Hi you all!  I can’t believe it has been so long since I have blogged!!  There is a lot that has gone on. First I was updating my website, then we launched our new makeup line so it has been super busy! So any how,  I am back to blogging.

I thought it would be fun to do a little Q and A with one of our Southern California photographers Mindy Tanimoto of Mindy Photography.  I absolutely love to work with Mindy! She is full of energy, she always has a smile on her face, and she is just so easy to work with! I figured it would be appropriate since “Bridal Season” is right around the corner.

I hope you enjoy it!

Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself.

It’s quite funny how I started…I am self taught, I have always loved taking photos and when my oldest was modeling I would do photos for him. He tells me one day that he is tired of me always taking photos of him and to find others to take photos of. So I took his advice and started to look elsewhere for others and have been growing ever since.

My favorite time of year to shoot is Spring and Fall when the light is so pleasant to be in. My most memorable shoot to date has to be my cover shoot for La Belle Magazine. To see your work on the cover of a magazine is so exciting. 
 What are the different types of photography?  Like how do you know what is your style when looking to book a photographer.
These is so many various styles of photography. I mainly like to photograph weddings, engagement/couples, Seniors, and lifestyle portraits. You tend to get a feel for the photographers style by viewing their work and seeing if it has a consistent and cohesive style to it. Some will like the dark and moody, some will be more light and airy and some photographers will have an in between style.
 How far in advance should you book your photographer
As you soon as you  know that you found the  photographer you want for your wedding or any session, its a great idea to reserve them so you can have one less thing to worry about. Photographers that are really good tend to book up quickly. So over a year out is not that uncommon these days
When doing large family photos at a wedding, what is the best way to make sure everyone is one location for the photos?
I always have the bride assign a person in charge to announce it to the guests. I work off a shot list so I have all the names and can have my assistant gather the next set of people to shoot. Sometimes if a larger wedding it is a great idea to have someone in the family that may know people to be the family wrangler…
Do photographers like when you give them ideas of what they are looking for?
Yes, I love when I receive images of what the bride likes and can recreate to my own style and make it unique. I tend to see if their is a pattern if they prefer fun and candid poses or more posed photos.
How long should it take for you to get your images from your photographer?
Typically wedding photographers will say anywhere from 8-12 weeks, portrait sessions I give about 2-3 weeks.
When is the best time of day to do photo’s for the different seasons?
I like to shoot during the “golden hour” which is one hour before sunset. But it will also depend on the location of the shoot and where you are shooting too. I have had to make the harshest of light work mid day and loved how it turned out, even though it was not ideal.
Thank you so much Mindy for answering some of our questions.  We really love your work!