Ten Things You May Not Realize About Professional Photography

I've fallen behind in my posting lately, but my focus has been elsewhere. :-)  In front of the camera to be more exact.  I recently celebrated my second anniversary in business, and  over the past year, I have learned that there are quite a few misconceptions about photography and photographers, and I thought I'd list my current Top 10.

1. It's not all about the gear.  Don't get me wrong, professional gear is designed to capture the best images possible, and does help with creating a quality product and print.  But if you don't know how to use it, and how to pose the people in front of it, or you leave your camera on Auto all of the time, all of the latest gear in the world isn't going to help you capture great images.  At the end of the day it's the person behind the camera that makes the difference.
2. Some studio photographers are just paid to push a button!  Did you know that quite a few of the Mall and Chain Studio photographers aren't allowed to change the settings on the camera?  True Story! The settings, distance, lighting, and poses are all pre-set beforehand.  I learned this recently, and was quite surprised.  Most of these studios don't require any special training to use the equipment, instead all of their training is focused getting people in and out quickly, and selling as many packages as possible. 
3. Consumer Print Labs aren't always consistent or archival.  If you want your photos to look their best and last a lifetime, ask your photographer to print the photos with their professional print lab.  Be sure to do your research, as you could still find your photographer picking up your prints at your local discount warehouse store. And their "too good to be true" print price, probably was just that.
4. Hobby Photographers are a bargain for a reason.  Taxes, business licences, and overhead usually mean your photographer is in this for the long haul.  Yes, their prices reflect this, but they're also usually there for you a year down the line when you want to capture more photos, or want something reprinted for Great Gram.  If the hobbyist is still around, their prices have likely raised to reflect their actual cost of doing business.
5. Digital is cheap.  Not necessarily, I just spent another $400 on back-up equipment to store my client's files, and I have a redundant system in case something happens to one of the hard drives.  The editing software used to "Develop" the RAW files is also a cost many don't consider.   While it seems in theory that all one need to do is "snap a picture and burn it to CD". Editing, storing, and printing these images is actually rather time consuming and can get expensive quick.  Not to mention most professional lenses are about $1,000 or more each! There's actually a lot more that goes on behind the scenes to create your images than you may realize.
6. The photos on their Website aren't always theirs.  This is a new one but has happened more often than I realized.  New photographers "save" images from the websites of photographers they like, and then put them on their website as "representations" of what they can do!  The other time this happens is a little less sneaky. Many larger photo studios have multiple photographers working for them, so if you see an image or style you like, ask which photographer in the studio took it, so you're sure to get the person who captured the look you're going for.
7. A good photographer is always learning.  Fashion, styles, technology and products are changing constantly, and a good photographer evolves with the market.  From classes, to magazines and books, your photographer is likely spending a good deal of their time (and budget) behind the scenes preparing for your session.  In today's market, albums aren't just for weddings, and prints are making a huge comeback, as customers are tired of loosing their images on the "cloud" and want something tangible. Another interesting "development" is that 5x7's and 8x10 sized images are falling away to custom sized prints and products! 
8. Your files aren't always safe on the cloud. (or your hard-drive, or USB, or SD Card)  It's easy to loose data, or have the technology expire. Will your children have access to the passwords and information you've lovingly stored on the cloud or on your phone?  Or will those images be lost in a hard-drive crash, data breach, or technology update?  Printed images are often the only things that get passed down to future generations.
9. Cookies aren't currency.  While some photographers may work in exchange for cookies, or trade for services, they can't do it all of the time! (and stay in business)  Trading and bartering is great, but it must be something of value to both parties.   
10. We might not be the best person for the job. Our goal is to make you look and feel beautiful, but we need your help.  If you have a style you like, or a certain look you are going for let us know.  A good photographer will tell you if this is something they can do, and if not they can often refer you to someone that can. Some photographers specialize in one area, or they may have a personality trait that clashes with your family.  Finding a photographer that you feel comfortable with is just as important as the images you wish to capture.  

And there you have it, my current top Ten, I hope this helped you start thinking about questions to ask your photographer before booking a session.  As well as start thinking about getting some of your favorite pictures off the "cloud" and in print form!  

Planning a Session with My Girls

As many of you know I have two Senior (30-year-old) horses. A palomino Quarter Horse I've had since she was a day old and a little white Arab that I bought a few years before my Hubs and I were married.  (approx 17 years or so ago)

My girl, on Instagram.

Since horses usually live to be 25-30 I know that my time with them is growing shorter, I just don't like acknowledging it.  I mentioned before I needed to take some images with them but it has been way too easy to make excuses on not scheduling something... primarily that I should get in better shape, followed by I should use the $ for something else, to my girls need to shed out, to I know could take them myself with a self timer, etc...

There's a reason you usually only see feet shots of me, and it's called  my hips do lie.

Last week I really thought I was going to have to put my little Arab down, and it made me realize I needed to stop making excuses and just do it!  So I took advantage of the little bit of extra time I've been given, and on Mother's Day I met with another photographer, to have some images taken of me with my girls.

Despite many a lost toenail and bruised toe, the Iowa farm-girl in me still wears flip-flops on occasion to see the girls.
(Seriously not wise if you like your feet.)

Digging their tack out of storage, just in case I wanted to use it in a few shots, I spent Saturday giving it a good cleaning and conditioning.  My office now smells of Lexol and leather, and just makes me happy when I enter it, as it reminds me of show season and spring.

My favorite halter purchased when my palomino was just two years old.  (It still fits!)

Then there was the matter of picking out outfits for me, and finding the right accessories.  I pinned some inspiration on Pinterest, and then put together my story boards so I had a basic idea of what I'd like to accomplish.   Packing all of my outfits, and labeling my jewels so I'd be ready to go on the day, since I knew that it'd be a busy one!

Rough sketches of poses and outfit choices...

Sunday Morning (Mother's Day) I headed to Safeway in the hopes of picking up Daisies and Alstroemeria Lilies for their mane and tails.  Unfortunately I discovered most men were busy shopping for flowers on Mother's Day and it was a madhouse!  There were no daisies or lilies, only roses, orchids, and mums, and a bunch of confused looking "Dads"!  It ended up being a good thing as I resorted to using flowers from our yard, Pittosporum, Jasmine, Chamomile, Yarrow, dried Red Roses, Mexican Sage, Hearts & Flowers Ice Plants, and a few others.

Flower cuttings from our yard.

My white mare received the pink, purple, red and white flowers above as they just fit her princess personality so much.  My palomino received arrangements made of the pretty golden flowers below, as they reminded me of the goldenrod and daisies in the Iowa fields where she grew up..

Trailing Jasmine, Yarrow, Chamomile, and Heats & Flowers for their "hair".

With the exception of my WPPI adventure mentioned in my newsletter, the last time I was front of another photographer's camera was years ago!  I had forgotten how nerve-wrecking it is.  The getting ready, the hopes that the images will turn out,  the wishes for a good hair day, etc. It's especially nerve wrecking when you add two horses who weren't that interested in putting their ears forward, or posing for that matter.  It's pretty much the equivalent of trying to pose two 1000+ pound 2-year-olds!

Love the hoof outlines from the pretty polish we used.

The flowers looked so pretty in their tails, it is usually a pretty bright white when washed, but the Cali drought put a damper on that this year. :-S The spots of longer hair on her golden coat is from the Cushings Disease, I thought about cutting it all off, but it documents this stage of her life, and so I left it as is.

After 30 years, my Mares are used to almost anything!

These iPhone images of what went on before the session, as I made it a point to not take any during the it. So I didn't' get many of my little white Arab as once the photographer arrived, I was too busy reapplying my lipstick, doing yoga poses while attempting to change in a dusty barn, struggling to keep the wind from destroying my super fine hair, and striving to pose properly next to my girls, who were much more interested in pretty much anything but the camera. 

My little Arab, wondering out my Palomino and husband are up to.

I am glad I used flowers from our yard instead of purchased ones, as it will make the images even more special.  These needed to be arranged a bit more, but she was so interested in what was happening, I had to take a quick picture. It's so rare to have my Tim at the ranch, who was there to help hold the "toddlers", run for carrots and cookies, and try to remind me to bring my chin forward.  He refers to himself as the "Minion" on photo shoot days.

My girl and my hubs.

My little girl is wondering what's so interesting about her tail!  She's so sweet, and just a few weeks from her 30th birthday.  It's hard to believe so much time has gone by, as it seems like just yesterday I was able to throw on a saddle and head off into the hills, or over a few jumps. They have it pretty good, lounging in the pasture, and enjoying treats and an occasional flower in their hair, although I do wonder sometimes if they miss our adventures through the hills as much as I do.

As I wait for the photographer to process the images, I am again in my client's shoes, hoping that my "toddlers" behaved just long enough to obtain some images that I can cherish for generations.  (and that she managed to capture my good side as well) :-)

All Sessions Should Begin with a Spa Day!

Easter is right around the corner, which means summer isn't far behind. As I get ready for the “busy season” of photography, I thought I’d share with you some of the most common questions regarding “Getting ready for a session”, and help you start preparing now.

What to wear is a huge one, but it’s one of the most easy to address. We discuss wardrobe during the pre-consultation, I often get texts or videos of outfits prior to the session, and some clients and I even share a Pinterest board. It’s a great way to start planning your day, and the right outfit can help accentuate your best features!

Many of my clients state they wish to loose a few pounds, quite often this can be addressed with proper posing and clothing choices, so I won't get into that here.

Instead I’m going to address pampering yourself, because worries about wrinkles, age spots, and frizzy hair are often the largest area of concern.  What worked a few years ago, suddenly isn't working, and many of my clients mention they could use a bit of a pick-me up but they just don't know where to begin.  If you feel you could be in this category as well, read on:

1. Give your hair some TLC—this can be a huge one. If you have frizzy flyaway hair from the dryer than normal winter, start using a hair mask Your hairstylist should be able to tell you what product your hair needs most. Start early, so you can find the one that works best with your hair before the summer wind, and chlorine starts taking their toll. If you haven't changed your hair since the 90's (or earlier) it's likely time to look into some new styles!
• Session Tips
• If you’re planning on getting extensions, color, or a new cut; be sure to do so two weeks before your session so that you have time to get used to it. 
• Guys or women with shorter hairstyles should get their hair cut one week before so if there’s any tan lines, they have a chance to blend in. 
2. Pamper Your Skin!  If you have no idea where to start, visit with a licensed esthetician to discuss your skin care regimen and to address any problem areas you may have.  If you're on a budget, there are some great over the counter treatments you can get that will help make your skin look youthful. 
• Exfoliate - Treat yourself to an at home spa day and exfoliate your entire body at least once a week. Look for products with a grain to them. (sea salt, sugar, ground nuts, small seeds, etc.) 
• Worried about wrinkles? Look for a product with Retinol in it, or try Acupuncture to help reduce the worry lines. Better yet, schedule a massage and disconnect from technology for an hour our so, it does wonders for your worry lines!
• Moisturize Morning, Noon, & Night. 
• Morning -- Have you discovered BB Cream?  These amazing creams are tinted moisturizers that even out your skin tones are packed with anti-oxidants and usually contain sunblock. Use it on your neck and face as well. I put it on in the morning, and either use it as a base prior to my foundation, or just as a protective coverage if I’m going to be working in the yard, because sometimes quick and easy is a good thing.
• Noon -- During the day, remember to re-apply your sunscreen, and be sure to put on lotion or oil after your shower, bathe, or swim to lock in the extra moisture.  
• Night --  Is the perfect time to use a moisturizer with something containing Retinol A, and Vitamin C, it works while you sleep and helps repair the damage caused by your activities during the day.
• Cleanse -- Take your make-up off at night. If you’re too exhausted for a full blown regimen, invest in some make-up removal wipes.  
• Get in the habit of cleaning your make-up brushes too.  Even if you only use them for one blusher, etc, they still absorb dirt and oils, and could be the reason for break-outs.
• Facial Treatment -- There are some great facial products you can make at home using things you likely already have in the refrigerator and kitchen cupboard.
• Session Tips
• If you're planning on having  a professional facial done prior to your session, be sure to schedule it the day before your session.
• If you are planing on having any lash extensions, hair removal, or brow shaping done, schedule this one week before your session.
• Please don't use self tanning creams prior to your session.  If you spray tan, do so a week before.
3. Nails -- Pamper your nails and feet too.  This should be considered a habit not a luxury,as your feet and hands work hard to get you where you need to go, and deserve a little "me time". 
• Session Tip
• Make sure to schedule a pedicure/and manicure the day before your session to make sure your nails look their best. And unless it's a fashion themed shoot, stick with something that's timeless for your nails, so the focus will be on you. 
4. Hydrate. Remember to drink water, or other replenishing juices.  (Wine is not considered a replenishing juice.)  If you hate water, add some fresh fruit, veggies, or herbs to flavor it, vs processed sugars.  (Cucumber/Mint, Lavender/Lemon, Orange/Rosemary are all great combinations.)

There are quite a few over the counter products that do a great job of helping you look your best, or you can even make your own.  I'm always adding to my Pinterest DIY Board if you'd like some ideas.  By putting a little extra time into your routine, you'll be ready for whatever comes your way this summer!  (Including the camera!)

What Being a Professional Portrait Photographer Means to Me

When I was young, I used to read all of the time. It wasn't uncommon for my parents to tell me to “turn off the light” because they could see it seeping out from under my bedroom door.   If the book was really good, I would grab the heavy silver flashlight that I made sure to have next to me, and read the story under the covers until I finished the book, the battery went dead, or I was busted when my parents came in to check if I had gone to sleep.  ~ This is likely why I had a hard time waking up in the morning to get ready for school, but that’s another story all together.   Come to think of it, this is probably why we usually had to use candles when the power went out too. :-)

These books were published long before I was born.

Even as an adult when I read a book, I finish it within a day or so.  (Unfortunately I can’t pull the flashlight trick on my husband since he shares the bed with me, so I now only read on weekends when he doesn't have to get up early and go to work.) When I travel I've been known to have to pick up a book on the second leg because I already read the first one.   (Now that there's digital I just download another on my phone.)  But I still have a soft spot for printed books, especially old ones. 

Having read so many books over the years, some of them are bound fade away to the recesses of my memory, while pieces others stay with me.  One such book was picked up at a garage sale when I was in Junior High. It was a 25¢ paperback, and the heroine was a photographer that captured weddings.  What I recall vividly was that she used a ladder to climb up and take images of the food!  Now food images and “behind the scenes” images are quite common today, but at the time I loved her attention to detail and the fact she didn't just stand behind a tripod and capture stiff, posed pictures.  (This was pre-digital, so the fact she spent time on the food pictures was also noteworthy since every image counted.)  This was just a brief blip of character development, but I can remember the scene described so well.   This was the first time I remember thinking I would love to become a photographer, and take lifestyle pictures. (Although I don’t think the term "lifestyle photography" existed at the time.)  It was the reason I took “Science 2” in High School and learned dark room techniques.  (Since I was the only girl in the class, it meant I was occasionally on the sidelines as the High School football photographer as well!) 

Cropped image showing my magazine stack when I was about 18.

It has taken me a long time to get where I am today, and I am far from done learning.  But in hindsight, photography has always been a part of my life.  In fact I recently found a picture of my first apartment in California, and there on my coffee table was an assortment of photography magazines. I had forgotten I even subscribed to them! ~ I was a nanny at the time, and yet found it important to spend money on multiple subscriptions to photography magazines.  I find this rather telling.

Things have changed so much since I first read that paperback book.  Almost everyone today has a camera right in their phone, and point and shoot cameras have gotten quite advanced as well.  With digital you aren't limited to a roll of 36 exposures.  Instead you can take thousands of pictures and “pick the best one”.  (Something people in the photo industry call “Spray and Pray”.)  Another common practice in digital photography is “Shoot and Burn", the photographer is hired to take as many pictures as possible and then burn them to a CD or memory card for the client.  Most of the time these are unedited files, or if processed, they’re not edited a great deal, nor are they optimized for the different print mediums, crop sizes, or web use, which is okay, because most of the time, these images never see the light of day, other than a couple of random social media posts.  Instead they are often left in a drawer “to do later”. 

iPhone image of my current magazine stack.

The thing that strikes me is that even though I grew up studying photography, read all of the magazines I could about the subject, and was rarely found without a camera in hand, I still hired a professional photographer to capture the special moments in my life.  (Reunions, milestone birthday parties, weddings, etc.) It wasn't because I didn't know how to take pictures, or couldn't, it was because I wanted them to take care of things for me.  (Kind of like my reasoning when I spend $5 on an espresso drink when I have all of the ingredients and an espresso machine at home.)

A pro will know where to stand to capture the perfect moment.  They can find (or create) the perfect light that will compliment their subject and set the mood.  They are able to coax their subject into flattering poses and smiles, as well as creatively capture the candid moments.  They have the knowledge to set up and re-create images without having to “spray and pray” and then sort through thousands of images to “get one that looks good” or just give the client the images to sort themselves. A pro will take these planned images and not only back them up, but edit them so you look your best (because, pimples and such can happen at the worst of times). They will have a color calibrated monitor, and the ability to print the images on professional grade materials, using a professional print lab.  On the down-side, a pro will also have to know how to run a business.  Which means pay taxes, obtain a business licence, etc.  This is the "dark side" of being a pro, but is equally important, and quite often overlooked.

My goal as a photographer is for my client to commission printed images. I have access to high quality print labs, and archival materials that aren't always available to my clients so why not take advantage of the service?  It does mean extra work to research the labs, and then optimize the digital files for the print medium selected.  It takes a lot less time to just shoot the images and burn a CD. With today's technology we can capture some pretty impressive digital images with our phones that work just fine for the web, and so we're overwhelmed with images online. that they're often posted and forgotten.  Instead, I want my client to love their images so much, they can't imagine not printing them! (As a thank you for their order, I often add a digital app of pictures for their phone/tablet so they get the best of both worlds.)

The only time I want a CD of images is when I specifically commission a session for online use or head shots.  Otherwise, I want my photographer to take advantage of their connections to quality labs, archival materials, and custom services, and I want them to take care of the hard stuff.  (The posing, edits, print lab coordination, matting, etc.).  I hire a pro for their knowledge, experience, and services, so I can "focus" on other things.

Everyone has their own idea of what a professional is, and as I get ready to attend a huge photography trade-show and workshop next month, I am aware of these differences even more.   I am really looking forward to not only attending, but to speaking with other members of my field; from shoot-and-burn photographers, to head-shot photographers, to ones who offer prints and custom services.  I'm looking forward to taking classes to learn new techniques, and to walking the trade-show floor to see what other print options and services might interest my clients.  I continue to learn and challenge myself, because I want to be able to take care of my clients, so that they don’t have to do the work themselves. It's what I expect when I purchase my $5 espresso drink, too.  I want someone who is not only knowledgeable about the service they provide, but someone who makes life easier in the process.   

Shooting with Film

My Dad still shoots with Film. (Sorry Dad, your secret's out of the bag.)  It’s not that he’s a purist; it’s that for him it works. He likes getting prints, and going through them, he likes the camera he has and doesn't see the need to change.

Another problem with film? Not knowing if these rolls are blank or empty!

Dad also likes thinking about the shot he’s setting up, and not just snapping away in the “hopes” he gets something. In fact it’s almost a prerequisite for film. You have a limited number (Usually 24-36) of shots per roll, and so every shot matters. Plus you are stuck with whatever ISO you chose for the entire roll!  So you actually have to think about what type of images and shooting you would be doing when you purchase the film!

For those of you who haven’t experienced shooting with film, but instead rely on the instant gratification and seemingly unlimited images on your camera phone, this may be a hard concept to grasp. For those of us who haven’t shot with film for years, it’s something that we may have forgotten. I know I love being able to look at the images I take instantly, and definitely take more than I ever did during the days of film.

I am a huge fan of digital cameras, and believe they have made me a better photographer. I still think about composing my shots, but I also shoot more frequently. I don’t think I’d take half as many food, flower, or leaf photos if I were capturing them with film. (Something I now find therapeutic.) I am always searching for the perfect light, and will wait patiently until the conditions are right before capturing my images, but I also like the fact I can take a couple of quick shots of a group and digitally swap a head or two when needed. Or I can look down and capture a pretty heart shaped leaf because it caught my eye.

Hearts in Nature are always fun.

Although I now capture my images in digital format, I still insist on prints. I know it would be so much easier to just burn the images to a CD, but the RAW files I capture still need to be converted into .jpgs and processed for prints. (Color correction, blemish removal, skin softening, cropping, etc. ) I've found that while digital image galleries are fun, it’s easy to just quickly look at the image and move on. But when you put a print in someone’s hands, time slows down. They take longer to look at the details, to feel the texture of the paper, and to savor the captured moment. Albums, canvas prints, and folio boxes all create a similar effect, we use more of our senses with prints, and I think it just feels more balanced.

Even the pictures my Dad sends me are treated differently than the ones that show up in the inbox of my computer. They arrive by snail-mail with tons of stamps parading across the padded envelope announcing something fun is inside. I immediately make a cup of coffee and then sit down at the table to enjoy them; turning them over to read the notes inscribed on the back, and savoring my Dad's view of the world one image at a time. It becomes an event of its own, and for a little while, time slows down just ever so slightly.

Unfortunately for Dad, he's struggling to find places that still print film. This means he either has to send the film out, or move on into the digital world.  If he does make the leap to a digital camera, I’m hoping that like me, he’ll not go completely digital, but will still get his images printed.  And that I will still receive an occasional package of prints every now and then, so I have an excuse to step away from my computer, make another cup of coffee, and savor the moments one frame at a time.

Word of the Year in 2014 ~ Focus on Photography

I am so happy 2014 is here.   Not that 2013 didn't have some highlights but I’m ready for a fresh start and a blank canvas to mold this year into something even better.

Many people I know pick out a word of the year to strive for.  I thought about choosing “Growth”, but then realized it might be too vague, and it could be misinterpreted into growth to my waistline, vs growth of my business and personal life. I had many other choices as well, some things I'm already pretty good at, and others I tend to overlook at times or would just like to improve on.

My prior year's word was "Dream", where dream equals ambition, to follow my dream and my heart.  This actually worked amazingly well, and the focus on business and my dream of a studio was great for my career, but not so great for my personal life.  Towards the end of last year my garden suffered because I didn't have the time to give it the attention it needed. Worse yet, I stopped taking pictures for fun, and most of my images were client driven. (With the exception of my iPhone images and Instagram account.)  I went from taking a personal picture a day with my camera, to picking it up for fun about once a quarter!

Most of the people I know who don’t live in the Bay Area have a much better balance between home and work.  It’s my goal to strive for this as well, and thus my word for 2014 is “Balance”. My hopes is by finding a balance, I may actually take a real vacation this year!  We have a couple of milestone birthday’s this fall, and so perhaps I should start planning for them now.  (Especially since fall can be busy with sessions.)

I still plan on putting in 110% at Suzi Worley Photography, and have some fun things in the works, but I plan to officially checkout on occasion as well, and not work all of the time, but instead re-group to focus on family.  I hope to streamline my time on this blog, Facebook, and Social Media, and start delegating projects too! (Delegate could have been a great word as well, as I tend to try and do it all, and fear this is part of the reason why some areas of my life have suffered from neglect.)  

I think the focus on balance will not only help me become an even better photographer, but a better person as well.  I love what I do, and am so excited about the new happenings at Studio 235, I can’t wait to see what we come up with this year for sessions, etc.  But I’m also looking forward to some much needed friends and family time as well.

Do you choose a word of the year?  If so what is it?  I'd love to start this journey with as many people as possible, and perhaps check in every now and then to see if you're still on track.  Let me know if you're in via the comments below and have a great 2014!

Wild Country

“…perhaps our grandsons, having never seen a wild river, will never miss the chance to set a canoe in singing waters... glad I shall never be young without wild country to be young in.” 

~ Aldo Leopold               

Photo shoots with boys are so much fun! Perhaps it's because we often explore the "wild country".
These boys were wonderful despite the fact the heat index was 115 degrees on the day of their session.
It was hot and miserable and if the water wasn't so murky (and warm) they probably would have been in it.

I loved that they were pretty much game for anything.
Especially when I told them one of them would win the "Top Model" prize if they did a good job.
(Any guesses on who won?)

When I asked them to look like loving brothers, they nailed that too. Thanks boys for a great day, Iowa humidity and all.

Family Fun

The other day I had the opportunity to work with the sweetest family!

We met at a local rose garden, as the background was perfect for the colorful outfits and the family's gorgeous smiles.
I just had to share this sneak peak of a few of their pictures.

I adore the shot below.  It just radiates love and such an amazing family bond! They were so photogenic I almost had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming!

We timed our session perfectly and as the sun set, the girls rushed up to the top of a nearby hill as if on cue.
I loved how their silhouettes highlighted their unique personalities!
I was surprised to learn this was their very first family portrait session!

They were such fun to work with and so great about taking minimal directions that they looked and acted like pros! 

Sneak Peak: Coyote Creek

Last week I had the opportunity to visit Coyote Creek with some handsome young gentlemen. They were so well behaved they made my job look easy.

The day was a bit windy and overcast, but we didn't let that get in our way.
They had such great smiles and personalities. I think their mom and dad are going to have their hands full in a few years.

Intelligent, polite, with a mischievous grin thrown in.. I think they they have some future lady-killers in the making.

A Day With the Horses

I am so excited to officially start my journey into Professional Photography!  This blog will be a place to feature some of my favorite shots and sessions, as well as to announce upcoming events.
  This is one of my favorite captures from an impromptu shoot of my mare at the ranch I board her at.  This was a completely candid shot and I love how natural it looks.  I also love the soft, dreaminess of the image.