It's all about the eye (or is it?)

I used to think when I was younger and in school that it was ALL about the eye.  That is, it was all about how you see things, and how you see things differently than anyone else.  And of course, if it pleases your eye, but maybe more importantly if you are in the business of photography, how it pleases someone else's.

But I know differently now.  Seeing differently is absolutely still important, but now I know that how you run your business and treat people within your business can trump that any day.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

That's why I strive so hard to make my subjects feel good about themselves.  Most of the time, at the beginning of a shoot, I hear how much they hate having their portrait taken, but it's something they have to do--whether it be for a business portrait, family portrait or high school senior portrait.  They've had awful experiences, whether it be from friends snapping unflattering pics or professionals rushing them through the process.  I understand that feeling--funny enough--I'm not fond of having my picture taken either!  So I want my clients to not only enjoy the process and love their portraits, but to know that I understand and change their feelings about having their portrait taken. And I want them walk away from their shoot feeling like a rockstar.

So before I even raise my camera to my face, we spend time just talking.  I ask them questions about their life, family, friends, pets.  It's amazing how much laughter and softness comes to a person's face when they speak about the people and things that they love.  I spend a good deal of time just chatting with my subjects, about who they are, what they do and who they love.  And you know what happens?  They forget just a little about my camera and just relax.   Their body relaxes, their faces relax, their eyes sparkle and their real personality shines through.  We begin to have fun and they end up feeling like a supermodel.  And then all I hear about is what a great time their photo shoot was!  And I feel like the rockstar for changing their mind!!!  Win-win!

I can't wait to meet you and hear all about you!