WOW!!

I have to say I am overwhelmed with the awesome questions I received for this blog post. I wasn’t able to answer every one here (or it would have been a very, VERY long post), but I will definitely have more FAQ opportunities in the future!

I hope this helps you on your photography journey! And, if you are looking for even some detailed tutorials, and other resources, be sure to stay tuned for the launch of the Milky Way (coming this fall…or maybe sooner!)

(side note: I’ve put together a short questionnaire to help make “The Milky Way” as useful as possible for you…so, I would be super grateful if you took the 3.7 minutes it takes to fill out (yup…we timed it!)

What camera do you use?
I shoot with the D700, I love the full frame of this camera. I have the D90 as my back up and rarely use it. It has a cropped sensor so I noticed a big difference one I upgraded.

What is Your favorite lens?
I use the Nikon 50mm 1.4G for 99% of my work. I love this lens!!!

Do You shoot Manual?
Without question, I shoot manual. I don’t recommend full Auto for any situation! You should take the time to figure out the best exposure to work for every situation. Auto gives you zero control and the camera dictates what the photo will become. When I’m shooting snapshots of my son I will use Aperture priority, but I personally prefer manual.

Do you shoot Raw or Jpg
RAW always but I actually shoot Raw+jpeg, that way If I have just family snaps, I have the ability to not have to convert them to Jpegs

How do you best market to your target client in order to stay busy despite the limited types of sessions you accept?
In all honesty, I used social media and my amazing clients just told their friends – yay! I’m a lucky gal! I do have some marketing strategies in the works though, which I’ll be sharing on the Milky Way.

How did you get started and how did you build your client base?
I started by portfolio building and doing shoots for family & friends. When I felt I had consistent quality, I started charging for my sessions.
The biggest mistake I see is people getting a camera and starting their business before their photography skills have developed. Try to consistently capture at minimum 30 images from each session with proper exposure, white balance, composition and focus before you ‘hang your shingle’ (this is just a guideline!)

What programs do you use to edit?
I currently use Lightroom & CS5. When I started, I was using Photoshop Elements.

How do you edit your photos to get the hazy creamy look?
Sorry not spilling the beans (yet!), a gal has to have a few secrets! (but stay tuned…)

Do you use studio or natural light?
I use both. For my newborns I use natural light, but I use both studio and natural light in my baby & maternity session depending on the lighting and mood I want.

I would love to know what Lens you use for your newborn sessions and at what settings?
Also What lighting you use as back up for the natural light?
I use natural light, I rarely use reflectors, only if I really really need fill light for the shadows. I use the 50mm 1.4 G for newborn sessions and like to shoot around F2.

As for back up for natural light I have the westcott 50X50 & AB400.

Do you offer one-on-one mentoring?
Not at this time. I’m a busy mama & full time photographer so I do not have time to commit to mentoring opportunties right now – but you never know what the future holds. And, we’re exploring the possibility of online mentoring.

Where do you find your blankets?
All sorts of places, IKEA, The Bay, Sears, Online, whatever catches my fancy!

Who do you use for prints?
I like Willow Tree ( Canada ) & WHCC ( USA)

Have a question that didn’t get answered? Email [email protected].

Click here to do the 3.7 minute long questionnaire now!