A Post Process

I have started editing a set of wedding photos, and it got me thinking, before I post photos I have something to say…

As I take on more clients, including brides and grooms, I find it difficult to put everyone into the same box – regarding how their photos should look when I am through editing them. I know photographers eventually find their signature style, although there are a few that seem to have more than one kind of look to their work. I think I am still in the process of figuring out what works for me, but ultimately I believe that every client and every event is unique and their photos should be as well.

I know photographers are sought out because they have established a style and that is why they were hired in the first place! Since I’ve only been at this for less than a year, I have tried a few different things and so far people have been happy. Getting creative with pictures is so much fun. I look at so many photographers’ blogs and I am constantly inspired, and it’s easy to play around with personal photos (of my kids, for example), which I often do. Most importantly, when I get home with a set of photos and sit down to work on them, it is the personalities of the people and the feel of their event that leads me in one direction over another.

I have usually tended toward bright “true” colors and high-contrast black and whites. I love punchy, vivid images – especially with childrens portraiture. However a few times I have tried more vintage looking images, and something about that keeps tugging me back, especially for engagement sessions, maternity sessions, and weddings. I love it, and I don’t want to stop creating images in that style for the sake of consistency and predictability. Beyond the “normal” colors and the “vintage” approach, I don’t know that I will venture off in any other directions…

I have a few sessions I still need to blog, but I wanted to put this note out there before I put up any photos. I want to try to find my own personal style, but a big part of me is more concerned with your personal style. I am torn. I love so many different things, but I don’t want to confuse clients about what they can expect from me. Ultimately I just want the people I photograph to be thrilled, and if there is a certain style they want, that is what I want to give them. Maybe in the future I will have my “one” way. I’m not certain yet. It’s all a process and I am just at the beginning.