Getting to know your photographer... {left coast design studio}

(featured above, Left Coast and "little Left Coast")

Left Coast Design Studio:
- lifestyle portrait photography serving central California and beyond
- the one woman show, owned & operated by Lindsey Kimball
w w w . l e f t c o a s t b y d e s i g n . c o m 

Hello friends... and future friends!  This post has been a long time in the making and is a compilation of sorts between a recent survey I received from a local design student, common "photographer interview" questions on TLC Weddings/theKnot.com and frequently asked questions from my clients.  If you haven't worked with me yet, hopefully this will help you get to know me a bit as you make that important decision on a photographer for your big moments - your engagement, your wedding, your birthography, etc.  If I've left anything out, please feel free to add questions to the Comments section at the end of this post, or email me directly at lindsey@leftcoastbydesign.com.

Are you formally taught or self taught?  Lots of both.  After taking a darkroom photography class in High School in 1999, I enrolled early at the Delaware College of Art and Design in their pre-college photography program.  I started using Adobe Photoshop 5.5 (way old school) that same year and taught myself how to use the program - I still use Photoshop now, 14 years later.  I continued studying photography and design at Penn State University after DCAD and earned my teaching credential in the arts in 2006.  I have been teaching photography full time in Bakersfield, CA for the last 7 years.  I can honestly say that I learned more and finally found my style more through my experience freelancing over the last four years than I ever did during my formal studies. I needed that strong foundation first though - I think I was fortunate to have had a combination.

Nikon or Canon?  I use Canon equipment, but I try not to get too caught up in the whole debate.  It doesn't really matter.  If you like the food that a Chef presents to you, your first question usually isn't about the brand of kitchen appliances they use :)

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?  Clients will come to you because they like what you do.  Find your style first, work to perfect it, and you'll find that the clients who appreciate your style are the ones who will find you.  Don't get too caught up in whatever trendy editing fad is happening right now.  That's exactly what it is, a fad.  Fads fade.  Also, learn the language of your camera.  Knowing Photoshop and Lightroom doesn't make up for a lack of technical camera knowledge - get the shot right in the first place and you won't have to worry about "fixing" anything later.  Put in the work and don't take shortcuts.

Do you offer dSLR photography classes?  This might seem like a funny answer considering that I've been teaching photography to teenagers for the last 7 years, but actually... I don't do workshops.  There are plenty of other wonderful photographers in town that offer them and I'd be happy to put you in contact with them if needed.  Between teaching full time during the school year, running Left Coast as close to full time as possible year-round, and being a Mommy to a 2 year old, I really don't have the space in my schedule to take on workshops.

Describe yourself in 5 words:

1. Resourceful
2. Creative
3. Dedicated (my husband would probably use the word "obsessed")
4. Caffeinated
5. Thankful

What is lifestyle photography? (Client FAQ)
Lifestyle photography is a type of coverage that artfully documents many different aspects of daily life "in the moment".  Portraits and events are often naturally lit and on-location, with an emphasis on emotional atmosphere when possible.  It is, at the very core, the exact opposite of stiffly posed studio portraits that one might get at a mall.

Where can I see a portfolio of your work? (from TLC Weddings)
My website is updated roughly every quarter and can be found at www.leftcoastbydesign.com. For more frequent updates and real-time previews of all public sessions, you can find me on Facebook by searching "Left Coast Design Studio".  I also post promotions, last minute openings, and upcoming event details on Facebook as well.

How long have you been in the business/a photographer? (from TLC Weddings/theKnot)
I learned the basics on a 1977 Nikkormat FT3 in 1999 and purchased my first camera, a Nikon N60, in 2001.  I began taking commissioned freelance photography assignments in 2002 and worked through college to help pay for rent and textbooks, switching to digital format in 2003.  I moved to Bakersfield from the Philadelphia area in 2006 and worked to rebuild my client base after moving 2,800 miles away -- I had been offered a digital photography teaching position and just couldn't say no.  In 2009 I registered my business in Bakersfield and have been fortunate to have been chosen by more than 275 clients for their photography needs since then.

How soon will I see my photos? (from TLC Weddings)
One of my biggest pet peeves as a bride was waiting twelve (yes, TWELVE) weeks for my photos.  When I finally received my CD, the photographer had written on top of it - "since you're a photographer too, I figured you'd want to edit these yourself".  You mean to tell me I paid you $750 an hour to send me exactly 75 raw, untouched image files three months after my wedding?  Zero communication - no response by phone or email at any point after we paid their fee.  Incredibly unprofessional and their compositions and image quality left much to be desired.  While I was really unhappy with my experience, it really changed the way I looked at the business as a whole.  I do everything in my power to get some previews up as soon as possible, guaranteed within a week, but often times it works out to within 48 hours of the session or event.  Final edited files are done and ready within a five week time window, max.  My personal philosophy on it is that your photographer should be just as excited to show you the work they've done for you as you are to see it.

What products do you offer?  (from TLC Weddings)
High resolution digital images on CD are the popular request right now.  In addition to the CD, I offer a variety of prints (any size/any finish, including metallic), high quality gallery wrapped canvases in a variety of sizes, custom luxe cards and announcements, and Organic Bloom frames.  Pricing menus for all products are available on request.

Can I speak with past clients for references?   (from TLC Weddings/theKnot)
Of course!  Depending on the type of session you are considering, I can provide references specific to your needs.  Feel free to ask.  Since I don't advertise, almost 90% of my new client base is from current client referrals as it is.

What types of portraits or events do you cover?  (Client FAQ)
I am available for all of the following:  engagement sessions, weddings, birthographies, family portraits, newborn and adoption finalization sessions, maternity sessions, Senior portraits, themed/conceptual shoots, 1st birthday/cake smash sessions, and more.  Boudoir photography is available on a limited basis via my semi-annual, closed-door Ladies Society event.  Ladies Society sessions include hair, makeup, and a private and personalized luxe session at my favorite local high-end hotel.  When necessary, I am also available for a limited number of destination events.  More information  can be requested by emailing lindsey@leftcoastbydesign.com.

What is a Birthography?  (Client FAQ)
Available-light (flash free) tasteful and non-intrusive documentary photography of labor, delivery, the first moments of your child's life & your first moments as a family.  You and your partner and support people are free to experience the birth of your child "in the moment" - no worrying about fiddling with cameras and worrying about charging batteries or card errors.  You will also be able to share your birth story with friends and family members who were unable to be physically present when baby decided to arrive.  Perfect for sharing the experience with a deployed military parent, family members living out of state, or parents who wish to focus on the birth of their child in peace, just the two of them, and share the story later.  I am available for Bakersfield area hospitals and midwife/doula supervised home births with permission from attending medical personnel.  Contact me for more information.
Shared with permission:  Luca's Birth Day {left coast design studio}
Shared with permission:  Max's Birth Day {left coast design studio}


I don't see any same-sex couples portraits or weddings in your portfolio, why?  (Client Question)
I haven't yet been contacted for same-sex couples portraiture - what a bummer!  I am absolutely available and I am a LGBT Ally.  Do not hesitate to email me - I would be honored to document your love story!

- LK