First-Rate Version of ME! | Angie Hollenbeck Photography | Lacey/Olympia Photographer |

As a child and even a teenager, I found myself SO sure about what it was I wanted out of life. I knew exactly who I was, what I wanted, and where I would be after graduation. Did I actually? HECK NO! Like they say, life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.  In fact, it is my belief that finding yourself never really happens. It is a process...and with every year and each experience, you gain wisdom and a better understanding of what makes you tick. I realized a few days ago, that I graduated high school NINE years ago (and yes that will "age" me... feel free to do the math)!

 Sitting on the stage nine years ago (listening to what had to be one of the most bizarre graduation speeches in history...long story), I knew that one day I would own my own business (because quite frankly I do not like being told what to do!). Had you told me it would be photography, I would have probably laughed. While I have always been artsy-fartsy, I never saw it actually leading to a career. Had you told me I would be living on the west coast, that would have been a bit more believable (though I was have assumed more southern). I went to cosmetology school, and realized I didn't prefer the drama that went along with that. I got a degree in Early Childhood Education, because I LOVE kids (this part remains the same). I nearly finished my Bachelors in Elementary Education. And then, I married my best friend. In the last 9 years, I have moved a total of 10 times (some of those moves during college were from apartment to apartment). From Minnesota, to North Dakota, to Virginia, and then Washington. Life has been change after change, new home after new home, and three children later- life still seems to change daily.

After having my kids, I realized how much I wanted to capture each and every single milestone, facial expression, mess, and phase they had...I desperately wanted to hold onto their memories forever. This is what initially sparked my love (and ultimately obsession) for photography.

I dove into the field blind as a bat and looking back, I didnt have a stinking clue what I was getting into! I knew that I had "an eye" for photography...but the business and technical mumbo jumbo never even dawned on me at the beginning. I wanted to spread my love for the art to anyone that would let me...and capture their memories forever! Taxes, licensing, paperwork, manual mode, and the rule of thirds were not in my oblivious excited little mind. I never even thought about the "competition". I was just so thrilled that people allowed me to build my portfolio and thought me talented enough to do so. 

All of a sudden, I started thinking about turning my hobby into a career, and began doing research on the business of photography. Holy moly what an eye opener! I then started realizing how much more to this field there was than using auto and pressing a button. I panicked and jumped into classes, bought books, and various equipment. I researched the best photographers and desperately sought out anyone who was willing to answer my questions. I then sat down and thought about "my style". What in the world was MY style?

I tried (and am still trying) tons of styles...styles of shooting, styles of editing, lighting techniques, etc. I found myself wanting to be like the best. I wanted to have photos that look like the best did. Then, I realized that each photographer I loved had their own styles. THEIR OWN. So, that is what I started to seek...and am still seeking. I want to find my niche...not someone elses. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I do not have to do what everyone else is doing. Judy Garland wrapped it up wonderfully...and I am going to work on always being a first-rate version of me, not a second-rate version of someone else. 

The Flag & Photography

Happy Monday all! Over the weekend something interesting was brought to my attention concerning using the flag for photography purposes. I have seen the photographs with it used as a background, or with a baby wrapped in it, and even for boudoir with the lady wearing nothing but the flag. Of course being a military spouse and a proud American, I have always admired the photos that were patriotic, but never really took the time to think about the way the flag is suppose to be used and what the "Flag Code" states is appropriate. I was inspired to “spread the word” about what I discovered. Here are a just a few details to keep in mind. 

(These facts are from www.ushistory.org and are taken from the Flag Code.)

1)   No disrespect should be shown to the flag. Publicly mutilating, trampling, defacing, defiling, defying or casting contempt, either by words or by act, upon the flag is never tolerable.

2)   The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.

3)   A flag is a flag or anything by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag.

4)   The flag is never to be used for advertising purposes.

5)   The flag should never have placed upon it, nor any part of it, nor attached it to any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

6)   The flag should never be used as wearing apparel.

7)   The flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground.

Also, I think it important to note “the Flag Code serves as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to insure proper respect for the flag. The Supreme Court has ruled that politically motivated violations of the Flag Code are protected by the First Amendment. The Flag Code has no provision for enforcement. No fines, no penalties. There is nothing law enforcement can do when the Flag Code is broken.” (www.ushistory.org).

Keep in mind that in no way I am giving legal advice but rather reaffirming what the flag code states, as there has been debate about what is acceptable use in our industry. Talk to your lawyer before you do anything and cover all of your bases.

 Basically, what I have taken all of this to mean is that by using the flag as a photography prop or background, there is always a chance that you may somehow offend someone. You also may offend someone by posing a baby in its birthday suit, taking a shot of a kissing couple, or doing boudoir photography. You will never make EVERYONE happy. The flag represents this fantastic country we live in…use it respectfully and you should be just fine.

Custom Photography Vs Cookie Cutter Studios

Before I decided to make my love for photography a career, I (too) never understood or appreciated the difference between custom photography and the cookie cutter studios. Why then (as photographers) do we expect our clients (or potential clients) to know what exactly it is they are paying for? Just to give everyone a better understanding (and perhaps a deeper appreciation) of the art of photography, let me give you an outline of what each session entails for me.

Prep Time!

 Before each session, I take the time to try get a feel for what exactly it is my client wants from their session. Usually, I ask a few questions and make sure I can deliver what it is they want in a final product. After getting a deeper understanding, I prepare an invoice and a welcome packet and send those via email. I also find a suitable location that fits the client’s needs and scout out other possibilities. From there, I prepare my equipment…I charge batteries, prep memory cards, clean my lenses and camera, pack my bag and reflector, get my contract ready, and so on until I am ready to load everything into my vehicle. After loading everything needed, I make sure to fill up my lovely gas-guzzler and head out. After traveling to the desired location, I now start to test light and prepare for the upcoming session.

Session!

This is honestly the shortest part of the process. I chat with my clients for a bit and try make everyone feel comfortable, take care of the contract, and then its time to start taking some photos! I take into consideration the background, the foreground, the lighting, the reflections, the shadows, the angle, the faces, the clothes, the wind, moods/boogers with kiddos, (etc) during each and every photo that is taken. I make sure we have a variety of angles, close-ups, and poses before parting ways.

Editing!

I get home and as soon as I have a free moment, I load the session onto my Mac. It seriously is like Christmas morning for me…I cannot wait to see each work of art! From there, I select the “cream of the crop” from the session and delete the rest before I start editing. My goal is to keep the editing as simple as possible, but the process still takes approximately 6-8 hours.

Post-Editing!

After I complete the editing process and am happy with the finished product I offer a “sneak peek” via my blog and/or Facebook. I put a few of my favorites up for the clients to view before the entire session is ready. After the session is ready, I upload it to a private password protected gallery and then send an email with the password and instructions for the gallery. Once the session is viewed comes the ordering process. Some sessions include a disk, so I burn the disk and package it. If the client has additional prints and products, I prepare those with my professional print lab and order them. Once receiving everything, I package it up and either ship it directly to the client or schedule a pick-up. I also add any favorites to my portfolio and website! Finally, the session is considered complete.

Now for the cookie cutter portrait studios:

You schedule an appointment.

The “photographer” is not a professional but has had “some training”.

You go in and sit in front of a backdrop.

They tell you to pose and say cheese…typically you get 20-30 minutes of shooting (if you are lucky).

They go over your photos, and pick the best within 20 minutes.

There is very little (if any) editing done.

You place the order and leave.

You pick up your order.

The session is complete.

This is simply the way I have experienced it…it wont always be this way. This is just to give everyone an idea of what exactly it is they are paying for and what goes into each and every custom session.

Personally, I pour my heart and soul into each session…each photo. I LOVE what I do! It isn’t just a “job” where I make minimum wage and then leave. I don’t have set hours…my work is always in front of me. I am taking classes, reading, training, and always looking for ways to improve myself. I cannot shut off the “photography part of my brain”! Custom photography comes in all price ranges…what a photographer charges generally depends on their experience. Just remember that usually, you get exactly what you pay for. Before you go for the cheapest, make sure they offer quality products,  match your personal “style”, and can offer what it is you are looking for. Even if you don’t choose Angie Hollenbeck Photography, take the time to find the best custom photographer for you!

Also, what would a photography blog be without a photo?  These are my beautiful babies!

Cents & Compliments

I have had some major inspiration lately and as a photographer I feel RENEWED! It sounds silly and really quite cliche but once in awhile, you need to have one of those sessions that just kick butt. This past weekend, I had not one but two of these! Sometimes, it takes these sessions to remind a photographer (and small business owner in general) that you do not need to justify your work or pricing and you are worth every single cent and compliment. Even if family and friends see my profession as a "cute hobby" or a passing trend, every now and then a client reminds me that this is so much more.

Nine years ago, I was a high school senior dreaming of living on the West Coast ("check!" only I am a bit more north than I had imagined) and was planning on owning my own salon (ok, no "check!" there). I went to cosmetology school straight out of high school and was bound and determined to cut and color my way to riches. Well, obviously, that didn't quite work out as planned. Half way through, I realized that was NOT the industry for me...quite simply said, I did not enjoy being in a room with that many high maintenance ladies. I then decided since I adored my niece and nephews (and really all small kiddos) I was going to get my degree in Early Childhood Education...and I did follow that through. Shortly thereafter, I had my own babies and realized how ridiculously QUICKLY they grow and I wanted to capture every single cute facial expression, outfit, stage, and milestone. That created my love and passion for the art of photography. 

I seriously jumped into the business aspect and started working on my portfolio without knowing a single thing about business or even the specifics of my camera. I had some fantastic client's that encouraged my work and I felt the drive to keep on, and learn as I went. Two years later, I feel so blessed to have people still trusting me to take their photos and capture their memories. I can see the improvement in my business sense and in the technical aspects of my work...and I hope others can as well. For the first time since I started on this crazy journey, I am starting to feel like I am worth the cents and compliments! Thank you to all who have encouraged and appreciated what I do :)

Wow You Must Have A GREAT Camera!

Speaking on behalf of photographers everywhere, I felt like this had to be said. Now please make sure to not take this personally, because I know so many people have said this to fellow photographers as well as myself... but saying that your photographs are great because we have a nice camera drives us a bit crazy! 

Basically, saying that a photographer takes beautiful photographs because of their expensive camera is like saying a chef makes delicious meals because he has a fantastic oven.

Photo Credit: http://www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/d7000_18_105_top_l.jpg

 Now, while it is true that our great big expensive cameras help us a great deal, there is oh so much more that goes into it! You know that little "M" on the dial on the SLR...that stands for "manual". Using manual mode is (in itself) really a lot of work. It takes us months, sometimes years, to perfect it...and I know that I am still trying to do just that. 

Also, every time we hold that expensive camera in our hands, we have to take the time to critique the lighting. The angle, the exposure, the highlights, the shadows, the reflections (and whether or not to use and where to place reflectors) and then adjust those manual settings accordingly. We then have to take into account the position of the subject, the placement of every single aspect of that subject, how the lighting is hitting that subject, what is going on behind (and in front) of that subject, and create a focal point before we can even press the shutter button. 

Also that reminds me of another misunderstood photographic concept. When you receive photos that have a very blurred background, that is referred to as bokeh and it is something that is indeed very calculated. In fact, it is hard to create that perfect bokeh and when we do we get pretty excited! So if you want shots that are of nature, take a snapshot...portraits are focused in on you :)

After we take that shot it isn't over. We come home or to our office and eagerly load the photos onto our computer and start one of the longest processes...editing. We adjust the warmth, the brightness, the shadows, smooth things, enhance other things, and so on until we achieve that beautiful final product.

I had to draw a bit of light on this "touchy" subject...all I ask is before anyone takes for granted how the camera "magically" creates your beautiful portraits, take the time to realize all that goes into it. I pour my heart and soul into creating photos that are beautiful enough to hang on your wall, not just click a button...and I love every minute of it.

I wish I could give the creator credit of this one, it has been circulating on Facebook for sometime and I found it appropriate for this blog :)