Friday 5


1. How many photos do you take during a session?

Probably between 200-300 in an hour session. I take quite a few images from the same pose or moment to compensate for blinkers, laughs, eye contact, etc. Even something so subtle as a different hand position can create a better image, so I'm always snapping. 
2. Do you have a recommendation for a point and shoot?

I currently have a Nikon Coolpix, but I haven't been happy with it. My favorite point and shoot was my Canon Powershot. It was fast, easy to use, saved the images quickly and gave me great images. Sadly, after a few years it began missing pixels and the sensor was shot. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Powershot models! I always look for manual features, an optical zoom, and ISO options.

3. What is your biggest fear when taking on a session or working with a new client?

I have a condition called microscopic colitis which is unpredictable. My worry is that I will be late to a session because I've had to stop numerous times on the way there (which is why I always try to leave extra early) or that on the day of a wedding I will be extremely ill and unable to shoot. It's easy enough to reschedule a portrait session but that is not an option with a wedding day! Luckily I have never had an issue *Knock on Wood*

4. Where is your favorite location to shoot?

Chapman's Mill is definitely up there, but I also really love Old Town Occoquan. The old buildings, being right by the water and the many different textures and backgrounds to work with in a small amount of space.

5. My husband always blinks no matter how many times I count or try to get him not to. We don't have a single picture where he isn't halfway closed or blinking. Any suggestions?

I read this trick somewhere, and it's especially helpful in large group photos - Have everyone close their eyes and on three, ask them to open their eyes. Wait a moment and then snap the image. I've had great success with it.



Have a question, curiosity, business or photography question? Submit it below!




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Friday 5


Sorry I am posting this so late in the day! I have been enjoying family in town for Spring Break and have been swamped with quality family bonding time. =) Here are the first questions for my Friday 5 segment - please submit a few of your own and it could be used in a future Friday 5 post!

1. What's the one thing you wish you would have known when you first started your business?

There is a level of self-consciousness that goes with being an artist. I am constantly evaluating and picking a part my work. I look back at some of my sessions when I was first getting started and I cringe! 

A photographers style (and ultimately talent, execusion) is very personal - it's hard not to feel slighted when someone doesn't hire you and it makes you wonder if it's because you're not good at what you do. I am happy to say that at this point in my business I am now really proud of the work I am putting out and still love that I grow with every session. 

2. Do you take a lot of photos in your personal life? Does it drive your friends and family nuts or are they used to it? I only ask, because I'm nowhere near a professional photographer and my friends always yell at me. Oh...maybe because I'm NOT a professional photographer so I don't have the magic touch that makes them all look fabulous :)

I do take quite a bit of pictures, but not as much as you'd think a professional photographer would take. Honestly - I'm so busy working on client images that my own images get forgotten about, which is something I am trying to be better about. 

I really want to be "that girl" who brings her camera and takes pictures at the most random of moments, but I've not yet been that brave. I think people laugh and grunt when the camera comes out, but in the end I think they're happy to have that moment captured, whatever it may be.

3. Has a baby ever gone to the bathroom during a session?

Yes. I don't know that I've ever been shooting a newborn that didn't urinate while they were in their birthday suit, but I've only had one blow out. Sadly the mom was holding the bum for a picture and it went all over her! It happens though, which is why I never let a client get worked up over it!

4. What is more work - the session or the process afterward?

Post-processing by far. A session usually runs maybe 3 hours when you include over an hour shooting and the commute to a location. I easily spend 12+ hours sorting through images, editing my favorites, preparing a client gallery and then editing the selected images and preparing a final gallery/disc for the client. I don't think most clients realize the hands on work that goes on after a session.

5. What do you do to prepare to walk out for a session?

I always charge my batteries the night before. I clear my memory card and make sure I have extras in my bag. I grab all my lenses, clean them, and make sure they're tucked away. I pack my flash, "just in case". I always carry a lens wipe and dust-free cloth with me in case I need to clean my lenses in the field. I turn on my camera and put everything back to my session defaults to make sure nothing is left over from another session or personal pictures and I hit the road!



Have a question, curiosity, business or photography question? Submit it below!




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Friday 5


I'm starting a new feature here @ Kelli Brewer Photography! Every week I'll be answering questions from followers and readers of my blog. You can anonymously submit your own questions about how I work, what I'm working with, how I run my business, my post-processing, working with clients and even questions you may have about myself and my background.

Anything goes and I am an open book! This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions you may have been to embarrassed/bashful/scared to ask!



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