It is important to define yourself as a photographer. By this I mean, it is important to find a style that is unique to yourself, and to go with it! I have been taking pictures since my mom put a 110mm camera in my hand as a child. As an artist, creative connoisseur, and business woman, I often struggle with trying to do too much. I know the style I like, the one that I shoot and edit with, but in order to get business there is always the temptation to dabble in other styles in order to make money. What is a person to do? Deny the business? Take photos in a style that seems less than par? Or try and modify in order to satisfy the creative style and the client?
I aim to be true to myself as an artist, but during a photoshoot, I may take a few pictures that seem slightly different from my norm. If I am at a wedding photographing a bride, I may take a portrait that I truly like, but I also may take one that I think the mother of the bride would adore. If photographing a senior, I try to modify my style just enough to compliment the personality of the individual. I also try to take what I feel are “parent-friendly” images. You know, the ones where I get the senior to smile or laugh in such a way that it captures the child-like part of the transitioning adult.
The challenges that a professional photographer face are many. We are now competing with amateurs with digital cameras, a rough economic situation and the photoshop experts. But I think, the thing that will determine whether I sink or soar, will depend on whether I stayed true to myself, kept up with some of the trends, and maintained an excellent business model. I aim to provide high quality professional photography in Colorado Springs and around the world, for a fair and reasonable price.
Keep checking the blog, I will be posting new images, and will be updating the website soon!!