This week with have an interview with child photographer Courtney DeLaura who hails from Knoxville, TN. Courtney has a genuine sense of humor and connection with kids. Just goto her about page and tell me that big lollipop doesn’t make you smile? The picture below doesn’t do it justice.

MBP: How and when did you get started in child photography?

CD: I basically started like many other child photographers: I become a mom. But the passion was there from an early age. I had one of those pink long rectangle cameras, I think Le Clic made them and they used 110 film. Oh how I loved that camera! At ten, I documented our entire trip to Disneyland on that little gem. Then in High School, I worked at a preschool and would help the director by capturing images of events at the school. I would then go home, and with my dad, I would develop the film in a little darkroom we had. It was awesome! I grew up in a family that really valued photography and it just seemed a natural progression for me. I spent 9 years capturing images of my own children all the while really learning and taking course at the University of Tennessee. I enjoyed every minute of it. Once both my children started school, I knew I could turn my dream into a reality and that is when I started Peachtree Studio. I find so much joy in helping others capture moments that truly show the relationships, personality and beauty of their families. I stay away from the stuffy, overly posed images because those photos just don’t portray who children are; they only show who children are when they are all dressed up, uncomfortable and hating every minute of standing still.

MBP: How would you describe your style?

CD: My style is clean and simple; but it also evolves a little with each session. I do not try to fit the family into any preconceived mold. I enjoy getting to know the family, and truly capturing images that match their lifestyle, personality and even home decor.

MBP: Do you prefer studio or “on location” photography and why?

CD: I prefer on location. I find that children/babies and even grown ups are much more comfortable when the location is familiar to them: either in their home, a favorite park or a location around town that they LOVE. With little ones, I really encourage families to choose their homes as the location. The reason being is that we can document their little lives all cozy in the setting their most comfortable with—their home. Families will cherish looking back when they see the images of their children sitting on their favorite chair, or playing on their bed with there favorite stuffed animal. I am really focused on creating images that document the beauty and love of the life each client lives.

MBP: Can you share a story about your funniest photography shoot?

CD: Oh my gosh! The funniest was a newborn shoot. Naked newborns always pose a risk to all involved. We were in between shots and the dad was holding the little man on his lap, and all of a sudden Evan made his little baby scrunched-up face. You should have seen his Mom and I diving across the living room with blankets and diapers, but needless to say we were too late and Dad had to change his clothes.

MBP: What about your most difficult photography shoot?

CD: Hmmmm my most difficult shoot…that is a really hard question. I have not come across a REALLY difficult session. I did have a session with a sweet little baby boy and he was a little old for a newborn shoot but still very young. He just didn’t want to be put down at all! The mama was able to get him to sleep all cozy in her arms but we just couldn’t get him from arms to the little shot location we had set up. I just adapted and shot most of his images while he was cozy in his mama’s arms. They actually turned out beautiful and I love those images just as much as the ones were I have complete creative control. He was so peaceful in his mother’s arms and she really loves them.

MBP: How much time do you spend editing photos to make them production ready? What types of photo editing do you do and using what software?

CD: Not very long at all. I do very simple edits to all my images. I want images that are classic and clean. I do not want my images to look dated or trendy. I want to generate a creative feel that is a timeless portraiture that will be cherished for generations to come. From shoot time to viewing time, the process is usually no longer than two weeks. I do some general exposure edits, lighten or darken the image slightly. I may do a little skin touch-ups, for things such as boo boos and scratches on the face, maybe a slight vignette. Beyond that, I sharpen a little bit and I am done. I use Lightroom and CS3 as my editing agents.

MBP: What type of camera equipment do you use and why?

CD: I shoot Canon gear only. Right now I have the 50D and too many lenses to name, but my favorite right now is the 50mm 1.2. I am holding my breath for my 5D mark II—it is a must have for me. The camera is on back order so I am just practicing a little patience. I do use some flash, but with newborns I rely solely on natural light. My flash set-up equipment is very simple and I love it. A light stand, couple pocket wizards, the canon 580 ex II, a shoot through umbrella, and I am ready to go!

MBP: What advice do you have for parents who are looking for a professional child photographer?

Courtney DeLaura

Courtney DeLaura

CD: Of course make sure you like the photographers previous works, but even more so, speak with the photographer and get to know their personalities. A good children’s photographer will be calming and fun. They are patient and truly LOVE working with little kids. You want your children to feel like this is a super fun play date—that is how I approach all my sessions. I want to leave the session and have the families laughing, and thanking me for a FUN experience. Also, time restraints are a big issue when choosing your photographer. How much time do you really get for your booking fee? Is your photographer a little bit more laid back about the session time? If they are on a really tight schedule, that will only cause you, your children and the photographer stress. I tend to only book one session a day. This allows for my portrait sessions to be a little more flexible. If the little ones are having a tough day, we stop for a snack (I love eating a goldfish or two along with them). I take the time to talk with the children about what they love. I have kids myself so I can relate to their toys, TV shows and favorite songs! Also choosing a photographer who isn’t afraid to be silly is very important. I’ve been known to make monkey sounds, balance animals on my face, disco dance, sing at the top of my lungs, you name it—anything to get those real, true laughing smiles!

Thank you to Courtney for a great interview. You can visit Courtney’s website at www.peachtree-studio.com to discover more about her unique photography. Do you have questions or comments for Courtney? Share your thoughts.

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