Photography

• Where will you do our photo shoot?

  I have many locations that I have used before and love but am also open to new ideas if you have them! Once you are scheduled we will discuss the type of mood/feel you are looking for and that will help us choose the location that will be perfect for you!

• What should we wear?

  The clothes you choose will definitely guide the feel of your session and the outcome of your images. The sky is the limit and it all depends on what you are going for. If you love the relaxed and casual look, then dress accordingly. Be yourself and let your personalities shine as you pick the clothing that you will wear. Also, gone are the days where you all have to match. Instead, aim to coordinate, not match. Pick a few colors (instead of just one) and then use different shades and hues within those color families. Each person can even wear a different color if they all look good together! Imagine a field of wild flowers and how beautiful all of the different colors look together.
  
  Also, don’t be afraid of adding texture and layers. They go a long way in adding depth and interest and that “wow” factor to your images. You can even use some patterns as long as they don’t clash. Plaids, florals, and stripes can all work if they blend in with your color scheme.

• What about props?

  I will typically bring a chair or two to your photo shoot and maybe even something fun like an old suitcase! If there is something specific you have seen me use that you want to incorporate into your shoot, please let me know ahead of time so I can bring it. Also feel free to bring your own props as well! Anything from chairs, benches, giant lollypops, flowers, bubbles, old fashioned sodas, balloons, etc……. It is all free game in my book and can take your session to a fun and exciting new level!

• How long until our images will be done?

  Your images will be ready within about 2-3 weeks after your session. The editing process is definitely the most time consuming and I like to allow ample time to sort through and pick the best images and then edit them to my standards.

• Are you available to help us decide what to wear?

  If you are still uncertain on what clothing to pick, I can definitely help! I love to help my clients style their shoot so just email me and we can figure it out together. I have even had clients send me pictures of different outfits so that I can help them narrow it down. Also, you are welcome to bring a variety of outfits to your shoot and I can help you choose there as well.

• Are you available for commercial work?

  Yes, please contact me and we can discuss the details.

• Are we allowed to change clothing during the shoot?

  Yes, you are welcome to bring outfit changes to your session. We can work in as many changes as time (and your children’s temperament) allows. I have found that younger children don’t do as well with outfit changes but you as the parents are the best judge of that, so I leave it up to you.Senior portrait sessions are perfect for multiple outfit changes. It allows them to get a lot of different looks within one session and we typically have time for at least 3+ different outfits.

Workshops

• Do I have to have an SLR to take the course?

  A digital or film SLR camera is definitely recommended because that is what I teach from. I have however had a handful of students take the course with advanced point-and-shoot style cameras that can go into manual mode. That way you are still able to learn all about aperture, ISO, shutter speed, exposure etc. You will not be able to do everything in the class and will have some limitations because you are not able to change lenses and use those capabilities to your advantage. You will still be able to learn all about lighting, creativity, composition, etc as those skills are applicable to any type of camera you are using.

• What is the length and format of the workshop?

  Both workshops are 6 weeks long and you will receive a downloadable written lesson in PDF format along with a coordinating assignment each week. There will also be a private message board for each class where you can ask questions and post your assignments.

• Will you be available to answer questions during the week?

  Yes, each student will have access to a private message board. This is where you can post any questions you have for me. I am scheduled to be on the board each day during the week (Monday – Friday) to answer questions and make sure your needs are taken care of.  There are not specific times that I will be on the board. Each day will be different as my schedule changes but I make every effort to be on the board each day. If there is ever an urgent matter, you are welcome to email me for a quicker response.

• Are there certain times I have to be online for the workshops?

  No, there are not. Each week you will have a new assignment/lesson. Then you are free to read the lesson and do the assignment according to your own schedule during the week. If you want feedback/critique on your assignments, they are due to be posted on the message board the following Monday.

• Will you be looking at our assignments?

  Yes, you will be able to post your images to the online message board and then I will give you detailed, personalized feedback. You are also encouraged to look at each other’s assignments and share constructive criticism and feedback. I have found that my students learn a lot from each other when they participate in this aspect of the class.

• What if I don’t want to post my assignments?

  You are not required to participate in the message board or post your assignments. You can simply read the lessons and do the assignments on your own and at your own pace if you prefer.

• How much time is involved for the students each week?

  Most students spend anywhere from 2 hours and up to complete the lessons/assignments each week. The more you practice, the more you will learn. Learning rates also vary by individual so it is really up to you how much time you think you need each week. Also some weeks you may pick up the information quickly and other weeks it may take more time and practice. The beauty of the class is that you can cater it to your own schedule and needs each week.

• Does Photography 101 cover Photoshop or external flash?

  No, there is simply not enough time to cover those things in the first course. It is geared toward teaching you the nuts and bolts of photography and how to get the best possible image straight out of camera. I believe that you must get a strong foundation of shooting in manual and using natural light before you get into the advanced techniques. Then both of those things are covered in the Advanced workshop.

• Are the lessons written in layman’s terms?

  Yes, I have been told by my students that my writing style is very easy to understand and that I make hard concepts seem simple. The lessons are truly written as if you were sitting here with me and we were having an actual conversation about photography….. very down-to-earth!

• Do I have to take Photography 101 before I take the Advanced?

  It is not required but it is highly recommended. My advanced course does not teach how to shoot in manual and does not cover the basics of photography. If you are not comfortable shooting in manual mode, I would highly recommend taking Photography 101 first. It is hard for me to critique your editing if you aren’t already getting the best possible images straight out of camera (which is what you learn in Photography 101).

• Is the Advanced class only for those looking to go professional with their photography?

  Definitely not. I have had a wide mix of students take my Photography 101 class – some that are looking to simply improve their skills and take better pictures of their kids/grandkids and others that are wanting to go pro. The advanced course is designed for all of my students, not just those looking to go pro. Whether you are just looking to improve your skills or take your photography business to a new creative level – this is the course for you.

• Do I need any specific software to take Photography 101?

  No, you do not need any specific software as we will not be covering editing techniques. However, if you wish to participate in the message board and post your assignment images for feedback/critique, you will need to be able to resize your images for the web and save them as a JPG to be uploaded to the board. There are many different programs you can use to do this and if you aren’t sure how to use your specific software, this is something that other students can help with on the message board.

• Do I have to have Photoshop and Lightroom to take the Advanced course?

  Answer: No, you do not have to purchase Photoshop or Lightroom. Because the workshop is based around what I do and what works for me, Photoshop is the software I teach from. If you have PSE, you will still be able to do a lot of the things I teach, but not everything. I highly recommend downloading the 30 day free trials of Photoshop and Lightroom right before we get to the editing section of the class. That way you can follow along and learn all of the techniques I am teaching and then you can decide if it is worth the investment for you. Again please note that I do NOT teach Photoshop Elements. If you decide to stick with PSE, there are typically other students in the class that are familiar with the program and can help you find how/where to perform many of the same functions within that platform.

Design Tools

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