"It is the nature of babies to be in bliss." –Deepak Chopra

bliss

/blis/

Noun

1.    perfect happiness; great joy.

We were just beginning to feel the fall weather setting in on this Sunday in October. The leaves were cracking and shuffling under our feet, the sun was getting noticeably lower earlier in the day, and the wind began to work its magic, blowing their hair every which way, only increasing the beauty of their nature. Their bliss.

My daughter assists me at most of my photo shoots, which is a treasure all in itself. I spend time with her while I am at work creating, and she loves it. In this picture she decided to carry one of my clients to get a well deserved sucker after her photo shoot was done. Emotion connected with earth, and their joy came out in their sun kissed locks. Perfection. 

I photograph children often, an often dreaded task by many, however, for me, they bring out my truth, my honesty, they remind me that right now is only right now, and I get to decide to play or be burdened. Children allow a new beginning every moment, they do not stay stuck in painful emotion. I admire this whole heartedly. At what point in our lives do we forget what is important, lose sight of joy, and decide to dwell and linger in that which is only a thought, and can be changed? Where did our little selves filled with joy and imagination slip away to?

Children are invaluable, a resource to provide divine happiness at any given time. They allow us to be ourselves, and actually bring out the child in us. It is so important to encourage kids to stay with the feeling of right now while setting goals, and to be present for life. We have to teach them that every thought that they have while growing into their adult selves, contributes to their outside world. If my child wants to be in the Olympics, I will encourage that. Think back to when you stopped dreaming, and know that it is not too late to begin again. You are worthy of goals, you deserve exactly what you want for your life, and the only thing stopping you, is you. Let’s teach our babies that it is priceless to have hopes and dreams. Teach them the value of doing something everyday towards achieving that which manifests in their imagination.

What can you do today to nurture your imagination, to again find your sacred bliss?

“When people look at my pictures I want them to feel the way they do when they want to read a line of a poem twice.” -Robert Frank
 

This is exactly the way I want people to feel as they see my photos for the first time. What many of my clients do not realize is how much work goes in to creating their story. From advertising, booking clients, to editing and ordering their prints, there is so much in between. As a professional photographer, I strive to deliver an experience to my clients which includes a connection, as well as beautiful work.

When a client books a photo shoot with me, whether it is a wedding, an event or equestrian photography, the first thing I always do is spend a moment getting to know my client to see what their needs are. This can include everything from picking a location to their favorite hobby. It is all relative to me, and very important.

As it gets closer to the shoot, I connect with my clients and reassure them that I have been thinking and planning for their time with me.  I am confirming the time, date, and location, checking the forecast and thinking of how I can bring their vision to visual art. One thing that I have learned to do is at the initial phone call I ask my clients what they would like to do with their photos. Some clients hire me for head shots and only need digital images, others contract me to photograph art for their homes and love to see my work on a metal print or canvas. When I shoot, I keep this in mind. If they are interested in canvas, I need to compose my shots in a certain way. If they are ordering metal prints, I know what type of light looks best and how to pair the two magically. 

The day of the photo shoot comes and I may have three or four photo shoots lined up and it is valuable to start them on time. Two weeks ago I had eleven photo shoots in one weekend and they went smoothly because I was in contact with my clients and prepared. During the photo shoot your attention should one hundred percent be on your client. I talk to my clients all throughout the photo shoot, making sure they are comfortable, many times putting parents at ease. They will remember this. My job as a photographer isn’t only to produce good photos, but to build relationships, and I value all of my clients immensely. How can you tell their story if you haven’t connected with them? Make time for it.

I would say that editing takes up the most time in my day. I deliver images that show how my client and I both felt at the exact moment that I clicked the shutter. I am a perfectionist when I edit, as I should be, and my clients value that. My clients know when they hire me that their photos will capture an emotion, they know my editing style, they have fallen in love with my work, and they know it well. The experience and photography style I am giving them is what they are hiring me for.

Let your clients know what your turn around time is for their photos. This will vary depending on how busy you are. They will want to see them right away, and if it may be a few weeks before you are done editing, you can post a few sneak peeks for them on social media. It lets them know that you are working on them, and they get to share a few photos right away.

I give my clients their photos in many different formats. Some prefer to buy a digital images which is the soul of your photos. Some clients need only one or two photos for press packages and they download them directly from me. The majority of my clients order their photos as a canvas, large and metal prints. They have hired a professional photographer and while it is special to share their photos on social media, they understand the importance and value that displaying them in their home has.

So, you have read an edited version of what goes in to a photo shoot with me. There are many other factors that play a part in my work. I study and work on my art, a lot. It is invaluable. My clients know my work, and they have watched me grow, and they value that I know my craft.

The last thing that I want to share is that I value my time, my work, my style and my ability to connect. This is what my clients are paying for, my worth.

“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” -George Eastman

Light, the essential element to the art form known as photography. Back light, key light, fill light, natural light, they all contribute in a different way and can change the story of your photograph. But the most important light is, your subject’s light.

What I mean by their light, is their essence and their emotion. Take the time to look through your lens, your own light, and connect. The untold alliance that you have between you and your subject is invaluable, even if brief, is lasting. It is more important than the location and wardrobe. You know you have felt their light when your photos are illuminating with emotion.                                

I had the honor of photographing these three babies a couple of weeks ago. I have gotten to know and connect with each of them and it shows in their photos. I was the photographer for their parents’ wedding, birthday parties, family photos, Christmas cards and modeling portfolios. Their mom actually said at our last photo shoot that what she loves about my work is that I allow the kids to be themselves and I capture their essence as it should be, candidly. I have invested in this family, and they have invested in me. We share light. 

This is the norm you will notice and feel as you begin to book me for photo shoots. A connection is going to be made, and I will allow your light to shine.