My interview with Moms Who Click

A few months ago I was asked by the editors of Moms Who Click if I would do an interview with them. I recently read an interview with a fellow photographer and found it very interesting. So I thought I would share my interview with Moms Who Click with you!

Your Style

·       In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography?

The way I would describe my photography style is fresh and natural lifestyle photography.

·       Are you self-taught or classroom trained?

I’m self-taught.

·       How many years have you been a professional photographer?

3 years

·       Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years?

To be honest, I really like how my business is doing right now. I’m not someone who likes to be over booked and stressed out so I like to keep things manageable. I love the teaching end of photography so in 5 years I see myself as doing more and more workshops and growing my blog to teach others. 

·       Is there a photographer who inspires your style?  Who would that be?

I love the work by Audrey Woulard.

·       Favorite location to take photos?

I don’t really have a favorite location…I love beautiful lighting so wherever I can find that! I do love taking pictures at the beach...too bad I live so far away from one!

·       Favorite vacation spot?

Oooh, I love going on vacation! My favorite spot at this point is on the beach in Maine or at my parents cabin near Yellowstone Park. My husband and I love roller coasters so we really like “Islands of Adventure” in Orlando.

Your Business

·       What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer?

I can’t say there was really one moment that I DECIDED to become a photographer. It happened gradually. I would take pictures of my kids and family, then of friends and then it just kind of evolved from there.

·       What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you?

I don’t do any marketing except for word of mouth. 

Your Gear

·       Are you Canon or Nikon (or –other):

Nikon

·       If you could only have one lens on a photo shoot, what would it be?

My 50mm f/1.8

·       What brand bag do you carry your camera in?

Crumpler.  I like things nice and compact and I don't like to look like I'm carrying a "camera" bag. Someday I would love to have a Kelly Moore bag.

·       What gear would we find in your camera bag?

Nikon D80, Nikon 85mm f/1.8 lens, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens.

·       Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan?

Natural light, all the way. I’m a minimalist AND I like the natural light look. 

·       Are you PC or Mac?

Mac

Your Tips and Tricks

·       What post processing tools do you use?

Lightroom for all my editing and Photoshop Elements if I have to put any text on a picture.

·       Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg?

Jpeg

·       Best advice you would give your 20-year old self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff and count your blessings.

·       Best advice you would give a new photographer?

Practice, practice, practice. Making mistakes and figuring out how to fix them is the number one thing that made me a better photographer. 

What Else Should We Know?

·       What was your worst photography experience?

It all turned out okay, but I was teaching my 2nd workshop and as I was running out the door when I realized my car keys were lost. My husband and I searched EVERYWHERE. I was staying at a friends house so she just let me drice her car but I had all of my teaching materials in our car! Luckily I still had my laptop but I was frustrated that I couldn’t get the rest of my stuff. I ended up just starting the workshop with only my laptop and about 30 minutes later my amazing husband came in carrying all of my materials. He found a locksmith and brought everything to my workshop for me. 

·       What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not?

I still get a little nervous every time I shoot a session…even after all these years! But I think it actually helps me stay on top of my game. 

·       Tell us something else you’d like us to know:

After writing my book and teaching workshops, I’ve found that I’m more drawn to teaching that I am to shooting sessions. I still LOVE to take pictures and I always will but I really like the teaching side of it.

And just because we want to know you better, fill in the blanks...

·       Three things I can’t live without…. 1) My husband and kids, 2) my camera (typical answer, I know, but it’s true!! 3) my MacBook Pro

·       I wish I had more….. time in the day to get things done and more energy like my 4 year old son who seems to have an unlimited supply!

·       The best thing about being a photographer is…having an outlet to be creative and having a skill where I’m able to document my family’s lives.

·       The most important lesson I ever learned was….you have to be happy with life RIGHT NOW. You can’t wait until…the kids get older or you have more money or you are thinner or you live in a bigger house. You have to look around and notice what is wonderful RIGHT NOW and be happy about that.

·       My favorite time of day is…10am when I just finished my workout and there’s still so much time left in the day!

There ya go! I hope you learning a little more about me and hopefully a little something more about photography!

Remember...my photography book is on sale from now until December 31st. For more info click here!

Have a great Wednesday.