shots at a wedding or on a newborn)

- Canon 50mm 1.4 (This does not leave my 5D! It is the lens I use 99% of the time, love it)

- Canon 85mm 1.8 (Another great portrait prime lens, however a bit long if you are using a crop body, on a full frame though it works great!)

- Canon EF 75-300mm F/4.0-5.6 III (I would not recommend this for sessions or weddings. Its honestly just a throw around lens I use for personal use)

- Canon 35mm 1.4L – (I rent this lens for weddings only. I LOVE IT!! one day hope to own it.. but if you want a great prime for weddings rent it for sure!)

- Speedlite 580EX II w/ defuser (My primary flash)

- Yongnu Speedlite YN560 - My 2nd flash. Its cheaper than the canon but works really well! I highly rcommend it.

- Macbook Pro 15 Inch laptop - This was a HUGE investment for my business. I was using a home built PC before this.. and to run photoshop on it was brutal.. it ran very slow and was taking me way to much time to process images. The upgrade to a MAC has been worth it.

- Photoshop Elements 6.0 - If you are on a budget I would highly recommend elements. You can use actions on it through a free action blog called Coffee Shop Actions. It makes elements do amazing things :) – I use elements over CS5 honestly… ::sorry CS5 lovers::

- Photoshop CS5 - Does a lot… I unfortunately have not learned all there is to know about this program… one day ;-) Its on my mac… just got to take the time to learn it.

- Lightroom 3 – Best editing program around! Esp if you shoot weddings. All my work goes through lightroom.

- Backdrop Stand - I got a portable backdrop stand off ebay (from the seller “TUBE TAPE”) for around $95.00 (including shipping). You can set it up in a studio or bring it on location, takes just minutes to set up. Also comes with carrying bag.

- Backdrops and Props – I use to do a lot more studio work. Now I don’t do much, but when I did I used seamless savage paper from adorama.com. Beautiful throws or blankets work well too… Thrift stores are great for props too btw ;-) – dont dig a whole financially for those, theres lots you can get for less.

- Tracy Joy Camera Bag - REESE style – I love this bag! I pair it with a SHOOT SAC SHOULDER PAD and I am good to go. I use this to carry my lenses in at portrait sessions as well as weddings. It stays with me at all times.

- Emera Camera Bag – great for daily use to hold gear but also second as a laptop bag and diaper bag.

- Epiphanie Camera Bag - BELLE style – this is what I use to carry ALL my gear to a wedding. Its LARGE but not hard to carry. I also love that its a fun color and not plain black. I can keep all my lenses in here, spare batteries and even an extra camera body if need be.

- Wrist Strap - I have one similar to this, but its black. Works great. I prefer no neck straps except for my spare camera at a wedding. Neck straps to me limit you and get in the way.

3. What time of day do I do my outdoor sessions?

I try to always do sessions 1-2 hours before sunset or 1-2 hrs after sunrise. If I can’t do it during this time block, I look for open shade ;-) – or walls that help with the sun being to harsh.

I use THIS WEBSITE to determine when sunset/sunrise will be.

4. How do I come up with poses?

Lately I just try to think outside of my box… jot down stuff on a piece of paper or pin inspiration on pinterest. One thing I have tried lately not to do is copy… because we all know the 2nd attempt at anything is never as good as the original. So try to stay original ;-) and think out of your box.

5. How did I make my website?

I use BLU DOMAIN for my template. $200 to buy it. Worth every penny. My hosting is through “Super Green Hosting” I got an incredible bargain on the hosting. I also use wordpress through my hosting for my photo blog.

6. How did I determine my prices?

My prices are not determined on what others may charge. I learned very quickly that people will pay for what they want… charging 2 bucks a print was not logical IMO.. I made nothing doing that. With the cost of gear and just every year business expenses I had to figure out what to charge according to that… but also what I felt I was worth for my time. I put everything into my photography and I dont think I should be “labeled” according to how CHEAP I am compared to a neighboring photographer.

People pay for cable TV because they want it. People buy expensive flat screen TVS because they want it.. people pay for what they really want.. and if people love my work it should be worth the investment.

I understand peoples struggle with money. WE ARE THERE :)

So I do occasionally offer specials and will help out those I feel really need it. I want to bless people as much as I can… but I do want people to understand that memories and moments captured are worth far more than $2 dollars a print and a free session fee. Also this is a business… and I help to support our family this way financially… and honestly couldn’t do it without charging a certain amount.

7. Why do you have a zenfolio site if you have a website?

I use zenfolio as my proofing system. With each session the family/couple gets an ONLINE album on my zenfolio site. With this site people can actually order their prints through the site. The site does everything for me :)

With most sessions though the family uses the album for proofing purposes… Each photo is numbered. The client will call me with a list of which photos they want and I then will order things for them… have them delivered to my house… and then they pick up. Clients can have orders directly ship to them… but if this is done they dont benefit from free shipping.

8. When did I get my 1st paying client?

After doing a handful of free sessions to test the waters… I then started charging a minimal session fee. Every few sessions I upped the price until I got to where I felt was a good rate.

9. How do I get people to relax?

Talk to them! :-)

I don’t shut up the entire session.

Compliment them! If you’re photographing a woman, make that woman feel beautiful. Encourage her that shes doing the right thing in the photos… and talk to her husband giving him full permission to have his way ;-) it almost always works and encourages the couple to have fun.

Same goes for beauty shots w/ a bride… or teens.. Just try to boost their confidence and don’t be afraid to tell them what to do.

Some have asked to see videos of me shooting… I don’t have many chances to get “in action” shots :)

I hope this was helpful for some…

I just want to encourage those starting out.

There isnt a day that passes that I feel inadequate or less than qualified to do what I do.

I struggled A LOT at the beginning with feelings of doubt…

Was I good enough to do this? was I talented enough to produce a successful business??

I struggled and still do with being able to afford great gear… I have paid cash for everything I mentioned above… except my macbook. I did have to get that on a credit card, but had no interested for 2 years and paid it off in less than that, with no bad “credit” side effects ;-) and as soon as it was paid I vowed not to use that card ever again, unless I knew I could pay things off again.

Dont dig a hole of debt…

Invest wisely…

Use what you have.

People aren’t going to care how big your camera is… or how expensive your lenses are…

What they will care about is what you put out there… and how you make them feel.

oh… and….

Practice, Practice, Practice! ;-) I do every day with my own kids!