My goal as your photographer is to celebrate legacy moments, both big and small, that are brimming with joy and connection — from capturing your children, your family, your love, your purpose, and your business. These milestones are worth documenting. — To tuck them in your life’s most treasured “joy-jar moments” and to display them as artwork in your home or business. My purpose is to be your full service photographer to capture it all for you, in order to preserve what matters the most. Let me try and get some of your questions answered for you.
I can't wait to connect with and get to know you.
You know that feeling when an exciting moment takes your breath away? For a second you’ve cataloged that snapshot in your imagination’s joy-jar — every now and then it reappearing in your thoughts and lifting you up when you least expect it. When I get breathless with delight photographing you, I know I’ve captured a joy-jar moment: your legacy and purpose. Images like these are timeless, powerful and important treasures that will help you remember what means the most to you. Let's chat about what's inside your joy-jar.
All I want to do is have the opportunity to truly know you and connect with you. Because, through this friendship, we can capture your joy, your connection, and your legacy. How would you feel if those three things: joy, connection and legacy, were felt in one single image? I'm confident it would be one of your most treasured images that defines you. This is what portrait photography means to me, and what I want to capture for you.
There's a few key people who have mentored and encouraged me on this photography journey. I once thought about studying photography in college and my parents, being their huge supportive selves, gave me this Minolta x370 film camera for Christmas. Years later my husband unknowingly continued this tradition and surprised me with a camera for Christmas, mostly to photograph Sophia and the extrordinary in our ordinary, which I still use today.
Clients have said that I’m, “creative, quick, engaging, patient, and definitely fun to work with.” A quality that makes me different from every other photographer, however, is that I love observing and listening. Even without a camera in hand I’m clicking away in my imagination when I notice a beautiful expression or moment, thinking “wow that would make a beautiful picture.” I have a heightened ability to engage with my clients in a way that is meaningful and thoughtful, and am genuinely interested in getting to know you.
Because reserving your session requires me to turn away other business on that day, I require a non-refundable retainer fee to reserve your session date. This is applies to your package cost, with the remainder of your balance due at or before the time of your session.
Working as a professional photographer is an expensive endeavor with camera bodies, lenses, software, website expenses, and continuing education. Additionally, as self-employed professionals, photographers pay an average of 30% of their income in taxes. Finally, it's important to remember you are hiring a photographer for their talent, as an artist. Photography is much like a tattoo: it lasts a lifetime and you get what you pay for. Consider this: In 30 years, the professional portraits of your children will probably be one of your most valuable possessions. If that’s not worth more than $200, what is?
I value my clients and the time they spend with me so that we can create something special without sacrificing quality of work. If I’m experimenting and need models, I suggest following my blog, Facebook or Instagram where I’ll make special announcements.
Yes, I occasionally offer themed mini sessions throughout the year. Contact me to include you on my mailing list to receive advance notice of these offers.
Typically, no. Most props are quite a distraction during a session. While certain pieces of furniture, such as a spunky chair or love-seat, or specialty clothing items, such as a maternity gown, are perfectly acceptable, other items such as frames, mirrors, or signs are best left at home. I pride myself on creating beautiful images using you, rather than a physical object.
Yes! I offer coverage for destination sessions and events. Contact me for information regarding travel fees and details.
Yes, I do! Contact me for information regarding coverage of weddings, business meetings & events, bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, family reunions, and more!
Together we will determine the best location for your session, choosing from multiple locations available in and around Charlotte, ranging from urban to woodsy. When we initially meet to plan your session, preferably in your home, I size up sights and scenes along the way that are an inviting photographic opportunity. I lean towards shooting at locations around Charlotte NC, Waxhaw NC, Rock Hill SC and Fort Mill SC that are meaningful to you. Is there a building, farm, place of business or urban scene that brings back a memory you’d like to revisit in your session? If not, no worries! I live on almost two acres in the heart of Blakeney and Ballantyne, which is just south of Charlotte. To have such a rustic, wooded slice of nature in a booming and developed area is rare! There are streams, hidden trails, beautiful trees, tall grasses and wild flowers galore. I often use this natural space for inspiration during my home-based shoots.
While this will vary from session to session, there are some basic rules that can be followed. First, and this one’s a biggie, avoid clothing with any noticeable or large logos (tiny, less visible logos are fine). Second, avoid neon colors altogether. They can create some really funky color casts on the skin, and in extreme cases, these can be impossible to fix. Third, it’s very important to avoid wearing the same color as the other participant(s) in your session, as this can cause bodies to blend together in the images. It’s best to go with a color scheme, rather than one color. Choose outfits that complement one another, rather than match identically. Fourth, think layers and textures. A great pair of leggings or a fantastic scarf can really top off an outfit. Fifth, don’t be afraid to accessorize! A statement necklace, fun hat, or set of fabulous bangles might be just the touch your outfit needs. Remember, the clothing you choose will play a big role in the style and feel of the session so have fun, choose pieces you really love, and that make you feel and look fantastic! I have a Pinterest board specifically created to make this process easier for you to hoose the right pin for you and be inspired!
Yes, all of my packages include digital files. I understand that it is also important to be able to archive these memories. While your images come with a print release that allows you to print for personal use up to 8×10, please keep in mind the old saying, “You get what you pay for.” Many times, prints from consumer vendors or quick-print kiosks can be blotchy, over saturated, and simply do not look as they did when they were first presented to you in your gallery.
Yes, I love to brag on you and the fun we had by sprinkling 4-5 of my favorite images from our session on Facebook and Instagram. In fact, if you help me by raving about your experience or sharing a testimonial I often surprise clients with a few photography treats throughout the year.
Your print release explains that copyright always remains with Anitra Photography. This means that they are not to be used in photo competitions, commercially, or further manipulated and edited using other camera phone filters or image processing software. This is a standard expectation when working with a professional photographer. On the other hand, your print release allows you to share photos using social media, email or through prints up to 8×10. In fact, it is the best feeling to see you gush out loud by sharing your photos. When you love your photos, raving about them with your friends and family is the absolute best compliment.
Session galleries are available roughly two weeks after your session date. Event galleries are available 4 to 6 weeks after your event date.
No, I do not deliver every image taken at the session. Without fail, there will be duplicates and/or less than flattering images taken at your session. These are immediately deleted. It’s my commitment to choose the best images from your session and hand edit each one, with great care and attention to detail. You are presented with an online gallery of these final images.
No, I do not share unedited images with clients. This can be compared to sharing unfinished artwork.
I believe very strongly in the power of print. For this reason I will guide you from your session details through your printing process to ensure that color and material used on your images are of the finest heirloom quality. You will have access to professional grade products not available to consumers and even in-person consultations with me. Together we can ensure that your vision for your images and home comes to fruition, and your beautiful images don’t sit on your hard drive, just waiting to be admired. To me, being a photographer is not just about taking the images for you, but providing you with the help that you need to enjoy them in all of their glory for generations to come. Please contact me with questions about products.
I'm looking forward to connecting with you!
Call 585.734.9152 or send your information.