I’ve been doing a little work to expand my portfolio lately and, of course, simply to practice and get this photography thing down. I was always the kid in school who quit every sport she ever played since I wasn’t an instant star, but I refuse to allow that “I-have-to-immediately-be-the-best” mentality get the better of me on this one, even though I know my work is still in the gap. I’ve been brainstorming business names and studying up on editing techniques. I’m definitely undecided on the final direction of my editing style, but I’m sure most photographers would probably tell you that their work evolved plenty over time. Right now I’m really feeling a creamy, sort of vintage feel to photos, but I am concerned that style could be just a passing phase mostly exclusive to bloggers. Thoughts? I’d love your input and advice, if anyone has some!
Below is a family session I shot last week. Celine and her husband just bought a fan-freakin’-tastic house here in Austin, so we celebrated with some fun pictures of them and their family from out of town. One thing I DO know is that I love to capture moments. Photos that tell a story are my favorites!
Hope you enjoy these…
These are so neat! I loooove your photography!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!!
ReplyDeleteThey came out amazing.
Beautiful! Seriously so stunning. I love photography that captures the moments as well. It's what I strive for in my own photography. I've dabbled in it a little myself...and I think your edits are pretty timeless. Not too vintage-y or overdone. I know some photographers suggest classic and timeless, while others embrace vintage and more surprising edits. Your style reminds me of Sloan Photographers (google them). Not that it mimics, by any means...just reminds me of them. Anyway, keep it up, you definitely have a lot of talent and skill.
ReplyDeleteI love these! And whatever this style is, it's wonderful! I think they are really great...and I agree that these aren't too vintage or too classic. I think it's a perfect mix!
ReplyDeletegggiiirrrllll you are talented!!!
ReplyDeletethat very first black and white baby picture is IT. LOVE.
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos! You've got an amazing eye!
ReplyDeleteI think they came out beautifully. You really have a talent at capturing those special moments.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you eliminated the "I-have-to-be-the-best" mentality. It inspires me to do the same. I'm currently studying graphic and web/blog design on my own because it's something I really love to do and I would like to earn a living from them in the future. But I have to start from the basics because I have very minimal background when it comes to these subjects. We'll get better through a lot of practice. :-)
ReplyDeleteI believe in you, Jenni. You already have the talent. You just have to hone it. Take care! <3 :-)
i also love photos that tell stories. I must i love all the couple shots. They are beautiful couple. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the vintage feel to photos, but I think that might be more appropriate for your blog than for commercial photography. your current editing methods really mute and dilute the colors in the photos, and as a result the images don't always look as crisp and well-defined. if that makes sense. I was trying to come up with a good description for it, because I've had this thought in my brain for a bit about some of the photos you've posted. the photos are lacking some liveliness because your editing is muting things a bit.
ReplyDeletethat being said, I really don't mean to sound negative. just offering some hopefully helpful personal opinions. you've clearly come a long way with your camera, and I'm so proud! (I say that like I'm such a skilled photographer. ha!) seems like you've got a pretty good handle on the more technical things like aperture and lighting and whatnot because your photos are REALLY visually interesting. you've got good focus and framing instincts, and I think you'll do really well with your photography business endeavors.
I don't know. I hope at least some of that made sense.
I personally love the vintage feel and am really drawn to faded black and whites in my own work right now. You know what I say? Who cares if it's a passing phase. Your style is more than just what editing method you use. Your style is an extension of you and it manifests itself in every aspect of your photography - it's in your composition and framing choices, your lighting choices, what "moments" you choose to capture, and even in how you interact with your subjects. The editing is just a small portion of what constitutes a particular photographer's style. And guess what. Just like with your style of clothing and home decor, your style of photography is constantly evolving because YOU are constantly evolving. Everyday, you are influenced by different stimuli and that, in turn, influences your photography (or any means of artistic expression for that matter). Right now, you're drawn to vintage. Five years from now, you might only want to produce work in black and white. Five years after that, you might be all about bright, poppy colors. As technical as photography can be, it's also an art form and art is inherently subjective. Some people may not like the look of your current style. Others will love it. It took me a long time to realize this but I've finally learned that if you hone your skills to perfect the technical aspects and follow your gut for the creative aspects, you'll have a much better chance at creating consistently awesome photography.
ReplyDeleteI have many more thoughts on this subject but this comment is long enough. We can discuss more privately if you want. :)
You know, I've been wondering about the vintage look. I like it to a point, but I think it would grow old quickly unlike the tried and true images that families really go for.
ReplyDeleteIts definitely for a specific type of person/couple and if you steered away from that, or just learned a different way of editing, your clientele would grow.
Its always good to have your touch on the pictures, I'm still learning my editing style and I know it'll take awhile before I do, but I want to make sure the client loves the images I'm giving because its them, rather than me.
That said, I do love how you're telling their story above. That's not an easy thing to do.
They all seem relaxed in your shots.
Gorgeous shots! You really have a great eye! :) I recently stopped working for a husband and wife team of lifestyle/wedding photographers and after watching them work for several years, I learned so much. The biggest thing is find your style that fits you and go from there. I think you're doing a great job so far... your shots are clear, focused, classic and not over-edited. That's the worst... when people take a fad too far. (Like color separation... you know when Wal Mart's doing it, it's probably not cool anymore). Whatever you offer you want your clients to look back 20 years from now and still love the shots as much as the first time, so I think the style you're aiming for will definitely reach that goal. :) Keep it up! :)
ReplyDeleteThese photos are absolutely amazing. I understand what you are talking about with the editing style, but I also think that it could vary from client to client. Some might want that vintage feel and some might not. I think that your photography speaks for itself. Keep it up! You are certainly on the right track.
ReplyDeleteHon, as a fellow photographer-who-is-starting-her-career, these are not in the gap. These are AMAZING. I'm not just saying that because I love your blog, but from the perspective of someone who is starting in the photography industry as well. I love the creamy, luminous look, and I do think it's in its own little niche in terms of what people are looking for. The more you set yourself apart, the more likely you'll get noticed. I don't think this style is specific to the blogging community. I think it's flattering, and natural. How do you get the eyes so clear and focused?! That's one thing I want to work on.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, girl! Keep on keeping on, because you have an amazing talent.
And let me just add that I don't think your pictures look muted. I think the colors pop on their own; these pictures would stand out WAY more to me than normal, boring photography. (In response to one of the comments above...) TOO many photographers have the same style. These stand out. End of story. :)
ReplyDeleteyour photos are fantastic!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think they are gorgeous!!!!!! You have a gift! :)
ReplyDeleteThese are great Jenni! I am amazed :) I cannot wait to see more! You really have found your gift and calling!
ReplyDeleteI think they are absolutely gorgeous, perfect, stunning.. I know a certain 21 month old who will need 2 year pictures very soon...=)
ReplyDeleteThese baby pictures are so cute!! You definitely have a gift. It's always something I wished I had...an eye for a good photo. You definitely have it.
ReplyDeleteUmm these pics are GORGEOUS! If you have any Lightroom tips, please do share! :)
ReplyDeleteThe picture of the couple through the grass/by the front door is perfection! Definitely should be framed and put in their home!!! :) You are a wonderful photographer Jenni!
ReplyDeleteFirst off: You have a natural talent. So keep going cause you're rockin my socks off. I especially love the first photo.. the composition is perfect!
ReplyDeleteAs for editing.. I think it's something you continually play with and, like you said, it will evolve over time. So I say, if this is what makes your heart go all a flutter, then go for it! It's definitely gorgeous. And maybe down the road you'll want a different look, and that's ok. No one said creativity had to have rules... ;)
your photography is beautiful, and her freckles are gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteI went to college for interior design. And cried when critiqued. So hopped on over to Studio Art. And still cried when critiqued.
ReplyDeleteI still sometimes find my lip quivering a bit when I don't pick the right paint color for the living room the first time around.
The fact that you do your photography and SHARE IT with all of us is very Climbing Out of the Gap of you. It looks great and the more you practice and share, it'll only become better and more distinctly your style. Which will, undoubtedly, be a style undefined by any manual or book.
THAT is when you can kiss the gap buh-bye forever.
I went to college for interior design. And cried when critiqued. So hopped on over to Studio Art. And still cried when critiqued.
ReplyDeleteI still sometimes find my lip quivering a bit when I don't pick the right paint color for the living room the first time around.
The fact that you do your photography and SHARE IT with all of us is very Climbing Out of the Gap of you. It looks great and the more you practice and share, it'll only become better and more distinctly your style. Which will, undoubtedly, be a style undefined by any manual or book.
THAT is when you can kiss the gap buh-bye forever.
Hello?!! These photos are AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteI love the vintage feel, I sometimes edit that way myself. However, I think the editing style depends on the mood of the shoot. If it's family & romance then yes, by all means VINTAGE. I'd say just play around with it & if vintage is your niche, then by all means..stick with it.
I have a thing where I turn my camera sideways...some people absolutely hate it but others appreciate it because when they see a tilted photo they know its me! It pays to be different :)
I've been loving your work from day one. Keep at it
xx
Jenni you are doing great with your portfolio
ReplyDeleteLovely photos Jenni. You definitely have a way with capturing the everyday moments in life :)
ReplyDeleteDon't stress too much on trying to find 'your' editing style. It will come to you clearly, at the most unexpected but right time, :)
you definitely have a gift! I wonder if that whole instant star thing is kind of a blogger mentality, because I am the same darn way. :) Don't give up! You got this girl ;)
ReplyDeleteyou nailed these pictures girl. that first picture is absolutely my favorite. i LOVE IT. i'm into the creamy pictures right now too and i'm wondering if it's a blogger thing or a lasting trend? i don't know really, but i do know i like it! i think last year the trend was to be more vintage with the dark blues and yellow undertones but this year it's more of a creamy, orange undertone vintage, at least from what i've noticed. i'm liking it though!
ReplyDeletesorry for the novel ;)
fun pictures love!!
I am in the exact same position as you in regards to starting up my own photography business and am having the exact same thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThe more I obsess over others wonderfully perfect pictures and feel more inadequate, the more I come to realise that everyone has their own style and that is why it is important to stay true to your own style as that is what you will do wonderfully perfect.
Kind of like trying to look like Angelina Jolie. Sure I could try but I would always look like someone "trying to be" Angelina Jolie. But no one can do me better than I can! (going to ignore that obvious double entendre).
Hope this makes sense :D
P.S - The photo of the little girl with her fingers in her mouth is just adorable. Such a lil' cutie.
These are awesome pictures! I myself love to capture moments and this is something that you do so well! A lot of people I know only capture planned photos and I think, "Well, it's not really telling a real story."...and I was that same girl in school. Sometimes I feel that way about my blog and thing oh, it's not instantly a success so maybe I should do something different. You remind me that it's okay that I'm not immediately a professional at it but to keep on plugging away.
ReplyDeleteI heard the "gap" quote you referred to awhile back and it really changed the way I see the work I do. I no longer kill myself over every little detail (or failure) because I realize that I do have good taste and that I will get there eventually if I keep working. Your photography is killer already, darling. Excited to see how it evolves. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't even tell you how alike we are!!! I am exactly like you in that I hardly ever pick up new things because I am such a perfectionist and if I'm not REALLY good at something right away I am impatient and hard on myself and figure I'll never get to that level of greatness so I might as well give up. Photography is the one thing I've stuck to, and have made great strides in. It's obviously just a hobby and I'd be lying if I said sometimes I look at some photographer's work and think "ugh, I'll never be that good. how do they do that? I might as well give up" - but somehow I have persevered and not let that voice get above a small whisper.
ReplyDeleteyou are truly an incredibly talented photographer. I have seen plenty of professional photography website that aren't half as good as your work, and I wouldn't just say that. I can't wait to follow you on this amazing journey! you definitely have what it takes to make it as a photographer!!
These are so beautiful! You have such a great eye; you already shoot like a pro! I'm with you on the editing techniques- I started out with mine being a little more artsy but these days I try to keep them to a more natural light look for family sessions. It is hard to decide what people are going to want the most!
ReplyDeleteSO excited about this next venture for you Jenny! You are going to rock it :)
ReplyDeletethese are so awesome!!! you belong behind (and in front) of the camera girl...
ReplyDelete(:
Jenni, I think these are fantastic!! You've found your calling :)
ReplyDeleteJenni, these pics are amazing!!! You like to tell stories, whether it's with words or images they capture people.
ReplyDeleteJust a shame we live an ocean apart, cause I would hire you on the spot! If you're ever on my continent, I want you to take my pics!
Have a great weekend!
Cindy
That is one cute little baby :) are you going to have one of your own? :)
ReplyDeleteJenni,
ReplyDeletethese are absolutely stunning! There is something so different between your photos and that of other photographers, yours are more organic while theirs are posed. You capture the moment as it happens, they plan it.
I would keep your edits similar to what you've done, they are classic and timeless with a touch of Jenni!
Your a rockstar girl!
Rachel
revolvingmarket.blogspot.com
So amazed by your talent! These pictures look incredible
ReplyDeleteAll of these look amazing!!! You are SO good girl!!
ReplyDeleteHey! I just recently found your blog through pinterest. Actually today. I have a friend who is a professional photographer and she has the same kind of style. Here are also a few more that seem to be similar in style.
ReplyDeletehttp://redwhiteandgreen.squarespace.com/
http://eplove.info/blog/
http://www.studio222photography.com/blog/page/2/
I personally love your style and should brand your self with your vision. The clients will come.