Columbia SC Photographer | Before and After Photography Transformation

This day was an time of celebration for Vicky. She was beginning a new chapter in her life, moving and excited about her weight-loss journey. She came to me with her two beautiful children to create some family photos. We took this day to make it all about Vicky. She got her hair and makeup done professionally and we dressed her a beautiful crimson gown. She could have stopped traffic. 

Can you just imagine her excitement when she saw how beautiful she truly is? Her face lit up and for the first time she was able to see herself how others see her. Confident, unguarded and gorgeous!

 Her kids had a fun time too! Her little girl got some lovely curls and lip-gloss so she could fit right in with her mom! And oh, her son was so handsome! They were the picture-perfect family for their special photos. 

Before...

After...

Just before sunset, they danced.

Right at dark, we continued on capturing the sweetest moments. Warm Christmas snuggles and Coke.

From single portraits to babies and mothers, I love capturing every little detail. Telling the story of your life is my thing. 

Columbia SC Photographer | Behind the scenes

I don't talk a lot about what I do to others because I don't want to sound like I am talking about me too much or trying to sell something. Thankfully in my blog posts, I get to talk about the passion and joy I have for photography and people. My goal is to give you all a glimpse of what I do behind the scenes each week. This is not something I have to do, it's something I get to do. It's a talent and a privilege that I love and I want to share it with you.

A lot of planning effort goes into a session with me. Behind the scenes, I prepare for your special day as if it were my very own. Normally, I prepare for each session several hours (an average of 5 hours) throughout the week leading up to that day. I love my clients and really want to give them the greatest experience possible. Each and every shoot is handcrafted by me to suit each client. I make it a point to order or go shopping for at least one signature item to incorporate into a session so that in some way it is personalized for each person. I enjoy capturing personality through my work so that every photo is true to life. I appreciate real, authentic portraits. Even in my posing, I try to capture each client in their natural movement with minimal adjustments. 

After your session, I cannot wait to see what we have created together. I have a quick turnaround time with delivery of galleries because I truly enjoy it so much. It's a lot of work but I get so excited about retouching your images that I cannot wait to get them home after our time together. When I get to see a perfect shot on my 27 inch screen, a smile comes to my face. They are big, they are beautiful and I know my clients will love them.

I love every single thing about newborn sessions. Seeing mom and dad sleepily holding and gazing at their precious new baby with so much love is the sweetest thing. Small moments with emotion are key to getting beautiful family photographs. My sessions include a little bit of everything, baby poses and lifestyle. I have my own ideas for the session but I want to hear clients' ideas as well- it's all about them- and all of you potential clients. One thing is certain, I never leave a session without asking the question, "Are there any other shots that are important to you?" Even if they are not my signature shots or a favorite of my own, I will do what clients request as long as it's safe. 

In portrait and beauty style sessions, I add a little more posing. People have no clue how to stand or where to put their hands, they just know they want to look good and not awkward. This is where I come in. While any posing may feel a little awkward, it looks amazing on camera. It's so important to be properly directed on how to stand so that the images are flattering. 

Afterwards, when the clients come back to view their photos, they are seeing most of them for the first time on a large screen. It's a wonderful time, emotional, beautiful and I get to experience that. It's the most amazing part about what I do. I wouldn't want to do anything else. I get to give people an experience that they can't get anywhere else and they get to have gorgeous wall art of themselves and their babies that will last a lifetime. This is living.

Mother and daughter, newborn session in Columbia, SC