Cameras & Lenses FAQs

So, I've gotten so many emails lately from other photographers asking me what equipment I use, which is incredibly flattering. So, I just thought I would answer that question here, because as much as I like to hear from other photographers, I just don't always have the time to respond.

What camera do you use?
I currently use the Canon 5d as my main body and have a 20d that I use as a back-up camera.

What lens do you use?
I own 6 professional canon lenses including 24-70/2.8L, 50/1.2L, 70-200/2.8L, 100/2.8macro, 16-35/2.8L and 15/2.8 fisheye. I use the 24-70/2.8 90% of the time and rarely take it off for portraits. Which lenses I use depends on the type of session or wedding, the lighting conditions, the subject, and the overall "look" that I'm after.

I will say that although professional level equipment is a must for a professional, it will not guarantee good results. You must know how to use your camera - how to focus, how to compose and how to expose. I've seen excellent work from photographers with low-level equipment and not-so-great work from photographers who own the best of the best. Besides technical equipment and know-how, so much more goes into a great portrait that I wouldn't even know where to begin. And taking pictures is just about 10% of running this business - I won't even go into that side of it!:)

I also have current and past clients who will ask me for buying recommendations for their own personal use. I recommend starting with the Canon Digital Rebel (body only - their kit lens is only useful as a paperweight:). For lenses, I recommend the 50/1.8 for indoor pictures and a tamron 28-75/2.8 for indoor/outdoor use.

I hope that answers most of the basic questions that I've gotten. Sorry I don't have more time to help others out - but with 3 young kids and this growing business to run, I barely have time to sleep these days.

Baby Portraits: Baby Abby

I had a great session with Abby a couple of weeks ago - okay, so she's technically a toddler now that she's the ripe old age of 1, but I'm sure she still seems like a baby to her parents. Last time I saw Abby was at her newborn session a year ago, so it was great to see her again.

Thanks Abby for a great session. And I'll have all your images ready very soon, Patty - thank you!

Earn a Free Portrait Session!!

Okay, so in my post about Baby Andrew, at the bottom I mentioned becoming a bone marrow donor. Well, since then I've been thinking about how I could encourage more people to register to become donors. One of the many things I love about owning my own business is the power to effect change, even seemingly small ones such as this.

I first met Andrew about 4 months ago, heard his story and swore I was going to register to become a donor. Well, of course, life happened, I didn't know exactly how to become a donor, didn't know what was involved, and my busy life took over my promise.

So, I'm giving each one of my blog readers the incentive it may take to become a bone marrow donor. If you register to become a bone marrow donor during the month of April, you can call me and you will get 50% off your session fee during April. If you encourage your spouse or significant other to do it as well, you will get the entire session fee waived. Sessions must be booked during the month of April, but the session itself can occur any time.

Often times, I think we don't do things because we're afraid of something that is unknown. So, I'll tell you my experience in the Registration Process:
1) go to www.marrow.org and click the "Join Now" button
2) read everything that you can about the process of donating
3) fill out the required information (there is a $52 registration fee for the tissue typing, but that can be waived if you have a promotional code - I'll try to find the one that I used. **EDIT** - I found it: DOVE901100).
4) print out the confirmation page that has your information on it
5) email or mail me a copy to get your 50% or free portrait session
6) when the tissue typing kit comes in the mail, follow the super easy instructions and mail it back.

Now as far as donating, I've can't give you first hand experience about it. As far as I've read, there is some discomfort. But honestly, if someone told me that my discomfort was the difference between life and death for Baby Andrew or anyone else, the decision would be an obvious one.

So, now go and get registered. You have no more excuses! And you can save up to $200 doing this. Baby Andrew and all of the other recipients and their families thank you for doing this.

Enjoy your Weekend!!!

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FireFly Images - Karen Hendrix
St Louis Baby & Child Photographer
***Spring Portraits: April 11th - June 8th***

Baby Portraits: Baby Laney

So, Baby Laney isn't a return client (obviously, this was her first portrait session ever at about 14 days old). But I immediately felt like family when I walked in. Baby Laney is the brand-new cousin of the two kids that I photographed last fall.

I love newborn expressions - she seems so amazed at all the little things she can already do.
The fuzzy wrinkly skin goes away so quickly, which is why it is great to be able to photograph babies before the 1-month stage when they start to get their adorable chub.

Just look at that hair!! My kids still don't have that much:)
I must have taken a zillion foot pictures and thought I didn't get any good ones (those little newborn feet can move so fast). But I think this was my favorite baby foot picture ever.
Someday, someone is going to have to explain to me how a newborn can roll themselves over, but then can't learn how to do it on purpose until their 2-4 months old. It's amazing all the instincts and reactions that mother nature gives this little ones.


Thank you Baby Laney for a wonderful session. It's awesome to meet the newest addition to this large and loving extended family.

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FireFly Images - Karen Hendrix
St Louis Baby Photographer
***Spring Portrait: April 11th - June 9th***