FAQS

WHEN TO SCHEDULE MY SESSION?

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A FEW DIFFERENT LIGHTING EFFECT examples inside & outside:

60+ backgrounds, 50+ chairs, 50+ blankets/furs, 50+ headbands/hats Looking for something specific? just ask :)

PRINT SIZE GUIDE & PRO vs GENERIC:

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WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A PHOTOGRAPHER?

Knowing how to work with and control lighting and camera is key to creating beautiful portraits. Everyone can take a few good pictures when the lighting, pose and camera happen to be just right. But how do you get every picture to be a good picture? Just because someone says they are a professional doesn't make them one...here is what to look for:

• First - look at their work start to finish. Are images blurry from movement or bad focus? Are they posed nicely? Nicely lit? Does the background look good or is there things poking out of peoples heads? Did the photographer edit out shine / acne / etc? Is coloring good?
• #1 LIGHTING - a professional should understand how to work with any light situation and how to use flash. Natural light isn't always perfect otherwise everyone would be a great photographer. Lighting outside is constantly different from sunny to cloudy to hazy and every time you move to a new location / direction the lighting changes a little whether it be the angle, the amount of light, dappling from trees, etc. Inside lighting also varys in every location with flourescent, tungsten, window light, high ceilings vs low, and the amount of light. Each light source gives a different coloring and direction and amount of light. Knowing how to work with any variety of lighting is key to creating beautiful images. A professional photographer should not only know natural light (how light currently is inside / out) and how to work with it but how to enhance it and make it better by using reflectors / strobe lighting / other lighting. Flash outdoors can aid in preventing racoon eyes or blown out skin tones, allows in capturing the blue sky and more.
• QUALITY EQUIPMENT - Good equipment is important but knowing how to use is just as IMPORTANT. A lot of people don't realize that a true professional photographer tells the camera what to do to ensure beautiful images every time! No guessing game like with automatic settings where a person pushes the button and hopes for a good picture. Don't leave it up to risking if the camera will choose the proper settings, have a photographer that knows what those settings should be for the situation which is based on what is desired for focus, lighting, quality, etc.
• LOTS OF LENSES, LIGHTING TOOLS, AND OTHER GEAR ensure that a photographer can create a variety of photography styles and work in a variety of locations without issue. Low light zoom lenses are very pricing but are worth every penny at a wedding. Wide angle lenses are great for group portraits & landscapes and wide church views and then there are many other lenses that allow for some really neat effects. There is no all in one lense. Different types of lighting both on and off camera help in creating some really neat portraits. Adding lighting on a dull cloudy day can make it look beautiful and sunny :) Adding off camera lighting at a reception or for formal portraits at a wedding (before and after ceremony) make a huge difference in the look and quality of the pictures.
• EDUCATION - There is a huge world to photography that any pro knows not to be too proud of what they know but to always seek more knowledge and creative ways to pose / light / edit / be creative / etc. A professional basketball player doesn't stay on the team without continuing to practice and learn.
• SUBJECT / POSING - everyone is unique from their looks, flexibility, style, and hobbies - creating images & poses that fit each person makes each session unique as well! Love how you look! Group portraits especially can be hard to pose so everyone looks their best :) Don't forget the ability to work well with kids :)
• TIME & EDITING - It's the icing on the cake! Having someone good at editing is a big aspect of getting great portraits. Fixing things like acne, shine, baby drool, bruises, scratches, rashes, sunburn, acne, back fat, tummy tuck, swap heads for best smiles & more! Background distractions are sometimes unavoidable and need removed for a better final image. Images should also be color correct so they flow together in a book without discoloring for example one photo looks bluish another reddish another greenish this can make a book or collage of pictures look horrendous together even though they were all taken at the same location.
• SCENERY - locations are all different and some a real challenge to make look good due to scenery & lighting. Having someone that knows how to handle making the most of any location is very handy. They should also be good at avoiding background objects growing out of your head :).
• BACKUP EQUIPMENT & FILES - It's super important to have backup equipment and backup files. A wedding for instance is a LOT of wear and tear on equipment. Flashes can overheat, batteries wear down, card fill up fast, cameras can be dropped, lenses can shatter, you name it. A professional has not only quality gear but quality backups. They also backup files to ensure their safekeeping.
• VARIETY OF PROPS & BACKDROPS IN STUDIO - Every outfit is different so a wide variety of backdrops to choose from can allow for many color options. Lots of props are also handy to making a great studio portrait :)
• There is a LOT involved in creating professional portraits but it's worth it = beautiful lasting keepsakes :) THERE IS SO MUCH MORE!!! FEEL FREE TO EMAIL COMMENTS, QUESTIONS / SUGGESTIONS :)

Laurie Hohman, wedding photographer Tiffin, Ohio