How do you edit your photos? And do you do so before or after you show me the proofs?

I edit my photos with the Lightroom software on my computer. I like to edit my images to enhance the natural colors clearly, cleanly and boldly. 

What makes you different from other photographers?

Not only will I be your photographer, I’ll be your friend. I will be there for you every step of the way. I believe that a photoshoot is more fun and worthwhile when I have a relationship with my clients. I like to know what makes my clients smile and tick. I am an open book. I will tell you all about my photography experience along with all my past mistakes as a human being. I have so many stories to share and am always willing to tell you who I am and who I used to be.

I have personally experienced a lack of communication with photographers. So please know that you will always get a response from me via email, text or phone call within 48 hours. I will never ghost you! Oh and I don’t want our friendship to end after your gallery is delivered. I hate goodbyes. I’m always down to meet for coffee, drinks or even a walk around Freedom Park! I will work with you and for you to create your unique vision. I hope that my relationships with my clients continue to grow intentionally and genuinely. If you have any questions, ask away! 

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is natural, clear and bold. I like to think that I am the happy medium between light/airy and dark/moody.

Best settings for photos

Regarding camera settings: That depends on the location, lights, my options, etc. I always shoot under exposed.

Regarding location: I love natural light!! Outside is where I thrive. Farms, lakes, fields, Camp North End, uptown, parking decks etc. I also love to peek into your lifestyle. So please invite me into your home or your favorite coffee shop! I can still work all my magic inside and am always looking for somewhere new to shoot!

How many pictures are taken at time of photoshoot?

I have no idea! I overshoot for sure. It is something I am working on. But hey! It’s better than undershooting. 

Do you have suggested poses?

Yes, I have certain poses that I like to begin shooting with just to help you feel more comfortable. Then, we will go into whatever naturally comes into my mind or whatever flows through you!

 What are the package options and add on fees?

Check details here!

Do you have a backup for your camera and files?

I have a backup camera! Two Canon Mark IIIs. They are my babies. Files wise – I ALWAYS back up all raw and edited images to my external hard drive. 

What should I wear?

Whatever you are most comfortable in. I suggest avoiding busy patterns or bright colors. You do not want anything distracting the eye from the emotion or beauty portrayed in each image. You also do not want your clothing to reflect bad lighting onto your skin. 

Where are we shooting?

Wherever the heck you want!

What is your turn around time?

I make it my priority to get you your photos back as soon as possible. You will receive your photos no later than 4 – 12 weeks after your wedding event and 2 – 4 for a portrait session. You may pay an additional $400 to have your wedding gallery delivered to you within 2 weeks subsequent the event date. 

What is your favorite part about your job?

All of it?! I just love having the chance to encourage others to dig deep and find their natural strength, beauty and confidence. I want to give you a time to love yourself. Photography is an amazing art. It’s not all about looking good for the camera, but it’s about real emotion and soul. What are you feeling right now? Let me capture that. One of my favorite things is watching my client’s shoulders drop and worried eyes fade. Cameras are not a scary thing. Cameras create art from bodies, faces, expressions and movements. Cameras create stories and livelihoods. Photography gives me relationships. I love meeting my clients for the first time. Listening to your testimony, how you got your scars, and how you are still alive today. It is all a treasure to me. 

Have you ever had any photoshoot/weddings that turned out horrible?

LOL. Not to my knowledge! Although I will say, I have learned a lot over the past year. I’ve learned that focus and composition is everything. No one wants half their foot cut off or half of the wedding party blurry. 

Can you pose me so I don’t look bad?

Yup! I cannot imagine you looking bad though so good luck trying. If you look awkward, I will position you differently. I take photos from different angles to make sure I’m capturing your best side! If you get tense, then I’ll have you shake it all out. Not to worry! We will have a lot of fun together. 

 Are you willing to travel? If so, for how much?

Yup! Wherever you go, I go. Anything over 40 miles roundtrip is charged $0.60 per mile. 

Do you have a backup photographer/second shooter?

I have a second shooter with me for all my weddings and you can add one for elopements. However, I do not have a backup photographer for portrait sessions. 

Where are some of your favorite spots to shoot?

Camp North End, Romare Bearden Park, Freedom Park, Homes, Farms, Uptown CLT, Breweries. Where you go, I go. 

When is the first time you found your love for photography?

I think the moment I had THE revelation that I truly LOVE photography and want to pursue it was when I had my college graduation photos taken by Kristen Morrow (who is now Kristen Pugh). During the entire shoot, I kept thinking, “I want to be in Kristen’s shoes. I want to be shooting someone else. I want to be posing them.” I loved my photos and finally felt truly beautiful. I wanted to make others feel that way too. 

What made you want to start photography? How did you get started?

 In 2017, I was driving home from my summer internship in Charlotte. I heard God tell me, clear as day, go buy a camera. There are only two times when I can confidently say, “God told me to do this.” One is when He told me to break up with a boyfriend and the other was when He told me to buy a camera. Both decisions changed my life forever.

From there, I played around with my Canon Rebel T6i by taking photos during family trips, photographing dogs at the Human Society, and offering free graduation shoots. In April of 2018, I shot my first wedding, which was a solo gig. I would like to say the rest was history, but I am nowhere close to done. This journey has been a whirlwind with God’s grace leading me through it and I’m just getting started. 

What is your favorite thing to shoot?

Weddings! Why? Because I believe in love. I believe in telling a story. 

Pictures are worth a thousand words. Wedding galleries tell a story, your story, from beginning to end. It’s timeless and a day you will never get back. Feelings you will never feel again. Expressions you will never see again. 

What are your strongest qualities as a photographer?

Building relationships and trust with my clients, quick communication, willing to take on new things and challenges, creativity

 What can I do as a client to make your job easier?

Be yourself! Don’t try to be someone you’re not in front of my lens. I want to know you. I want to see YOU!

How long have you been a photographer?

Officially?! Hmm . . .  April 2018 was when I started charging people for my service. 

What’s the vision that you have for our shoot?

Whatever your vision is! If you don’t have one, then we will develop one during the shoot. It’s all about your current vibe once you’re in my frame. We will go from there!

What is your preferred style of shooting?

 Natural light is how I prefer to shoot. My style is natural, clear and bold. (between light/airy and dark/moody) Does that answer the question? 

Do you bring your own lighting?

I own an external flash. Maybe one day I will get fancier off camera lighting, but I don’t seem to need anything more right now. 

How many images can I expect to see from my session? Are they all retouched already?

I don’t have a specific number of images that I tell my clients to expect. If you want a range . . . 50 + per hour give or take. Yes, you will receive all the hand edited images only. 

Do you work from a shot list?

Never had a list. It’s all in my head 😉 

What is your length of coverage?

Portraits: 1 hour

Mini Session: 30 mins

Elopement: 3 hours +

Weddings: 6 hours +

Do I have the rights to print my photos?

Absolutely! All of my packages include a personalized gallery for you to freely download and share however you’d like. Check out my FAQs to learn more.

For a wedding, would you come in for getting ready pictures?

Yup! We will make sure that your timeline allows for getting ready pictures if that is what you want. I love getting ready photos because it helps tell your wedding story from start to finish!  

How will you make everyone feel at ease in front of the camera?

I make an effort to develop relationships with each of my clients. Developing relationships deepens trust which makes my clients feel more at ease. You’re not just another person I get to shoot, you’re my friend. Yeah this is a photoshoot, but we are just hanging out too! 

I like to begin with some warm up shots – they can be traditional or funny! Whatever floats your boat. Unless you are having an intimate moment and are all up in your feels, I will be interacting with you the entire time. You will feel a consistent reassurance that you’re doing amazing and creating some sweet images. 

If you are having an intimate moment with yourself or a partner, I will back off and let you soak in all your feels. If you’re up for it, I like to try and capture funny or ridiculous photos just because! This makes it both comfortable and fun for both of us.

Are you comfortable trying new things?

Yup! I love a challenge. Whatever you want, let’s hear it! 

How do you share the photos with me?

I send my clients a personal link which gives you full access to an online downloadable gallery. If you would like your full gallery on a USB drive, it would be an addition $100. Check out my FAQs to learn more.

What do you look for?

In what? My clients? . . .My dream client is someone who is up for adventure. Those who will stop in the middle of the road and lay down to capture that perfect shot, who will jump into a lake fully clothed and who is okay with kissing their special someone 100x in front of me. I am always seeking someone who trusts me to create an original gallery unlike any other. There is no specific style that I want my clients to have. I love it all. From rustic to classic, hipster to preppy and cowgirl to city boy. Bring it on!

Can you do specific shots that I want?

Oh yes, we can mimic your favorite images while adding your own personality to it to make it unique. 

Is your editing natural?

Yes! I think so. 

Is your package customizable?

Sure is! That is why I have A La Carte options. Check it out here.

Do you have online booking?

Nope. Just shoot me an email and we can chat more in depth. Message me here or email me at Stephperez.photography@gmail.com

How do you prepare for a shoot?

I like to get to know my clients as much as possible before the shoot. I even have questionnaires for my clients to fill out if they can to help me prepare for our time together. 

Do you give subjects direction?

Yes! I am very hands on, hands off. While I will pose you and give you direction, I will allow you to move naturally from each pose. So sometimes you will pose yourself without knowing it! 

How many pictures will you take vs. provide me?

Again, there is no set number. Usually, I overshoot which is better than undershooting in my opinion. Depending on our time together, you’ll receive 50 + images give or take (per hour). The number of delivered images in a wedding gallery vary.

How large can the photos be printed before losing sharpness?

Depends on the photo! Typically, you can blow the images up pretty dang big. There are tools and resources you can use to figure out what the exact max dimensions a photo can be without losing sharpness. 

What is your photography or art background?

I’ve just taken an online photography course and taught myself the rest!

What is your favorite thing to shoot?

Weddings! Why? Because I believe in love. I believe in telling a story. 

Pictures are worth a thousand words. Wedding galleries tell a story, your story, from beginning to end. It’s timeless and a day you will never get back. Feelings you will never feel again. Expressions you will never see again. 

What are your strongest qualities as a photographer?

Building relationships and trust with my clients, quick communication, willing to take on new things and challenges, creativity