Ya GET what ya pay for... every time...

Ok, so yesterday was one of the HOTTEST days on record here in the ol midwest, so what a better way to spend it taking pictures???  That way, you can get out of your house you've been spending way to much time in avoiding the heat, spend some time in different environment and feeling confident looking so good all at the same time!  Brandon met me at crown center, then we hit union station and got some great photos.  I think I shot around 700 in all, but believe me he has tons of keepers and even more variety to continue to pick through and use for years to come.  This guy is 19, a young aspiring actor and he needed some pictures to begin to market himself.  (A brief story that relates.)  I was sitting in my agents office in NYC several years ago, and there was a pile of manilla envelopes full of hopeful young talent trying to get represented.  I asked if I could look at some of the pictures.  my agent replied, "Go ahead, most of them are horrible anyway"  So I got to looking, and unfortunately most of the pictures were slightly out of focus, not flattering, boring and just overall amateurish... not the first impression ya wanna make. But back to Brandon... this is a SMART guy, one who wanted to make a splash for his first impression, so what does he do?  He sets an appointment with me and we do it right the FIRST time. He brings colors that highlight his eyes,  skin tone and look. We take some time to get to one another so hes relaxed, and he was willing to let me spend as much time as we needed to get great stuff! Sometimes you don't get a second chance to make that first impression.  I pretty much can guarantee this kid will get seen by someone, I mean look at that face, those eyes...  You don't put that picture in a pile of rejects for sheer professional standard alone.  So, when you go to get professional pictures taken, don't sacrifice saving money for a crappy headshot... You ever heard the saying, "You get what ya pay for?" Well it's true.  Wait untill you have saved enough money to do it right the first time!!! I cant tell you how many agents,casting directors... clients will not even consider a meeting with you if you have a bad picture.  A picture can say a thousand words and you want those words to say who you are, what you stand for and what you have to offer! www.manonhalliburtonphotography.com

Engagement photos in the worst heat drought in Missouri???? well...ok no problem.

Ok, so today I had a scheduled engagement session with two lovelies from Kansas City, the only problem.... 108 degree heat (but not till mid day!)  It was a cool 78 in the early morning... so we changed the time of the shoot and not only did we beat the heat, but got some of most gorgeous morning light this planet has to offer!  The West Bottoms is one of the top choices of photographers in K.C. and of course one of my new haunts.  I love it, they loved it...we all loved it.  So the moral of this little ditty?  Even though the weather is hot, humid, dreadful, sweltering....  You can still beat it if your willing to make an early start of it and not only that... You may just have the whole city to yourself, your own city backdrop as your studio.  It cant get any better than that folks.  Heres to summer loving, and shooting! www.manonhalliburtonphotography.com

Location, location...location

The great thing about location photography is the unlimited creativity and options you will have at your disposal...  Studio photography is fast becoming a thing of the past as more and more photographers of today are able to go anywhere, anytime and shoot without all the fancy equipment and lighting set-ups.  With digital camera technology of today, it automatically gives the photographer a traveling studio within their own camera!  That's why I love on location shoots.  I'm not limited to one lighting setup or a few backdrops or the sometimes clinical feel of a studio.  The most important element of a great photo is not the camera first believe it or not, its the subjects comfort level before the shooting even begins.  If your not comfortable it will show every time.  you ever heard the saying "A camera doesn't lie?"  the slightest twitch of an eyebrow or sweat from nervousness will all be captured with great equipment, and the key to avoiding all the discomfort and nervousness in the first place is to simply shoot where YOU ARE COMFORTABLE!  I remember when I got some of my first professional head shots taken of myself in NewYork and went to a well known photographer.  She had a large studio on the lower east side and I paid a pretty penny for about 45 minutes worth of shooting.  For the first half of the shoot I was so self conscience because although the studio was beautiful, I felt like I had to model, or do something special to turn out a great photo.  The result... half of the photos were worthless and I looked posed, stiff, and just not "me"   When you hire a photographer who shoots on location you can pick where you want your photos taken, in the comfort of your own home, at a favorite park or downtown or wherever you feel best.  It also gives you a part in the process and you become a collaborator in the look and feel of your photos.  After all your paying for them, why not create something you will be happy with.  So think twice when researching photographers, and weigh out the pros and cons of studio vs. on location photography.  the results can make a world of difference!  The above shot was taken right on Ana's front yard in front of her garden.  The mother and baby were both relaxed, at home... comfortable and simply beautiful.