Test of a Professional Photographer

I'm getting ready to launch a new blog (thanks Laura Lyday - my favorite designer in the world) - so I haven't been posting on this blog much. But after meeting with a prospective client this past weekend, I have a story on my heart that just needs to be told.

The couple I met with was truly lovely. I really, really liked them. They have a fantastic venue, beautiful church and seem like a very nice couple. The bride to be had her list of questions ready for me to answer - and as she went down her list asking the questions one by one, there was one question that really stood out. She asked, "Has your equipment ever malfunctioned at a wedding you have photographed?" I laughed and answered, "Well, yes, of course - all the time." I wasn't telling a lie. This was the truth.

WHAT? Her eyes opened wide. She must have thought she landed in the land of a photographic crazy lady. Was I nuts to tell her that? I don't know. Maybe. But, you tell me, photographer who is reading this blog - when was the last time something went wrong at a wedding you photographed? Did your flash over heat? Did you drop a lens? Did your hot shoe mount bend? Did your batteries die? Did you forget your reflector? There isn't a photographer that I know who has never had anything go wrong at a wedding.

The test of a true professional isn't what goes wrong - because it will go wrong. The test of a professional is knowing your gear, having back ups, and getting the job done so the bride and groom and everyone else is none the wiser. This is a true professional photographer. This is the test that I pass with flying colors. This is why I can say proudly, heck ya - stuff goes wrong. But you know what - you'll never know. Because I've got it under control. This is why every bride reading this should make sure they hire a professional photographer.

Cheers - and hopefully soon I will have a new blog with a fabulous design... thanks to Laura (who is also one of my June brides by the way). Kellie

BEST OF 2010 (or at least my favorites)

Well, 2010 is about to come to an end. As I sit back and plan for a great 2011, I can't help but think about all of the families that trusted me with their memories. What an honor it is, what an amazing responsibility. These days it seems that almost everyone is buying a camera and calling themselves a photographer with almost no education or equipment knowledge. They think it's quick money and an easy business. They soon find that it's not quick money, and it's certainly not easy. So it has been difficult as a business person to compete against these "so called" photographers who are selling CD's and their soul for $50. But you, my clients and my friends - you have believed in me and stuck with me and helped my business grow.

After thousands of dollars spent on equipment and education over the past few years - I am left here, at the end of 2010 with only images. Some are better than others, but all of them have one common thread - they are of you and your loved ones. What an honor, what a wonderful thing to have captured for my clients - my friends. You trusted me and I hope I didn't let you down. I hope I captured a moment for you that you will have forever.

So.... in Kellie Saunders Photography style - I am going to post my favorite images from 2010 on facebook this weekend for my clients and friends to vote on. If your image wins - I will send you a 16 x 20 canvas print of it. Thank you - my clients, my friends. It's been a great 2010!!!

Go to www.facebook.com/kelliesaundersphotography

Now for the fine print. This is a fun contest - but not every image or session from 2010 will make it in the contest. These are only my personal favorites and each image has a story. I am not the internet police, but anyone found creating false internet profiles for the sake of a vote will be quietly removed from the contest.

Boudoir Detroit - Oh lala!!!

Hey Metro-Detroit ladies! You found me here because you are either searching for a boudoir photographer or you already know me and are about to finally take the plunge and schedule a session with me. :-) Either way - I'm glad you are here!

I started my journey with boudoir photography completely by accident. It was never my intention to photograph half naked women. After all I am a wedding and family photographer. What do I know about the female body? Well, as an artistic woman - I guess I know quite a bit.

How it happened was simple - I was hired to photograph a wedding. Like most of my weddings, the bride and I soon became friends. She wanted to give to her fiancé a unique gift on the night before their wedding. So one night my phone rang, “Kellie, I want to do a boudoir session,” she said. I was a little hesitant at first. I had never really photographed a woman this way so I wanted to make sure I could do a good job. Like any good photographer – I started researching and talking to my photographer friends. That research is what led me to not only believe that I could become one of the best boudoir photographers in Michigan. I'm still working on this, but I'm getting there. :-)

Well I did that first session and haven't stopped since. My sessions are fun and easy. Throw your insecurities out the window. It's my job to make sure you look you very best - no matter what your body type. I can't stress this enough - I work with all ages, shapes and sizes. Contact me for your session. I promise you will have the time of your life!!! I shoot either in studio or on location. My studio is located in downtown Royal Oak.

Melissa and Zach - Engagement Session, Heritage Park Taylor

I met Melissa and Zach last fall - right after Zach asked Melissa to marry him. What a sweet couple - so in love, so personable. We decided on Heritage Park in Taylor for their session - and they totally rocked it! I sincerely can't wait until their May wedding. Melissa is going to make a stunning bride!!!

Kids and More Kids

It's been awhile since I've updated my blog, so I wanted to share a few special moments from some recent sessions. Everyone knows how much I love photographing children - especially when I can capture them when they are completely natural and comfortable. As a photographer it's our job to make anyone we photograph completely comfortable. I want your kids to have fun during their photographic experience. Usually by the end of a session, I've been renamed to aunt Kellie, Kellie Belly full of Jelly, Silly lady - ohh the names go on and on. The days of standing still and saying cheese are over. :-)

Cutest Kid Contest!!!!

I know, I know... it seems like every photographer on the block is doing their version of a cutest kid contest. I tried to be unique earlier this year and have a Mommy & Me Contest for Mother's Day. That contest was so much fun and I was able to meet so many nice mom's and actually make some new friends and clients. It was so much fun that I wanted to do another contest, but put my own twist on it.

So - I'm having my 1st Annual Kellie Saunders's Photography Cutest Kid contest. Of course I'm not going to have your average cutest kid contest - oh no!!! I'm going to put my own twist on it and set the stakes high, for those who enter and for myself.

First - anyone can enter! Just send a photo of your cutie pie to kellie@kelliesaunders.com before July 15, 2010. Unless I took the photo it must be a non-professional photo due to copyrights owned by the original photographer. Please include their name and age. I will post the entries on my facebook page for voting. http://facebook.com/kelliesaundersphotography

Want to hear about the twist? The winners will all be featured on my website and in my printed brochure materials during 2011. So my fans will pick who will end up on my brochures and website!!! This is super exciting for me - because I have no idea who's cute little face I get to use for my website.

Three winners - two from public vote and a third winner will be selected from a panel of professional photographers.

All winners will get a private model session worth $150.00 and a print package. Winners must be willing to complete session in the Royal Oak area in the fall of 2010.

Everyone who enters but doesn't win will receive an opportunity for a discounted session as well.

Luke Grows Up!

I photographed this little guy last fall and again this spring. This children's portrait session was held at Heritage Park in Taylor, MI. My, how fast children grow! If you blink, you can miss it. In October he wasn't up and about on his own little feet yet and wanted to just hang out with mommy. But this spring - his little feet could barely keep still. What a joy to be invited into your lives. I so love watching these little ones grow up big and strong. I am blessed!