Last Wednesday we did our normal thing; I pulled together a blog, she did some editing, we did some more website rearranging and we got to talking — wouldn’t it be awesome if we did a behind the scenes post on the blog? Coming into this, I didn’t know much of anything about photography, all I knew was that I loved blogging, and I thought it would be so cool for her clients to learn exactly what happens behind the scenes!
There’s so much that goes into capturing memories for people, you want them to be absolutely perfect because your photographs are something that they will have forever. It all starts when a client gets in touch with Briana one way or another (usually by Facebook message or a text) and they discuss how they heard about Breakfree Photography, what exactly they are looking for in terms of sessions, and what packages are available.
In the days leading up to the clients’ session, Briana makes sure to keep in touch with them, exchanging ideas and discussing potential location. The night before to the session, batteries are charged, memory cards are located, and equipment and props are packed up. I remember when she was on the hunt for a new camera lens because she wanted sharper, cleaner images but camera lenses can be on the super pricey side. When you run a photography business, however, top-of-the-line lenses are an absolute must. One of our managers at Chili’s found her a deal for the exact lens she wanted on eBay, and I know that she loves it, she was so excited to show it to me after it came in the mail!
Once the session itself is over, it’s time to begin the editing process, which is more than just some hours spent behind the computer, it literally begins the moment the session ends. Briana starts looking through the photos of the session in her car, mentally making note of the ones that she would like to keep as part of the gallery. Once she gets home from the session, the pictures are immediately uploaded onto her computer and she begins editing them through Photoshop.
Since briana and I started working together, I’ve been present for a few editing sessions and it’s such a fun, but exhausting process.
when you are looking at a picture on a 27-inch imac, you start to notice little imperfections that you didn’t notice in real time or on the back of the a camera, and said imperfections must be corrected. for some pictures this takes a bit more work than others, but one thing that always happens is when briana finds a stunning picture with an imperfection, she does her best the correct the imperfection and make the picture even more beautiful. she puts up little sneak peeks on facebook of the most adorable moments, makes me a collage that will be apart of the blog, then uploads them to the client gallery.
it’s such a long and rewarding journey, but it’s worth it to help people build lasting memories.
xx
michelle
Wednesdays have become the unofficial day for friend dates between briana and me. I usually come over her house in the late evening and we chat, eat, chase a few bunnies, and get a bit of work done. I’ve only been working with briana for about a month, but it seems like we have gotten quite a bit done; we’ve developed a schedule for her blog, I lend a hand with editing (by lend a hand, I mean I am a sounding board for her as she bounces ideas off of me), and we’ve re-done her website! In short, I sort of help her with her blog and website, and she helps me learn new skills that are sure to be super useful in LA (but let’s not talk about that… she’s sad I’m leaving and I’m going to miss her like crazy).
briana usually arrives at the location early to scope out the area for perfect backdrops for the session. One of my favourite things about briana's pictures are the lush greens that she always includes — stunning view of trees, bushes, shrubs, and grass that complement her natural style so well, and make the photos looks breathtaking. Once her clients arrive, briana will play with the children, chat with the couples, joke with the high school seniors — whatever is needed to help them feel more comfortable.
Take it from me, photo sessions can be a little awkward. You become so overly self aware; what you hair is doing, what your feet are doing, whether your smile is too big, or too small, how your clothes fit — you are your own biggest critic. I have no children of my own, but I can imagine how infants and children would act around a new person, and how embarrassed or self-conscious a parent would become if said child began to act up. But I can promise that briana has the patience of a saint, and just wants everyone to be content.
