Photography is how I make a living to be sure but when I photograph a couple at a wedding, a newborn baby, a huge family reunion or your dog it’s about connecting with these people (or pets) and making a memory for them that I love most.  Making someone happy and sharing what I do with a captured smile, the simple essence of a child’s laugh or the look of admiration and adoration is really what my photography is all about.  I can go through my stacks of albums and remember my grandma’s touch and smile, my mom’s soft glance and smell and the story around the belly laugh of a good friend.  This is what photography brings to the world and what it should feel like in your soul.

Love you Joe!

She was the last of three photographers we interviewed, and as soon as we met her, we knew she was the one. Misti has a warm, fun, friendly, open personality that we connect with, and that at the end of the day we would have gorgeous pictures.

She offers professional, high touch client oriented service, including being responsive by e-mail and phone, taking both digital and film pictures (she has a Holga; major points!!), and of course doing both color and black and white pictures. If you like, and I do recommend this, she will select the pictures for your album with your input and edits, of course. I tried selecting pictures myself and it was challenging given the number of great pictures. Another plus is that in her 2010 packages she offers 3×5 prints (high quality) of every picture that she and her assistant takes.

Our wedding pictures are nothing short of stunning. Looking at my pictures is like reliving my wedding day over again. I cry and laugh looking at them, and am so amazed at what she was able to capture. She captured our wedding.

I could not get over how people who are normally not that photogenic looked just radiant. AND she got candids of our folks, which is pretty much a miracle because they can spot a camera from a mile away and immediately pose. My mom loves her, and she’s difficult to please. Our family and friends are raving about the pictures too.

Misti advertises herself as your photographer for life. I would hire her again for our next life event, if she’ll have us! And of course I recommended her to friends.

Hire her! You’ll be just as thrilled.

Thank you Nirmala and TS!  You gave me a lot to work with and you guys are just too cute!

Some points to photographing children?

1. Get down to their level.  Photographing children’s portraits doesn’t have to be Sears style.  In fact getting a little dirty makes it fun for you too instead of frustrating at not getting the right smile.  Let’s be honest as sometimes a good cry can be a good photograph!
2. Keep it quick.  This is obvious.  When the restlessness or nap time sets in.  Let it go.  If you are a parent you have great access at any time.  So not fair to the professionals!
3. Schedule the right time.  Like point #2, if it is nap time, it just won’t go well.
4. Some props can be fun but don’t let them overwhelm the subject.  A wonderful smirk can be so much more than trees, benches, bunnies and a costume in one photograph.  Keep it simple.
5. Natural light is my favorite.  If I  can avoid the flash I will at all costs.  Photographing your child with a flash can make them sensitive, squint and not look at you.  Light from a window or outside in a park is fantastic. Stay out of the sun unless that is part of the point.
6. Blur your background.  Now this is different settings on different cameras that you’ll have to look into.  However with a blurred background your child becomes the focus rather than blending in.
7. Hang the photos up!!  This may seem obvious but don’t let your photos just stay on your computer.  Get them up and seen and be sure to send them to your families.