I may not be the photographer for you, and that's okay.

The title kind of starts this off for me. I may not be the photographer for you and I have learned that that is okay. I have been a photographer for many many years and I have learned so much. Not just about my craft but about the way I want to do business. When I first began I took as much work as I could. I was so eager to just photograph. I would take all kinds of different work, trying to accommodate as much as possible. It was so hard for me to develop a signature style one that I was in love with because I was all over the place and eventually I burned out. I took a year or so off. The only things I really photographed was my kids and the occasional session for super close friends and family. As I took that time off and only photographing when I wanted to I was able to slow down and work on my work. Develop it into something I was proud of. I always knew where I wanted it to be but before I didn't have the time to get it there. Slowly I began taking work again and found niches that I felt that I thrived in such as boudoir.

I learned to shoot for my style. I learned to shoot for the moments. Not only was I developing my shooting style I was developing my editing style. I found that I wanted to keep things as true to the portrait as possible. I wanted to make sure I celebrated skin tones and embrace the light and colors that were present during the session. I allowed sunny days to be sunny while maintaining all of the details. I didn't want to overexpose and lose anything. I wanted to be able to see textures in the faces of my clients. I wanted their features to shine. If the day happened to be overcast or if we were shooting into the evening I allowed the portraits to portray the authentic mood. I wanted to showcase the color in the portraits without them being overpowering with their saturation.

I was always inspired by the soft richness of film photography. So I worked to have my work resemble the similar classic style. I knew that I wanted to capture real emotion. I spent time studying and practicing ways to encourage those moments during my sessions. It is something I continue to work on. I knew that I had no desire in being a shoulders back, chin up, gut in type of photographer. I wanted to walk with my clients, talk with my clients and help them become comfortable because I knew if they felt comfortable they would look comfortable. I didn't want to pose, I wanted to give small directions and let magic happen.

After focusing and really developing my style I now produce artwork that I am truly proud of. However I know that my style of photography and editing is not for everyone. Choosing a photographer is a lot like choosing anything. Let's take purses for instance. I am not a Vera Bradley or Coach kinda of girl. I am not particularly a brand kind of girl either. I have though fallen in love with the Kate Spade style. I love the simplicity of the designs, the color options and the quality. I will invest in a bag when I need a new one as I find value in that brand and style. Just because I am not fond of Very Bradley does not mean there is anything wrong with the brand and they are not really effected by me not being a fan because there are so many people out there that just love the brand and designs. That is the beautiful thing about the world and why so many different businesses thrive. People have different tastes, people put value in different things.

There are people that prefer light and airy portraits. There are people that like brighter portraits with bright colors. There are people who like super sharp and crisp portraits. There are so many talented photographers that provide artwork with these styles. When I am searching for a photographer for my own portraits I always choose them based on their style. I look over their portfolio. I look to see how their work looks in different environments as I know that portraits will look very different depending on seasons, the time of day and the light available. I look to make sure I love their editing style. I have never chose a photographer based on price. I have never once regretted the investment that I have put forward to have family portraits that I am in love with.

I very much want each and every one of my clients to love their portraits. Its easier though if they are in love with my work. So if deep and moody is not what you are looking for then I may not be the photographer for you. That's okay. As much as I would love to work with everyone I would much rather someone choose a different photographer if that photographer was a better fit. There are so many talented photographers with a variety of styles that I admire. If I am not the photographer for you, find one whose work speaks to you.

#robertsdale #alabama #studio #lifestyle #fl #portrait #al #mobile #pensacola #foley #gulfcoast #boudoir