Behind the scenes...

A lot of people have asked me about what goes into photography "behind the scenes". Photography isn't just about taking pictures...trust me- I wish it was!  Photography takes a lot of steps I never considered before starting down the path of "professionalism".

First of all- lets forget for the moment all the time and effort it takes to market yourself in order to actually get a client. Lets skip to the part where I have booked a client, figured out the date, time and location, not to mention spent hours pouring over ideas on Pinterest and reading blogs for ideas and tips...oh yeah, I said I was skipping that part :p

Ok...so day of. Obviously I need to make sure all the camera equipment is ready to go and I know where I'm going (and can get there with enough time to spare.) 
During the shoot I'm obviously taking pictures, making the client comfortable while also trying to get husbands, fiances and children to cooperate (and wives, Moms and girls in general to relax...yes you look beautiful!).  Now insert the arm and leg workout...yes- that camera is heavy and holding that squat to get the perfect shot is tough work! 

After returning home, it then takes several hours before your photographs are ready for enjoyment. 
I shoot in RAW so I can't just look at the pictures as soon as I put my memory card in. I have to catalog them in Lightroom first. 

After they are in Lightroom I can then go through and make changes, fix small imperfections, alter lighting and add some artistic touches (such as turning the image Black and White).   

As I go through the pictures, I give them a rating. The pictures that get 5 stars- the ones I LOVE- get put on Facebook as a sneak peek for you, the client! 

Then it time to make your DVD, and wrap it in clover to enjoy and have your special moments...captured! to cherish forever!

And there you have it...a super simplified version of what happens behind the scenes...