Lifestyle Portraits

I've had some questions lately as to what exactly is a lifestyle portrait? I thought I would use this handy dandy web journal I have going to anwser just that question. Lifestyle portraits, by my definition, are a series of photographs taken in a relaxed and meaningful enviroment for the couple, child or family, that show their true personality and get a glimpse into their life. An example would be a family going to their favorite park or spending an afternoon playing at home. The photographer, meaning me :), would quietly observe and document the time they are spending together along with taking some relaxed portraits. Sometimes this entails going to 2 or 3 locations and spending several hours together to tell the complete story. There is nothing better than preserving these precious moments that happen in your life everyday, especially when children grow up and change so fast!



Since this sort of photography is quite new and still unfamiliar to so many, I thought I would enlighten a few of you. And what is the best way to enlighten someone? By having them experience it for themselves! The first 3 people to send me an email to amyjo@amyjophotos.com and tell me what is your favorite thing to do together as a family or couple will receive a free lifestyle photo shoot by Amy Jo. This will include free online proofing and 1 8x10 print from the day. Out of those 3, 1 will be drawn at random to receive a free custom designed album showcasing their special day. So get those fingers typing and send me some emails! If you live outside of the Houston area, you would need to pay applicable travel fees, but I am certainly willing and able to travel anywhere!

Post Production

I saw a great post on another photographers blog today about post production work on images. A lot of customers can't understand the higher prices of professional prints, when they can get a print for 19 cents at some of the super stores. I think that a lot of customers don't understand the value they are getting by ordering a professional print through their photographer. I can't speak for all photographers, but I know that for me, there is a great deal of work and skill that goes into each image that is sent out. I will show you some examples of what I mean. The first example is of Cyndi. A beautiful bride and a beautiful bridal shoot off the Oregon Coast.

Before:


Not too bad, but look at the results after a little photoshop love.

After:


The colors just pop and I think that the image is alot better this way.

I hope that you can see the value that is added post production and that you can appreciate the effort put into each print.