JSWshoots

Depends on the project but for the most part I beleive in getting to know what is important to them, what they think is unique about their project. When shooting families I like to find something that reflects what is important to them and defines them. When shooting pets I like to spend a little time with the animal before actually shooting and hearing from the pet owner what they love about their pet so the photos will reflect that. If it's a product, I like to research it and try to find a way of shooting it that makes it stand out. My main goal with every project is to create something original and effective.

My degree is actually a BA in English from Birmingham Southern College. I worked in adverstising as a copywriter/producer for 15 years so I understand that side of the business when shooting for an agency or company. I am elf taught as far as the technical side of photography but learned the spirit/approach to photography through my mom who was a professional photographer in England. I've never let lack of experience in a certain area stop me from shooting the first time. Consquently, I can go from a romantic couple's shoot to hitting the gun range and photographing law enforcement training.

I don't have a standard pricing system. I take each project separately and try to work with the client to create a package tht meets their needs. I am willing to either do a retainer with a larger client, charge by the hour or do a flat fee for an event. My price will always include shooting time, editing time, and delivery (whether digital copies or prints). If extra products/copies are wanted we can work that out beforehand. 

I gained a love for photography from my mom, watching her work growing up. While working in advertising for several years as a writer, I studied all the photography books and became interested in exploring that side of being a creative. Candid/lifestyle was my favorite, shooting people and landscapes on mission trips and travels back to Ireland/England where my family was from. I discovered the joy of telling stories without having to write a single word. 

My customers cover a broad range, from families to law enforcement. I've shot engagements, weddings, pets, pet products, landscapes, firearms, Police K9s, real estate, and editorial pieces. I'm also the photographer for a Search and Rescue team. 

This may sound strange but I recently shot two funerals; one for a K9 Officer with a local department and also for a local fire chief who I also happened to be friends with. Even though both ocassions were sad, seeing the emotion and love being experessed for both of them was beautiful and being able to capture that meant something to those families. It provided them, their children, and their departments a view of the special moments they might not have seen otherwise. 

First and foremost, look at what they've shot before and ask yourself if their style is what you need. Do all their shots look the same? Is their portfolio refreshing or have you seen the same set ups a hundred times (like families posing on railroad tracks). Then, talk with the photographer about what you envision and see if they one, listen to you, and two, offer suggetions that you may not have thought of. But you want to feel as if your project is the most important one they've done; that they are engaged with you.

Again, depends on the project. If it's a family portrait, then ask yourself if you want something traditional or if you want something different/fun. If it's a product, think about if you want a simple studio set up or a lifestyle shoot with the product in use. Do you have a firm budget or is their wiggle room? Are they willing to travel, if it's for an event? Are digital copies included even if you have prints made? The important thing is to make sure you are on the same page.