Growing - Northern Virginia Photographer

Just yesterday I had a little fun with my "Throwback Thursday" post, looking back at my past work. Tonight I spent my downtime after the kids were in bed editing a recent session with the Harmon family.

A little back story: Martha and I went to high school together and eventually roomed together in college. Sharing clothes, late night gossiping in our beds, you name it. It was in college she met Josh, whom she later married. Well, years went by. I eventually met and married my husband Adam and bought my first SLR, a Nikon D80.

Once I decided to "go for it" with photography (truly more of a hobby - I never expected to make any money or think I could turn it into a business) I needed to expand my portfolio. When it came to needing a family, I immediately thought of Martha and Josh. Not only were they good friends, but when you're 23/24, not many of your friends are a "family". The were the first people I called and they willingly accepted the task of being my guinea pigs. They were so supportive and appreciative of our session.

Five years later, their support continues.

A few weeks ago Martha contacted me about taking on their family once again, this time as a family of four. It was humbling and special for me to have things come full circle, to have come so far in these past 5 years.

As an artist, I pick apart my work. I'm my own worst critic and a bit of a perfectionist. I'm always looking to improve. With my throwback post, you all were so kind and supportive when critiquing my old work. While I may be critical and see things with a different set of eyes, there was a constant between all the images I posted, old and new - each of those clients believed in me at the time, believe in me now, and have helped me grow with each session.

For that, each image is always valuable and special.

Do we really need pictures of napkins? Yes. Yes, we do.

A couple months ago my husband's friend asked me to take a look at her wedding photographs, which she was reportedly unhappy with. Before I had a chance to look at the photos, I asked my husband to give me a run down and give me his opinion. He didn't think they were terrible (they weren't) but a lot of the photos weren't edited (things like random wires hanging down, blemishes) and there were tons of random pictures of "stuff", also known as, the details.

Aside from the photographer delivering way too many images (in over 1500 images, there are bound to be plenty of "duds" that take away from the wow factor of the great images - which is why I really cull through my coverage photos), the coverage wasn't all that bad. What I couldn't let go of was my husband's disregard for the "stuff".

As a photographer - and a woman, and former bride - I know how important the "stuff" is. All wedding photographers take pictures of the "stuff". The details - the napkins, the centerpieces, the favors, the plates of food, you name it.

Yes, everyone wants pictures of the couple, their family and their guests. But, think back to your own wedding - do you remember what food was served? What flowers were in your centerpieces? How about what color napkins you had? Did they have writing on them?

I recently just celebrated my 8th wedding anniversary. Forget the fact my husband wished me a happy anniversary a day early and I thought it was 9 years.... I did not have a professional photographer at my wedding. Our Dads provided us with great images from our wedding day - but I do regret not having images like I give my clients. But - 9, er, 8 years ago, the photography game was totally different. So, for example, I don't have pictures of my food. I know we had "little sandwiches" because that was a must. I love me some little sandwiches... I think there was a kind of spinach dip... Probably a fruit tray... Probably vegetables... I know we had punch, but I don't remember what color it was. What flavor...??

If I had images to remember those details, I'd never forget them. So, while in the moment and just weeks, months after your wedding you may look at those images and think "geez, how many pictures can a photographer take of ________", I guarantee when you're old and gray rocking back and forth on your porch, you'll be grateful for those images. It'll help take you back to your special day.

Now, excuse me while I go take pictures of the guestbook, serving platters, name cards, etc.

*A variety of these images were taken by my friend and talented photographer, Chance Hammock

The Great "Newborn" Debate

I photograph babies of all ages. Newborns just days old, almost newborns that are a few months old, up to a year, and then some. I personally love photographing babies around 6 months. They're just sitting up on their own, haven't yet mastered crawling (meaning they can't get away!) and love to smile for the camera.

However, newborn photography remains one of the most popular ages to photograph. Understandably - you're so excited about the new addition and want to remember them in that small, perfect state. They won't always stay that small and innocent... As I'm currently dealing with a 3.5 year old, I can attest to that personally.

Newborn images are never outdated. They can proudly be displayed in your home forever. A baby's first images will always be a keepsake proudly displayed, unlike those awkward middle school years. Your future children will thank you for taking those down each year.

Newborn photographers can be very rigid when it comes to how old your "newborn" can be. Many will not photograph a baby that is more than 14 days old.

Why is this?

Well, from what I understand babies sleep more often in the first 14 days, can be molded into those contorted positions easier and don't yet have a "startle reflex", which again, enables a baby to be placed in all sorts of positions and poses. They're on no set sleeping/eating schedule, which can make them easier to photograph.

As a lifestyle photographer, I don't use props and I avoid a lot of complicated poses. Most of my images are taken with mom and dad. Therefore, age makes no difference. My best baby was over 6 weeks old! Perhaps I'm naive since I don't specialize in newborns, but because I love photographing families young and old, I invite kids of all age to sit in front of my camera.

I'm about to be real honest here... not all newborn babies are cute. In fact, some are quite homely. I can say this, because my second baby, Brody, was quite homely when he was born. Look at that face. He looks like a grumpy old man. To a mother, he was and will always remain the cutest boy to walk this earth second to maybe his daddy, but I knew he wasn't a "cute" newborn. His eyes were puffy, he was red and again, just looked like a little old man! After a few weeks (the bottom 2 images above) his face filled out and he looked completely different. More handsome and more like he looks today.

At six months old, he didn't even look like the same baby that I brought home from the hospital. He is the happiest baby you'll ever meet. Always a flirt and willing to show off his gummy smile (now, at nine months, he is still waiting for the arrival of teeth!). Can't you see why 6 months is my favorite age? So much personality in such a little package!

Bringing home a new baby is overwhelming. There is so much going on and it can take time to get adjusted. At Kelli Brewer Photography, don't sweat it if you can't make the "14 day" deadline - because there isn't one. It's up to your family when you and baby are ready for your close ups!

Interested in booking a session for your little one? Contact me at info@kellibrewer.com to discuss details! 

Frequently Asked 5

1. Have you ever considered teaching a class or workshop to teach others how to take good pictures or use their cameras?

When I initially got this email, I think I smiled to myself at my desk, flattered that anyone thought I had anything worth sharing with others. I don't know if it's that I'm humble or still insecure about my work at times, but I still feel like I have so much to learn that I'm not yet ready to branch out and teach others. A lot of photographers that I network with think you should be in business for 5+ years before you even consider teaching others, and while I've been shooting for as long as I can remember, according to the IRS I've only been in business for about 3 years.

Teaching is something I'm passionate about, and it's definitely something I would like to do in the future or get involved in with other photographers.

2. Do you ever entertain trades for your services?

Sure. I've only found a deal worth trading for a handful of times. It really has to work best for both parties in order for a deal to be fair and have it not feel as if anyone is being taken advantage of.

3. What inspired you to make the change from your previous style of newborn photography to a more lifestyle perspective?

"Prop" newborn photography as I call it, just wasn't for me. In order to do it correctly and how I would really want to do it (a bit of a perfectionist here... sorta), I would have to invest in a lot of props, blankets, lighting setups, beanbags, etc. I don't have studio space in my home, so all of these items would have to be stuffed into the trunk of my car. This type of photography is incredibly difficult as most of the shots rely on the baby sleeping and I am just not a baby whisperer! I admire and love looking at the work of photographers who do this type of photography well, but it just wasn't an area I wanted to pursue since I specialize in family photography.

The reason I'm drawn to lifestyle photography is because it's natural. It's clean looking. I think it really captures a baby's first few days at home and the excitement of new parents or new big brothers or sisters. There isn't as much down time while we rearrange backdrops and props, and we don't have to have the baby sleeping in order to get amazing shots. My most favorite images of my kids at home at the ones that are more candid, spur of the moment shots that really focused on just a normal day at home. I think that preference in my own pictures comes out in the work I want to capture for clients.

4. What makes you cringe when you look back at your previous work?

The tilt.

A lot of new photographers do this. I did. I thought it made my pictures look more "artsy". When in reality, I think it just made me look drunk or like I was dizzy while on the job. It wasn't until I finished and delivered one wedding and was mid-shooting another one (for the same family) that the Dad asked that not as many pictures be "crooked".

At first, that really rattled me. It flustered me, I was embarrassed, I was defensive (I'm being artsy!!!) but after about 10 minutes I realized, holy crap, he's right. I had to stop myself from tilting my camera the rest of the wedding and when I went back and looked at the event they were talking about, he was totally right. It was ridiculous how much I was tilting, and how I was relying on that to make my pictures look "artsy" instead of finding more creative compositions.

That constructive criticism has made me a better photographer and I'm so thankful to this person for pointing it out to me.

They - not sure who "they" are - always say that you should never look at another photographers work and start to judge or feel down about your own work. Instead, you should look back at your own work and see how you've grown and developed as a photographer. I look back to some of my very first sessions as I was portfolio building, and even just from a year ago, and see how much I've improved in my technique, editing, and even working with and directing clients. Yes, I may cringe and laugh at my old work, but all that practice is what helped me get to where I am today.

5. What kinds of filters do you use on your lenses?

I don't use filters...

*Waits for other photographers to throw trash at me*

When I first bought my fancy smancy camera, I read all about filters and which ones did what... I bought some, and decided they weren't for me. They just seem to collect dust and every time I've used one, they made my images look horrible. It wasn't until a few months ago when I read an article where the writer had the exact same feels as me, that I felt better about this decision. I know filters have saved the lives of many lenses if they've dropped, but I guess I'm a bit of a gambler! ---------------------------------

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Do I tip my photographer?

A few weeks ago I received a panicked message from one of my friends, asking me if she should have tipped her photographer. It read:

"Is it customary to tip a photographer? I had a boudoir shoot a few days ago and after they left (it was a husband and wife team) it hit me that I had totally spaced on it. It's not too late, I can still send them something. I just feel stupid. I think I was just nervous and distracted by the whole concept of the shoot and was not thinking! Thoughts?"

Tipping has always been a great debate since well, whenever tipping began. I used to waitress, so I have heard every argument about when to tip and when to not, how much to tip, etc.

There are similar arguments when it comes to photography. To start, you're already making an investment by booking a session with your photographer. To tip before you've seen the end product (your final images) seems backwards, so I personally don't expect a tip at the end of your session. To compare it to something you do on a more regular basis, imagine tipping a hair stylist before they've ever touched your hair with the scissors.

On the other hand, a photographer is providing you a service. Depending on how much involvement your photographer has had with you in the planning process, how attentive they've been to your emails or calls, or how well your photographer worked with you and your kids, a tip can go a long way in showing your photographer how much you appreciate and have enjoyed your experience. After speaking to a number of photographers we agree: it's not expected, for the reasons I mentioned above, but it is guaranteed to make our day.

One of the best ways to "tip" your photographer is to tell everyone you know about your experience. It doesn't cost you anything, but it can go a very, very long way in helping their business. Spread our company's name on Facebook. Credit us on your blogs. Doing this says the same thing a tip would: you were pleased with our service, the end result, you loved working with us, and would come back.

Whether or not it's the norm, if you feel like great service deserves a great reward, you can never go wrong by making someone's day. Should you feel bad if you don't? Absolutely not.

In the end, I wrote back my friend and told her not to worry. Her photographers probably hadn't thought twice about it and hopefully after this blog post, you won't either!