Inspired, A Very Special Project | Maggie Fortson Photography

Maggie Fortson is one of those photographers that you can tell genuinely puts themselves into their art whole heartedly. Her work is pure and honest and beautiful with a bit of a flair for the romantic. The way she captures couples especially just blows me away. A true talent with the heart of gold to match.

You can find Maggie’s website HERE and her Facebook page HERE.

Lets get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

Based on what people have told me, I would say that I am very driven. When I become passionate about something, I am willing to take any risk to chase after a dream. Also, at the end of a wedding day I photographed, someone told me I was really fun. I am going to take that opportunity to describe myself in that way now because it made my day 🙂

What sparked your passion for Photography?
I was studying Criminal Justice at Olivet University and realized that I was not meant to work in the criminal field. What was I thinking?! I get scared watching CSI! Anyways, scared of an unknown future, God some how directed me into the world of photography in April 2008. My brother was kind enough to pay for my first camera while I got a summer job to pay him back. The rest was history! I fell so in love with it and all I wanted to do was learn, learn, learn!

This is from the 2nd wedding I ever shot by myself. It still makes me laugh 🙂

Whats in your camera bag?

2 5D Mark II’s

35 mm 1.4

50mm 1.4

85mm 1.8

28mm 1.8

70-200 2.8

580 EX flash

pocket wizards

AB800W Strobe with Large soft box

small and large reflector

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

My first camera was a Canon 40D and I used a 50mm f/1.8 and the kit lens it came it.

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?

If you asked me this a month ago, I would have said my 50mm but I recently purchased the 35mm and that lens in stunning! I hope to upgrade my 85 and 50 to L glass series lenses this year because I am hooked now!

What advice would go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?

I would say to not try and be the best from the start. I was inspired by so many photographers when I started out and compared my work to them all the time. I was always discouraged but later developed my own taste, style, and standard of what I liked to hand over to a client. I still struggle with trying to be “perfect” all the time because I strive for the best quality, but I also think it is important to let loose and have some fun. Don’t be afraid to get dirty!

What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?

I fell in love with Denise Bovee’s work! She was actually my inspiration into getting in wedding photography. I have never met her but she is photographing my brother’s wedding June 9, 2012 (coming up!) and I look forward to telling her that in person 🙂

What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients?

Oh goodness! Ask my family 🙂 I love photographing my pup, Jack. You will find him on my facebook and blog often! ha! Also, whenever there is a holiday get together, I am known to document the entire gathering. Hey, it gets me out of cooking and cleaning in the kitchen!

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?

This is almost too easy, Ryan Gosling. Shirt optional 😉 Alright, I am embarrassing myself.

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

Shockingly,I do not really think I have any. The before and after of what I look like by the end of a wedding day is pretty comical though!

Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?

TONS. I have been very blessed, but learning to run your own business is a major challenge and investment. Try to figure out the clients I wanted to gear towards was a major challenge but after two years, I finally figured out how to book clients that appreciate what I do and the moments I capture. I used to book weddings whenever I could, but I now book weddings based on if a client and I click well together. It is important for them to feel comfortable about me but I also need to feel the same way with them too. I find when that is the case, magic unfolds behind my camera, and I fall in love with photography all over again every time!

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

Of course, the evening. However, since I shoot weddings for about 75% of my business, I have had to learn how to photograph in many types of lighting conditions. I think that is key in becoming a strong photographer. Know your lighting equipment!

If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?

CRY!!! I could not imagine that, but I would probably want to do something with music. However, my stage fright is pretty bad!

Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?

I have had some! I went to Harrington College of Design. It was mainly commercial photography, so it was not my cup of tea. I also have been taking business/marketing classes at a local community college.

What do you do to get your clients to relax with you?

Luckily, this is actually something that has come natural to me. I used to be very shy, but photography has brought me out of my shell. However, I think my past shyness has given me an advantage. I understand being in front of a camera can be emotional, so I am very calm and directive on a shoot. I let things unfold naturally, but I also know when to add input and suggestions and when to step back.

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

Finding a second photographer to shoot most/all weddings with me. I flip flop shooters right now because they each have their own businesses, but I hope to find someone to consistantly photograph with me. Also, purchase the 85L and 50L 🙂

How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning? Any Big Aha! Moments?

After each shoot or wedding, I like to find time to go through my work and write down what I would have liked to change to make each shoot better than the next!

Digital or Prints?

I always have the option of digital files because it just seems unavoidable these days. However, I like to educate my clients on print quality and the difference of printing with a professional lab versus in-store.

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

Good question! I guess it would be my shooting style, editing and branding style. I know a handful of talented photographers in the area, and I have been lucky enough to work with a few!

What do you think your next photography related investment will be?

More L glass prime lenses!

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Season: Spring
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: ice cream and Doritios (my mom always told me I was going to turn into a chip)
Pet Peeve: when people are always late
Favorite Pandora Station: Andrew Belle (have to give my brother a shout out! 😉 )
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up?: Detective
One thing no one knows about you is:
Pc or Mac: Mac
Lightroom Or Photoshop: LR
Film or Digital: digital (only because I never learned film … still want to though!)
Props or No Props: Both – they need to work well with the shoot
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Thailand
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Working on this, so I want to say “half full”
Favorite photo ever taken:

Favorite Quote: “Our pictures are our footprints. It’s the best way to tell people we were here.”
Most valued material possession:
Processing Style: simple and clean
Coffee or Tea: coffee
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Ryan Gosling or Steve Carrell
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? I am probably the only girl without a cute camera bag that looks like a purse. However, since I have a lot of equipment for weddings, I use a Tamron suitcase bag which is also great for travel!