F.A.Q

What equipment do you use?

I currently use a Canon 5D Mark I. I am pro Canon and Mac. That’s right, soak it in. I edit on my MacBook Pro with the OSX Lion system. I use the Adobe CS5 Master Extended Suite to edit my photos. As for lenses, I have a Canon 24-70 mm L-series and a Sigma 50 mm.

What’s your editing process?

I shoot all my images in RAW format. I switched over from JPG about a year ago and have never looked back. I upload those images into a folder on my desktop then open them in Bridge. Through Bridge, I cull through the images and decide which ones I will keep or delete. After that stage, I open them in Camera RAW and begin the first stage of official editing. In Camera RAW, I adjust exposure, sharpness, and vibrance usually. Once finished with that, I open them in Photoshop. I do any special editing in Photoshop including touch ups, color editing, and cropping. There you have it.

Is this your hobby?

Yes and no. I love taking photos and capturing those memories, but it is my actual job as well. I am a recognized business under the State of Louisiana. There are those days when I don’t care to be behind the camera. I love being in front of the camera and remembering where I was at a certain time. It’s hard to do that when i’m always put behind a camera.

Is photography your major?

I wish it was but sadly no. I am a Graphic Design major at LSU. I love what i’m doing in this major and feel like it is more practical than majoring in photography based on what my future plans are.

What is your next purchase?

I’m torn between the Canon 85mm and the Canon 70-200mm. It would be a wiser choice to purchase the 85mm since i’m mainly a portrait photographer, but the bokeh produced by the 70-200mm is breath-taking. I’m also patiently waiting for the Canon 5D Mark III to come out. You can bet as soon as I find out that it has been released i’m buying it!

What do I wear on a shoot?

This is hard to answer because of the diversity between my clients. I’ll tell you what I prefer. Usually I find that neutrals mixed with a funky piece of clothing or accessory  works best. You do no want too much business going on, but you also do not want too much  neutrality. Patterns are great as long as they are timeless. I don’t want you to look back at your portraits and say “what the heck was I thinking!?” It’s best to go with classic styles. Now, just because I say classic is best I do not want you to think you can’t make a statement. It is very possible to make a statement while still keeping a classic look. I hope this helps.

How does the shoot go?

Up until the day of the shoot, I will be in contact with you via email or phone. I will be discussing ideas, themes and outfits with you. On the day of the shoot, we will meet up usually at the first location or my residence. We will set out to the locations and begin shooting your portraits. My goal for your shoot is to show your personality through the images. I want the viewer to know you had fun and enjoyed yourself.

What method of payments do you accept?

I only accept cash or check. Checks can be made out to Kristen Soileau Portraits or KS Portraits.

Do you have a studio?

No and I do not plan on getting one. I would like an office for client meetings, but I prefer to shoot with natural lighting on location.

Do you shoot weddings?

Yes and no. That is not where I want my business to lead, but I have helped and assisted on weddings. I enjoy interacting with the person. During a wedding the photographer is usually supposed to be discreet and on the sidelines. It’s hard for me to do that, and I don’t particularly enjoy it as much as portraiture. I am willing to talk to you about it though. I have made exceptions for weddings that are outdoor on a smaller scale. I also do not have the equipment suitable for a wedding in low light situations.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash and check only. Checks can be made out to Kristen Soileau Portraits.