Monday's Muse: Candescent Photography vs. Department Store X

When I go to Department Store X, I see harried parents carrying there oh-so-cute-children-I-really-would-♥-to-photograph towards the portrait section.  Having never experienced it first hand, I might not be the best to writer on the subject.  I did consult a few review sites and leisurely browse Department Story X, Y, Z to help fill out my nifty table.  I cannot guarantee the exact accuracy as they all vary, but I did my best “guestimate averaging.”  

People are taken aback with custom photography sessions fees, but the old saying goes: “You get what you pay for.”  I too have been tempted with the seemingly convenience and affordable prices.  I completely see why people go this route.  On a whim, you can go and get pictures done of your babe in Sunday’s best.  But, if you are like me, you really invest a lot of time in planning outfits, ect for a photo shoot.  All the stress for a sheet of prints doesn’t seem worth it.  


A lot of reviews complained of the quality of the prints.  More complained about the “bait and switch” or is it hook?...anyways method.  They have free session fees, free prints, ect, only to give you a nice, big sales pitch at the end. Bleh.  I tell and post clearly on my website (which a lot of photographers seem to keep in the dark for reasons unknown) what you get and when.  I like to know what to expect and treat you how I want to be treated.

So.  I decided to break it down to help others see the difference.  Again, I am not bashing X, Y, or Z, just merely offering my clients more.  Enjoy….it’s a lot of info, but worth the readJ

You see, you do get what you pay for.  Email me at candescentphoto@gmail.com with any questions you don't feel you want to post below.  I would love to show you what custom photography is really about☼

C Turns One! Virginia natural light baby photographer.

C is the first cake smash of the season!  The weather has been hit or miss lately, but is so worth it to get babies and toddlers outdoors.  They seem to forget about the camera and really rock their shoots.  Honestly, most cake smashes are "staged."  Not for C!  He dug right in!  Cake smashes are an excellent way to capture the big milestone of turning one.  I plan to do it again with my twins second birthday too:)  I always "warm up" with a family/individual portrait session first, so making a yummy mess is a nice reward at the end!  All sessions include a 12x12 storyboard featured below and 4 5x5 prints too match (great for grandma, scrapbook, ect).

And before the mess...

Monday's Muse: Straighten up, or not;)

What do I love more than my photography?  Looking at other people's photography.  Seriously.  I honestly tire of my "work" easily, which is good for my clients.  Keep it fresh.  I "follow" ::cough, cough:: stalk a nice collection of photographers.  Most of my collection are beyond amazing, but some I keep around to keep me in check.  A bit why beautiful people have less than attractive friends. 

Last week I discussed the laziness I find in some black in white pictures which I am guilty of too.  This week I want to talk about "crooked" pictures.  If my husband notices an angled shot, "it's crooked" condemning it to be thrown to the wayside.  He is an engineer, very black and white.  I love him in his gray scale creativity:)  But, he is under the notion every. single. shot. needs to be straight.    

Not so!  Take the image above.  It is hands down one of my favorite shots ever.  I was photographing her new baby brother in the tiny church at Silver Dollar City (google it, go to it, love it if you have not) where her parents actually got married!  This shot was stuck in my head weeks before the shoot.  I asked if she would lay on the pew.  At first she didn't, so I went on shooting the new baby.  We notice she did a perfect model pose....snap! I got it!  The great thing with nice cameras is that they are fast.  I did take the first shot angled (it is not post processed that way), after I took the below image.  Isn't it a bit boring?  Straight.   Sometimes I take a boring image and angle it to make it more interesting.  

My whole point is.  When you come across a photographer that makes every image angled, you wonder where the creativity is?  That is my muse for this fine Monday:)  Please feel free to comment!

Monday's Muse: Editing...it's not all black and white☼

Choosing a custom photographer is not always black and white.  Let's face it.  Anyone can buy an SLR, edit (or NOT!) with free editing software, burn a CD, and charge $100...voila....your custom photography experience! Or is it?

Hi, my name is Brittney Hansen and I am a budget shopperholic (it's fun to make up words).  But with budget shopping you have to consider quality.  Both my husband and I have droids.  We keep buying cheap covers to protect them in hopes they will miraculously last longer than a month.  Do they?  No, but they serve their purpose I guess:/  

But with some things like "capturing the light in life's fleeting moments" (my nifty motto), you do not want to be cheap in investment/quality.  I wanted to give a visual example of why not all custom photography experiences are equal.  This is of course my image and may not be copied!

Sadly I come across the first image often.  It is SOOC (straight out of the camera) and converted to black and white.  Just because an image is converted to black and white does not mean it is magically, perfectly edited.  Just like buying that cheap droid cover;)  Now, I may have went a tad overboard, but notice how much more can be done to it in the second image.  

If you think they are both nice.  That is ok.  I have people who I love in my life that really don't have an "eye" for this sort of thing.  But, maybe with practice and looking/comparing work of photographers you can find the best bang for your buck;)  I am NOT saying I am the most fabulous photographer in all the land.  Boy I have a lot to learn and find enjoyment in it.  Meanwhile, I just want people to see there is a difference.  Sure, your coworker's wife's cousin is building a portfolio and charging a $100.  We all have to start somewhere.  But remember the choices for photographers are not always black and white.

Spring Awaits Session Giveway

☼This is the official blog post to enter the Candescent Photography Spring Awaits Session Giveaway☼

#1: “Like” Candescent Photography Page found here: www.facebook.com/candescentphoto.  Then enter on THIS blog post.  (One winner will be randomly chosen through random.org from this post alone).

#2: Tell your friends about it.  Whoever “sends” the most people to the Candescent Photography page will win a session. I love a nice competition!  Spread the word however you like (i.e. “@Candescent Photography,” a direct link to the blog post, ect).  I will only be able to track if your friends either post to the wall with your name or write it on their entry on the blog post. 

Who?  Two winners that can book their on-location session within 50 miles of Fredericksburg, VA will win their choice of any session type, except newborns.  Maternity. Babies. Cake Smashes. Toddlers. Children. Family. Couples. Singles. Anyone is eligible, even previous clients or acquaintances.  Random.org will choose the winner.

What?  A one hour regular Candescent Photography Session.  One location of your choice, one hour shooting time, 10 image photo sharing CD, free 11x14 ($30 value), preview within 48 hours, online gallery within 2 weeks.  Click on the about tab on FB or check out my website candescentphotography.com for more details.  Valued at $250!

When? The contest runs through February 28th, 2011.  I will announce TWO winners March 1st, 2011 on my blog post since I cannot announce the winner on FB.  The sessions must be redeemed before June 1st, 2011.

Where?  Since I am targeting “locals,” the session will take place within a 50 mile Radius of Fredericksburg, VA (which includes DC and Richmond).

Why? Ok.  I get it.  Half the country is or will be covered in snow.  If you follow me at all, it is obvious that I thrive with outdoor photography.  I was sifting through last year’s photos and got spring fever of sorts.  I recently moved to Virginia and would like to get the word out about my business while giving back.  What better way than TWO free spring sessions?!








And the winners are...


#1 Session Spring Awaits Giveaway randomly chosen from the entries below is...

#14!  Peter Doyle


Anonymous said...

I liked your page on FB- would love to win this for my wife for Mothers Day!
Peter Doyle

25.2.11 

I confirmed Peter Doyle is a fan!  Mr. Doyle please contact me (or your wife) at candescentphoto@gmail.com to set up your session!  Looking forward to photographing your family:) 

#2 Session Spring Awaits Giveaway randomly chosen from the entries below is...

Jennifer Rebura with the most referrals!  

It was really close and FB liked to mix up all the post which made it difficult.  I look forward to working with you , please contact me at candescentphoto@gmail.com to set up your session time!

But wait...you too are a winner if your name appears below!  If you book a regular session (at $200 regular, $250 for newborns/cakesmash), you will receive a 16x20 valued at $60!  

**I do not give % or $ off because I only reward previous clients with a 20% discount**

Thank you to everyone who participated!  It was a lot of fun and I hope to work with a few of you soon!  I will be announcing mini spring sessions, so keep your eyes open!