Q&A Tuesday: Do you offer engagement sessions?

Do you offer engagement sessions?

I actually love photographing couples.  There's something so magical about photographing two people completely in love.  Sometimes I kind of wish I could clone myself, so I could have more photos of me and my husband together.  But the thing I really want to stress is that ANY couple can be photographed.  You don't have to be engaged.  You can be married, you can be dating, it's your heart and love for each other that matters.  That's why I call these sessions Beloved Sessions.

Here's an example for a Beloved Session:  Jess & Nick Gallery

For couples considering me for engagement photos, it's probably wise to find your wedding photographer first.  Many wedding photographers these days offer complimentary engagement sessions, so why not do them with your photographer?  However, if  you just want something different for  your engagement, then I might be a good choice.  My Beloved Sessions tend to have a fashion flair to them.  Part of the reason is that like any session I do, I help my clients do a lot of pre-planning.  If you're wondering if I do wedding photography, I do not.  I did shoot a handful of weddings last year, and I didn't particularly enjoy it as much as I thought I would.  Just not my thing.  I do have some great recommendations though.  Email me if you ever want names.

Do you still do boudoir sessions?

Absolutely!  Visit my Kiss & Blush website.  It hasn't been updated in awhile because most of my boudoir clients keep a low profile, but aside from seniors, beauty and boudoir photography for women are my favorite.

When should I do my senior pictures?

Pick a season you feel connected to, and try to pick a date during that season.  If you've already passed your favorite season, then think about what type of outfits you'd like to wear.  Do you like jackets and layers, if so, then you're better off with  a winter session. Do you prefer sundresses and frolicking at the beach, then a spring or summer session might be good for you.  Also, think about your school schedule.  When are your photos due for year book.  That sort of thing.  It's always good to inquire in advance, and book in advance.  As a boutique senior portrait photographer, I only take about 6 senior sessions a month.  If 18 people from your class book me, I'm done for the season.  Once peak season rolls around, it's very competitive to get a spot.  It's also not just me, other senior portrait photographers are booked just the same.

Why do you photograph so few clients?

Because I don't do this job just to make money.  Creating photographs that are unique and high-quality takes time and effort.  Everything from the planning to the execution of the session, to the editing, I spend hours meticulously refining.  While some photographers are happy churning out photos at the same location, doing the same poses for every senior, I really want to create something unique for each senior.  Photos that just screams of their personality, that they can be truly proud of 10, 20, 50 years from now.

It's also the reason why I'm not your $200 for the whole session photographer.  I would have to photograph 16-20 seniors a month to pay for everything I have to as a sole provider of my household and a business owner.  I wouldn't have time to be creative, and my studio would just be another studio with a rotating door of clients.  The way I run my business is I remember every person I've ever photographed.  I build relationships with them, and those people stay in my heart forever.  They're not just my clients, they are my patrons because they allow me to create art for their homes.  The time I spend with them allows me to get to know them well enough to photograph their personality accurately.

I know that there are people who would much rather spend money on an Apple Laptop than pay for portraits with me, and that's totally all right.  Everybody has their priorities.  The clients that do hire me are those that understand that the portraits I create for them will likely outlast  anything else they have in their home, and for that, I'm very grateful.