Melissa Jean Photography: Behind the Scenes

There's a lot that goes into photography.

There's all the physical parts - the camera body, the lenses, the memory cards, the editing software, etc etc.

There's the creative aspect. Seeing the world from behind the lens but focusing on the details that capture more than just the moment - the emotion. Getting past the pasted on smiles and capturing the seconds when the smile reaches to the eyes.

There's the people person aspect that is necessary to catch these moments. To make the client feel comfortable and relaxed enough to let those moments happen. To be vulnerable and authentic in front of the camera so that the second that I hit that shutter button I'm not just capturing a moment but instead I'm freezing you in the middle of your story.

All of that is integral in being a photographer. But really that's only just the beginning.

From the time we say goodbye until you receive that disc in the mail I'm working behind the scenes to refine, enhance, and create your story through photos.

All of this creates my style as a photographer. It's not just how I interact with you and your loved ones. It's not just the moments, kisses, and glances I capture. And it's not just the post processing I implement. It's all of it.

Those of you who've done a shoot with me know my style of interacting.

All of you know the finished product that I put out there.

But so far none of you know what I'm doing behind the scenes to get there. What creative aspects I put in to your story.

So for all of you, here's some examples of my before and after edits. So you can see what it is that I'm doing to help transform the images from your day into your beautiful and artful story.

Before