Breaking the Mold

What are we so afraid of? When it comes to hiring a professional, natural light photographer...what makes most people hesitate? I think I know a few reasons. I, at one point, was on the other side of the camera so I understand. When my son was born, I never got his newborn pictures done because I didn't have the money. I cry just thinking about it. After photographing other parents newborns and drooling over their photos, it kills me! I can't get that moment back. I'll tell you that I knew then (just as I know now) that it's worth every penny if done by the right photographer. That brings me to another reason we hesitate. One is for the money. Two is for the trust we put into a photographer to capture our family as we see them ----> beautiful! The problem is, the photographers whose portfolios impress you are out of your price range most of the time and if they aren't running a special...it seems to be a catch 22.

Sweet Arabella ~ Just 11 Days Old

Now on to reason number 3. Breaking out of the mold. It's true. Growing up, I remember my parents dragging us to Olan Mills about twice a year for family photos or photos of just us kids. Truth be told, I hated it. And I'm sure they did, too. Heck, the studio photographer seemed to have hated their job as well! Why is that? Because there's no spark! There's no passion in what is going on between the photographer and their subject! They place you in front of big flashing lights, squeak a dog toy to get your attention, put you in awkward poses and force you to smile. The kids are complaining...possibly even throwing a fit or crying. The parents are wishing they had never come. The people in the waiting room are most likely judging your parenting skills. All because we are afraid to try something new. (It's priceless, by the way, when the studio then tries selling you photos of your kids crying! You can get those at home on your cell phone!) 

The Jester Family ~ The way a family portrait should be!

Let me ask you this, when you look back in your family album years from now, what do you want to show your children...your grandchildren? Don't you want to show them the real "you"? Not the "you" stuck miserably in a department store studio with someone who just wants to snap your picture so they can give you a sales pitch and make a quota? No, you want to show them the "you" that is fun and loving...photos of you being a family...being yourself! What better way to do that than with a natural light photographer? Someone who can create a work of art with no effort on your behalf...except for being you. Honestly, I bet almost every client of mine has heard me say "Pretend I'm the paparazzi!" at their session. I don't use a flash or big fancy equipment. I spend most of the time laying on the ground, wading in the water and running around chasing kiddos! Why should you have to adapt to my presence? I adapt to yours! Patience is a virtue! I capture the best pictures when no one is paying attention :)

Jordyn ~ A perfect example of chasing a kiddo around and still getting amazing shots!

So why are we so afraid to take the leap into natural light photographers? Because for many of us, it's going outside of our comfort zone...putting our faith into someone we have never met...doing homework to make sure we aren't getting a Joe Shmoe with a "fancy" camera who is charging "wicked cheap" for photos. You know, I can guarantee you...if you found the right photographer that fit your family to a tee...that cared about you, fit your budget and you loved their style...you will never step into a lame department store studio ever again! Seriously, I'd like to think my work speaks for itself. I love what I do SO MUCH and I hope it shows! I really so have the best job in the whole world (besides being a mom)! I can't say how amazing it feels when clients call me, crying, after getting their disc in the mail and thanking me a million times for their beautiful pictures. No...thank you for trusting me to capture your family the way you see them -----> beautiful!

Xavier & Rheigan ~ I am inspired to capture love, life and  real moments...

Don't you think it's time to break out of the mold? Now, I'm not saying to break it with me. As I mentioned, find the right photographer for you. Make sure they listen to you, they care, they're open and honest, they fit your budget, they share your vision and you love their style...and most of all...you love who they are and what they stand for! Why is all of this so important? Because that photographer is going to become part of your family and share all of your most important moments in your life. Trust them, know them, love them. If you want me to become part of your family and want to take that leap of faith, I will be here waiting! I can't wait to meet you!

Erin & Troy celebrate 9 years together ~ I am so honored to share these moments 

P.S. If some of this sounds rambly...it's because I'm a bit tired...and I talk a lot :)