I'm not quite sure which softeness you're referring to, but if it's the softeness in the background/foreground, that is achieved in camera by shooting wide open. Shooting wide open and in the right light will also get me soft subjects in camera. Otherwise, I'll occassionally add a soft action to the subject's skin on certain portraits and then use my standard "pop" edit in PS. :)

Years ago, I taught myself photography as a hobby. I read from a lot of free photography forums/blogs online, looked at the posted samples from other photographers, paid attention to the critiques and followed the advice from others. I couldn't tell you the names of these forums/blogs anymore as I honestly cannot remember, but there are many on the net that are easy to find. Basically, I read, read, read - a TON. And I just got out there and practiced with my camera. Constantly.

I've been shooting with the Canon 50D, but will finally make the upgrade this spring to the Canon Mark II (shoulda done this long ago), which I believe is a must to be photographing professionaly -- after mastering photography with basic cameras, of course. I do love the 50D. It *is* a great camera. But I need something better for what I want to do. I have several lenses and for the past three years, I've been using the 24-70L at almost all times - that is, until I purchased the 35mmL a couple of months ago. I ADORE this lens! Almost 100% of the time that lens is on my camera.

Loads of editing is definitely overwhelming, especially if you're actually fully editing every single image (which I highly encourage not to!). Beginning in August, I will begin using Fotofafa for my outsourcing. They're highly recommended and will "proof edit" the images for me exactly how I want them so that I can get images up into client galleries quicker and work on other things while they're taking care of this long, tedious step for me. Only will I fully edit the specific images that the clients want to order. Otherwise, the rest remain untouched or just slightly edited (proofed). I should also mention that I am only outsourcing for weddings. For sessions, I typically have images proofed in just a few days after the session. And since I only do a few sessions per month, I don't feel the need to outsource for them (yet).

I am so down for outsourcing! Otherwise, just remember, you don't need to fully edit, if any editing at all, to every image. ;-)

Thank you! Found it at a yard sale by luck...cost me maybe 40 or 50 bucks! :)

My wedding rates are for 6 and 8 hour weddings, but hours and such are customizable, too. Nobody can price out their wedding rates the same as yours or anyone else's because I believe that every photographer's business's investments, needs and wants are different. When I began pricing my wedding rates, I went here: http://www.stacyreeves.com/greatestpricingguideever.pdf

An awesome referrence!

Sadly, I haven't much time for hobbies these days. Otherwise, I love scrapbooking, designing photo cards and interior decorating.

Make sure that where ever you're photographing the baby that the room is pretty warm. Newborns are happier in warmer temperatures. If you're going to photograph the newborn naked, definitely be sure the area is quite warm first, otherwise, you could have a cranky, disturbed baby who won't sleep. And they are best to work with while sleeping.

If in the newborns home, suggest to the parents to have the home warm ahead of time. Or you could bring a small space heater and place it about 6 feet or so away from the baby. Be prepared to have loads of patience for this session as this could take a few hours. (might be good to bring snacks and definitely water for yourself) Encourage the mom to feed, comfort and change the baby when ever possible. Although, I've heard around that soothing the baby yourself to sleep may be better since when ever the baby smells it's mommy, it wants to eat everytime. I don't know if you're a parent, but as a mommy myself, this is quite true.

If I'm placing the baby naked on a prop I'm using, I'll place a wet proof pad underneath the blanket or fabric I am using first. I use a beanbag sometimes and I want to prevent it from getting soaked. Unless you're using a plastic or leather beanbag, then no worries. And have fresh open diapers near by to quickly cover baby as soon as you get your desired shots and some paper towels. Have fun. :-)

Canon Girl all the way! :-)

I think the best time to photograph outdoors is entirely one's opinion/preferrence. But favorite time is at least 1 1/2 hours before sunset. I love the warmer light that I can often catch during this time, particularly in the fall.

Yes. I would/do shoot in full sun. I use to think it wasn't a good idea as we read and hear everywhere how awful the full overhead sun is in a photograph. But you can creatively work with it and I have learned to do so. :) I also LOVE fun flare and will intentionally not use my lens hood.

Wow, honestly, there were many photographers who have inspired me. In general, my children have been my personal inspiration from the start. But as for photographers who have continuously inspired me and I could only pick two:

Jasmine Star
Stacy Reeves

They have no idea who I am, but they have been a tremendous help to me! :)

I have two faves......babies and newlyweds - hands down! But I truly love photographing everyone. =)

Hmmm, kind of a toughy. There were many. Goonies? =)

Oh my gosh.....Bono of U2!! ****swooooon****

Make up! I'd love to never have to wear make up again!