So, you have looked at our samples, and you like what you see, but you still have a few questions, or you would simply like to know more about us, our shooting style, and what your Senior Session will be like.
First of all, I, Tracy, am a stay-at-home mom of 4 children, ages 3-11. So, for that reason our shooting space and our print shop is in our home. (There are other reasons--I like the flexibility, the relaxed atmosphere, being able to work at 3am if I want to, wearing pagamas to work, etc.) So, when you come to the Studio, you are coming to my house, and you will undoubtably see the kiddos. We are also very casual. Our home is your home. We have a huge variety of backdrops in our Studio, metallics, solids, patterns, traditional and trendy. We use excellent professional lighting for the most flattering look, and we have all sorts of interesting chairs, boxes and props to accent your portraits. Please remember that some of the most powerful images are the simplest ones that are uncluttered with clean lines and strong tonalities.
We shoot virtually anytime, but for lighting reasons, outdoor work is reserved for morning and evening light, so you will be asked about outdoor photography during your phone consultation and scheduling. I try to take a couple days away from portrait work every week so I can regenerate and stay fresh--it is a necessary part of my art, I believe. However, we do work every Saturday, and some Sundays. We also do evening appointments. When you call, we will do our best to accomodate your schedule as well.
We want you to bring anything and everything that you want included in your portraits. Sports equipment and uniforms, band stuff, art stuff, collections, whatever--it is all fair game. We want your portraits to really look like you, so bring whatever it is that floats your boat. You are not limited in the number of wardrobe changes either, so bring what you like, including formal wear, extremely ratty jeans and tshirts, and everything in between. Barefoot is great, and so are cool funky shoes. Accessorize with hats, sunglasses, and, of course, a little bling is a nice touch.
I genuinely enjoy people, and Seniors are no exception. I find myself chatting quite a bit during sessions, trying to find out more about the people I photograph. Capturing images that really reflect a personality is a process, I believe, and a good Session is one in which photographer and subject really get to know one another. As we talk and I shoot, we will develope a rhythm, we will find which poses look most natural and most like you, and which ones feel false and "posed". Authenticity is so important to me, and hopefully during our hours together, we will be able to make photographs of you that are not only nice to look at, but also ring of truth and honesty. I welcome any input I can get from parents also, because they really know the person I am photographing and they really "see" them, and they know when a pose is an honest reflection of that person. Oftentimes, parents have specific ideas in mind for their child's Senior Portraits, and I try to listen carefully so I can fulfill these expectations. I love it when Seniors and when parents want to collaborate with me to make the best portraits we can.
I try very hard to keep up with trends in photography, especially fashion portraiture and magazine work. I constantly educate myself about new visual techniques, both with the camera and with the computer. I do all retouching, digital effects, graphic arts and digital arts myself, as well as all professional printing. All our equipment is top-notch, and all our materials are archival and of the finest quality to make portraits that will outlive all traditional professional labs. In other words, I am the business. But truly, I love the work, and I love the challenge of making every subject's experience a unique reflection of who they really are.
So, when you come to your session, do not be nervous, and remember, my goal is to bring out the best "you for your photographs--and have a good time doing it. We will shoot a lot, but I view that as part of the process of revealing someone's personality--peel an onion and it's got a lot of layers. I do too, and Senior Portrait Photography is just one part of my business and my life, but one I really enjoy. It is so nice to meet great young people, find out a little about their lives and what their hopes and dreams are, to spend a couple positive hours making great portraits together.
