Inspired, A Very Special Project | Wendy VonSosen Photography

This Thursday edition of The Inspired Project I am incredibly excited to show of this AMAZING photographer. Wendy  whom I have come to know and love has such an amazing soul. She is also from my home state of CT and relocated like myself. We actually also seem to have a love for projects and she has done an entire series known as 20 on Tuesdays where she also interviews photographers so you should absolutely check that out if you have been enjoying this series. I even had the honor of being one of the photographers she featured. I love her use of light, her gorgeous clean processing and all the soul her work embodies. Spend some time on her blog with a huge cup of coffee. I promise you won’t be disappointed!! I just adore her!

You can find Wendy’s Blog here, Facebook here, Pinterest here, and Website here.

Hi Sweet Wendy!!

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

I’m the mom of four of my favorite kids and am married to my high school prom date. After many years of being in the trenches of motherhood, I’ve found a voice and a creative outlet through my camera. Some of my favorite things are rainy days, the beach, warm summer nights, sleeping in, Ryan Reynolds and Ed Westwick, flip flops, historical fiction, Good ‘n Plentys, home design and decorating, Pinterest, newborns of all species, and Instagram (I’m sowenderful if you want to follow).

What sparked your passion for Photography?

I’d love to say that I was “that kid” who was born with a polaroid in my hands but I’m afraid my story isn’t that exciting. The truth is, I took a few photography classes in high school because they were easy As. And while I liked photography, I didn’t really pick it back up until I had kids and I found myself living in a tiny town in Idaho away from family and friends, all of my kids were in school, and I was bored. to. pieces! I’ve been blogging/writing far longer than I’ve been shooting and as I would read others’ blogs, I noticed how impressive their photos were. I wanted my pictures to look like theirs so I began reading and learning everything I could get my hands on. Thus began my journey into photography which has morphed into a cherished passion.

Whats in your camera bag?

I’m hesitant to say this, but… not much. My Nikon D700, 50mm 1.4, and 35mm 1.4.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

Nikon D50 and 50mm 1.8. I worked that combo to the ground for almost two years before going full frame.

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

That’s pretty easy since I only own two. My 50mm 1.4 is my go-to lens for portraits. I use my 35mm for shooting lifestyle of my own family.

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

Practice, practice, practice. Once you’re ready for the business end, invest in a one-on-one mentorship with a well-respected, established photographer who can help you build a business on a firm foundation and avoid the typical mistakes made by new photographers.

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

Annie Leibovitz

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

That’s a hard one to answer. I love learning new techniques, whether it’s off camera flash, studio lighting, fine art, composites, etc… So when I’m shooting for myself, I like to try new things. But I also love concepts shoots and have a teenage daughter who is always up for modeling and trying out new ideas. In addition, I’m involved in a lifestyle group and I cherish the everyday moments I’ve captured of our family over the last year and a half.

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

I would love to photograph my dad who passed away about 7 years ago. I regret not taking more pictures of him while he was here, especially with my kids.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Simple. Beautiful. Light.

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

Just a few weeks ago we shot a session at a “clothing optional” beach. I had warned my clients about it beforehand so we all knew the possibilities but as I was shooting this beautiful senior girl, a stark naked guy kept slowly walking back and forth behind her trying his best to get into my shot. I could not stop laughing!

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

Oh, so many! When I started I didn’t know the first thing about business. I’ve definitely learned a lot since then. I’m also an introvert and naturally shy so I’ve had to overcome my own social insecurities since this is such an interpersonal business.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

The Golden Hour just before the sun sets.

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

I would love to be a graphic designer but I’d more likely start chipping away at my ever growing “to do” list.

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

I have a teaching degree from BYU but no formal education in photography aside from many workshops.

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

Like I said, I’m an introvert and not big on talking about myself so I ask a lot of questions about my clients and get them talking about themselves. Win-win.

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

It’s flying by so quickly! But in the next year I’d love to do more commercial work.

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

I’m involved in a few personal projects this year including our lifestyle group and a fine art group. We post once a month and that’s enough motivation to get creative and shoot just for me. I also moderate over at The Bloom Forum. There is so much crazy talent over there that I’m constantly learning from and being inspired by our fabulous members.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

My own inadequacies.

Digital or Prints?

I offer digital collections but always with print products. I think most clients want the digital files but I’m such a believer in printing your images that I include some sort of print product with the purchase of digital files.

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

I don’t follow local photographers so I’m not sure what they’re doing but I continue to learn as much as I can and hopefully shoot in my own unique style.

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

Probably either the 85mm 1.4 or the 135mm lens.

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

Business cards (and gum). You never know who you’ll run into during a session.

What is one thing that has proved to be invaluable to your Photography career?

The support of my family.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: I’ve always liked yellow.
Favorite Season: Definitely fall with the beautiful colors and crisp air but I also love an unstructured summer.
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Sea salted caramel gelatto and Mad Men
Pet Peeve: When the sheets at the end of my bed get untucked. (OCD much?)
Favorite Pandora Station: Ingrid Michaelson
Studio or On location: Primarily On location or my garage studio from time to time.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I always wanted to be a school teacher and a mom. I have my teaching degree but now that I’m all grown up, I’m happy where I am as a mom and a photographer.
Pc or Mac: PC
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Photoshop
Film or Digital: Primarily digital but I also have a Nikon F5 that I play with now and then.
Props or No Props: Depends on what I’m shooting. I’m “less is more” when it comes to newborns. But I can appreciate a well-styled session when it comes to high school seniors.
If you could travel anywhere it would be: There are lots of places that I haven’t been but I’d love to visit Greece with my family and my camera. Rio is a close second.
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Definitely half full.
Favorite photo ever taken: There are so many that speak to me in different ways that I could never choose a favorite. But they would all involve my family in some way. Right now I’m loving this one of my boys because it’s rare for me to capture them all in one frame.

Raw or Jpeg: Raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: Honestly, I don’t usually edit to music. I love watching The [Framed] Show or catching up on episodes of Downton Abby, Mad Men, and old Friends reruns.
Favorite Quote: My dad always said this and I say it to my kids all the time. “Always take the extra credit. Always go the extra mile”.
Most valued material possession: A couple of years after my dad passed away, my mom made all of us a quilt out of his favorite flannel shirts and fleece sweatshirts. That might be my favorite thing at the moment. That and my iphone.
Processing Style: Clean with a touch of beauty.
Coffee or Tea: Neither. I love ice water.
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Anyone who really knows me knows I’d be over the moon to meet Brad Pitt (in his Thelma and Louise days).
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? I have a mustard yellow Jo Totes bag.