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about me

First of all, Etherdox Photography is me, Pam. (The name - it's a long story, you can ask me if you want.) I wanted a page on my new site where I can tell you about myself, and about what I do.

I'm a mom first, photographer second. I say I'm a part-time photographer, but depending on the time of year, I cram full-time hours into my days (or rather, my late nights). Always I have a commitment to my children to not compromise on spending quality time with them. I won't be the mom that they remember was always working - true, I work a lot, but I plan time for puzzles, zoo trips, playdates, books, and big messes in the kitchen. I'm working to balance my photography time with my family time, which means I limit the amount of sessions I will do. (And that's why I'm typing with a small person on my lap at this very moment.)

For me, photography is all about freezing time, just for a moment. You see, I have problems with change. It stresses me out. I love what my family is becoming - my kids keep getting better all the time. But it's hard for me to have my round little baby grow into a giggly silly toddler. It's hard to have my shy preschooler go to kindergarten. It's hard to have my sweet 5 year old grow into a tall beautiful 8 year old. It's even hardest with my youngest - I want to hold on even tighter so I don't miss anything. And - I have a terrible memory! Photography is what I use to hold on to those sweet little smiles - I want to remember them forever. I want to remember babies biting their toes and building and knocking down towers with blocks; toddlers with their ragged special blankets and favorite books. I want to remember the joy and innocence in their eyes. I want to capture and hold onto the relationships they have with each other, and with my husband and me.

And I can use my talent & skill to help you with the same. It's not just young children that are important to remember! Seniors in high school, on the verge of making all those huge changes. Baptisms, first communions, preschool graduations. A new baby; a child's little smile just before they lose their first tooth. A wedding, an anniversary - any of these amazing milestones, big or small. And maybe the most important of all - your daily, normal life: who you are and how you spend your time. It doesn't last, and if you're like me, you want to remember the simple things - the normal days along with the big days.

So - this is my story. Photography started in earnest for me when I had my first baby and realized that I did not want to go to the mall to get pictures taken of her. I had a nice camera and started to learn how to use it.

I was happy with my baby pictures but I still had a lot to learn. I enrolled at New York Institute of Photography and earned my diploma, winning 2 merit awards for my portrait work in the process. That was only the beginning. I gradually started taking pictures for friends and started developing a business - I was scared at first, but I conquered my fears and started expanding my comfort zone. When I got my first digital SLR camera my photography improved because I could take so many pictures - there was bound to be something good! I developed a business based on convenience for customers - don't go to the mall, have me come to you instead! My prices were low and I started gaining experience.

Since then, photography has changed for me. I became obsessed with improvement - I want to take the best, most creative, most technically perfect, most flatteringly posed, and beautifully processed portraits possible. I changed my thinking from "convenient pictures" to "custom portraiture" and the more I work and learn, the better I get. Yes, my prices went up, and they will again. I have powerful cameras and lenses, and I know how to use them inside & out. I know a lot about Photoshop - I use it every day, and have for years. Instead of taking hundreds of pictures, I take just take the "keepers". (Okay, toddlers move fast, so when there's someone young involved I take more!)

I also like children very much, and I am good at building a rapport with them. If you've ever worked with a photographer who wasn't, then you know how important this is! I enjoy working with people of all ages. My portrait sessions are relaxed and easy going. We can be outdoors or inside, casual or more formal, whatever your preference is. I love environmental portraits taken of children or adults, where you can see how they really play or work. Also important to me is flexibility - I offer lots of different products so you can display your memories the way that works best for you. I do sessions on location or in my home-studio - not many custom photographers offer both. I have good lighting so I can take great portraits - day or night. I use Photoshop with group portraits so that everyone looks their best. I want you to love your portraits! If you have concerns I will work with you to resolve them, even if that involves another portrait session. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

giving back

I'm a member of Operation Love - a group of photographers who provide no-fee portrait sessions for families with deploying (or returning from deployment) parents or children. If you're interested in one of these amazing sessions, please contact me. Or please feel free to refer me to a friend or family member who is in this situation.

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