There’s a lot that goes into a photography session beyond just your session. The process looks different for every photographer, but knowing how I work will help you prepare for your session and even decide if I’m a good fit to take your photos!

Planning

Before you even arrive for your session, I’ve done a ton of planning to make sure we have everything right from the beginning.

I’m always researching to find new strategies and poses. I follow some really awesome photographers to see what they are doing and figure out how I can turn that into something that works with my style and for my clients.

And speaking of style, I have a really “clean” style. What does that mean? I want my photos as realistic as possible, so no artsy edits. I want my photos to be as close to real life as possible, so I try to get it right in the camera and then clean up any distractions in Photoshop later.

Right before you arrive

Camera batteries are notorious for dying right when you need them, so I make sure my batteries and backup batteries are charged. I also have to make sure I have space to store your photos, so I clean up memory cards to have them ready to go.

And then there’s the props. If you request something special for your session, I make sure it’s ready and I pack up any props in my car if we have an out-of-studio shoot.

Also, and this is a big one, I’m always checking the weather! You all know how Northern Illinois weather can be. I try to keep an eye on it both outside and on my phone so I know if we need to reschedule or find a different location.

Last, but definitely not least, I always pray before each session. Photography is an art and just one of the ways I can glorify God, so I ask him to give me creativity and clarity, to help both me and my clients to be comfortable, and that the photos we take together would be beautiful. It’s also hard to go into a session if I have things weighing on my mind, so I take this time to pray for anything that’s on my heart.

During the session

Making you comfortable

The biggest part of a photographer’s job isn’t taking photos (although that’s important too lol) but make sure you’re comfortable so your photos look like you, not some buttoned-up, uptight version of you. I’m socially awkward by nature, so that always helps lighten things up, and along with that, I have my stash of bad jokes to share to make you laugh. Shannon, Illinois and the surrounding region is also a small town, so I have plenty of chit chat to talk with you about (because the chances are good I know your great-aunt twice removed).

Keep things moving

I don’t want to waste your time or mine, so we move quickly through the poses and capture as many photos in a short time. Too long of a session, especially with kids, leaves everyone stressed, so it’s best to get as many photos as possible. That said, if someone is starting to get stressed or frustrated, we take a break so they can cool off and put on their best smiles.

I also try to keep locations close. Variety in locations is good, but if we have to drive long distances, that slows us down. I try to keep locations within walking distance if possible.

After the session

Editing

As easy as it is to think that a photographer just has to show up with a camera, take a few pics, and be on her way, there’s actually a whole lot of time involved after the photos as well. Editing can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on what’s needed. I use Lightroom and Photoshop to make sure nothing in your photos distracts from you and your family. Some things I look to edit are the lighting balance, contrasts of colors, cropping photos so you are front and center, and very occasionally changing the backdrop or swapping a face from an earlier image. I also save and double save to make sure I don’t lose your images, and then I upload to your online gallery so you can view and pick your favorites!

Looking for a Northern Illinois photographer? Look no further! Let’s chat.