Ok, so I thought I would post this thread, even though it feels a little silly to me. I get a ton of emails with lots of different questions, everything you can imagine, personal, business, photography related, you name it. I’m embarrassed to admit that I presently have 499 messages in my inbox (it was 852 until I cleaned some out last night). I’m even more embarrassed to admit that there are quite a few of those messages with questions that I’ve not replied to. I have good intentions, I really do. I open them and then promise myself I’ll go back when I have two free hands (which is kind of rare around here) so that I can quickly type out a long, detailed reply. Only, I find my long winded replies are few and far between, especially as I find most of my online time happening during the "one handed nurse and surf" as we call it around here.
Annnnnd, since I’ve never done a FAQ post here, I thought it would be fun to mix it up a little bit. Joy asked me in the post below about the vendors I use, so I’ll be sure to answer that one, but seriously, ask me anything! Personal, business, photography related or not….I’m pretty much an open book, so ask away! And maybe I’ll make my way through some of those emails and pull some of those questions and answer those here too.
Oh, my favorite color is green….there, no one has to ask that now ;P Yeah, I’m sure you guys really wanted to know that!
And because I can’t have two posts in a row without a pic….Mr. Teagan, sporting some cuteness….
You need an assistant!! I don’t know much about photography (or you, personally, for that matter), but if you ever need a hand just shout!!
I loved your Blurb book. I would like to know if you designed the text pages in Photoshop first and then uploaded them to the book. Any other details in creating such a beautiful book would be appreciated.
me again. i would like to know your typical workflow – do you use a program like lightroom (what i use)? you seem to be very good at getting pictures uploaded and edited in a timely manner! I read one time on a few actions/presets that you used, anything else that’s a must in getting that crisp, light and clean picture?
I LOVE your work!!! It so inspires me! I see on the side that you went from the Nikon D50 to the Canon 5D… can you explain what made you switch to Canon? I have the D40 and am ready to upgrade, I’m thinking of going to the D200 or D300, but I know Canons are awesome too and have seen so much wonderful work with Canon. Just curious if there was a specific reason.
Also, how did you start photographing others besides your own?? Do you just ask around to build portfolio and then a reputation builds?
Can’t wait to read your Q&As!!! =)
I’d love to hear the response to joy’s question above, and in addition to photography questions (which I’m sure you’ll get a ton of), I’d love to hear a little bit about you. 🙂
How long were you a single mom with Ty? When did you meet your husband? You seem like such an amazing mom, and I’m just in awe. Congrats on your beautiful family!
Okay I’ve been wanting to ask you a question! You take sooo many pictures of you’re family what do you do with all of them? I’m struggling with what to do to preserve my family memories. Photo books, albums, scrapbooking, etc.?
Also I LOVE when you say print it BIG, I want to know how BIG? and where you hang these said BIG prints? LOL! I would love to see your photo layouts throughout the house!
OH Also…you promised us pictures/instructions on Teagan’s photo cube/blocks! Did you forget???? (I know you’re busy…but thanks for taking the time out to do this and for giving us a glimpse into your life, and so much family inspiration!)
Oh man, I could go on and on……..
I love your site, I love your work, I love your words (as I am a mom too and love to hear someone else feeling the way I do) By the way the cookie dough conversations is priceless!
When you first started out what did you charge?
What were some mistakes you made that you have fixed?
Best advice to an aspiring photographer?
I too would like to know what processing you do?
Your photographs are SO CRISP and CLEAN and CLEAR! What is the secret!?
you are awesome for doing this!
thanks!!! I know you are super busy so this means a lot to all of us blog stalkers!
🙂
abbey
Hi! Can I ask what camera you started with? I’m ready to buy my first DSLR and I am really thinking of going with the Canon XTi. I’m also thinking of buying from a camera group/forum where they resell their equipment when they upgrade. Any forums or groups you’d recommend buying from? Thanks!!
I’m loving all these – keep em coming!!!!
Hi, Lyndsay! Long time lurker, first time poster, here. Fellow Louisianian, too! 🙂
Just two questions . . . I have three kids, too, so I know how limited your computer time is! LOL!
I’d love to hear how you did the blurb book. It’s beautiful and making one like that for my children would be a wonderful project.
And how do you get the great shots like in the bluebonnet fields and in the recent “Quote of the Day” post??? I LOVE the lighting in those but need some pointers on just how to work that.
Wow Lyndsay, you have an amazing talent. I love everything about you. When I first came across everything you have went through with Hurrican Katrina on the nest, your story stuck with me. Now that I have a very high interest in photography, I stalk your blog and read it everyday. You’re a great mom and Taryn must just have one heck of a personality, I love hearing everything about her. As I am pregnant with our first, I love seeing your family grow and get lots of ideas from you. Everything from your BEAUTIFUL house to creative ideas, I’m in awe. Please just keep everything going and aspiring all of us.
I had some questions, but I think most people hit them already. I want to know, how did you learn? I know you first started right before hurrican katrina with Taryn?!? Right? Did you take classes, or was it just read online and learn as you go? Also, do you use cs3 or lightroom more? And why? Oh, I too, am DYING to know about the cubicle things in Teagan’s room….
Thanks, and blessings!
What did you do before kids?
You are one of the few women that I know that is a mom and has it all together. Most moms scare me, but you give me hope that mommy-world isn’t totally overwhelming and like a black hole that some women disappear into. I’m totally impressed by your wonderful mom-skills, but also your ability to peruse you career and keep on top of life outside of your kids. How do you do it? Why are you different than other mommies?
PS- Love the work, you do some great stuff!
What did you do pre-photography? When you were first starting your business, did you keep a second job?
In a couple of your recent posts you have talking about working on backlighting in your images and I think they are turning out amazing! Any tips that you learned or exercises that you did that you learned a lot from?
Do you only use natural light?
I love the style of your website and was curious if it’s through a template (and if you had to build it with HTML). Our current website is from a template through winklet and it’s so time consuming… looking for other alternatives. (My husband and I have a wedding photography business).
Keep up the awesome work and good luck with the grand opening of your business in Austin!
Hi, Lyndsay. Thank you so much for doing this. Despite that fact that you don’t think you offer much in the form of mentorship, I think that by maintaining this blog you’re not only speaking to potential and current clients, but you’re also opening yourself up to us fellow photographers who would offer up their right knee cap to have the skill you have. (I offer my knee cap because without my right arm I wouldn’t be able to hold my camera… haha!)
I struggle with coloring. Images in both color and black & white, I’m stuck. I don’t want to rely on actions to get the job done… I want to do it my way (and correct). Your b&w images are amazing, and I’d love to know how you get them so dreamy and delicious! 🙂
How do you keep your house so clean and uncluttered. I love some of the moments that you catch around your house – especially those of taryn…if I caught hannah reading a book, playing with her babies or playing in her kitchen, she might look cute but the background would be a disaster! You inspire me!
Hey Lyndsay. I don’t have any big questions. Just wanted to see how YOU are doing. 🙂
My questions revolve around how you do everything you do with a young nursing baby (I have a 2 1/2 month old son that I’m nursing and a two year old daughter, and I feel like I have very little free time to devote to learning more about photography).
Is Teagan a good sleeper? Is he sleeping through the night yet? Do you take him with you on photo shoots or do you have sitters or a nanny?
How do you have the energy with a two year old and a young baby plus a ten year old to do all that you do?
Just wondering because I too am impressed at all you’ve accomplished and your energy level with keeping up with your kids, house and photography business (and documenting it with your camera every step of the way). With my kids, most days I can’t even make it through the day without taking a nap. I love photography (I have a Canon Rebel XT and Speedlite) and am inspired by your work but my kids keep me so busy it seems like it will be a long time before I can get back into it. Any words of advice to keep me going?
Also, do you use Flickr?
Will you be my friend? 😉
Ok…so my question is: When are you going to fly me out to Austin to play? I could only imagine all the FUN we would have!!!
I lied. I just thought of a question. I also have a Typepad blog. What setting do you have your blog on…what I am getting at…my columns are so much smaller than yours. I have it set to 2 columns, right. Or something like that. You? I love how wide yours is. Is it my banner? Is it too small?
I have a few!
#1 What did you get your mom and Jason’s mom for mother’s day?I remember one of your tweeter updates saying that you had “ordered something cool” so i’m dying to know!
#2 So you guys just “up and moved to Austin!” We would love to be brave like you guys and plant new roots somewhere but we are big chickens. How is it being away from your mom (I’m ubber close to mine too)? And starting all over in a brand new place?
#3 Kind of relating to #2, what does Jason do in Austin?
You are such an inspiration! 🙂 I had to get the sucking up out of the way…hehe! My question is regarding the color intensity and clarity in your images…how do you do that?! My color always seems to lack that punch that yours (and others) have! Thanks!!
One more question, what camera bag do you use?
Hi Lyndsay! What’s your very most favorite lens that you currently use? I read your blog almost every day – your images blow me away every single time.
I thought I asked my question but it’s gone! Oh well – here it is again. What’s your favorite lens that you own right now? What’s the lens on your wish list?
Hi! Long time lurker, first time commenter.
Where do you print your large prints? I live in Austin too and used to always use Holland photo. I went there today and the entire building is just gone. They must have closed and now I don’t know who to use. Thanks,
Amanda
How do you manage to get your husband and older son in the photos? DH HATES to have his photo taken by anyone other than a pro and 13 yr. old step son started the same thing. Because of this, there are NO photos of DH with our son and few of DSS and son together. To top it all off, I can’t get anyone to even get ME with my toddler.
My question is about your fab canvases. I want to get some honeymoon landscape shots printed, but I don’t know where to go to get them cheap. Do you have any suggestions?
One question:
A while back you post a picture of Taryn and her new backpack. Can you provide the details of where you got it.
Thanks!
Hey Lyndsay,
I thoroughly enjoy lurking around and reading your blog. I am so happy that Ty’s picture won the contest!
Anyway, my questions is also about workflow. What is your typical workflow like. Especially for your gorgeous black and white pictures. They are fantastic and your conversions and just spot on! Please share! LOL!
I am dying to know where you got that rug in Taryn’s room and the dimensions of it!! Please share.
p.s. we met way back on the knot days when planning our weddings so I remember your pics of Ty back then and way before you got your business started. He is so big now, wow!
i am new to the blog world, and trying to get my groove on with settings, lists, and blogs. My question is what is your blog workflow? do you tag pics for use later, or do you post after each session?
Okay, 1 more:
I have a blog and can’t figure out how to get a great header like you. I have photoshop elements, but don’t know where to begin in creating a header. Any suggestions.
Thanks
Adrienne
Hi Lindsay!
If you’re still taking Q’s I have one, is there anything about the Canon 5D you don’t like (besides the price tag)? I’ve heard people (well just Ken Rockwell who’s blog I also stalk) complain about the LCD. I tried out the Nikon D300 in the store today and my oh my was that 3 inch LCD niiiice (with Live View)!! Oh and your fave lens?? (I guess that was technically 2 questions and a couple of random thoughts!)
Thanks soooo much
Mary V
I’ve got another one, too. Have you and Jason ever discussed how old Ty will need to be before he starts dating? Seems he’s getting a lot of attention from the girls lately 🙂
OK….a non-photography question. What is the sneakiest thing you ever did that your Mom doesn’t know about?
How much sleep do you get a night?! My guess would be that you don’t sleep as much as other people, you are so productive!
Lyndsay,
You are an inspiration, when I read your postings I say to myself “I can make it! Having 2 kids is wonderful and I have to enjoy the moment” I can feel that you have such a positive attitude towards life.
My question is:
How would you print (books) your family pictures: would it be by child, by year, family all togheter? themes? what do you recommend?
thanks,
Ok here are my 2 questions…
In the I am addicted to him post where did you get that hat?!?
Also what processing did you use on the photos? Was there a specific action?
Love this Lyndsay. How fun! My question: with the slideshow you posted today of Meredith, did you purchase the rights to use that song or is it ok to use it without doing so b/c it is just a slideshow and not on your actual site? I’m having such a hard time finding royalty free music that I actually like.
Keep up the good work!
I second the question on your workflow. Your pictures always have a clean, fresh look that I love. What was your career before photography and what gave you the push to do photography full time?
Okay, a couple things: (by the way your work is B-E-A-utiful!!!!!! Thank you for posting for the lurkers out there!)
1. For outdoor photos, I know to place the subject in the shade, and the edge of the shade is best, but where should the subject be facing (ie. the sun behind them, in front, etc.) in order to get all that nice light reflection in their eyes? I’ve found I can get great light in my daughters eyes when i shoot her on our screened in porch but I can’t figure it out when I’m all the way outside.
2. What do you know about the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8? that’s what i have but I’ve struggled with getting super crisp eyes. I focus on the eyes, but maybe I’m not focusing quite right. I do the whole focus on the eyes, then move the camera to frame the shot, then click. I have a feeling that’s not best though. So my question is how to achieve those super crisp eyes.
In my opinion if you have sharp eyes, the rest is gravy! Sort of. Oh, and can you tell me about your Blurb experience. It’s taking me FORVER to complete mine. Did you use “autoflow”?
Thanks sooooooooo much for this opportunity to pick your brain. I’d LOVE LOVE LOVE comments on my blog if you ever have 2 free hands for more than 2 seconds when you’re exhausted! (www.dasweets.blogspot.com) and my photography website is http://www.christinesweetphotography.com. Thanks so much!
I haven’t read the other comments so I apologize if this is a duplicate question but here goes:
How do you present image galleries to clients? Do you meet with clients for a consultation first or do you just give them the link and password to their gallery and let them do it independently?
Also, in a more recent post you shared a link to a client slideshow. Is that through your Jinky site with Bludomain (we have the same one…great minds think alike!)? I love the idea and am trying to figure out how it was done. Thanks!
Oooh thought of a couple more (this is fun!) Where’d you wind up ordering your business shirts from? What’s your client photo workflow consist of? What settings do you use to sharpen your photos for print? Do you run an action or just certain usm settings (and what are they?)? And where do you get your inspiration? Can’t wait to read all the answers!
okee dokee, I don’t think these were asked before, but if they were, sorry!
1. Do you ever just print out some 4X6 snapshots? and if so, where? I get pics that look great on screen, and then print them out wherever and they never look all that good.
2. How do you handle storage of pics? and are you really good at deleting the ones that aren’t that good? I ask b/c I take a ton of pics (beware of this Mom with a camera!), and I have so much trouble deleting any pics of my girls but my computer I believe is starting to slow down from the weight of too many pics on the hard drive. (I organize them with PSE4)
Hope the SlingEzee works well for you and Teagun!
Hello….not on a photog swing, but rather more personal- what religion do you practice…if any? How did you meet your husband? What was your wedding song? What happened to Ty’s father? I see he has the last name Stradner, so I assume he’s been adopted….?
Your work is amazing, your seem like the best mother and so on the ball. You are so creative and articulate. Oh….and when is Jamacia!!?? Was it really all expenses paid? Can the whole family go?
Great post, Ask me anything…..you seem like a great person!
Jeannine