Monday Musing: Another Reason I Photograph
This is an actual quote from a friend on Facebook:
"We took the girls to ______ today for their pics. Not a very good experience to say the least. It was hard to get even one good shot. Oh well! We'll try again later!"
Then there's the time that a friend chose to go with a discount photo studio because she would "only have to spend $19.95" thanks to a coupon. After the fact, she told me she had made the mistake of not reading the fine print and ended up spending as much as she would have spent with me. And she didn't like her pictures nearly as much as she wished she would.
And finally, there was the time that I - yes, your very own photographer - went to _____ for pictures. David was less than a year old at the time and was instantly terrified inside the tiny room where the pictures would be taken. I had to hold him the entire time. The camera operator PROMISED me that I would not be in the pictures, that she would work around me. That girl should have her eyes checked; I was not only IN the pictures, I took up more than half the frame in most of the images. I never went back.
These stories outline why I am a photographer.
Goofing around can certainly make things go smoothly during a photo shoot . I love it even more when the family joins in. Who was behind me making faces?
As your photographer, I believe...
... that the experience should be better than the one I had.
... that kids should be happy - not scared! - when taking pictures.
... that the cost, high or low, should not be illusive.
... that customer service should be extraordinary.
... that you deserve beautiful, unforgettable photographs.
When you hire me to take your children's pictures, it will take ONE sitting to get it right. I know this because they will be comfortable with me. They will feel relaxed with me. They will not feel the pressure and intensity that comes from being shoved in a closet and told to smile upon the carpeted platform. They will have FUN with me. And when you see the final images, you will see your children's personalities in their eyes, rather than a look of terror. (When showing photographs, that always tends to be a good selling point!)
These two were the ultimate in silly fun. It was actually quite easy to make them laugh. Which in turn, made me giggle, too.
As your photographer, my goal is to capture genuine smiles, laughter, and even some serious looks. I want to tell them all my dumb jokes (ok, sorry, my ONE dumb joke) and see them roll their eyes at me. Or bust up in hysterics. It doesn't matter, because they feel comfortable enough to do either one. There is no pressure, no worries.
In between conversations about school and pastimes, I actually did tell Aidan one of my little kid jokes. This may be a courtesy laugh, or I may just be a funny, funny photog. We will never know...
And as for you, parents, I aim to please. I want you to have a comfortable experience as well, even if you are not in front of the camera. You will know what the price ranges are. If you want to know more, I have no secrets, no hidden surprises. Ultimately, my goal is to make you happy with your experience, make you feel at ease and keep things simple, relaxed and fun. In the end, I want you to have the beautiful family portraits you've always dreamed of.
Want to see just how much fun we can have at a photo shoot? I dare you to bring your kids and your game face! Book a session right now. Contact me today for a session this spring or summer. See my calendar for available dates.
