You have them! I know it! Questions about what to expect, what to wear, when to book, how many photos you’ll receive, the meaning to the universe, and the list goes on! The following are questions I am asked on a regular basis and my best attempts to answering them! If you don’t see your question listed below and if you’re not an alien seeking something to probe, then please email me at carly@carlybish.com and I shall challenge your question in battle until an answer can be won!
What’s your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Religion. I graduated from Lee University, a private Christian college located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Ask me how I ended up there! That’s the real question! As for photography, I guess you can say it’s in my blood! My grandfather is a professional photographer and he’ll tell you that I was his most challenging subject! I would never hold still for the camera and he always had to bribe me with suckers and toys! I suppose I was meant to be behind the camera instead of in front of it!
How did you learn to take pictures?
By taking them! And reading a lot, a lot, a lot! Including my camera’s manual! If you’re aspiring to be a photographer, your camera manual is a great starting point for learning! Believe it or not, there’s a ton of information in there! Knowing your camera backwards and forwards is a fantastic start!
Do you shoot digital?
Yup! I’m 100% digital. One day, I’d love to shoot more film, but for professional work, I’m strictly digital. It’s faster, more efficient, and the possibility for things to go wrong slims down significantly!
What does “lifestyle photography” mean?
My photography preserves the special times that take place in your lifetime! Being single, graduating high school, being in love, getting married, pregnancy, having children, and even when you have pets! If there’s a time in your life that you wish to remember for decades, moments you hope to share and pass on to future generations, then my photography style can help you there!
How much is a session? Do you offer discounts?
Session fees are determined by the following: travel, time taking the photos, hours upon hours of post-processing, meeting with the client for proof viewing and ordering, and loads of other factors. If you really want to know what all goes into being a professional photographer and reasons behind my cost, read this article. At this time, I do not offer discounts but if you check my blog regularly, I sometimes offer limited time specials!
But we’re friends!
I know! And if you own a business and I seek your services, I promise to pay you full price! Because you’re worth every penny!
Do you travel for shoots?
You know it! Additional expense fees apply but if you simply can’t imagine anyone else as your photographer, then absolutely! In fact, it’s one of the best parts about the job!
Will you do selective color in my photo? (“Selective color” refers to a Black&White photo and selecting aspects of the image to make into color.)
Selective color doesn’t reflect my personal style as a photographer or as an artist and I prefer not to use it on my photos. Now, if you have a dying grandmother and her final wish is to see Little Timmy’s overalls colored blue in a B&W picture, then maybe I’ll consider making an exception. Otherwise, the simple answer is “No.”
When should I book my session?
You can book your session whenever it’s most convenient for you! My busy season is from May through September but I’m shooting all year round! In fact, one of my favorite times to shoot is during the holidays and just after the New Year simply because of the cozy feel that cold weather seems to bring! Scarves, mittens, and snuggling all lend themselves to really fun, adorable, and beautiful photos! Cover all your bases and get pictures from every season! You can’t go wrong!
I want pictures for two separate occasions. Can you split one session fee into two and just take pictures for a shorter amount of time?
I wish it were that easy, but let me put it this way… If you go to a professional hair stylist but you can only afford half of what they charge, would you ask them to cut and style just one half of your head?
I don’t really like having my picture taken… What can I expect during the session?
First of all, you are not alone in how you feel! Up until the revolution of digital photography, having our picture taken mostly felt like a mugshot! “Look here… Chin down… Smile… Now turn to the side…” Oy vey! No wonder we hated it! Luckily, my photography isn’t like that at all! Of course, I do what every photographer does when it comes to setting up the shot, looking for the best lighting, and composing the image. But as far as interactions go, you can anticipate me making a fool of myself and generally acting like a crazy person. But all in a good way! I just want to relax, take some pictures of the genuine chemistry I see through my lens, and have a good time! Before you know it, you’re having fun too! These won’t be anything like the pictures you get from your local Quickie Foto! You’ll actually like these!
What should I wear for my session?
Essentially, you should dress comfortably. You want to wear clothes that make you feel good and reflects your personal style. I’m not a big fan of matching outfits, so mix it up! Have fun with your attire! Just don’t go overboard! The following items are ones I advise against for your session: heels, flip-flops, wearing all-black (it’s not a funeral!), wearing all-white (you WILL get dirty!), flannel, crazy-busy prints, hawaiian shirts (unless we’re actually IN Hawaii, c’mon!), super low cut tops (let’s keep it PG, kids!), and anything that can be distracting or make you feel self-conscious. The goal is for your clothes to enhance the photos, not detract from them.
How many pictures will I receive from the session?
A typical 1-2 hour session will produce about 50-75 images. An 8-hour wedding will produce anywhere between 500-700 images. These final images will be fully edited based on my personal processing style. Edits include color, b&w, toning, retouching, and pretty much any other fun stuff that would take way too long to explain!
Can I print my pictures anywhere?
While I retain the rights and copyright to the images, you will receive a copyright release form with your disc of images that you will need at any printing lab. If you’d like to order prints directly through me, I use a professional printing lab whose quality of products are exponentially better than the $0.39 cent print you can get anywhere else. And while you have permission to upload your images to any social networking websites (ie. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.), I ask that you not alter the images. And since most websites ask if it’s in your right to post a specific picture, it’s important to include the photo’s creative information. A simple “carlybish.com” in the caption would suffice. Not to mention, I just really appreciate it!
Who are some of your greatest influences?
First of all, my parents. They have supported me in all my ambitions and continue to be my biggest fans! Without them, I’d probably be folding clothes for an American Eagle display or I’d still be steaming lattes at your local Starbucks. As far as photographic influences, I’ve loved Steven McCurry’s portraiture work for a very, very long time. If you’ve ever looked at National Geographic, then you’ve absolutely seen his work (even if you didn’t know it was his!) and the man has gumption! Of course, I’m constantly trying to make my work my own, so my style is always changing, but always for the better.
Thanks for all your questions! Again, if you have a question that wasn’t answered here, please send an email to info@carlybish.com!