I get asked quite often what kind of camera I have, what lenses I use and recommend, and what gear I might recommend for daily use at home or for a beginning photographer. 
Unfortunately, I've only ever used two "real" (DSLR) cameras in my life. 
I started my business using a Canon Rebel t3. Which was great for about a year before I and my knowledge outgrew that little cameras capabilities. Then I purchased my baby, the Canon 5d Mark ii. We've been together for almost 4 years now, and she's still going strong. 
Since I have so little experience with other cameras, and have never even picked up a Nikon, I can only recommend the Canon Rebel series cameras to start your photographic journey. THIS is a great starter kit to get you going.
Here's a more detailed list of what I carry with me to every session:

• Canon 5d mark ii
• Canon EF 50mm 1.8
• Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens
• One 32GB SanDisk Extreme PRO CompactFlash card
• One extra camera battery, a lens cleaning cloth, a "camera buddy," camera rain cover, and on occasion, sweet treats to be used as bribery tools. ;)
• Oh, and the adorable camera strap can be found HERE and the camera backpack I purchased HERE.

This first week has been challenging, eye opening, and fun! I'm learning to embrace the grain that comes along with shooting indoors with only natural window light (and cloudy, rainy light at that). Sometimes my photos will probably be of silly, simple things, because really, how many different ways can a person photograph the same people? I'm learning to look for the beauty in the simple, and how to take each day and each lesson as it arrives.
I also think a 365 page photo album will be needed by the end of this year. :)
Follow my journey on instagram, @sweetephotos
p.s., don't mind the nakey baby. We're potty training.

We made it guys! A new year. For some the new year is flying around the corner with rainbows and butterflies on the horizon, and for others, we've made it by the skin of our teeth. Whatever the case may be, NOW is the perfect time to set new goals. 
I have a few of my own...

• Spend quality, undivided time with my kids. Not just more of it. I found some awesome tips HERE.
• Deliver all client galleries in under 3 weeks.
• Shoot 27 more sessions than last year, to reach the big 200.
• Learn to shoot video (video clips included in sessions, anyone?)
• Take my family on a trip somewhere new. Send me your recommendations! 
• SLEEP. 

Not too complicated, right? Okay, okay. the sleep thing might be difficult. 
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Here's to our best year yet!

I owe this little lady and her parents a big, giant thank you. Not only have they continued to support my business through two years now, but they have recommended my little business to so many people. Every time I get a new client and they tell me they heard about me from The Goff's, it sparks so much joy and gratefulness in my heart. So from the bottom of it, I just wanted to say THANK YOU!

Before:

This mayyy be my favorite 3 month photo session.
Little Saylor here is such a beautiful little lady, and I could already see a bright, curious personality forming in her! 
I edited these a tiny bit differently. What do you think? Leave your comments below!
Want to book your own 3 month session, or Grow with Me Package? Click here to contact me!

Just a few shots from one of my favorite session so far this year. 
Enjoy. 
​xoxo

Have you booked a session to update your family portraits? Great!
Are you considering having your family portraits taken in the near future? Also great! Here is a quick run down of what you can expect before, during, and after your session.
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I love to meet my clients before their sessions. Not only is it an easy way for us to take care of the first payment and go over the contract, but it also lets us meet and get to know one another. I believe there is a photographer that fits well with each family, and I want to make sure I can be that photographer for you. Once we've made contact, we will set up an in-person consultation. There, we will go over all of the details  of the contract, which I've put together to help both of us through the session process. The deposit (session fee) is due at this time. Once that is all taken care we will go over the fun details involved.
Does your family have any sports or hobbies that you would like to be included in the photos? Any particular locations, themes, colors, or poses you would like to get? All of this will be discussed at this meeting. We will also go over wardrobe options, location options, when the best time to schedule your session is, based on your families needs, etc.
After our meeting, I will begin work on scouting out the perfect location, building, making, or prepping props to be used during the photos, and constantly checking on that weather!
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Here comes my favorite part! The session. Before we begin shooting, I will scout  around the location to find the perfect lighting. It's all about that light! Then I'll get to know your kiddos! In order to make them more comfortable with me, we'll run and chase, play pattycake, peekaboo, play with rocks or pick flowers, even take turns taking pictures of Mom and Dad with my camera! We want to get those happy, giggly faces. No fake cheeses allowed here.
Once they're happy with me, we will begin by taking group family photos. I generally get a few different poses of families together, some with everyone smiling at me, and more of everyone cuddling, laughing, tickling, walking, and playing together. The most important key here is to relax.  
​Once family photos are finished we will move on to siblings together, then individual children. Be prepared; in order for me to get them to really laugh and smile, I'm going to talk about and do some crazy things! Mooing like a cow, pretending to pick my nose and making farting noises are the surest tricks in the book to get a few giggles. ;)
Some helpful session tips:
-RELAX. Not only is stress visible in photos, but your kids can sense it, and that makes them worried, too.
-When I'm trying to get your kiddos attention in family photos, don't look down at them. Just keep looking at me, and I will get their attention
-When I'm photographing the kiddos, if you need to help me get their attention, stand directly behind me. I mean stick your face right next to mine. This will make them more likely to look at the camera, rather than off to the side of the photo.
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After your session, I will go home, upload your photos to my computer, as well as online and onto a hard drive that I keep at a second location. As soon as I can I'll post a few sneak peaks on my Facebook page for you. Tagging yourself and sharing are so helpful and appreciated!
Editing time takes me about 2-4 weeks, depending on the session, how busy I am, and what is going on in my home life. (Three kiddos 5 and under is not for the faint of heart.) 
Once the images are completely edited, I load them onto your disc or USB and set up a time for them to be picked up or mailed. Then, you get to enjoy your beautiful portraits! Did I mention I also sell gorgeous, professional quality prints? Check out my pricing here, and contact me here to start planning your custom portrait session!