* Why you love photography?

“I love capturing special moments in people lives and interacting with them on a personal level.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“Although I shoot weddings, fashion, boudoir, and high school seniors, I must confess that weddings win me over every time. I get to spend more time with clients, aka friends, than I do on other photo sessions. Plus, I get to see all the joy and happiness people feel on their wedding day. It’s awesome.”

A funny or interesting photography story?

“At one of my weddings, the bride’s mother forgot to bring her weddings shoes so she ended up wearing shoes that were so uncomfortable, she took them off during the reception. Wait for it…..the reception was a garden party by the pool of a gorgeous hotel in Orlando and while the music had everyone, including my bride, on the dance floor getting down, my bride fell into the pool. I was horrified, but she started laughing and said “let’s all get wet and take pictures!” We ended up doing a “Trash the Trash” (and bridesmaid dress, groom….guests…you name it) photoshoot and it turned out beyond fabulous.”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“Stay consistent in your editing to stay true to your style of photography. Also, practice shooting wide open. It takes a little practice because the eyes must be on the same focal plane, but the bokeh in certain situations is worth it.”

* Comments about your web site design?

“Smugmug is great for galleries so my clients can order their prints directly online. For albums, nothing beats their event feature. I can download a clients favorites and submit them to my designer for the album. JR Customization? They saved me from tearing my hair out by trying design my own website and blog. I just know I wouldn’t look all the hot being bald. But what I really like best is their customer support. Even after the project is completed, they have always answered my questions.”

~ Debra

Visit DK Photography at DK Photography to take a look at Debra’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“My sister and I have a passion for capturing life’s little moments. Having your picture taken is like keeping a diary. It’s something to treasure forever…you will always be able to look back at it and remember that time in your life. After all, a picture IS worth a thousand words.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“Our favorite is portrait photography, including candid moments. There’s nothing like getting that shot of opportunity, in the middle of a family photo shoot, when something funny happens and that spark of happiness seems contagious as it spreads throughout their faces. It’s like there really wasn’t someone there taking pictures. That’s the best kind of pictures, and it just so happens that’s where we find the best smiles.”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“We are just starting our journey as photographers and are still learning quite a bit. It’s fun and exciting and we look forward to every photo opportunity that is presented to us!”

* Comments about your web site design?

“jR Customization has given us that extra “something” we were looking for in our SmugMug website. It’s very easy to navigate through and upload our photos to the website. They gave us exactly what we wanted, and more. We appreciate all their hard work.”

~ Stephanie and Jennifer

Visit Gray Photography at Gray Photography to take a look at Stephanie and Jennifer’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“True photography is having the ability to look deeply into the lives of others and capture all their emotions. To me, there is no greater responsibility than that of a photographer that is chosen to capture these moments. Photographs last a lifetime and increase in value as the years go by and to be selected as a photographer to not only be a part of their lives but to capture their lives on film is the most rewarding aspect of the art.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“Photographs, clean, simple and minimalistic that display the emotion and mood of the session. I am a true lover of the art and these type of natural photographs have stood the test of time. There are so many out there that just, simply put, do too much… with all of the “Actions” and programs out there that enhance digital photographs it is so refreshing to be able to provide a clean, simple image that depict the trueness of mood through Art, not “Actions”. The purest approach to photography is by far my favorite style”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“Be pure, open and real. When you over-think and over-pose subjects you loose “Natural” The true beauty of an image lays within it rawness and its subjects natural behavior. The key to achieving this is to be unseen, a fly on the wall witnessing not dictating the behavior of the subjects.”

* Comments about your web site design?

“jR Customization really does provide a professional, personalized service and comprehends that not all needs are the same. Jerry was so easy to work with and the final product was nothing short of amazing. I am so excited to share the my newly styled site and blog with the world!!”

- Christian

Visit Christian Hamilton Photography at Christian Hamilton Photography to take a look at Christian’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“I love photography because I love the emotion of people. When you capture that one moment, whether it is at a wedding or a family shoot or from a child… and you see that love and joy just in an image I capture, and that evokes the same result in my client… that is why I love it! My image can bring a small moment of joy!”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“I love natural light photography. Wedding couples and bride sessions… family and child sessions are great too!”

A funny or interesting photography story?

“Well, one time I was shooting a wedding couple and a bird pooped right on the Bride’s dress. She could have gone crazy but she simply said, “oh well”, smiled and cleaned it the best she could.”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“When shooting family’s I always make the raspberry noise (with my mouth); (sounds like a toot, aka fart)… it always seems to make the kids laugh, and the parents as well.”

* Comments about your web site design?

“jR Customization did for me what I couldn’t in a helpful, kind and timely manner. They were very good at keeping me up to date and showing me what to do next to get my website going. Thank you so much!”

~ Aften

Visit Aften Wright Photography at Aften Wright Photography to take a look at Aften’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“True photography is having the ability to look deeply into the lives of others and capture all their emotions. To me, there is no greater responsibility than that of a photographer that is chosen to capture these precious moments. Photographs last a lifetime and increase in value as the years go by and to be selected as a photographer to not only be a part of their lives but to capture their lives on film is the most rewarding aspect of the art.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“Photographs, clean, simple and minimalistic that display the emotion and mood of the session. I am a true lover of the art and these type of natural photographs have stood the test of time. There are so many out there that just, simply put, do too much… with all of the “Actions” and programs out there that enhance digital photographs it is so refreshing to be able to provide a clean, simple image that depict the trueness of mood through Art, not “Actions”. The purest approach to photography is by far my favorite style.”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“Be pure, open and real. When you over-think and over-pose subjects you lose “Natural.” The true beauty of an image lays within it rawness and its subject’s natural behavior. The key to achieving this is to be unseen, a fly on the wall witnessing not dictating the behavior of the subjects.”

* Comments about your web site design?

“JR Customization really does provide a personalized service and comprehends that not all needs are the same. Jerry was so easy to work with and the final product was nothing short of amazing.”

- Christian

Visit Christian Hamilton Photography at Christian Hamilton Photography to take a look at Christian’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“I love people first. When I was learning photography in high school in a darkroom, I loved photography because of the processing to create a print. Now it’s about being present at a session and devoting all my energy and attention to the client to get them to show me who they are and what they stand for. The camera is secondary.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“I wouldn’t say I have a favorite “type”, it’s all photography to me…but my favorite photos are the ones that make you feel something about your life.”

A funny or interesting photography story?

“Honestly, most of my sessions are fun and definitely interesting. That’s my goal:) I can say I remember a recent session with twin 1 year-olds-in a 40 minute session which began with the sun shining beautifully and the girls in pretty spring outfits, then became freezing and the girls were in winter hats and lastly it started POURING and they were under umbrellas. In Cincinnati, you must be prepared!!”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“Wear a white shirt to easily create great catch lighting in the subject’s eyes and works as a great reflector:)”

* Comments about your web site design?

“jR takes care of their client, their #1 priority is the client’s needs…love that!!!”

~ Leah

Visit Leah Brady Photography at Leah Brady Photography to take a look at Leah’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“I LOVE photography because I get to stop a moment in time and create a memory forever! My clients become my friends… It’s so fun to see them come back time after time. I LOVE to watch them change and grow year after year. The other thing is most of the time people are having fun when I’m shooting them….I get to be around smiles all the time! I call my job “party hopping”.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“So what is my favorite…..hmmmm that is hard, I love it all! I like that I shoot different stuff every day ~ but if I had to choose I would say birth…. its REAL! No redo’s for that shoot ~ it’s the MOST amazing time in life ~ I love the rush to get there and then the sitting and waiting for the sweet baby to arrive ~ then all the fun stuff that comes next, like meeting mommy and daddy for the first time ~ the first kisses, tears, bath…..I get chills just thinking about it! Actually, I’m on baby call now, should be any time this week….ahhhh!
But I also REALLY love SEXY ~ so many of the ladies that I work with have never really felt SEXY before…. it might take them a little time to own the sexy but by the time we are done they TOTALLY have it and then when they see the photos after editing….BAM I now have a lady with a new image of herself! I just LOVE it!!!”

A funny or interesting photography story?

“Once I got an extra $100 for getting a photo up a guys kilt at a wedding ~ one of his friends told me he would give me $100 if I could do it ~ so you know that I did it….come on and extra $100 and a fun story? But I know you are wondering what was under it! Well it was too dark and I could not tell! But I got the $$$ and a few smiles too.”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“My tip is to make sure that you have your smile on ~ if you don’t, the people around you most likely will not either!”

* Comments about your web site design?

“I love jR Customization because they do all the stuff that I don’t want to do, like to do, or care to learn how to do….I’m a photographer that wants an AMAZING site, but I don’t want to have to make it that way ~ that’s why I have jR Customization do it! jR Customization is always with a smile and full of energy, and to top it off SUPER fast in following through! I know they have my back when I’m in a web site panic! I have been working with jR Customization for over 5 years and plan to be with them for 100 more! The jR Customization team ROCKS!!!”

~ Monica

Visit Studio KYK at Studio KYK to take a look at Monica’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“I love photography because it allows me to be creative and create something for people that they will love and cherish.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“That is not a fair question! They are all wonderful in their own way depending on what you are trying to achieve. But, if I have to pick.. I would say my favorite is events. The bigger the event the better! I really enjoy spirit in the air and capturing all these memories being made.”

* A fun or interesting photography story?

“I spent a whole day with my cousin and her boyfriend taking pictures of them around the city of Calgary one weekend. We did lunch and and had a fantastic time. Near the end of the day I asked them to do a cheeky picture for fun. I told him to give me his most confident, “I’m super cool” pose while my cousin reached up and kissed him on the cheek. His choice of pose was to put his hands on his hips and look up at the sky like superman always does. We all had a good laugh, especially when we tried again, that’s the only pose he could think of!”

* A funny or interesting photography story?

“I do. I used to be a one woman business. Then I went on vacation and was snow skiing and broke my leg. I was completely booked, it was spring in central Texas and everyone is trying to get their photos in before the summer hits. I had to find someone to pick up my photo shoots. So, I reached out to a friend that had been trying to work into the photography industry for a couple of years. Me on my crutches and her with her SLR magic was made – we have been shooting together ever since. “

* Photography tips or tricks?

“I really like for my pictures to feel almost 3 denominational – to do this I pop up the contrast, sharpness and colors. I wish I could tell you exactly what I do; but it is such a different process from picture to picture.”

* Comments about your web site design?

“I love smugmug because they protect my images, I pay one fee for complete use of their site and I get unlimited storage, and a shopping cart. I LOVE JR customization’s because they took my site from the traditional smugmug template to breathtaking in three weeks! They did this all without intrusion on my already crazy busy schedule. I am certainly a woman that when I am ready to do something, I am ready to move, and I want to move fast. JR customizations wasted no time picking my brain and unearthing exactly what I wanted when I didn’t even know what I wanted. All I knew was I wanted a kick ass website. The staff was amazing to work with and made my life as a business owner much easier with their expert knowledge and guidance. ”

~Danielle

Visit Belle Photography at Belle Photography to take a look at Danielle’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“I love photography because I love to capture the world at it’s absolute best. No need to create the subject just need to be able to recognize the beauty around you and capture it.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“I love taking photos of people and animals. I like trying to capture the true essence of my clients and their families. I particularly love children and pets, as they do not pretend to smile or be happy. They are who they are and that makes for the best photographs.”

* A fun or interesting photography story?

“I spent a whole day with my cousin and her boyfriend taking pictures of them around the city of Calgary one weekend. We did lunch and and had a fantastic time. Near the end of the day I asked them to do a cheeky picture for fun. I told him to give me his most confident, “I’m super cool” pose while my cousin reached up and kissed him on the cheek. His choice of pose was to put his hands on his hips and look up at the sky like superman always does. We all had a good laugh, especially when we tried again, that’s the only pose he could think of!”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“Do not under estimate the value of good editing skills. While you need to be a good photographer to get the great shot off to begin with, know that every picture needs a little tlc, even if it’s just a little white balance correction. Learn to edit properly so that you can make your great photos into fantastic ones! Behind every great photographer both digital or film is a great editor! I know some great photographers that ruin their photos because their editing skills are poor.”

* Comments about your web site design?

“SmugMug is awesome! Their customer service is by far the best I’ve ever received anywhere. JR customization was great to work with. I was a little nervous when I saw the first logo’s but after a few tweaks it turned out fantastic! JR was patient even though I’m very detailed and particular and sent them dozens of emails about changes. They did a wonderful job and I sure I will contact them again if/when I want to update my site again.”

~Amanda

Visit Amanda McPhee Photography at Amanda McPhee Photography to take a look at Amanda’s photos!

* Why you love photography?

“I’ve always been fascinated with the concept that we could freeze a moment in time in such a way as to evoke emotions. Photography affords me the means to capture important moments in a person’s life and relive the ordinary and extraordinary.”

* Your favorite type of photography?

“Engagement sessions-it’s an opportunity to combine my love of landscape photography with capturing the fun-loving relationship of a couple.”

* Photography tips or tricks?

“Photography is my passion but passion can fizzle out if you don’t understand that you are running a business. If you are new to photography, considering taking business classes early on in your training and learn how to market yourself for your unique qualities. Don’t worry about your competition-you are your own competition.”

* Comments about your web site design?

“Working with jR Customization was great. Jerry answered all our questions and was so patient with us when we were working through the design process. When we finally decided on the look of the site, Jerry was quick and efficient and keep us pushing forward to having our website ready to go live as soon as possible. We are new to SmugMug and are looking forward to having a long lasting relationship with them. Thanks Jerry for all your hard work on our site. ”

~Kathy

Visit K. Norwood Portraiture at K. Norwood Portraiture to take a look at Kathy’s photos!