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Tag Archives: Atlanta Child Photographer

Windows to the soul | Children’s Photography in Atlanta, GA

Saturday, September 27, 2008 3:32 pm Posted in Baby Photography, Child Photography, Family Photography, General, Sessions

Recently I had the privilege to meet the M family’s four gorgeous children. Our primary goal of the session was to create a wall portrait of their second daughter, now age 3, in keeping with family tradition. They have large wall portraits of their older two children at the same age. Now it was this lovely young lady’s turn. (She is the first child you see pictured here.)

Her siblings joined us for her session, so I could create a few images of each of them, and (if we got lucky), a portrait of the four of them together. These children were impressively well behaved, and I really enjoyed meeting all four. What struck me was how unique they each were, in personality and in features. But one thing they each shared were these incredible eyes. With an international heritage, their eyes were positively mesmerizing. And those lashes! Wow!

I think you will agree with me … you can see so much depth in their eyes, so much innocence yet so much wisdom. What luminous souls we can glimpse through those eyes!

This image cracked me up … just leaning on Baby Brother. :)

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The Camera

Monday, June 30, 2008 11:36 am Posted in Baby Photography, Family Photography, General, Important News, Newborn Photography, Sessions

I think I have a new favorite quotation, maybe even a new life motto. I came across this on a photography site I visit often.

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” – Dorothea Lange

Meet Miss A. Oh, she was a joy to photograph! She was so sweet, smiley, and calm. Her parents themselves are involved in the art world professionally, so it was a great honor to be chosen as their photographer. During the session, her mom said to me, “What it must be like to see the world through your eyes.” What a compliment that was! On my drive home, I remembered that quotation I had just read, and reflected on how incredibly blessed I am to be a photographer. I never thought I could have, never knew it possible to have, a career that I would still do even if I wasn’t being paid.

And babies like Miss A are huge part of that blessing. For an hour or two, I get to enjoy some fresh air and new scenery with a new family, focusing (no pun intended) on all things beautiful and innocent in that singular moment, brought to life by a darling baby discovering it for the first time. My camera and my clients allow me a view on life that I would have never had otherwise. I don’t know how long God will entrust me with this gift, but I will cherish each and every moment for as long as I can. I hope to have a camera in my hand, professionally or not, for the rest of my life.

So thank you, to this family and all my clients, for being part of this gift, this blessing, to me.

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The Art (and Investment) of Custom Photography

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 11:21 am Posted in Important News

I just learned about a wonderful, in-depth article written by Marianne Drenthe on Custom Photography. What is custom photography, and how should you choose a professional photographer? Why does custom photography cost so much more than the chain studios? What exactly is Lifestyle Photography or Photojournalism? This fantastic article addresses all these questions and more.

I especially like her breakdown of the time involved in just one portrait session. Many people might not realize just how much time goes into a single portrait session. For instance, did you know that I rarely photograph more than 3-4 clients in one week? I estimate my time per session to average about 12 hours. If I photograph 4 clients, that makes a 48 hour work week. This summer, I have only reserved a maximum of 3 clients per week, sometimes only 2, because I want to spend some time with my children while they are out of school. During the holiday portrait months of September and October, with the loving support of my husband and family, I accept 5-6 sessions per week to meet demand. That means I often work about 60-72 hours per week in those months! So now you know why I take December off! :)

How does one session require so much time? Here is an excerpt from Marianne’s article with a breakdown [with my personal averages added in brackets]:

  • session prep time (30 mins – 1 hour, includes equipment and back up equipment checks + vehicle checks)
  • [up to] one hour travel time TO session
  • 15 minutes prep time at client’s home
  • [1 to 2 hours] with client photographing subject
  • [up to] one hour travel time FROM session
  • 30-45 minutes uploading time from digital cards from camera to computer
  • 30-45 minutes time spent backing up the original images
  • 2-5 hours editing time to present you with a diverse gallery of edited images
  • 1 hour prep time getting ready for ordering
  • 2-3 hours time with client for ordering images [my average is less than 1 hour since I do not usually meet with clients in person for ordering]
  • 1 hour sorting through and checking order
  • 30 minutes-1 hour prep time for delivery
  • 30 minutes-1 hour getting order shipped
  • any additional phone time or time needed for add on ordering, shipment issues, [questions regarding images, changes in finishes, etc.]

As you can see, average client time for a session ranges from just under 13 hours to 19 hours dependent on the photographer’s level of service. This is time dedicated only to your session. When the photographer charges $150-$300 for the photo shoot you are not just paying for the two hours of session time, you are paying the photographer for 12-19 hours complete time for your session.

This list does not include some of the time requirements for running a business in general, such as bookkeeping, phone calls and session planning with prospective clients, time spent on the phone or in person with my accountant, lawyer, or insurance agent, market research, website and blog maintenance, and ongoing photographic study and artistic development. It really adds up!

Take a peek if you’d like to read more … http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com

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A New Friend

Friday, May 16, 2008 8:21 pm Posted in Baby Photography, Child Photography, Family Photography, General, Sessions

Meet Miss L, and her baby brother N. Look at the resemblance in these two. Their eyes, their smile … you can tell they are siblings! These two children were so precious, and so well behaved! I even called my husband on the drive home to tell him how enjoyable this session was, and how impressed I was with their gentle and sweet demeanors. And L had the cutest little painted toenails.

We met at a park in Smyrna, which has a long walking path we followed from one photo spot to the next. Just a few steps into our walk, darling Miss L tiptoed up beside me and reached up to hold my hand as we walked. Oh, how she stole my heart!!

I also loved watching N’s curiosity as we plopped him down here and there. Of course, he tried to pick up and eat a few things off the ground … as babies his age so often do. Dad stayed on alert for foreign objects while I photographed N’s discovery of the world around him.

Thank you to this lovely family for a truly enjoyable afternoon, and for sharing your children with me. It was a pleasure! I’m especially thankful for my new friend.





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