Actually......something about this is in the works! Stay tuned!

Hey! Yes I would consider myself a self taught (and still learning) photographer. You can read a bit more about my "starting journey" here: www.about.me/jenmckenphoto

Howdy! I use a company called photocart...I've used them since I've started and love it...it works for me (for now). I use KISS for a lot of my albums....and they also have a album design software. YES i do allow my clients to proof their album design! :-)

HI! It would really depend on WHAT they wanted to be mentored on...but yes I'd be open to the idea. I've been toying around with a few things actually! :-)

hey! I didn't start using a camera until I was in college so if she's younger that that...she's already has a leg up on me!! I'd say get her a nice camera that allows her to change lenses and use creative settings so that she can experiment. I learned soley by trial and error...I made a lot of mistakes and figure out what I was doing wrong so that I could correct it. I read a lot and went on a lot of forums. I'd say, try to find a community intro class and let her get her feet wet. Some photographers go to "photography school" while others are self taught...so it's different for everyone. I think it boils down to how bad you want it as a career....b/c then you are willing to absorb any kind of information weather it's from a book or a class. :-)

Have you tried custom white balancing or shooting in RAW? I often will set my white glance on custom and take a quick shot to set it. Other times I leave it on auto and shot away. Shooting in RAW also helps to change the color temperature later. Also try playing around with Kelvin...I use that often as well. I guess I really don't have ONE way I do things...I never really realized that before! :-)

I'm not sure I know what you mean by "example pics" but I have a whole blog full of them!! :-)

www.jenmckenphoto.com

Hey! Shoot me over an email and I'd be happy to forward you over the info! Bow chicago wow wow! :) info@jenmckenphoto.com

Hey! You have been the 4th or 5th person who has asked me in the past few days. It's something that I've been wanting to do for quite some time now and with the wedding season at it's slowest time of the year, if I can get at least 5-6 people who want to come to my studio for 4-5 hours and we can go over some basics (ISO, shutter speed, lighting, etc.) for $150 per person, I'd consider holding a class in the next month or so. Please send me your contact information at info@jenmckenphoto.com.

I'm thinking, wine, chocolate and camera talk! :-)

I don't use actions and I do very little post processing-usually just adding a bit of contrast or brightening up the midtones. If you sent your custom functions in your camera the way you like your photos to look, you have a better time getting SOOC shots with little editing.

Word of mouth is a very strong strong force and it's free! Provide awesome service, beautiful photos and people will pass your name around. Get yourself a website to show your work, a facebook page to connect with people. My business started just like that. I started shooting friends and eventually people were passing my name around. I never paid for advertising....There is no magic pill to get clients to come to you. It takes hard work and dedication to build a business. Start small and slow...

Hey!! I'm mostly an available light photographer and even the studio i have has amazing natural light but with that said, I do have a few video lights that I have for weddings, etc. and I occasionally use them during regular shoots, but I have a set of Alien Bee 800 strobes. I rarely use them, but they are there if I'm in need.

HEY! I have a few more photos here: http://jenmckenphoto.com/2011/12/elf-on-the-shelf-southwestern-pa-photographer-holiday/

THANKS! man, I have my own private spell checker! THAT's probably not the only spelling error you'll find....I'll bet my right arm on it! tee he he

WOW 2014...I'm placing you in the over achiever category!! :-) tee he he! Most people hire their photographer anytime between 6 months - 1 year in advance. I try not to schedule weddings any further than 1.5 years in advance because it's unpredictable what my schedule would e like that far in advance. PS: I'm flattered! :-)

honestly, i don't use any type of noise reduction software. I might make a few adjustments in lightroom, but mostly just making the blacks a bit darker.

Kelly Moore Bag-I have the Classic Black one but I also use a Shootsac....I love both!

you got cut off...BOOO!!!! Please resend!! :-)

Charge appropriately. You don't want people to hire you because you're "cheap" you want people to hire you because they love YOUR talent. If you don't charge appropriately, you will become the cheap photographer and your ill NEVER get out of the cycle. It's hard to invest back into your business if you don't..and soon you'll start to resent your "side job" and your clients. Also..........know that you're WORTH it! GO YOU!!

Hey! Yes, I am primarily self taught! I took a few college courses but they were intro level classes, everything I learned was from trial and error and making LOTS of mistakes. As far as how to get clean crisp images in low light conditions, honestly, I'm not afraid to push the ISO and I always shoot on manual so that I have complete control. I also like to shoot wide open in low lighting conditions....1.2/1.4 etc.