Q. What type of equipment do you use?
A. Although I feel digital is totally appropriate for some industries i.e.
commercial photography, I feel portraiture is not one of them. I use film
because I feel it maintains the integrity of the image while providing the
best resolution for enlargements.
Q. Do you work with black and white only?
A. Although I love the look and feel of black and white photography, I also
work with color film. Whether color or black and white, this is a decision
I leave up to the client and their vision of the photographs they desire.
Clients seek the services of a professional photographer on an exclusive basis
so I find many clients want the benefit of BOTH black and white and color.
Q. Why do you prefer natural lighting?
A. The word natural says it all. Using the available light, diffused sunlight,
is very complimentary to all subjects and it produces a natural "feel", one
that is most closely matched with the exact conditions of the actual shoot.
Q. Do you photograph weddings?
A. I have photographed the occasional wedding, although my specialty is portraiture.
I enjoy the relaxed environment and like to take the time while creating my
images.
Q. My children and/or animal(s) won't sit still long enough for a photograph-
how are you able to capture them?
A. I love to shoot candidly with a photojournalistic approach- this lends
itself well to an energetic and curious child or pet. It takes a lot of patience
and sometimes it does take a while to get the perfect "pose". With enough
gentle coaxing (and the occasional bribe!), I've found most subjects get the
hang of it and actually enjoy the attention!
Q. Do you use props, such as costumes and studio props, in your portraiture?
A. I try to avoid props if at all possible. I like to photograph subjects
in natural setting and photograph them in their natural "way of being" and
I don't believe this can be accomplished with props or similar accoutrements.
Q. Can you come to my home for a session?
A. Yes, even though a little natural lighting may be sacrificed in some situations,
we can get beautiful images inside your home! Many of my clients with newborns
and indoor pets prefer a home setting. All of my equipment, even my studio
lighting, is completely portable.
Q. When you photograph pets, can family members be a part of the photo
session?
A. Absolutely! We can compose shots that consist of your pets and shots of
you and your pet together to capture the meaningful and playful relationship
you share.
Q. Do you photograph pets other then dogs?
A. Actually, I work with all animals. I have had great success and fun with
cats- sometimes cats are less camera shy than dogs believe it or not! I have
also worked with small animals.
Q. My dog/cat is black and I want B&W photos, will they "show up" in the
photo?
A. Yes. B&W film works with tones and density so with a carefully chosen background
your pet will contrast remarkably.
Q. Where are some good locations to photograph?
A. This would depend on how important the "background" is to you in your images.
I photograph in both outdoor, location settings and also in a studio setting.
If our photo session is outdoors, I have found that natural light and candid
situations produce the best images. The outdoors, even your own backyard,
allows us to bring in the elements of the animals natural environment, which
create striking photographs. The studio is as good a setting if you are looking
for more formal, although relaxed, posed portraiture. If you are looking to
incorporate the background, mountain, trail and park settings work great for
an outdoor backdrop, as does the studio. If background is less important,
anywhere the subject feels comfortable works well!
Q. Can I purchase my proofs?
A. Yes, proofs can be purchased at a price of $5 per image or $65 per set.