Courageous Photography

I am first and foremost, a professional. But I'm also a very easy going person and I try to create a personality to match that of my client. For instance, if my client is a corporate event, then I am fully corporate in dress, attitude, and personality. If my client is a small, family wedding in the country, then I adjust to be more open, friendly, and casual. In a military setting, the old staff sergeant comes out and I fall into rank. At school events, I'm adept at dealing with young people as I'm a mom myself. I am fun, personable, but always professional.

My turn around time for weddings is within 30 days for proofing, and 30 days once the couple has selected their pictures.
Turn around for corporate events depends entirely on the size, as well as what the client has requested, but typically within 30 days the client will have finished product.
School events have a 2 week turn around, not including print product. (Typically my printer provides product 7-10 days after I place order)

Because I mentor many other photographers and interns, I usually have a pool from which to select a second shooter. These people are either freelance photographers, entry level professionals, or students with a desire to learn. They often second shoot, without any expectation to provide the same quality as I do. However, I'm often surprised at how good their shots are. The customer also receives any of their usable images as well, at no extra charge.

I am a full time free lance photographer. My specialties include weddings, corporate events, religious events, boudoir, and families. I am equipped to shoot large groups (100) as well as smaller groups. I most enjoy working with military and family events.

When a coordinator or a bride reaches out to me, my first step is to meet with them, either in person or via Skype. At that time we will discuss the size of the event, location, length of event and the expectation for the photographer and the product desired. I am a full service photographer meaning I offer amazing, high quality prints, metals, and canvases, books, and more at unbelievably affordable prices. I believe that once the service has been paid form, I've been paid. I don't overprice my product to my clients because I want them to purchase QUALITY. I also offer digital product as well. At this point if we agree to work together, I require a deposit of 20-30% (depending on the event) and will arrange a payment schedule that suits everyone.

I have experience shooting weddings, family reunions, receptions, photo booth style shots, newborn, children and families, school portraits, head shots, corporate work, as well as photo journalism type photography. While on disaster response missions, I have filmed some incredible work that is in my own personal collection. I've worked in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, as well as in Tuscaloosa AL after the tornado, and various other missions. I spent time serving with a local homeless mission in Cincinnati, and was finally welcomed into the camps with my camera. One of my favorite weddings was the one I covered of two homeless people. I have covered controversial events like the Westboro protest at a local high school, as well as similar events.

My experience in the military taught me how to do my job without being noticed. One of my favorite comments to hear from a client whose event I've shot is, "I didn't even notice you." That means I've done the hard part of my job well.

My editing is very minimal. I use Lightroom and will use PS to correct basic imperfections. However, I am an "old school" photographer in that I believe starting with a good image is the best way to serve the client. With that said, I will shoot over 1000 images in a 40 minute wedding ceremony to be certain I get the perfect one I need.

I'm not afraid of anything (bikers and heavy metal heads are some of my favorite subjects) and working in birth photography has broken down any issues with nudity. (read, NOT porn)

I pride myself in being one of the most affordable (not "cheap) photographers on the market. I work with brides and grooms to maintain the integrity of their budget.

I shoot with professional Canon equipment.
I use professional continual lighting lights.
I use multiple speedlites with various modifiers.
I am adept at working in low light/no flash venues.
I have a backdrop system with multiple backdrops.
I have a variety of props to choose from as well.