Following is some additional information I thought I would add about me and my services.  

Grab a cup of coffee because I get rather verbose here!

 

 

I am a part time photographer, and I have a regular day job.   Photography for me is my passion and my love, but due to time demands, and where I am in my life right now, making photography a full time profession is not an option for me.

Spending weekends with my kids is a priority right now, hence I do limit individual photosessions at the current time.  

I do offer commercial as well as private photography.  I try and book the private photography on alternating Fridays and weekends.
 

 

I honestly don't know.  You need to look at my portfolio, my concession stand for pricing, send me an email, and talk to me! 

Only you can determine if my photography style is something you like.  I think the best photographs happen when there is a connection between the subject and the photographer.  Go with your gut, if you feel comfortable talking with me, you are most likely going to be comfortable working with me.

I offer 100% satisfaction on all shoots and prints.  For portrait parties there is no obligation that you or your guests make any purchase! 

 

I offer custom photography in which I strive to capturing the essense of people or animals.  It really is an art and a gift that takes time and patience to develop. 

Being able to bless others with my passion and gift to enrich lives and memories through photographs is really a priveledge, and is something I take seriously.   

I do require a session fee to book a shoot with me.  My time is very precious, and I have learned that those that really desire to have portraits taken by a professional are comfortable paying the session fee. 

My photography sessions are custom designed around the individual.  I rarely shoot the same set up twice, though am willing to duplicate shots if you see something you like in my portfolio.

I akin photography to cooking.   Much like cooking - people can follow recipes, and even buy the most state of the art equipment which will help them in their quest to become a great chef.  But the fact of the matter is - not everyone becomes a great chef, despite the expensive tools, or following the recipe book.  The same is true of photography!  While I may follow "recipes" of tried and true poses, I like to spice things up and make each session unique and special for that client.

  

I know some photographers that snub places like Walmart, Sears, or JCPenney's portrait studios.   I don't.  I am a firm believer that every family should make an effort to have professional portraits taken of them as a family, as well as their children growing up.  If you LIKE the traditional portraits you can get at affordable prices at these locations, I think you should go there!  You really NEED to have photos of your children growing up!

 

However, I'm NOT a chain store, and for me, the traditional style of photography produced at chain stores isn't what I do.  Its not my cup of tea.   I offer personal services that strive to capture the essence of my clients.  


Like most all professional digital photographers, all my images involve photoshop editting to make the best of the image.  In the film days, we used filters and had labs to dodge and burn images to get the effect we wanted on prints.  With the digital era, we can use computers to achieve the same effect.

As an example, instead of shooting with a softening filter or a vingetting filter, I have a special computer program I use for  that evens out skin tones, and softens wrinkles...and it can darken the edges out around the photo and add a nice soft glow.   With digital, I can produce a variety of looks from the same image - its really rather brilliant and fun!   Women will be happy to hear that I have a program I use that I fondly have named "Botox Me", it softens lines and skin!

I strive to produce images you would be proud to hang in your home.   I absolutely LOVE what I do, and everytime I make a slideshow - I cry when I watch it the first time.  Everytime.

 

 

While I love shooting kids in my studio setting, and often use the studio for most my commercial shoots,  I do prefer working with children in their natural enviroment or home.  


At Whimsy Portraits, we just go with the flow and have fun in with the kids.
 

Parents are requested to be present, but silent during the photoshoot.  I insist that the children have comfortable clothing that they like for the shoot that will photograph well.  They are encouraged to bring their favorite toy.   Please talk to me about clothing choices so I can guide you towards outfits that will photograph well.

Every client has been thrilled with the final images and slideshow I make.  It usually makes the mother cry and they tell me the photos are perfect and I captured "so and so" just right.

 

 

I've owned 3 horses in my lifetime and my daughter is currently taking lessons and entering shows.   When you book a horse session with me, you really are hiring my expertise in equine photography.  

I use my horsey knowledge and understanding to position and work with you as a team to produce stunning images in which you and your horse are posed perfectly.

 

Typically, I come to your stable, and I like to show up when you are grooming your horse.   It allows me time to see their personality and temperment, as well as allows them to become comfortable with the camera and me.    

By the end of the shoot, I end up looking a bit dishelved and sweaty.  There is usually dirt on my pants and the hem of my shirt is filthy from wiping horse snot and grass goob.  I take care to notice the details, so each image of your horse is breathtaking.  But its all worth it when I sit down in front of my computer with my hot coffee and smile at the images produced.  

 

Good gracious no.  

 

First off,  let me state for the record that I LOVE weddings.  But the fact of the matter is - I cry at them.  So the idea of having the responsibility of getting a crisp clear shot of the exchange of rings or vows, while having mascara running down my face - well that frightens the heck out of me.  Plus, I would feel the need to show up in some kick butt shoes, and then my feet would hurt too much.

 

 

I'm the type of person that would want the groomsmen to heave ho the bride up in the air while the groom looks on helplessly.   The person that would want all the bridal party lined up and tossing the contents of their champagne glasses at the camera.   The person that wants to get wide angle shots of all the bridesmaid's lined up, and just take pictures of their shoes.  Because while no one wants to say this..I think that getting new shoes to go with your outfit is one of the exciting things about attending a wedding.  I think people should have their footwear photographed at weddings.

 

So you see....you really don't want someone like me being your full time wedding photographer!!   You would have an album filled with people's feet  and the food ..and some obligatory shots of you exchanging vows, which may or may not be crisp and clear depending on my emotions that day. 

However, someday I would like to be a 2nd photographer at a wedding...and maybe someday I'll do that if the right couple and main photographer comes along.  To me the right couple would be having a Celtic wedding and the men were wearing kilts, and good whiskey would be present for some Slainte' shots.    

Or here is an idea...call me for engagement photos.  I'de love to go with you to the dress shop to do some journalistic shots of you picking out your gown with your family/friends..or call me AFTER your wedding is over!   I'de love to do some trash the dress photoshoots.  I am of the firm belief that brides should have carte blanche approval by society to wear their dress to the grocery store up to 30 days after the wedding without weird looks or sideways glances.  In lieu of that - they should be able to head out on the town in their dress and live it up..and what better photo opportunity is that..especially if horses or motorcycles are involved...especially if you have got some killer shoes! 

I want to have my child do modeling.  Can you help?

Watch my blog.  I often am looking for new faces for commercial website clients.   The children must be comfortable being away from their parent, and able to take direction.   I require a parent to be present, but silent during the shoot, as this lets me get interaction going with the child to allow their personality shine through and get them interacting with the camera.  

If we decide that your child has the temperment for clothing or product modeling, I will add them to the faces that clients can chose from to showcase their items.   If your child is selected for a commercial photosession, it is on a TIME FOR PRINT payment.  You receive a free 5x7 for your childs portfolio.  I only release electronic images directly to modeling agencies however to ensure quality prints.