Generally I correspond with clients both via email and phone prior to their session multiple times.  We chat about clothing, location, session choices, and the style they want their session to have.  A touch base always occurs a few days before, giving the clients the chance to ask last minute questions – or sometimes to simply calm the nerves! 

As I stated earlier – the session is the smallest part of this process.  But before the session even begins – additional time is spent looking through wardrobes, re-arranging furniture, finding the best shooting location and answering questions.  THEN – we shoot and have fun!  A post session discussion occurs as we wrap up.  Again, questions are answered, the when, how, and where do I see my photos is all covered!  Samples of wall pieces are also brought along, so a client can see the products, and sometimes even look at one in the space their considering for their own in their home.   A big help if you are a visual learner!

The computer time is next - uploading, backing up, and the first run through finding the cream of the crop images!  Personally, I also look at various exposure and processing options – to find the perfect fit for each image!   Once the gallery images have been selected further editing using Photo Shop is then done to polish them up!

Now it’s time to get the clients involved again!  An email usually arrives to my clients announcing that their gallery is ready – along with a preview image or two! Everyone enjoys the sneak peek!!!!  And I LOVE sharing them!  We coordinate a time/day to view the gallery together - and have a phone consult to discuss and place the order.

So you’d think that would wrap it up right?  NOPE!!!!!!   At a minimum – the order needs to be placed, an invoice prepared and sent, and emails with confirmation of payments received, as well as when to expect their beautiful portraits!!!!    With some orders, even more time is spent… here’s a sampling from a recent client’s session!

She knew she wanted to display many of the images, and decided on wall pieces, but needed help with the layout.  Most of us do better when we can SEE what is being talked about.  And this is exactly what mocking up wall displays does!  Sometimes it makes it very clear what we don’t want, and helps us arrive quickly to what we really do want!  This client and I spent quite a bit of time chatting on the phone about size options, and layouts.  I want to be sure and say that this process is NEVER rushed.  It can’t be!  And as I told her – I’d much rather take more time, and know she’s comfortable, and confident with her final choices, than rush an order and worry about second guessing the selections!  Today was our last meeting - I drove over to her home, re-looked at the space, and brought a scaled drawing of the final layout for her to look at.  I know she was very happy and relieved to have me there, and she’s so excited for her order to be placed!  THIS IS WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE!  This is what makes custom photography unique.  Excellent portraits is one piece, but clearly….. there’s much more to a session with me than just that

This makes boy number 3 for this wonderful family!  I really love when I get to work with families as they grow.  I’ve taken maternity pictures, family pictures, and newborn shots with them – so obviously I’ve gotten to see first hand how they’ve expanded!  It’s honestly so much fun for me to see the enormous changes that go on with little ones – and how much a new sibling can resemble an older one!  Can not wait for them to view their full gallery…

Just in time for this weekend, Holiday photo tips to save the day

PHOTO TIPS:

1.  Flash:  Not the easiest thing to work with – but sometimes just necessary!  If you’re at a gathering during the day…try to turn your flash off.  Set the ISO, which is basically the camera “film” speed, at least at 400.  Take a look around the room, and try to find natural light by the windows.  You’ll get beautiful soft filtered light, that makes for gorgeous photos!  At night, or in dark spaces, you will have to use a flash.  Keep in mind that your camera’s flash only really works up to about 6 ft. away.  So stay close!  Also, if you have an attached flash system – see if you have the capability to adjust the position.  On “shoe flashes” you should have a release button to adjust the angle and direction the flash is set up in.  If possible, extend the flash straight up, then slightly tip it to point behind you!  Ideal position would be if the flash is firing where the wall and ceiling meet directly behind you.  If you can’t tip it back, then position it straight up and down, bouncing off the ceiling!

2.  Composition:

A. The biggest mistake that people make taking photographs is being too far away!  Often I tell clients that the background isn’t all that important – especially when you’re in a house!   What you’re photographing are the people, not the bookshelf!  LOL   When you look through your viewfinder – take specific notice of how much background is in your frame.  Before you click your shutter – take a step, or a few steps closer to your subjects!  Don’t be worried about if the top of someone’s head is slightly cropped, you’ll be focusing on their faces and expressions!

B. Probably the second No-No people don’t realize is NOT TO CENTER THEIR PHOTOS!    Think of your viewfinder as a Tic-Tac-Toe grid.  You do not want the focal point of your photo to land in the center. It’s visually boring!  Where you do want to focus the attention is the corner points of that center square.  Those land 1/3 of the way into the frame.  So maybe start by centering the photo – then shift yourself so the person’s eyes are landing at either the top Left or top Right point of that center square.  Basically just shift a bit left, right, up or down…you’ll be much happier with the results!

3.  Candid Shots:

Looking for real smiles, and emotions?  Resist the urge to say “Say Cheese and Look at the Camera!”  When you see family or friends laughing and enjoying each others company – sneak over and fire off a few frames!  If they are looking at you, try to crack a joke, or remind them of a funny story that gets the giggles going again!

Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season – and Happy Photo taking!

Although they still knew they were having their picture taken – I was so happy to see them start to play, laugh and even giggle!  Generally, you can catch giggle faces pretty easy with little ones – they may be aware you have a camera, but generally don’t get nervous in front of it!  As kids get older, the cooperation is so much better, but sometimes it’s hard to get a genuine smile!  We moved to the ground for a more casual look - and with two little ones riding horsey   the laughs began!  This is my favorite group shot of them…hopefully the families will like it too!  And of course don’t forget Grandma and Grandpa…after all it’s their gift!

We got back from the Cape yesterday – and I just got some time to load up the images —- I do often take pictures of my kids, but usually just a quick shot here and there. This family vacation gave me a chance to sneak some while they didn’t know I was doing it. My favorite photographs are always candid ones. I just melt when I catch the innocence in their childhood in pictures. Many people want a smiling at the camera shot going into their session. I love, love, love – when they fall head over heals in love with the candid ones too, and especially swoon when they say….”you captured us perfectly…” I heart my job! As I posted earlier, summer session availability is decreasing by the day. Give me a call, or drop a line and we can start chatting!

During these tight times, I think many of us are looking to pinch our pockets here and there.  I know my clients value Custom Portraiture, and also know it is an investment.  So, whether this type of session fits your budget, or you just feel like having a few new shots to celebrate the summer season -  think of it as my way of saying Thank You…  I really do love the connection I’ve made with you and your family.  This event is open to you, and anyone you’d like to share it with.

Here are the details!

Where: Schenectady’s Central Park – Rose Garden Area

When: Satureday, July 11th

Times:  4-7 (30 minute increments/on the hr. and 1/2 hr.)

What: *Approximately a 20 minute outdoor session * Online viewing /ordering appointment

Cost: Your choice of either…

A) $200 – Session, plus any 2 digital files!

B.) 220 -  Session, plus (1) 11×14; (1) 8×10; (1) 5×7

RSVP by June 13th  Session times are first come first serve.

PLEASE NOTE:  A $100 deposit will be due upon booking

*** If you have a group of friends that you’d like to do this with..contact me and we’ll work it out !  Of course you get  a discount!

*Complimentary mini greenhouse sessions will be available from 11-3 pm to Felthousen’s customers
*(1) free 5×7 print
***additional prints will be available for purchase***

VISIT www.felthousensflorist.com to see their beautiful location and watch for details about the event.

See you there!