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Hi There! Welcome to my very first blog post! I thought it might be fun to add a little insight for my current and prospective clients about photography and what to expect from a session.  As a client, I've had some less than stellar photography sessions and I always wondered how things I thought were common sense were missed.  I was frustrated and disappointed with the outcome of my images and had no idea why.  As a photographer I finally understand that there is often a breakdown in communication and expectations on both ends! So let's get into it shall we?

How do I pick a photographer? Well my personal recommendation is to do 2 things. First, look at their portfolio and make sure you like what you see and that their style is in line with what you are hoping to achieve.  Once you've found that, have a chat! My sessions are so much more than taking photos. It's having conversation with clients, making them feel at ease and knowing their story.  It's important to be comfortable and at ease to get the most natural looking images possible and you can't do that if the two of you don't vibe. 

Expectations, what are they? It's always best to be super clear about what you are looking for from your session. Do you want formal posed portraits, fun whimsical images, relaxed lifestyle type photos, maybe even super creative and out of the box? If you're not sure talk to your photographer.  If you don't express this you are leaving the creativity or lack thereof in the hands of the person behind the camera. I can promise they aren't a mind reader and chances are they will do what's in their comfort zone which may or may not be your ideal outcome.  Not everyone is a great communicator so as a photographer and (ahem an over communicator) I typically ask what my clients are hoping to achieve. This helps me customize a session and I've had a fair amount of success with this. 

"They can Photoshop that"...can't they?  If you are a "Photoshop it" offender this is for you.  I'm with you... I totally understand that you want a magazine worthy image with no lumps, bumps, wrinkles and whatnot. I'd like to look photo shopped in real life too most days but it's just not realistic.  Ask your prospective photographer what editing is included in their sessions.  Photoshop is often extra and for those of you that like the smooth baby bum look that's called fine art photography which will cost you a pretty shiny penny or two due  to the time it takes to edit each image.  So moral of the story...always ask what's included or if it can be added if that's what you're going for.  This also applies to the color of your outfit, wrinkled clothing etc.  You want to make sure you discuss these things PRIOR to your session so you don't assume the colors can be altered or things can be smoothed out and then be disappointed to find out it's not included.  This also applies to highly populated areas for your backdrop, it's much easier and less expensive to pick more remote areas so you don't have to pay for photo bombers to be removed.  Just something to consider. 

Essentially photography is an art and the artist needs to understand your vision in order to make it come to life or know that you are giving them free reign to be creative.  Creativity is fluid and though I have an endless amount of ideas, they don't apply to everyone. So it always helps to know my clients likes, dislikes and things that truly represent them.  I hope this short post helped you to be more involved and prepared for your next photography session.  I'd love to know your thoughts and if you have more to add to this! 

Stay tuned for more blog posts! I'm excited to share my perspective on photography and much more and hope it all proves helpful!

Happy Monday! 

Morgen