Monday, January 16
Tuesday, September 13
How to Select a Photographer - Phoenix AZ Family Photographer
In this day and age where everyone seems to own a DSLR and calls themselves a photographer how can you pick someone that knows what they are doing? A professional. I thought I would write a series on tips for those who value photography and want to know how to pick the right photographer. Why do some photographers charge more than others? Well, why does a Lexus cost more than a Kia? Quality, luxury, reliability, performance, and comfort are just some of the reasons. Just like with cars there is a wide array of photographers, from amateur to professional photographer, but just because someone calls themselves a professional photographer does not mean they are a professional.
So tip number ONE is to look at their work! Many photographers have websites, Facebook Pages and blogs. These are great places to look through their previous work. Photographers like to display their best work on these sites and it will also give you a feel for their style as a photographer. Make sure the style of their work matches your style and vision for your photographs.
Tip number TWO, and maybe it should be number one, make sure their images are sharp! It amazes me how many people pay "professional photographers" and they don't get sharp images. This comes with skill. Sure we all get blurred images at times, but I would never sell them to my clients. Here's an example from one of my recent shoots. Sometimes focusing on newborn's eyes is tricky because there's not a lot of contrast. Both pictures have gone through my sharpening process. The top picture is soft, the bottom picture is sharp and the eyes are in focus.
Tip number THREE. Although being able to take great pictures is a must you also want a photographer that is dependable. I can't tell you how many times I've had people tell me other photographers have cancelled on them multiple times or they are hard to get a hold of. Service is important. Getting your pictures in a timely manner is important. We usually take our official family pictures at least once or twice a year. I'm just as excited as my clients to see how they turned out, share with family and friends, and hang them in our home. Most photographers will have your pictures done within 2-3 weeks (not including weddings). So don't undermine dependability and great service or you might get stuck with a bad experience.
I hope this is helpful, I'd loooove to hear your feedback. Let me know what you think. If you have an opinion on what you look for in a photographer I'd like to hear that as well. I'll write some more tips over the next couple of weeks.
So tip number ONE is to look at their work! Many photographers have websites, Facebook Pages and blogs. These are great places to look through their previous work. Photographers like to display their best work on these sites and it will also give you a feel for their style as a photographer. Make sure the style of their work matches your style and vision for your photographs.
Tip number TWO, and maybe it should be number one, make sure their images are sharp! It amazes me how many people pay "professional photographers" and they don't get sharp images. This comes with skill. Sure we all get blurred images at times, but I would never sell them to my clients. Here's an example from one of my recent shoots. Sometimes focusing on newborn's eyes is tricky because there's not a lot of contrast. Both pictures have gone through my sharpening process. The top picture is soft, the bottom picture is sharp and the eyes are in focus.
Tip number THREE. Although being able to take great pictures is a must you also want a photographer that is dependable. I can't tell you how many times I've had people tell me other photographers have cancelled on them multiple times or they are hard to get a hold of. Service is important. Getting your pictures in a timely manner is important. We usually take our official family pictures at least once or twice a year. I'm just as excited as my clients to see how they turned out, share with family and friends, and hang them in our home. Most photographers will have your pictures done within 2-3 weeks (not including weddings). So don't undermine dependability and great service or you might get stuck with a bad experience.
I hope this is helpful, I'd loooove to hear your feedback. Let me know what you think. If you have an opinion on what you look for in a photographer I'd like to hear that as well. I'll write some more tips over the next couple of weeks.
Monday, May 16
Smith Family - Tempe, AZ Family Photographer
Had so much at this family photo session. Besides Laura being a friend of mind and knowing her children they were so awesome and didn't make me run around after them. Which I usually do with little kids. :) Here are some of my favorite pictures of their family...
Wednesday, April 20
Tempe AZ Family Photographer
A couple of weeks ago I blogged about how I had gone to downtown Tempe scouting locations. Before I showed up at the session I had a vision on what we were going to do. But as we started walking I spotted a location that I hadn't seen. So half of what I had planned for our session went out the window. But sometimes you just have to go where the inspiration takes you. Here are some of the pictures...
I normally prefer photos as they are and not overly processed. I think this is a timeless look and won't ever go out of style. But as I processed this image and I felt like it called for a vintage look. Something sweet and I'm loving how it turned out.
I normally prefer photos as they are and not overly processed. I think this is a timeless look and won't ever go out of style. But as I processed this image and I felt like it called for a vintage look. Something sweet and I'm loving how it turned out.
Thursday, March 31
Lost Baby Tooth - Mesa, AZ Family Photographer
After two weeks knowing that Spencer was about to lose his first tooth... it finally happened and I cried. The thought that his little baby smile was gone forever it put into perspective how much he's changed and really growing up.
On Tuesday he came up to me crying because he'd been fighting with his little brother. Then all of the sudden I noticed he had blood dripping down his chin. I asked him if his tooth fell off, but he said no. So, I checked and sure enough it was gone. I had to retrace his steps, but thank goodness we found the tooth. He felt like such a big boy and was so excited to have to Tooth Fairy visit our house. Here's his new smile...
On Tuesday he came up to me crying because he'd been fighting with his little brother. Then all of the sudden I noticed he had blood dripping down his chin. I asked him if his tooth fell off, but he said no. So, I checked and sure enough it was gone. I had to retrace his steps, but thank goodness we found the tooth. He felt like such a big boy and was so excited to have to Tooth Fairy visit our house. Here's his new smile...
Friday, March 11
Newborn Contest Winner - Phoenix AZ Newborn Photographer
I'd like to thank all those who participated in the Newborn Contest as well as those who vote! The winner of the contest is Nichol Preciado Shrum! Congratulations! I can't wait to meet your bundle of joy!
Thursday, March 3
One Year Older - Scottsdale AZ Photographer
This past Monday I turned one year older and one year wiser just like that! I was able to celebrate over the weekend with my husband. He asked what I wanted to do and I said just go out to a dinner and a movie. Seems simple, but with 3 kids and a busy schedule it's sometimes hard to do. We've resorted to ordering out and staying up late watching movies as our dates in the last couple of months. I actually like that a tad better since I can fall asleep whenever I want... usually half way through the movie. lol But I have a serious popcorn addiction and well... it needs to be fed so often. So off to dinner and a movie we went.
On Monday, we went out to eat at one of our favorite places Gramaldis Pizzeria. If you sign up for the birthday club you get a free pizza on your birthday! So, we couldn't pass that up.
As we were finishing up Spencer asked if we were going to get ice cream afterwards. We have been going over to Sugar Bowl for dessert whenever we eat at Gramaldis. I couldn't disappoint a 5 and 4 year old. After ice cream, Spencer said "well, it can't be your birthday if you don't have a cake." I was starting to see he was trying to take advantage of my special day and get all the junk food he could have. lol
The nice thing about having a 5 year old is handing over the camera to get a picture with Tyler. Here's his first try...
Future photographer in the making...
Ashley asking for seconds...
Tyler knows that anything with strawberries is my favorite!
A number five should suffice, right?
My helpers...
On Monday, we went out to eat at one of our favorite places Gramaldis Pizzeria. If you sign up for the birthday club you get a free pizza on your birthday! So, we couldn't pass that up.
As we were finishing up Spencer asked if we were going to get ice cream afterwards. We have been going over to Sugar Bowl for dessert whenever we eat at Gramaldis. I couldn't disappoint a 5 and 4 year old. After ice cream, Spencer said "well, it can't be your birthday if you don't have a cake." I was starting to see he was trying to take advantage of my special day and get all the junk food he could have. lol
The nice thing about having a 5 year old is handing over the camera to get a picture with Tyler. Here's his first try...
Future photographer in the making...
Ashley asking for seconds...
Tyler knows that anything with strawberries is my favorite!
A number five should suffice, right?
My helpers...
Tuesday, March 1
Newborn Contest - Phoenix, Arizona Photographer
If you haven't joined Diana Carver Photography on Facebook... well.. you should! You will find there are promotions and deals exclusive to fans as well as be in the know of what is going on around here.
I mentioned on Facebook having a Newborn Constest so here are the details...
Drum Roll...
HOW TO ENTER CONTEST
I mentioned on Facebook having a Newborn Constest so here are the details...
Drum Roll...
HOW TO ENTER CONTEST
- Send a picture to me at dcarverphoto@gmail.com by Saturday, March 5th. I will then post them to a special contest album on my Facebook page Monday, March 7th. Voting will begin immediately!
- If you haven't yet, join my Facebook page.
- Ask people (your friends, family, co-workers, etc.) to "like" their favorite picture (i.e. YOURS!)
- Votes are counted as likes on each individual image/entry. A person must like Diana Carver Photography on Facebook in order to like a photo.
- Voting will continue through Friday, March 11th! Winner will be announced on Saturday, March 12!
- Submitted images must of the soon to be mommy.( No professional pictures)
The winner will receive:
-a 3 hour complimentary photo shoot
-a CD with 20 fully edited high resolution pictures with a print release!
-a private online gallery to share with family and friends
The session must take place in local areas to Phoenix Metro and be redeemed by Dec 1st and before baby is 10 days old. A signed model release will also be required prior to the session.
Let the fun begin!
Wednesday, February 16
Rylee - Mesa Newborn Photographer
I got to meet this little lady earlier this week. Sadly her mom had tried getting another photographer to do her newborn pictures, but that photographer kept rescheduling their appointment. That made me so sad! Newborns change daily, everyday counts. The majority of newborn pictures on my site are before the baby is even a week old. I was up for the challenge of photographing a 3 week old. I got her in as soon as I could.
Rylee put up a good fight.
She really didn't want to sleep.
Every newborn session is different and come with their own challanges. I've had a 6 day old baby not want to sleep. I've had babies poop all over. Gotten tons of poop on my hand, or pee. I've even gotten it on my clothes. Hahaha
But Rylee's mommy was wonderful and patient. So, we waited her out. She slept for a good 30-45 minutes. Just enough to get several poses of her sleeping. But I love the awake pictures too. Here are just a few of my favorites...
Rylee put up a good fight.
She really didn't want to sleep.
Every newborn session is different and come with their own challanges. I've had a 6 day old baby not want to sleep. I've had babies poop all over. Gotten tons of poop on my hand, or pee. I've even gotten it on my clothes. Hahaha
But Rylee's mommy was wonderful and patient. So, we waited her out. She slept for a good 30-45 minutes. Just enough to get several poses of her sleeping. But I love the awake pictures too. Here are just a few of my favorites...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
