For the last several months as we've been developing our content for the website, I've been tossing around the phrase "the purple lemon experience." My current challenge is to put it into words. Here I go... Brace yourselves. When I don't have many pictures to show, I'm wordy.
When I got married, Ben's homily said that I often use analogies. It's so true. So I guess it makes sense that when I try to explain things that I make strange comparisons. These hopefully won't be too strange, but merely helpful for me to translate the mush of my new-mom brain into normal-ish human-speak.
(My neighbor helped put this part to words- thanks, Nate.) The purple lemon experience isn't like going to the traditional studios where the photographer pulls down random background, like airbrushed autumn leaves or a picture of snow. Then they put a white column in front of the leaves and then your child forces a cheesy smile upon the film.
The purple lemon experience isn't dragging your 3 kids who have snot on their faces down to the mall in matching sweaters that are itchy so they look pretty good together for the Christmas card. That results in tears and bribes and drippy ice cream.
The purple lemon experience also isn't hiring a college student to take your wedding pictures so it's cheaper. I was that college student once. It got me hooked, but I think that first couple is lacking quite a bit in their wedding collection. Don't hire her. Hire me.
you might get a first try at a shillouette, which ends up crooked.
Or your reception photos might look like this. I've come a long way. This makes me shudder.
So now that I've worked to establish what it isn't, let's focus on what it is.
The purple lemon experience is:
- a full process. I will take the time to get to know you, your family, your wishes, your needs, your style, and your personality. I will scout locations to find exactly the right spot, the right lighting, the right chair, or the right colors to showcase exactly what needs showcasing. Whether the shoot is in your home, down the street, or an adventure across town or the countryside, I'll find it. I will make you realize you are photogenic even if you thought you never were. I'll make sure to catch you with your eyes open if you can never seem to get them open. You'll smile naturally if you are a cheesy smiler, and you'll relax if you seem to stiffen in front of the camera. Then I'll edit each picture so it is able to stand alone as a work of art. We'll look over your pictures together- it's fun for you and helps me learn. You'll order your favorites (if you can choose... I hear it's a problem) and receive your product, hand delivered when at all possible.
- creative. I've been told I was creative since I was a little girl. I hope that term never leaves my side. Striving to create something unique is something I long for. Whether and event or portraits or products, I'll make sure what I need to get is shot technically correct, then I step outside those bounds to try something new.
- personal. Relationships and service are huge to me. I'll meet you at home, at a coffee shop, your office, the park, or wherever for consultations, viewing sessions, and delivery. I want to get to know you and your environment so I can create pictures that'll look great on your walls, suit your desk, or be great to give as gifts to family.
- planned. Though creative and flexible, I am dedicated to planning in advance. I help you plan the schedule of your wedding day to minimize stress. I help plan what you wear so you like the pictures for years to come. I will plan where we are going to ensure good colors and lighting. I will plan the time so your baby is happy and alert.
- worth the investment. Knowing what the experience is like, and knowing what it isn't should show you that this is a personalized, unique photography experience. Someone said recently that it's like a picture party. I've shot portraits on the coldest and hottest days of the year, on sunny days, rainy days, and sick days. In all that, people have always enjoyed themselves. You aren't just buying a couple of 8 x 10s or a canvas for your wall. You are investing in memories, art, capturing the moment you became wed, your child was born, your pregnancy was nearing its end, or the last year of high school.
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