WHAT IS YOUR SHOOTING STYLE?
I am a modern lifestyle photographer with a slightly photojournalistic aesthetic.
WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?
A lot of photographers claim that their style is photojournalistic. Photojournalism is the capturing of events as they naturally happen without interruption. When you think of photojournalism, think of a newspaper photographer. Everything needs to be absolutely truthful and accurate; not contrived in any way. A photojournalist would not direct a client where to stand or how to position themselves. If a photojournalist wanted to take a detail shot of an accessory or prop, they would not move it to a prettier or more artistic setting. They would shoot it where it lays without any manipulation.
While I absolutely love capturing events and emotions as they naturally unfold, at times I can better tell the story by adjusting both the people and accessories. A lifestyle photographer documents a life event with artistic and creative vision. I have SO many ideas for poses and, let’s face it, not everyone turns into a model when they are in front of the camera. Most can use (and appreciate!) some direction and my number one goal is to make every session FUN. I want my clients to feel relaxed, not awkward.
HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL?
I’ll travel anywhere you want me! The session option you choose automatically includes any location within 30 miles of Birmingham, Michigan. Travel outside of this radius begins at $25. Please inquire with me about your desired location.
OKAY, I’M SOLD. NOW WHAT DO WE WEAR?
No pressure, but styling can make or break your photograph. I cannot stress enough how important your clothing choices are. Clothing is the easiest way to showcase your personality in a photograph.
My faves include bright, fun, lively colors and fantastic accessories. The outfits should coordinate, but not be matchy-matchy. Think layers, textures and funky accessories: scarves, hats, vests, boots, chunky or layered necklaces, tights, headbands && bows. And for the little ones, think props; sometimes less is more. While many outfits are adorable for 1 year olds, my fave images focus on just the accessories. Tutus, ruffly bottoms, legwarmers, necklaces, and headbands with flowers, bows && feathers are great for little girls. Boys look fantastic in hats, bowties, vests, plaid && suspenders. These details will ensure that your images are visually stimulating. Do not be afraid to be over-the-top. We can always scale back if it gets to be too much.
WHAT DON’T WE WEAR?
Avoid clothing containing words, pictures and logos. Patterns are fine, but t-shirts with pictures are a big negative. Also, it’s best to avoid a deep red or maroon, as this can have a negative impact on skin tones.
I DON’T WANT THE SESSION AT MY HOME. WHERE SHOULD WE SHOOT?
First, don’t discount your home as a great place for photo ops. How many great conversations and connections have been made around the kitchen table? How often does everyone curl up on the couch or pile onto Mom & Dad’s bed? Capturing these ‘everyday’ moments remind us of some of the best memories.
If that’s not your bag, our possibilities are endless. Our main goal is an abundance of natural light. Fields and parks are great for that ethereal feel. Downtown areas of local cities give that urban vibe. Then there are always museums, libraries and local culture for when it’s a bit chilly out. The only catch is to ensure that the locale does not charge a fee for professional photos, as this cost would be absorbed by you.
WHAT PROPS SHOULD I BRING?
You only need to bring you. However, I LOVE collaborating with my clients about ideas for their shoot. The best shoots have some props, be it a favorite toy or balloons for a child session, or baby shoes and home-made signs for a maternity session. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas and inspiration.
WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY MATERNITY SESSION?
It is typically best to photograph a maternity session by week 28-34 of pregnancy. Mama-to-be is big enough to show that she is expecting, but not so large that she feels uncomfortable or unattractive.
WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY NEWBORN SESSION?
For newborn sessions, ideally we will want the baby to be between 7 and 10 days old. That is the perfect age because they are still so sleepy and can be placed into the sweetest little bundles and adorable positions. Also, at about 2 weeks baby acne sets in, so you really want to strive for under 14 days old.
That said, sometimes life happens and time gets away from you, especially with new parents. Don’t fret! No matter when we have the opportunity to shoot, we will get beautiful pictures.
WHAT IF BABY COMES EARLIER OR LATER THAN EXPECTED?
It is a rare occasion if baby is actually born on their due date, but we should still schedule an appointment based on the expected birth date. If baby comes significantly earlier or later than expected and my weekends are booked, we will schedule a date midweek to accommodate.
HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN SEE MY PHOTOS?
You can expect your photos to be up on the password protected online proofing gallery for viewing by you, your family && friends within 2-4 weeks of your session. If you have purchased the digital files from your session, the DVD/flash drive will be mailed to you shortly thereafter.
WHAT IS THIS ‘PRODUCT CREDIT’? WHAT IF I DO NOT WISH TO PURCHASE ANY ADDITIONAL ITEMS OTHER THAN MY DIGITAL FILES?
The product credit can be used toward any product in {the boutique}. This means prints, fine wall art, or individual digital files. If you choose not to utilize the product credit included with your session purchase, there is no refund or reduction in price.
YOU DON’T DO THIS FULL TIME? HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CAREER AND PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS?
I’ll be the first to say that it isn’t easy. I think the trick for me is that I truly love shooting so much that I would never call it a ‘second job’. I love coming home after a day at the office, begin editing pictures and get my creative juices flowing! I find it truly relaxing and I love watching the story of the day unfold before my eyes. I also cannot get enough of the instant gratification of turning a simple photograph into a gorgeous piece of art. Above all, I want this to remain FUN, which means I am careful to not overbook myself. I would never over-promise and under-deliver to my clients. It just isn’t my style.
WHERE IS YOUR STUDIO?
I am an on-location photographer, meaning that I come to you. My office is in Birmingham, but I do not have a formal studio with the traditional set-up. I love meeting clients at local coffee houses or even their homes, if we both feel comfortable, to chat about a potential sesh. Often, the first time I am meeting my clients is when we meet up for the shoot! Either way works for me. It won’t take long for us to be fast friends.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I’m a Canon girl. I’ll be the first to tell you that the camera does not make the photograph, but the right equipment can make all the difference. I use the Canon 5D with the Canon Rebel T3i backup. My primary lenses are the Canon Wide-Angle EF 35mm f/1.4L, the Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L, and the Canon Macro EF 100mm f/2.8L IS and I have the Canon Speedlite 580EX II flash.
When I’m shooting, I’m wearing my Shootsac lens bag and I love carrying my fancy schmancy camera to and from my sessions in my Shootsac Tote & Shoot. Easy access is key!
WHEN DO YOU SCHEDULE SESSIONS? HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY APPOINTMENT?
As I work in Corporate America M-F, I only take advance appointments for Saturdays and Sundays. Limiting appointments to the weekends means they book up rather quickly, especially during peak season (May through November). Although you can never book too early, I recommend booking at least 4-8 weeks in advance if at all possible. That said, please contact me with any availability inquiries as I may have had a last minute cancellation and have a session date available.
WHAT DO YOU REQUIRE TO RESERVE A DATE?
In order to secure your session date, I will need payment for either session option (either with or without the purchase of all the digital files up front) within seven (7) days of booking. If payment is not received, your date will again be available for booking by another party.
WHEN AND HOW SHOULD I PAY FOR MY SESSION?
As mentioned above, payment is due within seven (7) days of booking. Payment can be made via cash, check, money order or PayPal (note that there is a 3% + .30 PayPal surcharge).
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE SESSION AND HAVE TO CANCEL?
If you have to cancel your session and do so with at least 48 hours’ notice, your payment will be applied to a rescheduled session as a one time courtesy only. Your rescheduled session must take place within three (3) months of the original shoot date. If you cancel within 48 hours, you forfeit your payment. Any rescheduling is solely at the discretion of Kristin Greenwald Photography.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS TERRIBLE? CAN WE RESCHEDULE?
Believe me, some of the best shots are taken in the rain and snow, even though it may not seem to be ideal. Any rescheduling due to inclement weather is solely at the discretion of Kristin Greenwald Photography. We won’t be shooting in a torrential downpour or blizzard, however, if you do not hear from me, put on those snow boots or galoshes, cause we’re getting wet, baby!
HOW LONG WILL MY SESSION TAKE?
Most sessions are done between one and two hours. Newborn sessions take longer simply because we are on baby time. I generally schedule three to five hours for a newborn session.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO SCHEDULE OUR SESSION?
My favorite time of day to shoot couples is about 1½ to 2 hours prior to sunset. The lighting is so soft and romantic and makes all the difference. Family and children sessions I tend to do mid-day, generally around noon or 1p. Depending on the age of the children, we will want to work around nap times. If kiddo is happy and alert at 10a, that’s when we’ll shoot. As for newborn sessions, these start around 10a. We will want to begin shooting after feeding when baby’s belly is full and he or she is nice and sleepy.
DO YOU USE A SECOND SHOOTER?
Sometimes. My regular second shooter is my bf, Erick. Depending on the size or type of event, he may join us. Personally, I love when he comes along, as it gives me twice as many amazing photos to choose from for your gallery!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHOOTING?
A camera has been permanently attached to my hand since I was a teen, but I began shooting manually in the fall of 2011.
I DO NOT SEE WEDDINGS ADVERTISED ON THIS BLOGSITE. WILL YOU CONSIDER OURS?
I will. I do not advertise myself {yet} as a wedding photographer because I really want to submerse myself in the photography and wedding cultures prior to jumping into the deep end of the pool. I envision myself being there in a year or so, but for now, my focus is on perfecting my technique and building my portfolio. The good news is that while I build my wedding portfolio, my price point is very cost effective. Complete wedding packages begin at $2k. That means you have me for 8 to 10 hours and will receive at 800 to 1000 high resolution digital files on a DVD or flash drive, in addition to a complimentary engagement session. Turn around time for wedding photos are 4-6 weeks.
HOW DID {kgP} GET STARTED ANYWAY?
I knew I wanted to buy a ‘real’ camera for a longgg time. What I didn’t want was to spend the $$$ to do so. Plus, I knew that along with it came a new computer and whatever accessories I would find that I would just HAVE to have. I was right.
I was traveling to Banff, Alberta, Canada in August, 2011 for a work trip and I knew it was time to bite the bullet, as this was one of the most picturesque places inNorth America. I diligently researched which entry level DSLR camera to purchase, but I did not know if I was going to go Nikon or Canon. They were both so comparable and both had excellent reviews, so the day before I left, I went to the store and held each of them. The Canon Rebel T3i fit best in my hands and that was that. As I said, I’m a Canon girl.
I read the manual on the flight there and had a fantastic time playing with the ‘creative auto’ settings throughout the trip, but I was still limited. I now had a taste of what I could do, and I wanted more. So when I returned home, I enrolled in an entry level photography course and learned what all these buttons and settings on my fancy camera meant. But the icing on the cake was when I attended my cousin’s wedding that September and the bride told me that my pictures were better than the pro photog hired to take the photos that day. I was in deep.
I built myself a blog, a fb page, and began asking friends && family if I could take pictures of their newborns, children && pets. And so {kgP} was formed.
CAN YOU PROVIDE A LIST OF REFERENCES?
Absolutely. Just ask! You can also read the raves here!