TOP 15 Things that I LOVE about being a photographer

I thought I'd make a quick list...kinda late show style :)

15) When strangers can tell I'm a photographer by all the bags I'm carrying

14) Being snap happy- especially on outings like family walks

13) Being confident enough to be "in the way" for a second to get the perfect shot at an event, then ducking out. It's kinda fun when it's socially acceptable to follow brides up or down the aisle :P

12) Playing with equipment..."hello, awesome glass, where have you been all my life?"

11) Playing with props, I mean who doesn't need 10 rustic baskets that a newborn baby can fit inside? And hats! Lots of baby hats!!!

10) Playing with wardrobe... Yes I have a case full of clothes for models...doesn't everyone?

9) The odd workout I get during a shoot- I may need to do more yoga.

8) The fact that my husband let me take over half of his "man cave" to set up my studio.

7) That on a whim I can get really great pictures of my own kids ... which reminds me I should do that more often.

6) Holding newborn babies. I would have stolen every baby I have ever photographed if I thought I could get away with it...or if I thought I had a big enough house for that many children.

5) Meeting wonderful people. Clients, models, other artist.  I ♥ U!

4) Developing a craft that requires both technical knowledge and an artist eye. Its a cool art meets science thing and anyone who knows me knows how much that appeals to me.

3) Photoshop!!! Oh how I love messing around in Photoshop. I love to enhance the beauty that is there, I have no ambitions of doing "digital plastic surgery" but man can the correct application of Photoshop make an ordinary good image look stunning.

2) I am self employed! "Sorry, I'm busy with my family that Saturday but I can book that other time you are free." I can work as much or as little as the rest of life affords- which means if I'm out working I'm excited to be there!

What's the number 1 thing that I love about being a photographer?

Hmmmm

1) Capturing forever the deepest depths of love. No amount of Photoshop can alter the loving looks exchanged during shoots- I get invited into people's lives to immortalize those really great moments. It has been a true privilege in my life. I'm really very grateful to all of my clients for trusting me, I look forward to seeing you all again soon. And if you don't know me yet- let's hang out and take some awesome pictures!

Ok so here's the drill, if you are reading this MAKE A COMMENT!!! & SUBSCRIBE!!!  Oh and follow me on twitter or like my facebook page

Niloufar

Gallery coming soon!
Seek peak below

Ways to feel more comfortable in front of a camera...

Often clients express some "camera shy" feeling at the beginning of the shoot, while I understand that this is rather natural I thought I'd list some things that might make busting out a pose feel more enjoyable.

#1- Hire a Good Photographer :P

No really! Hire a good photographer who has lots of experience working with people. Those of us who have been at this for a while will know that putting someone at ease is the first step to getting great photos.

#2- Make Jokes!

Laughing can really help calm nerves and get you feeling good about life in general, so giggle a little.

#3- Try to be Prepared

If you rushed your hair and make-up that will likley be on your mind. Try to clear your mind of anything other than what is currently going on. Although it is always best to be 100% prepared for the photo session, if you are running a bit behind, ask for another 10 minutes.

#4- Don't look in Mirrors While the pictures are Being Taken

Some people seem to think that they have prefected the look they want in the mirror and so they will try to catch their own reflection while the camera is on them. In my expereince it just doesn't work out. The photos end up looking more awkward. Instead I find imagining in your mind how wonderful you look is much better.

#5- Show some Teeth!

I can't even count the number of times I've heard, "but I don't like my smile". Here is a tip: Anyone who cares about you loves to see you smile. So unless you have big plans of getting photos taken and then promptly hiding them from the whole world, take at least a few shoots smiling.

#6- Trust Your Photographer

I know, I know, I'm harping! But who is on the other side of the lens really matters. While trust might not develop in an instant, try their suggestions for poses and corrections to positions you are in. A good photographer should have some ideas of positions and places that would look good. You should trust your photographer that really bad pictures won't show up in the final showing so there should be no risk to talking or making silly faces as a joke once in a while. Make sure you check out your photographers portfolio- having too many pictures that aren't the best can show one of two things either A) the photographer isn't very experienced or B) they have a hard time rejecting photos that just aren't the best.

#7- Don't Get Down on Yourself

I alway feel bad when people get down on themsleves because they blinked or sneezed or whatever. We're all human and especial with digital photography I could take 1000s of pictures if I had to to get that perfect 1- so no pressure. Be yourself and stay positive!

#8- YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!
I have yet to find a person who isn't unique, interesting and beautiful in their own right- seriously. Sure we all have our imperfections but often they make us more interesting. I really only get a "photographer rush" (the lesser know cousin of the runners high) when I photograph people. I love the way you look, I love all your stories and I don't even know you :) It is my hope that through my photography people will see new sides of themselves, beautiful new sides of themselves.






Hey YOU!
If you read this make a comment! Follow me on twitter @glowingphotos or like my facebook page. I'd love to hear from you!

Recent Shoot

Jesse
It was a pleasure to have Jesse, a local actor and generally good guy, back in front of my lens. He's a joy to have in studio and often after he leaves my cheeks hurt from laughing. For this shoot I was aiming for some dramatic lighting and some more interesting portraiture than I have done in the past. I think it was pretty successful. 

  
. . . .