Photographer Anne Brande takes bridal portraits as part of her work at Ludwig Photography Studio.
Photography dates back to the days of Leonardo Da Vinci and the invention of the camera obscura. The first successful permanent “photograph” was created by Nicéphore Niépce in 1826 using a camera obscura and special bitumen painted on glass. From that first success, photography took off.
Many people have family portraits hanging on their walls, portraits taken either in a studio or at a special location. Portrait photography is popular.
“It’s something people can appreciate and love and feel joy about,” owner and photographer at Ludwig Photography Anne Brande said.
Brande is passionate about photography and calls herself an emotional story teller. For her, it is about more than just capturing a moment in time.
“Photography is emotional,” she said, so she spends time getting to know her clients before the first shot is ever taken.
People must be comfortable if the photographer is going to capture their true personality, which is why Brande likes to consult with potential clients in person, sometimes traveling long distances to meet with them.
The really good portraits are ones that still stir up emotions several years later, Brande said. That emotional experience begins with the first click of the shutter, but Brande carries those emotions through to the end when clients pick up their photos. Brande does not just hand over a disc of proofs to the client. She treats them to a “grand premier” in which they see their portraits larger than life so they can see the detail.
Most portrait photographers have studios, but shooting outdoors is not out of the question. Shooting outdoors has something to offer that a studio does not. As the sun moves across the sky, it changes the feel and look of a photograph. With a little preparation photos can be taken any time of the day, but “the best times to shoot outdoors are early in the morning or late in the afternoon” Brande said.
Photography equipment can be expensive and most photographers invest large sums of money for the best they can afford, so it is interesting that the one piece of equipment Brande cannot live without is her step stool. It is amazing how much of a difference it makes, she said.
“The longer the line, the more beautiful the subject,” she added.
“Lighting is also important,” Brande said. Even for outdoor shoots, fill lighting can make the difference between an OK shot and a “Wow” shot.
Photographer Anne Brande takes pictures of families as part of her work at Ludwig Photography Studio.
Brande said people do not realize the amount of detail that goes into creating a great portrait.
“That’s why I like to meet in person with people,” she said. As she gets to know them, she is discusses such wardrobe and location and how the two will fit together.
For people who dream of starting their own portrait photography studio, a solid portfolio of work is one of the most important things to have.
“Because we don’t work in a dark room anymore, it’s good to take a class in graphic design,” Brande said.
Although the digital age has made photography accessible for everyone, portrait photography is still a booming business. Photographer’s styles may vary, but capturing that “wow” moment is what some of them live for.
