Dawn Buchanan Photography

My Name is Dawn Buchanan, I am a custom on-location and studio photographer which means I will come to you. Whether it be a park, your home or other favorite location of your choice, or if you prefer indoor studio shots, I have a studio located in Grundy Center, Iowa. I have lived in Grundy Center for 20 years and love it. I have 3 children; one girl and 2 boys and I have been married for 20 years. I love photography and everything that is associated with it. When my children were born, this love became an obsession, my passion... My style is laid back and fun, not rushed. You will not encounter rushed 20 minute sessions like you get at other popular chains and vendors. The sessions normally last 1-2 hours, this allows for the babies to be fed and young children to snack and for me to be able to capture your personality the best I can. So please allow plenty of time when scheduling your session. I do all my own editing and photographing. I work with my clients if they have a special request. Dawn Buchanan is a proud member of "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep". www.NILMDTS.org With Dawn Buchanan Photography it is all about YOU!

What is Custom Photography?

Posted on January 14, 2010

The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing creates the work that you will want to proudly display on your walls forevermore.
Your first step in the process is more about determining who you are, who your family is and then seeking a photographer that reflects your style. For instance lets say your family is extremely outdoorsy and loves playing on the beach. You start determining what style you like, browse through photography website portfolios and determine if any of the styles exhibited there would be a good fit with your life and family style. You have already determined that you should probably seek out a beach type photographer (that is if you live near a beach) and then begin narrowing the field down a bit.

Finally after a bit of internet research, you have narrowed it down to two photographers who do what seems like solid work, the sort of outdoor beach look you desire.  It is now time to ask yourself: Do you like photographer A’s style over photographer B’s style? Is it because the people in the images of A’s style are having a great time and it seems very caught up in the moment vs. B photographer more posed, looking in the camera images? If this is a case, you probably like LIFESTYLE photography or perhaps even take it a step further and define your desired style as a PHOTOJOURNALISTIC photography style. The photographer you probably should choose is photographer A because their style is very similar to the style you desire.

What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience (as in THE experience). Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of the next in line or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio. A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery culled to only show the good images that meet the photographers creative sensibilities. Often the images are fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and undereye circles removed. Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai, think Nordstrom vs. WalMart.

Custom photography should have you, the client and your experience in mind.




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