A couple of years ago I realized just how much photography is a part of me. I went scuba diving with my husband, and it was my first time diving in several years. I was a little nervous and a little uncomfortable, since it had been so long, and was having some difficulty regulating my breathing and adapting to my environment. He handed me the camera we brought along, so I started taking pictures. I don't know if he noticed my distress, but that became a significant moment. Before even realizing it, my breathing slowed to a normal rate, I was calm, and having the time of my life! That was that moment I knew I chose the right profession. I love taking pictures, plain and simple. I know, a bunch of photographers will tell you that, and I certainly can't disagree with them. Photographers are some of the luckiest people around. When doing portrait work, a big part of my job is to get a nice expression, a smile perhaps. How can I not have fun trying to make people smile? And, when I get that real smile, if even for just a second, I've helped someone feel just a little bit better. When someone purchases one of my fine art pieces, they are buying a piece they connect with in a positive way. Could be it makes them smile, gives them some peace and serenity, or could be a special place with some very personal fond memories. Maybe it's going to hang on their wall, and they will get a little twinge of delight every time they see it. Maybe it's a gift double bonus! The purchaser / giver takes satisfaction in finding just the right thing for that special someone, and the recipient gets a piece they can look at and enjoy (hopefully!). I get the satisfaction of knowing that my work made someone happy. Thanks for stopping by. Should you have any questions, comments, or custom order ideas, please, send me an email. I would love to hear from you. Lisa
Session Experience
Your individualized portrait session with me will last about one hour. If we need a little more time, that's ok. If we get done early, that's ok, too. We will take the time needed to get the images we are looking for. Want to change outfits during your session to get some additional looks? Great! We have a changing room in the studio, and can do as many outfits as we can fit into our time. We will sit down and talk before your session begins to prioritize your outfits and choose suitable backdrops (look at some examples below). You should plan on arriving about 15 minutes early to give us plenty of time to talk. After your session, I will go through each of your photographs individually. I will keep the best (get rid of the rest) and do a little light retouching and enhancing. You will come back about a week after your session for your viewing appointment, where you will see a slideshow of your final images. During the viewing appointment you will make your purchase decision. With your budget in mind, we will work together to determine the best sizes and quantities, as well as color tones and enhancements, for your needs. Bring any decision makers with you. If you have a particular place in mind for your finished portraits, measurements are really helpful (a quick snapshot of the space is great, too). Since all orders are custom, payment for your portrait order is due at the conclusion of your viewing appointment. Your session will have already been handled on that day. With a collection purchase we will provide a private password protected online gallery via our website. We will send you the link via email once it is active. Feel free to share as you wish. Except for orders requiring extensive layout, retouching, or enhancement work, you can expect to have your finished portrait art within two weeks of your session date, or one week of your viewing appointment.
Why Certification Matters
What does this little "Certified" logo under my name mean and why is it significant to you, my customer? In a nutshell, it means that I did a whole lot of work to prove to some industry experts that I take my photographic skill seriously and know what I'm doing. I drove down to Des Moines, Iowa to take a really comprehensive written exam to demonstrate that I understand the technical aspects of my camera and lights and what I'm doing with them. I also submitted to a panel of judges a batch of 20 different images from 20 different paying customers to visually demonstrate that I know what I'm doing. Yep, it was a lot of work, but well worth it. Personally, the accomplishment and validation are nice, of course. More importantly, when you hire me, you can be confident that you are hiring a true professional. Let's be honest, lots of people have really nice cameras, and a lot of them can take pretty good pictures. But, let's look at a little bit of a funnel here. Of all these people taking pretty good pictures, quite a few are getting paid to do it. A lot of them have gone far enough to take the appropriate business steps and legally file with the state, get a tax id number and insurance, and establish and follow good business practices for themselves and their clients. Fewer still have registered their business with the Professional Photographers of America (that other logo you see on my site). Actually, there are 210 within 50 miles of my studio. Bringing it a little closer, there are 60 within the city of Minneapolis (still a lot, I know, and sort of my point). However, of those 60, only 3 (including me) have actually achieved certification! When you hire a photographer, you want the best. Unfortunately, anyone can claim Professional Photographer status. "Certified Professional Photographer" is a designation granted by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, and recognized throughout the industry as the mark of excellence. When you see a photographer displaying the "Certified" seal you are assured that he or she is among the less than 8% of all (registered) imaging professionals who have successfully completed and maintained the requirements set forth by the Commission, including standards of conduct. They have voluntarily subjected themselves to the rigors of certification to demonstrate that they are dedicated to their clients and to their profession with their commitment to providing the highest level of professionalism and expertise available.
Near and Far Photography began as a way to further a lifelong love of capturing and preserving memories. Our photography seeks to capture the beauty in the world that surrounds us, from natural elements, manmade structures, and everyday sights seen in perhaps a new light. We hope to share with you the extraordinary in that which may seem ordinary.