Lessons learned as a photographer

It's been four short months since I have launched this website and officially started working as a photographer. Here are some things I have learned in this short time.
1. I have a lot more to learn
I now know why photographers charge so much. Besides the huge investment in equipment, we spend  a lot of time editing so every image is perfect. Because I'm a perfectionist and still learning how to edit efficiently, this has taken me longer than I was planning on. I learn something with every session and am looking to learn even more. 
2. Outfits can make or break the image
The best outfits coordinate and look put together. A pop of color in everyone's outfit looks great on camera. The worst thing you can do is to dress everyone in the same outfit (please stay away from white shirts and jeans look). It looks boring and dated, unless you use it as a theme (like the Seahawk family photos). Stay away from large busy patterns. Make sure everyone is comfortable, especially the kids.
3. Don't force your kids to smile
 It looks very fake and unnatural. The best images I have taken of kids usually have more of a serious look, a natural smile or laugh.
4. Adults, look at the camera (if you want a posed shot)
Let the photographer get the kids' attention.  I have had some great images that were unusable because the adult was talking and trying to get the child to cooperate.
5. Have fun and interact with each other
My favorite images of families are candid shots. I end up taking these when everyone is having fun and interacting with each other. 
6. My stepstool is my friend
One of the most flattering angles in portraits is from above eye level of the subject. That is very difficult if you are 5'2" and your subjects are standing. So I started carrying around my trusty step stool and it has made all the difference!
7. Pinterest is also my friend
I have gotten a lot of ideas for posing and editing. It's my go to when looking for new ideas.
8. I love close up pictures of babies/kids
There is nothing more beautiful than baby/kid faces and their expressions. I grin from ear to ear everytime I edit these images. 
 9. I hope to never stop learning
Photography is a creative process. I will never learn everything about it, but the journey and adventure of learning makes it so much fun!

I would like to thank all my clients for these last few months because I couldn't have started this venture without you.
Here are some of my favorite pictures from the last 4 months.
Happy New Year!