Southern Ms. Photography

Tasha and Daniel

thriftstoremannequin1 — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:45:54 +0000

This couple was too much fun to work with. They are a repeat client of mine and I have known them for quite some time. I knew it was important to capture their particular kind of love, because they aren’t the cookie-cutter couple. They are so much more. They are sassy and spunky and very much enamored with each other, even if they don’t always show it. They are comfortable enough in their relationship that they don’t feel the need to dote over one another constantly. They can just relax and be themselves. That, to me at least, is true love.

Click to view slideshow.

Always Learning

thriftstoremannequin1 — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 14:43:02 +0000

Hi there everyone. Today I wanted to write about something I actually hate to admit. I learned that I am not an all-knowing photographer. I understand that no one ever will be, but it hurts my pride and ego when I finish a shoot and I don’t like a majority of the shots I took. I was lucky that this session was connected to my other full-time job so it was more for my benefit than a client’s, but that doesn’t make it any less dissatisfying. It did, however, help me to realize I need to work on my event photography. I need to learn to adapt to poor lighting, fidgeting subjects, and people who just don’t want to be photographed at all. It is rare that I look back at my work and snarl at every picture, but that happened this morning as I was playing in Lightroom.

Despite my displeasure, I will take this as a learning experience. I am proud to say that I have spend most of my morning reading articles, listening to podcasts, and social stalking other photographers for tips. Last night felt like a loss, and I hate losing. Like, REALLY hate it. I take a lot of pride in my work, even being a newbie, and I can’t wait to learn new tricks and techniques to better serve my clients. You can call me a nerd but I LOVE learning. I’ll research anything that sparks my interest. It is why I am chalk full of trivia facts.

Well, I need to buckle down and step my game up. Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for posts from my upcoming sessions! Spoilers: drag queens and diamond rings is the theme for my weekend. The adventures never end!

Cheers!

Luck Favors the Prepared

thriftstoremannequin1 — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 00:43:51 +0000

Today I want to discuss my methods to prepare for a shoot. This weekend, I am super excited to have two sessions lined up. One with an up and coming drag queen. The other is an amazing couple who needs engagement/save the date photos. My very first step is to make sure I get to know my clients. Luckily, this weekend my clients are all friends so that step is easy. If they are new faces to the Southern Ms. portfolio, I make sure to set up a date. Usually a Starbucks sit down where we just have casual conversation. I want to know where they grew up, what their favorite book is, and what they are binge watching right now. It is crucial to have an ice breaker session so that the shoot is seamless and comfortable.

My next step, and my favorite, is to create a pinterest board just for the client and me. I use this as a visual tool to gauge their expectations as far as the final product. I really pay attention to the fine details of their pins. Are they pinning evening shoots? Do they favor the light and airy look? Are the models wearing gingham? Details like this help to convey the ambiance my client is expecting from the photos and the session over all.

Next I like to coordinate props if necessary. It seems superfluous to bring a truck load of goodies that we may not even use. I always encourage them to bring their own if they really want. Something is is personal or dear to them.

Finally, I will check the forecast and scout the location we have agreed on, if I haven’t shot there before. This allows me to have a total understanding of the venue layout, lighting needs, and even brainstorm posing idea. If I am lucky, I can find someone to accompany me who will play model for a while so I can fine tune my brainstorming.

On the day of the shoot, I wake up with a caramel macchiato and avocado toast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day of course! Once I’m fueled and ready to go, I gather my gear and I always arrive 20 minutes early to the location. I want to make sure I have all my settings tweaked and any props set up ready to go.

There is no formula for how to handle preparation. Everyone will have their own plan and traditions. I just wanted to take some time to share mine. Thanks for stopping by!