Wow has it really been 3 weeks since my last Q&A? my goal was to do these every 2 weeks and for that I apologize but I have an excuse… shooting like a mad women! 🙂 Its been an awesome few weeks with so many fabulous shoots and weddings to share very soon! But first I thought I’d do another Q&A to hopefully help those out there that need it. Nope not saying I’m just super rad and all but when I get questions from clients, other photographers, etc.. I feel like I should share them, so here it goes…
And THANKS so much for the awesome questions, if you dont see yours here, just keep an eye out on future posts.
Question:
“Your images seem so crisp and clear, I am struggling with getting my photos like that, could you explain the editing process or in camera settings you use to get your shots like that?”
Emily S.
Answer:
Emily, Thanks so much for your question! As I mentioned in the last Q&A, practice makes perfect and just getting out there and playing with your settings and also different lenses is a great way to find your shooting style. In order to get crisp images, it really hasto do with the right lighting, the right lense and maybe a little bump in the sharpening settings in your camera. Its easier for me to show you with photos, the first photo is SOOC (straight out of Camera) with no editing done what so ever, the second image I adjusted the curves 5% for a little jump and adjusted the contrast +12 because I wanted to get a higher contrast for this particular photo. for the more technical notes on this photo, I used a Nikon 50mm at f/2.5 ISO 200 and shot at 10am during the day. I love my Nikon 50mm, its the Lens I use probably 90% of the time on Portrait sessions. 
Question:
“This may be a dumb question to you but I was wondering how you go about packaging your Products? I received my album (which I lovvvvved!) and did not want to even open it because it was so beautifully packaged!”
Kristin M.
Answer:
“First off, there is never a dumb question, I believe that is how we all learn by asking questions right? Im so glad you loved your album! I have always been a stickler on packaging and can be kinda crafty and looove personalizing each of my clients packaging with their own personal flair. I have collected my packaging products over the years but keep getting new products as I see them. The albums always come to me in their own boxes, I just add some flair to it when it arrives and I send it to my clients. A great place to get ribbon, tissue, or anything else that strikes your fancy is honest to God, JOanne Fabrics. I have made my own album covers with fabric that relates to my clients session or wedding as well. I truly believe that its the little touches like that, that show a little something extra for your clients.
I also make sure to send thank you notes as well as Anniversary cards for their one year for all of my couples and sometimes a little something extra, because again its those little things that truly make your branding stand out even more.”
Thanks again for all your questions! Keep em coming!
Cheers!
Deyla
Deyla,
Your photography is gorgeous, and I am in awe of your talent. I’m probably what you would call an “aspiring photographer”. I’ve done a few senior photo sessions, an engagement, a family photo shoot. I am in the process of putting together a photography business. Website under construction, business cards in the works, trying to figure out how in the world to create a logo…
Anyway. I was just curious if you had any recommendations or advice on making it as a successful photographer. Maybe what lenses you use most often? How did you start out? Who do you order your prints from? Is it nerve wracking to shoot a wedding? Have you ever had another photographer come with and shadow to see your technique?
I understand that you’re a very busy woman. But, if you have the time, I would LOVE to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Jessica