Photographing people

Photographing people is more than just being at an event and pointing your camera in the direction of the action. It's more than posing clever situations using fun props with bright colors.

Working with people takes heart, attention to emotions & how certain people act in different situations. Not certain types of people, but certain people. This takes getting involved with the people you're photographing, on a personal level. People are real individuals, not statistics and as our studio grows we have so many opportunities to meet and get to know people. Do we miss some opportunities? Of course, but we still try to make personal connections. Most of the time these connections stay within the context of studio/client but we both know there's more to it than that. Stephanie and I have clients that will call one or the other for favors that we can help with and this gives us the opportunity to give to them on a more personal level. Unfortunately we don't always have the time to help, but because of our relationship we try to point them in the right direction. Some times it's as simple as helping them use their camera, or as involved as producing the programs for their state pageant. Steph gets calls to help with hair & make-up for prom or to help with a suprise for an anniversary.

So what does this do for our photography? Well, when we're at the wedding we know the ring bearer, who happens to be the brides little brother, has a suprise coming during the ceremony. You see, she's only about 5 ft tall & the groom is 6'4"! And the family always makes jokes about her having to stand on a stool just to kiss him! So as the minister says, "you may now kiss the bride" her little brother jumps up and yells "Wait!", runs & gets a foot stool for her to stand on! The entire church is laughing, we're shooting like mad and when they see their ablum for the first time, it all happens again. Getting to know the bride & groom lead us to her little brother who clued Steph in on the prank.

It's a fun road of learning, meeting great people and creating images that become memories of their lives. And the best part of this entire experience is that I get to do it with the most amaising person at my side.

More later...