Inspired, A Very Special Project | Bellini Portraits

Hi Everyone!! I totally intended to get this up yesterday but we got some upsetting news back home in regards to the health of a loved one. I am getting back to work today so I wanted to get this talented lady up on the blog. She is not only an incredible photographer but a wonderful person and I am so honored to be able to feature her. I actually stumbled upon her work when I was doing some commercial work for one of my favorite children boutique clothing designers The Measure and saw some work she had done for her as well. I was blown away by the use of light and gorgeous ways in which she connected with her clients in her images. Not only is she unique and incredibly awesome at what she does but a very special and sweet lady to boot!!

Let’s get started!!

You can find Stephanie Piscitelli of Bellini Portraits HERE on Facebook and her website HERE.

Hi Stephanie!!

What sparked your passion for Photography?

I had always loved photography as a little girl.  I was the one who was always taking pictures of my friends, on school trips, etc.  It was the fall after college when I was working for a NY based wedding & studio photographer,who showed me how to develop my film and prints, when I felt butterflies in my stomach as my first print was coming to life in the darkroom.  I literally had to catch my breath. It was in that moment I knew I had to bring photography into my life in some capacity.  Unfortunately it wasn’t until about 10 years later that I followed my heart and dove in full time.  I really envy the young photographers in their early 20’s that are doing just that!

Whats in your camera bag?

Canon 5D Mark III, 5D Mark II back up, 50mm 1.2 L, 85mm 1.2L, 24-70 2.8L, 100mm 2.8 L, also a back up original 5D

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

From Pentax K-1000 to Canon 30D in 2007 when I started Bellini Portraits

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

Oh boy.  It’s really a toss up between the 50 and 85.  They are both amazing.  I think the 85 might be even more amazing HOWEVER I am a close-shooter and I feel more comfortable with the 50mm because of that.  So if I HAD to choose I guess it’d be the 50.  But thankfully I don’t have to!

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

Practice, practice, practice.  Build a strong body of work by portfolio building before you take on paying clients.  Get on forums.  Get honest critique of your work.  Ask questions.  Educate yourself as much as possible.  There is so, so much to learn.  You shouldn’t really start a business until the camera is an extension of you.  Shoot in manual. Leanr your camera. And you must really, really want it.  It is not an easy business to succeed in.  You’ve really got to love it, breathe it, want it whole heartedly.

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

I used to work as an art buyer in advertising which meant I produced photo shoots for big advertising campaigns.  I had the pleasure of looking at commercial photographer’s portfolios on a daily basis.  Lots of eye candy!  I think I connected with Stephanie Rausser’s work the most.  It was girly and playful–I kept her promo cards all over my cubicle! I also love(d) Sante D’Orazio’s work and have a couple of his photo books.

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

I do a lot of macro flowers.  I fused some of those with beautiful portraits of women & girls and created a series called “Double Exposure” which I will be continuing this year.

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

 This is always a tough one for me since I never really have anyone in mind…..BUT since I have such a soft spot for photographing little girls, the child model Thylane Blondeau is exquisite and I definitely would LOVE to have her in front of my camera.

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

 Luckily it was for a friend’s session but I feel backwards over a snowman while I was backing up to get a shot.

Describe your style in 3 words.

 Creamy, soft & airy.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

 Late day…

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

Give 100% focus to my kids.  I have the mother’s guilt that I’m not doing enough with them because I am working all the time.  I think they will remember me as the mom who was always at her computer–not a good thing!  I really need to find more of a balance, for sure.  Like closing my door at 4pm and giving them 100% of my attention and only going back to work in my office after they are both tucked in at night.

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

I never took photography classes in high school, college or post college.

What are your photography related goals for 2012-13?

I would really love to start doing on-line mentoring this year. Also I plan to incorporate more video fusion which I LOOOOOVE!!!! It has left me breathless and made my heart skip a beat. When that happens you know you better go for it! http://vimeo.com/45991407

How do you push yourself to keep growing?

I’m pretty much obsessed with my job so I am constantly brainstorming concepts.  Usually when I’m at the gym I get these great ideas, so I type them down in Notes on my iPhone.  Very handy!

Biggest Photography related insecurity?  

Am I good enough???

Digital or Prints?

 Both.  People want digital copies so it only makes sense to offer them.

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

I just keep true to myself.  I don’t focus on what other locals are doing.

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

I just purchased the Mark III so for now any big investments have been satisfied.

If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be?  

An L series prime lens!

Fun Stuff:

Favorite Color: To wear or in general?  I really love shades of blue, especially peacock blue and turquoise colors.  My favorite shirt is a pink orchid color from J. Crew.  It’s great for my skin tone!

Favorite Season:  Summer, for sure!  Warm weather, flip flops, sun dresses?  Yes please!

Biggest Guilty Pleasure:  Reality TV 

Pet Peeve:  Oh so many…..but one that is sure to be really buggin’ me again now since summer is here…..passenger in the front seat of a car driving along with their bare feet on the dashboard.  Never ceases to irk me.

Favorite Pandora Station: My Ellie Goulding station with some added artists to fatten it up with goodness.

Studio or On location:  Location, location, location!

What did you want to be when you grew up?  In 8th grade I wrote in my autobiography that I wanted to be an astronaut, architect and stylist.  When I got out of college many moons ago I knew I had to be a photographer….some day.

One thing no one knows about you is:  I started playing piano by ear when I was around 6 years old.

Pc or Mac: Mac

Lightroom Or Photoshop: Photoshop

Film or Digital:  Digital, but my Mamiya 645 is staring at me daily saying, “Use me, use me!”

Props or No Props:  Have been very proptastic in the past few years but I really want to get back to my roots and return to a clean, lifestyle approach.

If you could travel anywhere it would be: Um, EVERYWHERE!  Severe case of wanderlust, I tell ya! But truthfully I am drawn to Italy and other European countries. I spent 3 months in Florence when I was 19 and I’m dying to go back.

Glass Half Empty or Half Full:  I think half empty but I’m not pessimistic, I swear.

Favorite photo ever taken: Ooooh that’s a tough one…maybe the one of my niece in the rowboat.  I never tire of looking at it!

Raw or Jpeg:  RAW baby!

Favorite Music to Edit to:  Upbeat and dancey 

Favorite Quote: I don’t have a favorite one but we’ll make today’s quote; “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams in the life you’ve imagined.”

Most valued material possession: That would have to be my engagement ring.

Processing Style: light, airy

Coffee or Tea:  Iced coffee….just made a VAT of The Pioneer Woman’s recipe.

If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?  Just beautiful women in general, Mila Kunis, Cintia Dicker, Angelina, Sophie Marceau, Rachel Weisz, …..

What kind of Camera bag do you rock?  Oh, I rock my Lowepro. It’s super stylish (said with a heavy dose of sarcasm).  I am definitely due for a new one!  Something with a bit more style 😉 Any recommendations?