I'm not Wal-Mart

I'm not Wal-Mart Photos.
I'm not Sears Portraits.
I'm not Olan Mills.
I'm not the Picture People.

I think every one of those studios has their place in photography. But they're just not me. Several times a week I have potential clients call me about setting up baby/child portraits or family portraits but they want them shot in a studio in front of fake backdrops or featuring large, fake studio props. As much as I hate to turn away business, I have to tell them that I'm not that kind of photographer.

I think photography is about capturing memories. I don't want to make your child "Say Cheese!" I don't want to pose your 1 year old beside a giant number 1 and squeak a toy to make them look in my general direction. I want to photograph real people being natural. I don't want to do fake.

I want to take your families photos beside the old oak tree that's been in front of your house for decades or the lake you fish at every summer. I want to take your children's portraits on the playground or in their rooms. I want to capture you being comfortable and natural and having fun. Those are the photos you want to hang on your wall and those are the photographs that are going to mean something in 10 years.

Most photographers call it lifestyle portraiture. I call them relaxed portraits. So if you want great portraits, then give me a call. I'll make sure you look your best. I'll even "do some photoshop". Don't be mistaken, the photos will look amazing and will be completely professional with rich colors, great lighting and natural poses and smiles. I just won't do it in front of a faux autumn background and giant foam props. Oh, and I won't make you all dress the same either.

Just say no to cheese.