Demetrius Colson calls Detroit home, but he said he spent as much time in Columbus as he did in Michigan.

Now firmly established in Columbus, the former sleep technician is a full-time photographer. In business with his wife, Kellye, they run Colson Event Services from a small duplex across the street from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Their side of the building houses a photo studio, a waiting room, a small staff room and an office that has sample fabrics for napkins and tablecloths.

The Colsons will celebrate the first anniversary of their business in January.

Because he says they are just starting, he’s keeping prices low. A sitting for a portrait is $35, no matter how many people are in the picture.

Right now, holiday portraits are keeping him busy. Holiday photo cards run from $27 for the card and envelopes for 30 to $80 for cards and envelopes for 200.

The latest he can take a portrait is Dec. 17, ready for pick-up on Dec. 19.

“So go ahead and make an appointment,” Colson said. “You can call after hours. It is Christmas.”

At the same time, he said it’s not too early to book sittings for Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day.

In fact, he laughs when people told him that November was too early to book a sitting for Christmas. Now, it’s almost too late.

But he said you can turn a Christmas photo card into a New Year’s card or a “just because” card.

We spoke to Colson and his work as a photographer last week.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How old were you when you first got a camera?

I was 12 or 13. It was a birthday present.

Was it love at first sight?

Yes, I loved my camera. It was a 35-millimeter or a 110 Kodak.

When did you discover you were good at it?

It took some time before I wanted to do it as a business.

Did you go to school to study photography?

No. I took some photography classes through Columbus State University’s continuing education.

When did you open your business?

In January, it will be a year.

Has it been good for you?

Yes.

How do you get a family to sit in a natural position?

I try to be patient. I take multiple shots until the family decides on the picture. I have a viewing station.

Have you seen that book, “Awkward Family Photos”?

I haven’t checked that one out.

What do you do with the outtakes of photos?

I have a hard drive. I don’t throw them away unless they’re absolutely unusable. There are some that the client likes that I like. I use those for promotional material.

Now that everything’s digital, is it easier to please people?

Yes. I can basically let them see the shot before I give them a print. I sit them in from of a green screen, then I can add the background that they want.

What’s the worst family photo you’ve taken?

The worse ones are basically the ones where the kids move. They get tired of taking pictures. And I’ve taken pictures of infants all the way to older couples.

Is there an ideal situation?

I prefer the studio where I can control the lighting and set the atmosphere.

Do you ever take a family outdoors?

Yes. For some reason a woman wanted her maternity pictures taken outside at the Riverwalk. She was very pregnant and not afraid to show her belly.

Are babies difficult?

I just have to spend more time with babies. You don’t expect a baby to sit there and smile. You have to use a rattle or a toy. You have to do different things to get their attention.

What about pets?

Pets are almost like babies. You have to have an assistant to make the noises. And you have to send the “parent" out.

Can you give an amateur photographer some tips to get a great photo?

Patience.

Is it easier to get a great posed photo or a candid shot?

Posed or candid? I tell my clients that the first shot is always the best one because the longer the session, the more they think about it. I never say “Cheese” when there are children in the picture. They end up grimacing. I just tell them to “smile.”

Are weddings the most difficult to please people?

Yes. I always say if you can do a wedding, you can do anything. I don’t do too many weddings any more. Now, it’s sports, events and studio.

Who takes your photo?

I haven’t had one taken. Nobody takes my picture.

So what does your family album look like?

(Laughs). I take a lot of pictures of everybody else. I’m not in most of the pictures in my family album because I’m the one taking them.