What Is Custom Photography?

     The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing creates the work that you will want to proudly display on your walls forevermore.

    Your first step in the process is more about determining who you are, who your family is and then seeking a photographer that reflects your style. For instance let’s say your family is extremely outdoorsy and loves playing on the beach. You start determining what style you like, browse through photography website portfolios and determine if any of the styles exhibited there would be a good fit with your life and family style. You have already determined that you should probably seek out a beach type photographer (that is if you live near a beach) and then begin narrowing the field down a bit.

 

     Finally after a bit of Internet research, you have narrowed it down to two photographers who do what seems like solid work, the sort of outdoor beach look you desire. It is now time to ask yourself: Do you like photographer A’s style over photographer B’s style? Is it because the people in the images of A’s style are having a great time and it seems very caught up in the moment vs. B photographer more posed, looking in the camera images? If this is a case, you probably like LIFESTYLE photography or perhaps even take it a step further and define your desired style as a PHOTOJOURNALISTIC photography style. The photographer you probably should choose is photographer A because their style is very similar to the style you desire.

     What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience. Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of who is next ‘in line’ or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio.

• A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery culled to only show the good images that meet the photographers’ creative sensibilities.
• Often the images are fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and under eye circles removed.
• Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai, think Nordstrom vs. WalMart.

    

   A custom photography experience should have you, the client and your experience in mind.

article compliments of Marianne Drenthe
www.professionalchildphotographer.com

Cooper {Newborn}

Meet 9 day old Cooper....

Booking Your Newborn Session

Are you unsure of when to book your newborn session?  The best time to book your newborn session is when baby is between 5-10 days old. Check out this blog....what a PERFECT explaination!! 

http://www.babyphotographers.com/blog/how-to-have-the-perfect-newborn-photography-session/

Upcoming Changes

Please take note of upcoming changes:

 - Booking a session: Although no shows and last minute cancellations are few and far between, they do and have happened. As a result, I will soon require a deposit before booking your session. This deposit will go toward your portrait package; however, if you are a no show or do not cancel your appointment within a reasonable time, you will forfeit your d...eposit. Please understand that when you book your session, I am turning down other clients for the time you have reserved. Not to mention, I am the mother of three children and have to make arrangements for them beforehand.

 - Travel: while I currently charge for travel for anything over 30 minutes of Temple, GA, I will be adding details to my website to prevent any confusion.

 - Please view portrait packages and ask any questions BEFORE you book your session. I aim to provide quality portraits at affordable prices; however, I do understand that these prices are more than what you would pay at a chain photography studio. Specials and promotions are run through Facebook, which is why it's important to become a fan. ;) Pricing can be found at www.stephaniewarmoth.com under the Investment tab.

I truely value each client. These new changes are not meant to run anyone off but instead to create a respect for everyone's time and efforts.

Back to Blogging

Back to trying this blog thing again.  I know it's been awhile but I'm hoping to be able to create a place for those without Facebook or Twitter to find out the latest info.

So here's to blogging....

Choosing a Wedding Photographer

As many of you brides-to-be begin to plan for your wedding day, there are a few important decisions to be made.  Wedding dress,  groom's tux, bridal party attire, wedding rings, location of the wedding, invitations, flowers, and photography to just name a few. 

I always encourage brides who come to me seeking a photographer to meet with a few other photographers before making a final decision.  Although I would be completely honored to be such an important part of any wedding, it is far more important to be sure that I am best suited for the couple.  There are several factors to consider when choosing the right photographer for your wedding day.

Information Source:  www.frugalbride.com/choosingphoto.html

Important Things To Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun?

Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white or only colour photos?

Truth in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work and meet with that individually face to face.

Personality - Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there?

Appearance - Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?

Price Range - Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the price difference? Make sure you understand what everything costs, including reprints and albums.

Delivery - How long does it take to get your proofs back, thank you cards, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.?

Offering - Whether it's a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what's coming.

Contract - Do you understand the contract. Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL.

What about deposits and payments? What does it say about cancellations and the photographer not being there? If the photographer protests, ask him why? This is one area NOT to take lightly. You could be disappointed for a long time.

References - A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire.

Portrait Session: What to Wear

I am often asked what clothing one should wear for portraits and what is the best way for a family to coordinate. There are several things to consider when preparing yourself for your portrait session.

Information from www.ehow.com/way_5135751_family-portrait-clothing-tips.html 

Coordinating Clothing
When choosing clothing for the family portrait, it's important that everyone wears complimenting shades of the same color. When everyone is wearing something in the same color family, the clothing will unify the individuals within the photo and pull the attention from the clothing to the faces of those in the portrait. Once a color tone is decided on, each individual should choose a top that is in the same tonal range so that no individual stands out from the others within the portrait.

Choosing Colors
When choosing the color theme for your portrait clothing, it's important to consider the background of your portrait. When taking an indoor portrait against a dark backdrop, medium and dark shades of blue, green and burgundy work best. If you're taking your portrait outdoors, medium shades of purple and blue work best. Light colors or white will work well in a portrait that is set against a light or white backdrop, but if light colors are worn in a portrait taken against a dark background it will draw the attention away from the face of those photographed. Bright colors, bold colors and tops with patterns will also take away from the portrait, drawing the focus to the clothing rather than the faces of those being photographed.

Selecting Styles
When choosing a style of clothing to wear for a family portrait the rule of thumb should be keep it simple. Simple turtle necks, v-neck shirts or collared dress shirts work well for family portraits since they all draw attention to the face. All family members should wear long sleeves so that the focus is drawn to the face, rather than to the arms. Any accessories should be very simple and understated so they do not take the attention away from the faces of those being photographed.