I periodically receive emails from other photographers looking for advice on getting started, how I achieve my “look”, and just someone to help them break into the business. I reply to each inquiry and do my best to help. This sweet person sent not only an awesome email but also left a voicemail (and hey, flattery gets you *everywhere*)
Hi Jennifer,
I’m a new photographer (not young, but new) in Atlanta. I’m in the process of setting up a photography business. So far, I’ve looked at the work and websites of hundreds of photographers, and I must tell you that your work jumped right out at me, when I saw it.
Though there are many wonderful things that i could say about your work, your ability to put kids in their natural environment and make them look like they are “being kids” is really what caught my attention.
My wife has been telling me from day one, that I need to develop this type of skill when working with kids, but to be honest, this lesson has gone against the grain a bit. This may be because I started out my formal training with Monte Zucker. Are you familiar with his work? He teaches “classical portraiture.” I’ve found that classical portraiture can result in beautiful art when done right, but I’ve also found it to be somewhat disasterous and frustrating when trying to work with small children.
Seeing your work has made me realize that the best photographs result when you put people, whoever they are, in their natural element. While a classical portrait might be wonderful for a more “mature” family seeking to add elegance to their home, it’s not necessarily the best style for everything. It seems like your “environmental” approach is the solution.
Classical portraiture vs. lifestyle portraiture…apples and oranges
(or is it?)
I believe in many different types of portrait work. Classical portraits have their place….in lifesized portraits with oil painted finishes hung over the fireplace or in your entryway (and don’t forget the traditional gold frame!). We have one of these of my two kids, taken when they were 1 and 3…they are dressed in matching cream silk outfits (Sam in a dress, Ben in a one-piece short outfit) and are both looking at the camera. Fairly serious, no smiles, but adorable and very classic.
The rest of my home is covered in black and white and color lifestyle images. Ben covered in dirt and eating a pear, our family on the beach (reason #1 of why I love having a tripod), Sam struggling to put on her glass slipper while in full Cinderella garb, the women in our family cuddled on a bench in the park showing the four generations. These are the ones that truly show our family. The love, the emotion, the tiaras and the dirt…all of it! I believe that you should have portraits of every kind in your home, but certainly strive to show off your family as they truly exist (no cream silk in sight!).
Thanks Randall-you have email 
Jen
