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Photos: Courtesy Cj Fogarty Thanks for your interest! Contact Gypsy Isle Photography at your convenience; if the form doesn't work properly, please email Shawn at info@gypsyisle.com  |
Shawn Bumgarner-Rozier Owner/Designer/Photographer Background: Except for 5 years spent in Tallahassee attending FSU, I’ve always called Pensacola home. I come from a very artistic family; my mother, grandmother and grandfather are all painters, my aunt is a graphic designer, and my uncle is a pro photographer- just to name a few. Yet, despite my artistic background and interest in photography, for a long while I thought I had to be “practical” and find a “real” job. Luckily I found one that allowed my creativity to blossom and I began dabbling in digital design. At the same time, I became a mother, and my long-time love of photography became a passion (my family might say an obsession). Thanks to innumerable hours spent chasing down my son and daughter with my camera, I grew to truly love the pursuit of the perfect photograph. In 2006 I opened my business because I wanted to bring my artistic vision and love of photography to others who also value the natural beauty inherently found in real emotions. Nothing is more exciting to me than opening a fresh batch of photos and finding a picture that perfectly represents some aspect of a child's ever-changing and expanding personality. My favorite photographs capture children as they are- playful, sad, happy, sassy, or goofy. I do *NOT* like cheesy, fake grins that are the typical outcome of many studio portraits. For this reason, I will only do on-location shoots without any fake props. Photographic Style: I tend to shoot in the "photojournalistic" style; a fancy term for saying I like to document real-life moments. Just as in real life, not all of my pictures will portray your child with a big cheesy grin; in fact, I ask parents to refrain from telling their children to say "cheese", as this will usually lead to a less than genuine smile. Instead, I will try to connect with your children on their level, both mentally and physically. I take a lot of my pictures from their perspective- getting down on my knees, or laying on the ground. I may also tell very cheesy jokes or make random funny noises to help entice them to laugh. A genuine laugh when captured on film is so much more pleasing than any "cheese" induced grin/grimace! If your child is not in the mood to laugh I will refrain from doing anything to make them feel pressured or uncomfortable. Never worry, I am fully prepared to take as long as needed to allow your child to grow comfortable with me and my equipment. And I've found that children warm up to me very shortly. I prefer for parents to remain within helping distance, but not to hover or give directions to their children. I can usually connect easier if it is just a one-on-one session, and this connection will lead to better portraits. Some children do not feel comfortable with strangers; if this is the case, you're welcome to stay very close. I may begin the session by taking shots of you holding/playing with your children to help ease them into the session. After they've warmed up to me I will ask you to stand further away so I can connect with your child (and can feel free to make all the funny noises I want!). Your session may be held at your home or another local location of your choice. I find that children are much more comfortable with this natural type session and that smiles come easier and are far more REAL! If a location other than your home has been chosen, please allow extra time before the session for your child to grow comfortable. Editing Style: After the photography session comes the real work (and the part I find the most artistically satisfying)- editing the best of the shots captured so I can present you with 30-40 proofs. Though I may take many more pictures than the ones shown to you, I only keep and show the absolute best pictures, from both a technical and emotional standpoint. Pictures that are not up to my stringent standards will be deleted. Please do not ask for more proofs; if you are unhappy for any reason with the proofs shown you, a reshoot will be scheduled. You are likely see two different kinds of proofs from me; bright, fun, silly pictures in vibrant color; and more somber black and whites. Any proof may be ordered as a b/w; but due to the time involved, I will not present every photograph in both b/w and color. Instead, I will edit them to whichever I feel suits the picture/mood best. If you are thinking of ordering a certain picture in b/w I will happily add a b/w proof to your gallery so you can make your final decision. I like to shoot fun moments, bright colors, and whimsical backgrounds; these are usually presented to you in color. I also love somber, pensive moments, and will usually present these as black and white proofs. I personally enjoy creating artistic versions of pictures; in these instances I may present a standard version as well. Equipment: I shoot with Nikon digital SLR cameras. I also have a Nikon Film SLR I sometimes use for special occasions such as group shots at a wedding. My lenses are all genuine Nikkor glass. Though I prefer natural light, I do have external flashes for those moments (such as weddings) that require alternate lighting. I'm a National Member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America) and a member of the NWSFPP (NW Section of the Florida Professional Photographers)  |
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