Nancy Milburn Kleck Photography

For an event, I arrive early, at least a half hour, sometimes an hour, to get an overview of the surroundings, lighting, and angles I will have available to shoot.

Second, I find the organizers and discuss their needs, and the list of people they want photographed. I may make suggestions, always with a reason, so the organizer can see from a photographer's perspective, essentially looking through the lens.

Dress code is always the same as the event, generally in black, silk for event, cotton for warm days, but always elegant and professional. A little make up and lipstick and I'm ready.

When I am walking around the event, I look for opportunities to gently interrupt and get the group or person's attention, introducing myself and telling them the publication or I am photographing, and ask them if I can take their photograph. I give them directions very quickly so they pose very quickly, and tell them I'm going to take 2 shots: that makes them stand still for the second, if needed because of closed eyes, or a waiter has appeared in the background. I also tell them to remain there briefly so I can get their names as I carry a notebook and pen with me for this.

With a lady, I address her as "madame", or "mademoiselle" if she's a youngster, and the men I address as "sir" if mature and over 60. Younger, I am less formal. I thank them each for their cooperation. I want the experience to be enjoyable and for them to feel confident a good photograph was taken.

Greetings! First of all, I love photographing people!

Originally from New Orleans, after being in the Bluegrass of Kentucky painting racehorses, I moved to this beautiful area in 2011 and love it.

I've been a fine art painter for 30 years, a professional freelance event photographer for four. Painting has given me a refined and seasoned eye for detail and good composition in both the social event photo and in sports covering the equestrian events.

As a photographer, lighting is important, but I can manage in low light or even dark events with spotlights on the speaker or performer.

I have a 50mm 1.4 sharp and fast lens for no-flash photography. It is a prime lens that I can get singles or groups in equally, and produces sharp photographs.

I also have a 70-200mm for getting photos from the sidelines, or closeups of faces while the guests are at their seat. I try to be quiet and not impose upon their space and enjoyment of the event.