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F.A.Q.


+ What gear do you have?

Currently I shoot with a Canon 5d Mark II, 50 mm 1.4 + 35 mm 1.4 Canon lenses. 

+ What editing software do you use?

I use Lightroom for mostly everything and only Photoshop as needed, and I edit with VSCO Pack 01 Presets in Lightroom 3 and tweak them to my liking.

+ What do you use for a camera bag?

I use a Shootsac and Kelly Moore Bag.

+ How did you get started with photography?

I purchased a Canon Rebel dSLR camera in December of 2010, and I just wanted to take pictures "like the bloggers did." I did some shoots for fun with friends or kids of families I knew, and people saw those and wanted me to do their senior or family pictures and it has snow-balled from there!! :) 

+ What photography education have you had?

I'm mostly self-taught and trained myself how to shoot in manual. My first pictures were really crappy, but I slowly learned and improved over time! I have gleaned wisdom from friends who do photography and the internet (shout-out to FREE education online..there's so much out there!!). I have also had the privilege of being mentored by Ariel Renae, Cheyenne Schultz, interned with Jessica Shae + taken the Magic of Light workshop by Summer Murdock

+ Are you in college? 

I was home-schooled and graduated from high school in 2011. Instead of the typical "college" route, I started my photography business, currently teach 19 piano students, am involved with a girl's ministry, serve in my church, and live at home with my family (I am one of 8 kids). Life is always busy and I am grateful for God's blessing and the many opportunities He has given me! While I don't think college is bad, I do think our culture needs to evaluate why we think everyone needs to go, and would encourage you to consider other means of education than what society pressures young people to do! There are lots of opportunities for hands-on learning, workshops, internships, online courses, etc. Think outside the box!! :) I am grateful to my parents for pushing me to pursue the areas I am gifted in and to follow the road less-traveled..which has resulted in me already living my dream job at a young age.

+ How did you do your blog design?

My blog is hosted with blogspot, and I bought a custom domain (www.hannaheliseblog.com) and linked it.  My amazing design is by Suzana of This Girl Design, and I can't recommend her enough!! She absolutely killed it and was so fabulous to work with. Definitely use her if you'd like something custom for your site, or check out her templates HERE!

+ How do you do your website and client galleries?

I use Zenfolio for my client galleries + website, and bought/linked a custom domain for it. 

+ Who are your favorite artists you follow?

A few of my favorite photographers are : Ariel Renae, The Schultzes, Angie Monson, Jessica Shae, Evangeline Renee, Katelyn James, Joy Prouty, Summer Murdock, Simply Rosie, Lindsey Plevyak + Tiffany Farley.

+ I'm wondering if you could give me some photography tips?

Just get out and start shooting!! I know this probably isn't the answer you want to hear, but I'd encourage you that if there is something you're really wanting to learn, go after it! I do posts on my blog every so often, titled "Some Things I've Learned", and also share weekly business/photography advice on my Instagram feed which you can find @HannahElisePhotography or by searching the hashtag #HannahEliseTuesdayTip. If you have more specific questions feel free to e-mail me (hannah@hannaheliseblog.com) and I will reply or answer your questions in a future blog post! :) For help with camera basics, THIS post was helpful for me when I was just starting. Also p.s. -- pursue excellence…if you do this everything will come together for your business over time. :)

+ How much should I charge when I'm just starting out in photography?

There are different factors when it comes to pricing, and you have to think about your expertise, what you're planning to offer, gear, gallery hosting, what is included, etc. I started out really cheap and have worked my way up over time. My biggest pieces of advice are to : count your expenses involved, and charge a bit more than you feel okay with (to account for costs you will have with startup), give clients less images when you're starting (20 awesome pictures trumps 80 okay ones..EVERY TIME.. #lessismore), and for printed products charge at least 3x the cost of the product.

I will probably add to this page more questions + answers in the future!! 
Thanks for following along with my blog, guys! :)

-- Hannah Elise
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