A few reasons why I may not be the right photographer for you…

Reason 1 - You want a million final images

I totally understand people thinking they want/need hundreds of images. In a digital age, it is pretty much the norm. Maybe you feel the more images you receive, the more chances you have of finding a handful that you love. Or maybe its the idea that more is better value? If you do want hundreds, that’s great, there are a lot of photographers who include large galleries and who offer exactly what you are after. 

However, I am not one of them.  Firstly, I do not feel that we need ‘ALL’ the images. We may post a handful on social media and choose one as our phone/computer home screen and maybe, just maybe we will print one or two of our favourites, but the remainder are often left on a hard drive or USB that potentially will end up corrupted or lost.

Secondly, during the session I shoot with purpose and intent, not just ‘snap and hope’ to snag a nice photo. This does not mean all my images are ‘posed or staged’.  It simply means the images I capture are thought out and lit correctly to avoid blown out highlights, dark patches or inconsistent lighting. I will pose and then provide prompts to create natural connection, interaction, and engagement to capture a relaxed, natural vibe. When it comes to describing the type of photographer I am I would say I am more contemporary, not ‘lifestyle’ (I will write up a blog about the differences between the types and styles at some stage).

Thirdly, during the post processing phase, I am selective with the images that end up in your final gallery. My aim is, to not only capture the connection, moments and your identity as individuals and a family, but also to create images that will print beautifully and more importantly that you love the way you look in them.

We are often our own harshest critics when looking at photos of ourselves, and whilst we want natural images, we also want to feel good about ourselves. I am not going to include an image where you look completely uncomfortable, half blinking, moving in an odd way, or mid conversation.

To ensure your images print beautifully they need to be in focus, they need to be exposed correctly and edited carefully. This all takes time.

My aim is to capture and present you with heirloom quality, wall art worthy images that you are proud to display around your house. That are show-stoppers and that last the test of time.

In Karratha alone, I think we currently have around 20 (maybe more) family photographers operating (some emerging, some casually/part time and some full-time). There truly is a photographer for everyone; budget, style, number of images offered. 

Before booking in a photography session, ask yourself the following questions. 

·      How many images do I truly need and how am I planning on using them? 

·      Are they going to just sit on a USB in a draw (I was guilty of this and it’s one of the reasons I am so passionate about printing images)? 

·      Do I only want to upload a few to social media?

·      Do I want to create an album? 

·      Do I want a few statement pieces for my wall? 

·      What type of moments and what style of images do I want on display?

These questions will start to help you narrow down what style of photography you are after and the type of session that is perfect for you. I will share some more help questions in my next blog with focuses on style and editing of images.

Remember, I am always happy to chat about all the different styles of photography we have here in Karratha to help you find the right photographer for you and your family. It might be me, it might not, and that is OK. The important thing is finding the right photographer for what you need/want.

Reason 2 - You want an ‘on trend’ editing style

If you follow all the ‘Insta’ trends and want images to fit in with the currently colour themes (think browns, oranges, or muted greens that are currently trending) awesome! They are beautiful and there are many photographers who do adjust their editing and shoot styles to match the current trends.

Trends are awesome. Hence why they are trends.  I am obsessed with the gorgeous brown tones and the Boho vibes flowing through my Instagram feed. However, trends come and go (think sepia, colour splash, blown out highlights, HDR and many more). Some photographers will adjust and change their editing processes to fit in with the trends, which is great and keeps their style ‘on-trend’ no matter what the newest trend may be.

However, I am not one of them. I prefer to keep to my chosen style which is clean, true to colour and vibrant. We live in one of the most incredibly beautiful places (Karratha, Western Australia - The Pilbara Region), where the natural colours in the environment are striking. I want to capture those colours in the background of your images. I want to harness those Pilbara red rocks, the golden grasses and, during wildflower season, the vibrant purple Mulla mulla. I want your skin tones to be correct and not look muddy or orange. 

I am also aware, that a lot of my clients take their time, and often spend a lot of money, on outfits for their photoshoots. I want your outfit colours to be correct. You purchased them for a reason. You spent time selecting the colours, the tones, and the shades to work together and complement each other.

I aim for my photography to be as ‘time-less’ and true to colour as possible with a hint of vibrancy to make your images pop and stand out.

So, if you are looking for a photographer who follows the current editing trends, I am not it. However, if you are looking for a classical, timeless, true to colour edit, then get in contact to chat more about designing the perfect photographic experience for you and your family.