F.A.Q Friday

I feel SO blessed and overwhelmed with the ongoing support on my blog and Facebook . I can’t tell you enough how much it means to me to have such great supporters both in clients and fellow photographers. As a photographer, I truly believe in paying it forward as others have done for me. It has and still is so inspiring to go to another photographer and ask questions. In the last week, I have had several people write me with questions on my business, camera equipment, and sessions I photograph. I feel as though I am a photographer who is constantly learning myself, so I feel honored that you would ask little ol’ me your questions. So for future reference, I love to share as much as I know and if I don’t know well then lets learn together!!

Jillian asked:
I love your images what camera are you shooting with? Do you have any recommendations on purchasing a DSLR?

Well Jillian, I am a Nikon shooter, I know shocking right? I am currently shooting with the Nikon D700, but started off with the Nikon D90. Both are great cameras, but I personally grew out of the Nikon D90 very quickly. If you are looking for a consumer grade camera that produces amazing pictures, then I would suggest going with the Nikon D90. If you have a little more room in your budget and want something that will challenge you and allow you to grow into, then I would suggest going with the full framed D700. The best thing to do is write down what you are looking for in a camera and go with the camera that works the best for you.
Quick side note: Canon is a great camera as well; I just don’t know anything about them:)

Mimi asked:
Can you share what lens you used on the top pic (snow pictures). That close up is just beautiful! I love how close you are!

Thank you Mimi you are too sweet! Sorry I am just now answering your question, but promise you that I have not forgotten. In the picture you are referring to, I used the Nikon 50mm 1.4f lens. This is one of my favorite lenses for many reasons. It allows for a very creamy look and does amazing in low light situations. As for the close up, I was able to be very close to my subject, but will have to admit, I cropped in a little tighter in post processing. I try to always compose most of my images in camera, but sometime I feel it’s needed to crop in just a bit tighter to achieve the perfect emotion.

Sarah asked:
I would really like to know how you got into doing wedding photography. I love weddings, but am so afraid to offer my services?

OH Sarah how I was just in your shoes not too long ago. I was terrified for weeks before photographing my first wedding, but the moment I got there, I fell in love with all the emotions and details there were to capture. It felt very natural for me to be the observer of a bride and grooms special day. My suggestion to you is to find a photographer in your area and offer your services as a second shooter. This will allow you to become comfortable in the flow of a wedding as well as take some of the pressures off until you feel comfortable going out on your own.

Jill asked:
Who do you go through for your website?

In one short phrase…I Love Photobiz! There are a lot of great places and ways to host your website, but for me, I wanted less stress in building a website and Photobiz was the perfect solution for me. They are spot on in customer service, pricing, and most of all variety. They offer so many choices in design templates, that it makes building your website literally a piece of cake!

Heather asked:
What kind of photos do you like to do?

I touched briefly on this question on Facebook, but then realized I never really specified on my blog what types of photos I love to take. I consider myself a lifestyle photographer that loves to capture every moment while in the moment. I started off specializing in child and newborn photography and while I still love to capture children, I have now gone into weddings and event photography. So to answer this question directly, if you love candid photos that show emotion and the love for life, then I am there to capture those moments and memories!!

I know that I have not answered everyones questions through this post, but I guarantee you that I will answer everyones questions as they come in. Thank you again for your ongoing support and kind words. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Giveaway Free Photo Session

UPDATE: The Photo Session Giveaway is officially closed!! Thank you to all who entered and participated…Stay tuned for the winners to be announced tomorrow afternoon! YEAH:)

It’s time to share the love once again with a giveaway! I am so excited now that the snow is beginning to melt here that I have decided to offer a FREE photo session to all three of my business locations. For those of you who live in Washington, Kentucky, and Virginia get ready to enter!!

Just like the last giveaway, it’s very easy to enter your chance to win a FREE photo session. All you need to do is the following:

1. Become a fan on facebook. If you are already a fan on facebook, then all you have to do is share Stephanie Reeder Photography to your friends on facebook by clicking on the “suggest to friends” link found under my profile picture.

2. Come back here and leave a comment with your location.

It’s that easy!!

The giveaway includes a one to two hour session with your choice of location (within 30 miles of Olympia, WA, Paducah, KY, or Charlottesville, VA.) and A FREE 8×10 print of your choice.

This giveaway will close on February 28, 2010 at 12 a.m. ETS

Good Luck to everyone!!

Inspire and challenge in a photograph

How many times have we downloaded photos into our computer and left them in a folder under the title “New Folder.” Or can you easily say that you have actually downloaded the couple hundred photos that are currently in your camera right now. I am and have been guilty of this so many times in my life. It’s unfortunate that we continually go without displaying or showing these photos that we love and admire so much. I hope through this blog and interactions with my clients and friends to inspire them to display their photos in their homes, offices, and rooms they enjoy to spend their time.

My challenge to you this weekend is to take the time to develop a photo (atleast just one) that has been sitting in your computer or camera for some time now. After it’s been developed, find your photo a home; not in a drawer or box, but on a wall, desk, or photo album. Put it in a place where you are able to enjoy the moment that was captured and the memory that goes along with it.

As I sit on my couch writing this post, these are the photos and wall I enjoy the most…

And the winner is…

Thank so so soooo much for everyone who participated in the camera strap giveaway. I am so excited to announce the winners via my first vblog post. So check out the video to see who the lucky winners are!

CONGRATULATION!! To….

Camera Strap Giveaway!! from Stephanie Reeder on Vimeo.

P.S. I love how the video caught me in mid sentence…hahaha…good thing I know how to laugh at myself!

Capturing a love story

It’s the way he looks at her and the way she smiles and giggles at him from across the room that makes the love connection between A and J obviously apparent. However, the story between A and J was one where the love wasn’t obvious from the beginning. When we go to work everyday, we never realize that our potential soul mate might be working in the office next to you. After working with one another on a daily basis for several years something changed between A and J. It wasn’t apparent from the beginning when they first met that they would one day become soul mates, but the connection between the two is obvious that their love and hearts are connected as one.

When we search for that special someone, it’s always in a place we never thought it would be. So, if you are looking for love, make sure to look over at the cubical next to you…You never know if Mr. Right will be the one you never imagined to be your soul mate!

Happy Valentine’s Day (weekend) to everyone!