Belleville IL Family Photographer | Speed of Life Photography’s In-Person Consultation

Posted on March 14, 2012

This is one of a three-part series that highlights just a few of the benefits of choosing Speed of Life Photography for your next portrait session. Read about In-Person Ordering Appointments here.

I have always thought it was important to help my clients prepare for their session. For many years I had a phone conversation about a week before the session to check in and make sure that I answered any questions they had. I usually reviewed clothing options and their expectations. However, while I felt the phone call was adequate, it was just not quite enough to truly help me and my clients prepare for their session. Last year I began offering an In-Person Consultation and I am just thrilled with the outcome. These consultations are included in your session fee and make your experience with Speed of Life Photography even better.

Today, when you schedule a Signature Session with me, I make two appointments with you. The first is for a brief, In-Person Consultation and the second is for our session itself. The consultation usually occurs in your home. This gives me a chance to see your decor and the way you currently decorate with photographs. We will spend some time talking about what you plan to do with the portraits from our session. We will also review clothing and what to expect for the session and beyond. You will also get a chance to see some of my products, including my gorgeous session albums. They are the perfect way to show off your beautiful images to your family and friends.

This meeting also gives us a chance to sit down and chat. My goal for our session is to create genuine images of your family interacting with each other. I want to know what makes you laugh and what do you enjoy most about each other. I feel the relationship that we have as photographer and client is vital to creating portraits you will adore. I want the outcome of our session to be beautiful images that you will cherish for years as well as a fabulous experience that will bring back fond memories.

Ready to schedule a Signature Session and In-Person Consultation for your family? Contact Amy at amy@speedoflifephotos.com or (618)628-3201

Since it is no fun to post without an image, here is a little taste of what is going on outside my door today.

View Amy’s favorite portrait session images

Learn more about a photography session with Speed of Life Photography

O’Fallon IL Family Photographer | Choosing Your Family Photographer

Posted on March 7, 2012

When it’s time for professional portraits, how do you choose the right photographer for you? Portraits plan an important role in home décor and in family history so look for a photographer that has the knowledge and skills to create great images and gives you excellent service. Here are some important factors to consider:

Style

The photographer’s style should match your personal style. If your style is traditional, a photographer that uses classic backdrops and poses may be your best choice. However, if you’re laid-back and casual, look for a photographer who captures relaxed and natural poses.

Don’t stop at the photographer’s images! Read through her website and give her a call. A strong rapport with a photographer can really make the difference between a good session and a great one.

Reputation

Hiring a photographer is a lot like hiring a roofer. You want a professional with a reputable business, satisfied customers, and the equipment, skills, and knowledge to get the job done right.

Look at her online reviews and her Facebook page to see if she has satisfied clients. Also, take a look at her website address. If it includes “wordpress” or “wix”, it is a free website which means she may not be taking her business as seriously as you might like. A photographer who has created a registered business, pays taxes, and has insurance, will take that same careful planning and apply it to working with you.

Price List

Before you review her price list, think about how much work YOU want to do before, and after the photo session. Do you want to:

• Research clothing ideas, or have her guide you towards choosing the perfect outfits?
• Figure out what to do with your prints on your own, or have her design a display of your images that are framed and ready to hang on the wall?

Don’t just look at the price of an 8×10. Instead examine her packages and services, and compare them with your needs and wants.

Finally, decide if you want the image files. Your first reaction may be, “Yes!”, but consider what you will do with them. Do you want a disk with hundreds of images, just your favorites to share online, or would you prefer the photographer make the prints for you.

Let’s Review

Choosing a photographer is a personal decision that should be based on your family’s needs and wants. Look for someone who has a photographic style that compliments your own style, has the knowledge and skills to create great images, and meets the needs of your family budget while still giving you a fabulous product. If you research your options, you will likely have a much better experience. Family portraits should bring you joy right now and be a lasting legacy for future generations.

Ready to schedule a session for your family? Contact Amy at amy@speedoflifephotos.com or (618)628-3201

View Amy’s favorite portrait session images

Learn more about a photography session with Speed of Life Photography

 

 

Belleville IL Photography Class | Using Your Digital SLR in Manual Mode

Posted on March 5, 2012

Using your Digital SLR  on Wednesday April 11th, 2012 from 7-9 pm at Studio M 58 Carlyle Plaza Drive, Belleville, IL 62221.

$35 at the door.

Learn how to get the most out of your DSLR and use the Manual Mode. Amy will explain ISO, shutter speed, and aperture and walk you through the steps of how to properly expose an image. Bring your camera.

Please RSVP here or by emailing Amy.

Follow Speed of Life Photography on Facebook to find out about all of our upcoming classes.

Learn more about a photography session with Speed of Life Photography.

Belleville IL Photography Class | Photography Basics Workshop

Posted on March 5, 2012

Photography Basics Workshop on Wednesday March 28th, 2012 from 7-9 pm at Studio M 58 Carlyle Plaza Drive, Belleville, IL 62221.

$35 at the door.

Whether you have a Point & Shoot or a DSLR this class will help you take better photographs. Amy will review some of the settings on your camera, talk about using light properly, and discuss using creative composition. She will also review how to fix common photo problems.

Please RSVP here or by emailing Amy.

Follow Speed of Life Photography on Facebook to find out about all of our upcoming classes.

Learn more about a photography session with Speed of Life Photography.

Belleville IL Photography Class | Image Critique Workshop

Posted on March 5, 2012

Image Critique Workshop on Wednesday March 14th, 2012 from 7-9pm at Studio M 58 Carlyle Plaza Drive, Belleville, IL 62221

$35 at the door

Amy will lead a group discussion providing constructive criticism and critique on your images. Bring up to 4 images to share with the group on a flash drive. Each member of the workshop will have the opportunity to share their images and offer opinions and suggestions to other attendees. You are welcome to remain anonymous when we discuss your images. This is a great opportunity to discuss images with other photo enthusiasts. Professional and amateur photographers are welcome.

Please RSVP here or by emailing Amy.

Follow Speed of Life Photography on Facebook to find out about all of our upcoming classes.

Learn more about a photography session with Speed of Life Photography.

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