Photos: Courtesy Cj Fogarty Post-processing: Shawn Bumgarner/Gypsy Isle Designs |
Shawn Bumgarner-Rozier Owner/Designer/Photographer Background: Except for 5 years spent in Tallahassee attending FSU, I’ve always called Pensacola home. I come from a very artistic family; my mother, grandmother and grandfather are all painters, my aunt is a graphic designer, and my uncle is a pro photographer- just to name a few. Yet, despite my artistic background and interest in photography, for a long while I thought I had to be “practical” and find a “real” job. Luckily I found one that allowed my creativity to blossom and I began dabbling in digital design. At the same time, I became a mother, and my long-time love of photography became a passion (my family might say an obsession). Thanks to innumerable hours spent chasing down my son and daughter with my camera, I have truly grown to love the pursuit of the perfect photograph. I opened my business because I want to bring my artistic vision and love of photography to others who value the natural beauty inherently found in real emotions. Nothing is more exciting to me than opening a fresh batch of photos and finding a picture that perfectly represents some aspect of a child's ever-changing and expanding personality. My favorite photographs capture children as they are- playful, sad, happy, sassy, or goofy. I do *NOT* like cheesy, fake grins that are the typical outcome of many studio portraits. For this reason, I will only do on-location shoots without any fake props. Photographic Style: I tend to shoot in the "photojournalistic" style; a fancy term for saying I like to document "real-life moments". Just as in real life, not all of my pictures will portray your child with a big cheesy grin; in fact, I frown on parents telling their children to say "cheese", as this will usually lead to a less than genuine smile. Instead, I will try to connect with your children on their level, both mentally and physically. I take a lot of my pictures from their perspective- getting down on my knees, or even laying on the ground if warranted. I may also tell very cheesy jokes or make random funny noises to help entice them to laugh. A genuine laugh when captured on film is so much more pleasing than any "cheese" induced grin/grimace! If your child is not in the mood to laugh I will refrain from doing anything to make them feel pressured or uncomfortable. Never worry, I am fully prepared to take as long as needed to allow your child to grow comfortable with me and my equipment. And I have found that most children warm up to me by the end of a session. I do prefer for parents to remain within "help" distance, but not to hover or give directions to their children. I find I can usually connect easier if it is just a one-on-one session, and this connection will lead to better portraits. Some children do not feel comfortable with strangers; if this is the case, I will ask you to stay very close, or I will begin the session by taking shots of you holding/playing with your children to help ease them into the session. After they have warmed up to me I will ask you to stand further away so I can connect with your child (and so I can feel free to make all the funny noises I want!). Your session may be held at your home or another location of your choice (I can show you examples from many different types of settings). I find that children are much more comfortable with this natural type session and that smiles come easier and are far more REAL! If a location other than your home has been chosen, please allow extra time before the session for your child to grow comfortable. **I do not currently shoot "studio" style portraits, nor do I plan to in the near future** If this style of photography is preferred, I'd be happy to refer you to another photographer specializing in studio sessions. Editing Style: After the photography session comes the real work (and the part I find the most artistically satisfying)- editing the best of the shots captured so I can present you with 20-40 proofs. Though I may take many more pictures than the ones shown to you, I only keep and show the absolute best pictures, from both a technical and emotional standpoint. Pictures that are not up to my stringent standards will be deleted. Please do not ask for more proofs; if you are unhappy for any reason with the proofs shown you, a reshoot will be scheduled! You will likely see two different kinds of proofs from me; bright, fun, silly pictures in vibrant color; and more somber black and whites. Any proof may be ordered as a b/w; but due to the time involved I will not present every photograph in both b/w and color. Instead, I will edit them to whichever I feel suits the picture/mood best. If you are thinking of ordering a certain picture in b/w I will happily add a b/w proof to your gallery so you can make your final decision. I like to shoot fun moments, bright colors, and whimsical backgrounds; these are usually presented to you in color. I also love somber, pensive moments, and will usually present these as black and white proofs. I personally enjoy creating artistic versions of pictures; in these instances I will present a normal version as well. Equipment: I shoot with Nikon digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. I also have a Nikon Film SLR I may use for special occasions such as group shots at a wedding. My lenses are all genuine Nikkor glass. Though I prefer natural light, I do have an external flash for those moments (such as weddings) that require alternate lighting. |