GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Let's get real. Getting photos taken can be awkward. Many of us feel a bit weird being in front of the camera, especially if they don't know the person taking their photo (I know I do!). When clients are not comfortable enough with their photographer, their photos can come out stiff, or really posed, or just photos that do not represent them, and who they are. That is why it's so important to not only know your photographer, but to feel comfortable with them too!

So let's get to know me! My name is Harper, and if you read my "About" page, you know just a little bit about me already. It is hard to try and describe yourself to others, but I am going to give it a go here. 

First off, I think it is important to know I am a genuinely happy person. Don't get me wrong... I have my off days just like everyone else, and sometimes the small things can really throw me off; but in general, if you pass me on the street or walking with my dogs, I will be the type of person to say hello and offer a smile with a how are you?! I am definitely more extroverted and I always take the time to get to know people. Which is why when I book a client I haven't met before, I will send over a questionnaire with questions about what they like to do, things that have shaped them throughout their life, if they would describe themselves as introverted or extroverted, and of course questions about what they want in their photos. This questionnaire really helps me get to know them, and I think for me, I like my clients to not only feel comfortable with me, but for me to be comfortable with them too. 

As for my personal life, I am a huge dog lover, and my husband and I have two dogs of our own. One is a cocker spaniel named Emery Lou who is 3 years old, and the other is a golden retriever named Ellie Lynn who is 3 months old (yes, our dogs have middle names). They are the sweetest, and they make our lives complete. My husband is a full-time elementary physical education teacher and a part-time coach, while I am a full-time school-based occupational therapist and part-time photographer. Between our full time and part time careers we keep very busy, although we wouldn't have it any other way. They make us who we are, and our careers push us to be the best we can be, which we love! 

Now that I have told you about myself as a person, let me tell you about myself as a photographer and how I got to where I am now. If you checked out my first blog post, you would know that I loved shooting from when I was a small girl (although those photos were mostly of sticks, and leaves, and flowers, SO MANY FLOWERS). Then one Christmas my brother Jack gave me my first DSLR camera. I have to give him credit, because it was completely his idea.  From there, I got into second shooting weddings, and starting to shoot my own photo sessions. I now own my small business Harper Lee Photography, and it is still feels unreal in the best possible way. I photograph my own weddings,  while still second shooting for other photographers from time to time. I love engagement sessions, family sessions, cake smashes, maternity sessions, and Christmas minis sessions. Basically, I just love to get out there and shoot all the things!  

I think I wrote this in another blog post, but give me all the genuine, authentic, beautiful moments. If I had to describe my photos, it is those 4 words I would use every time. Don't just stand there, walk towards me, spin around, hold hands, touch foreheads, play with each other, and most of all let's laugh and have fun! I don't give poses, but I do give direction through movement! Adding movement to any "pose" makes it natural, fun, and real. 

Okay! If you made it to the end, then you now know quite a bit about me! Reach out, let's be friends, let's make some amazing art together, and let's photograph some of your greatest memories & moments <3