Why Nostalgia Photography?
First off, I'm so glad you're here! I'm assuming you came across my portfolio or facebook page, and liked what you saw, but besides taking good photos, why hire me? That's a great question, and I'm hoping to answer that for you.
Here are a few examples why I believe you would want to hire me:
My "why" - Why am I a photographer? The biggest reason I'm a photographer, is that I love stopping time, and capturing unique, and precious moments between you and your spouse/children/parents/family, etc. I want to give everyone something that they can cherish forever. As a mother, I know how quickly our babies grow and change.
I have a terrible memory, photos are what keep my memories alive. I want to capture those little details that are so easy to forget: how small your child's hands were, those thick baby thighs (and sweet rolls!) on your 6 month old, how beautiful your daughter was her senior year of high school, how great you look in your 40's! Wherever you are in your life with you and yours, I want to capture it.
When you choose me as your photographer, I feel privileged. Its such an honor that you trust me with your photos. Thank you for even considering me! It might sound silly, but my job restores my faith in humanity, seeing and capturing the human connection is something I really value.
Most importantly, I want you all to have a great experience. I want even the husbands to leave the shoot saying "that wasn't bad!" - because we all know most men don't always look forward to family portraits. I want your kids to have a good time, and I want mom to feel like a (relaxed) goddess.
I enjoy getting to know all of my families, and capturing your unique dynamics. The best photos I take, no one is looking at me/the camera, you're looking at each other, and having a genuine moment together - nothing forced. I try to avoid asking your children to smile - I want them to feel comfortable - if they don't want to smile, they don't have to. I've got a few tactics to help encourage them to smile, such as silly prompts, ("do you see any boogers in daddy's nose?") tickling from mom/dad/brother/sister, dancing, spinning, etc.
I'm quick! - Clients are always saying at the end of their sessions: "Wow that was fast!" "I can't believe how many great images you got in such a short amount of time!" - When it comes to working with small children, we have to work fast, that's why most of my family sessions are under an hour. Little ones (and often husbands) will lose their steam, and their interest after an hour. I don't like to sit around with one spot for very long. I like to keep the session moving, and keep things interesting. I also like to offer a wide variety of poses/backdrops.
Editing is done quickly as well - my turn around time on average is one week. Usually post a sneak peek on facebook the day after the shoot. I'm excited to edit and give you your pictures, and I know you will be anxious and excited to see them!
I'm dependable - I don't take my job lightly. I want you to LOVE your images! I want you to show them off on your social media pages, print and hang them in your house. When you spend your hard earned money on investing into documenting your family, I take that seriously. I'm offering a service that I feel is very important, and should be treated delicately.
But don’t take my word for it, check out my 5 star google reviews!
I also have a lot of backups - I keep all your images on TWO sd cards, I don't erase the SD cards until several days after you have received your gallery. My computer is also automatically backed up onto a cloud service. So if my hard drive crashes, I still have those files backed up. I told you, I take this seriously.
Who am I outside of photography?
I’m a stay at home mom of 3 crazy kids. Chloe is 9, Emmett is 6, and Alex is 2. When I’m not being their personal uber driver, I like to play Nintendo (sometimes with the kids… lol) watch movies from the 80’s and 90’s, or spending time with friends. Most of my friends and I have known each other for over 26 years, which is one of my biggest blessings outside of my children/family.
My husband and I met on myspace (through a mutual friend) and have been married over 10 years now. I like to think of us as very Dan & Roseanne - esque.
Why SHOULDN'T you hire me?
You didn't expect me to throw that in there did you?
Simply put, I'm not for everyone. My style may not be to your liking, or my personality may not work with yours, and that’s ok! It’s very important to work with a photographer that you’re comfortable with. I like having fun with my clients, so if you’re more of a serious type, we probably won’t mesh very well.
If you’re wanting strictly traditional poses, no candid shots, a very, very POSED session, or you’re not comfortable being a little silly with your kids or spouse, I’m probably not a good fit for you. I will direct, and guide, but I like a more hands off approach.
Every shoot I will strive for a few good posed/everyone looking at the camera shots, but most of your images will be more easy going.
So, that’s me… I hope you feel like you know me a little bit more, and feel comfortable contacting me, or booking a session!
If you have any questions, I’m happy to help you! Just reach out!