Archive: Feb 2013
  1. Inspired, A Very Special Project | Lacey Meyers Photography

    I am so excited to feature the super talented Lacey Meyers! So excited in fact I am hopping right in!

    Lacey is not only incredibly talented but incredibly sweet. Her work is sublime and so naturally connected with her subjects you can tell what a special experience her photo sessions must be! I love that she chose to share so much personal work with us too!

    You can find Lacey’s Website HERE. You can also find her on facebook HERE.

    Hi Lacey!!

    Let’s get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

    Hmmm … I’m a bit of a talker, so 3 sentences is tough!  I am a city-girl-gone-country, when I married my love, Matt and together we’re blessed with 3 little boys … energetic, fun, entertaining boys.    I really enjoy photographing our life and sharing our stories on my blog, but also love photographing newborns and pregnant mamas, as well as helping others learn this awesome art of photography!  And … Jesus, my family, and my wonderful friends are my life.

    What sparked your passion for Photography?

    My grandma and my mom both instilled in me the importance of documenting life through photos, so I did so without abandon from the time I could afford to pay for my film to be processed.  But it wasn’t until I got into scrapbooking, and seeing the images other scrappers were taking, that I realized my images had lots of room for improvement!  There began my obsession … er, interest, in learning all I could.

    What’s in your camera bag?

    I shoot with a gripped Nikon D700 and several primes … 35 1.4, 50 1.4, 85 1.4, 105 2.8, and the 135 2.0.  I also just added a Speedlight, which I’m finding really, really helpful during these winter months!

    What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

    I started with a Nikon film SLR, but purchased a Canon XS when I went digital.  I was beyond excited when I also purchased a 50 1.8 … I learned an awful lot with that pair.

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

    For sure my 50 1.4G.  I’ve often told people that if I had to sell all of my lenses, that’s the one I would keep.  I photograph the majority of my newborns with it, and could easily work with only it for my personal work.  But… I really do use all of my lenses equally and value each of them very much!

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

    Not to be discouraging at all, but I would encourage anyone just starting out to think twice, or three or 50 times, before they start their business.  I would encourage them to learn all they possibly can about photography before beginning their business and to make sure they aren’t wanting to start one simply because their friends are asking for photo sessions.    I totally admit that I wonder daily if this business is for me … I adore the photographing-side, but am not sure I’m a business person.

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

    Megan Squires! Which is awesome because she’s now one of my very best friends!  That girl is an even better friend than she is a photographer, which is saying a lot because she’s an amazingly talented photographer (and mom, wife, and writer)!  I tell her that she is my ‘Vitamin D’ … she just makes me happy.

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

    Without a doubt, photos of my kids and our daily life.  I’m super honored to stay-at-home with my boys and home-school, so I have lots and lots of opportunities to photograph them.  I mostly do candid, natural images, and rarely ever put them through photoshoots.   I think that’s why they put up with my camera!
    In fact, I’m so passionate about photographing our ‘everyday’ life that I wrote a Break-out Session for Clickin Moms on my exact approach!  You can learn more about that HERE (http://www.clickinmoms.com/store/shop/photographing-your-everyday-easily-efficiently-and-beautifully-lacey-meyers/) .

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

    I would really have loved to have the opportunity to photograph each of my grandparents. All but one has passed away and I wish I could have photographed them doing the things they loved.  Because my mom was such a thorough photographer herself, I do have lots of images of my grandparents, but I truly feel that being there in the moment of taking the photographs is about 90% of the joy.  I feel such a connection to my subjects and wish I could have experienced that with my grandparents.

    Describe your style in 3 words.

    Genuine, Light-inspired, and Story-telling

    Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

    It was pretty embarrassing when I stepped in a pile of dog poo at a maternity session, especially after I warned and warned my clients to watch their steps!  It’s pretty funny too, when my newborn clients/parents watch their baby poo and pee on me … I think they are usually the embarrassed ones, which pains me because I assure them before-hand that it WILL happen!

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

    I think my biggest challenge was finding the time to invest in all of the studying and practicing I wanted to do when first starting out.  I wanted to spend all of my time learning and editing on my computer, but with 3 little boys, and my computer tucked in a backroom in our house, it was really hard to find the time.  I had to just take my time and thoughtfully practice and read when I could.  And then eventually, I moved my computer into a corner of our living room and that made studying (on Clickin Moms!) WAY easier.

    Favorite time of day to shoot is?

    I shoot all day long for my personal work, mid-morning for my newborns and pretty much always in the evening for maternity!

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

    As a business?  Nothing.    Really though, that question made me shudder!  I can’t imagine having to stop taking photos!

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

    I did graduate from Washington State University, but not for photography.    I have a degree in Organizational Communications, actually!  Can you tell?  I love to communicate.  I did study film photography in high school and thought it was pretty magical to develop my own film.

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

    I am naturally pretty comfortable right off the bat with my clients, so I think that definitely helps them feel that they can relax.  I also blog a lot about my life and I think that helps them feel like they already know me a bit. To get my newborn babies to relax … warmth and white noise and lots of cuddling.

    What are your photography related goals for 2013?

    Just to keep learning and pushing my creativity.  I’d also love to be as comfortable with my Speedlight as I am with natural light … consequently creating images that look like they were photographed with natural light, when I actually used my Speedlight.

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

    Being a part of Clickin Moms definitely keeps me on my toes!  I am constantly learning and being inspired thanks to CM.  It is impossible to be a part of that community and not be extremely motivated to keep learning simply because of the talent and knowledge the forum’s members hold.   I also have the priviledge of TAing for several amazing workshops through CMU and am pushed to grow and learn both from the instructors and the students.

    Biggest Photography related insecurity?

    Well, as a blogger, I also follow lots of blogs (and the CMPro Daily)… most of which are those of photographers I think are spec.tac.ular.  I see their work and sometimes can’t help but long to be as good as them.  I know it is wrong to do that (and definitely not helpful!), but when I’m constantly staring at amazing images that I’d never imagine creating, it is really hard not to.  I’m just not the most creative, outside the box type of photographer and that intimidates me a lot.  Just as often though, those photographers motivate and inspire me, so that is very helpful.

    Digital or Prints?

    My business is flat-rate, so I love that my clients get their digital files with their session.  But personally, I am passionate about printing my images.  Which is also why my clients get a 4 x 6 proof of every image in their gallery.

    How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

    I’m honestly not very familiar to any other ‘local’ photographers because I live in the boonies.    But in general, I suppose I would hope that my clients would tell their friends that I’m different from other photographers they’ve had because I genuinely care about my clients and how their images turn out.  I might even care more about how their images turn out than they do.   But, I hope that’s the case with every photographer.

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

    I keep hearing about the ExpoDisc and I keep resisting purchasing one because I’m perfectly fine with how I set my white balance … but really.  I hear about how amazing it is and can’t help but want to try it out!

    If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be?
    Ooh, only one thing??  Other than their camera (obviously), I’d say a fixed aperture lens.

    What would you say your biggest muse is?

    Well, my kids are my Number 1 subjects, so I’d have to say my three monkeys.

    Fun stuff:
     
    Favorite Color: Gosh, I totally don’t have one.
     
    Favorite Season:  Summer

    Biggest Guilty Pleasure:  TV … not really ‘guilty’ but I really love to relax at the end of the day watching TV, when I’m sure there are more productive things I could be doing with my time… it’s just fun to turn off my brain for a bit.

    Pet Peeve:  I asked my husband, and he told me my pet-peeve is when people drive the wrong way in a parking lot.  I’m not sure how those big yellow arrows could be more specific and directional.  LOL …

    Favorite Pandora Station:  I am a part of this decade, but I don’t have Pandora.  Or, maybe I do have it on my phone, but have never used it.  

    Studio or On-location:   Some of my clients come to my in-home studio for their newborn session, but I love shooting on-location.  

    What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was little, I wanted to be a mom.  And then when I was a teen-ager, I wanted to move to New York and be a career-woman.  

    One thing no one knows about you is: Um, I make it seem like I only play “Just Dance 4” with my boys to make them happy.  But truthfully, I really enjoy it and really wish I was a fabulous dancer!  LOL …  

    Pc or Mac:  PC

    Lightroom Or Photoshop:  I use both, but could probably live without Lightroom.  If I had to.  

    Film or Digital: Digital

    Props or No Props:  I veer toward no-props.  

    If you could travel anywhere it would be:  If I could get over my fear of travel, I’d say somewhere warm and tropical.  But I’m such a homebody that I freak out when I have to fly.  

    Glass Half Empty or Half Full:  I try to be pretty positive, so I’d say half full. But it really depends on the day for me.  

    Favorite photo ever taken: I completely don’t have one … that’s as hard has picking my favorite color … or lens … or child.   

    Raw or Jpeg:  I’m so thankful for RAW

    Favorite Music to Edit to:  I usually edit with the TV on in the background.    

    Favorite Quote:  I have lots, but I always hear John 3:16 in my head … “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” It is a perfect reminder of not only God’s love, but of the love we should have for others.   

    Most valued material possession: Our house … my husband and I built it (well, had it built) from scratch … from removing the trees on the piece of property to digging our well to pushing in our driveway, ect.  It is soaked with memories and we hope to be here forever.   

    Processing Style: Clean.  I’ve not even come close to mastering the creative side of post-processing.  I leave that to people like Sarah!  LOL …

    Coffee or Tea:  Coffee for sure … but only with CoffeeMate French Vanilla creamer.

    If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be:  Totally random, but either Blake Shelton or Guy Fieri or Mike Rowe.  I think all of them are hilarious and it would just be fun to hang out with them.  OOOOH … or, Bill and Guiliana Rancic, when they have their next baby.  THAT would be amazing.   

    What kind of Camera bag do you rock?  I have a Ketti, which I’m pretty sure will be a collector’s item with as popular as they have become.  It was my first pretty camera bag I’ve purchased and I still love it.    My husband recently gave me the Kelly Moore 2Sues bag in Mustard, too, and it is a seriously fantastic bag!

     

    3 Lovely Comments  •  Leave a Comment for Sarah

  2. Inspired, A Very Special Project | Sunshine Lane Photography

    I am running a bit behind on my blogging this morning so I am going to jump right in and get this up! I love Sarah of Sunshine Lane Photography. Her work is not only happy and beautiful but SO dynamic. Her use of lighting is absolutely magical. I just adore everything she does! Be prepared to be blown away!

    You can find Sarah’s Website HERE

    Hi Sarah!!

    Lets get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?  
    I am a mom, wife, hopeless dreamer, eternal explorer, and like to think of myself as a student at heart, forever learning. I have a passion for books, writing, and photography. My idea of a favorite day would be spent reading and writing at a cafe, wandering around exploring a new city, and photographing what I come across.
    What sparked your passion for Photography?
    I fell in love with photography many years ago when I was in high school and picked up a friend’s DSLR because she wanted some pictures of herself. It was her dad’s camera, and he must have had the settings on aperture priority, because I got a blurry background right off the bat! I just fell in love with it from that very first click, and it’s been an on-and-off love affair ever since.
    Whats in your camera bag?
    I shoot with a Nikon D700 and a variety of prime lenses, including a 135mm 2.0, 85mm 1.4, and 35mm 1.4, among others.
    What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?
    My very first film camera that I got when I was 17 was a Canon AE-1 Program, which I adored. My first digital was a Nikon D200.
    Sarah Was kind enough to share one of her first starting out images!
    If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?
    Probably the 85mm 1.4. It has a great focal length for portraits and delivers beautiful bokeh. It’s my favorite go-to lens for sessions and shooting my children outdoors.
    What advice would you go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?
    I would tell them (and tell myself frequently) that it is not a race. Take your time to really learn the craft and also how to run and market a business before you take on paying clients. I might have rushed into business myself, but luckily I live overseas and was not able to easily start a business here. I say luckily, because that has slowed me down and forced me to focus on my own learning, documenting my family and shooting for myself rather than starting a business right away. Ironically, the more I learn, the more I see the value in taking the slow road. My biggest growth also came after joining the Clickin Moms photography forum – taking workshops and being able to learn from and establish friendships with my peers and those I admire was invaluable.
    What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?
    Sarah Cornish :),  Jinky Art and Jose Villa.
    What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients?
    I love taking pictures of my children. I try to keep a camera on hand as I go about my day, because there are so many pockets of beauty, meaning and joy when you are with children just going about normal life. I love just watching the light on their faces or little things they do that I love to capture. But I also love to hire models for shooting my own personal work. I’d like to work more with models and styling as I go forward in my own journey.
    If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?
    My aunt. She was a book editor in New York City and raised two children by herself as a widow. She was beautiful, a strong character, and she did everything with her own unique style. She taught me by example to live on your own terms and to celebrate the small things in life.
    Describe your style in 3 words.
    Romantic, soft, natural
    Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?
    It gets really hot in Mauritius and when I shoot a session, for some reason I sweat — a lot. I am dripping by the time a session is done, which I’m always really embarrassed about. So, unfortunately, I keep repeating my embarrassing moment!
    Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?
    I think my biggest challenge is that I’m always very aware of my many faults and my intense desire to be better, to keep growing. So I have to get out of my own head sometimes and focus just on where I am now. I remind myself to feel blessed that I have learned all I have even if I’m not perfect, to just keep shooting, and to have faith that tomorrow will take care of itself.
    Favorite time of day to shoot is? 
    It depends on where I am. In a lovely spot for filtered backlight – the golden hour. At the beach – 10 minutes before the sun goes down until 15 minutes after it has set. I also adore shooting at the beach at dusk just before twilight when the light has almost completely disappeared but still lingers on the water.
    If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?
    I’ve had a few careers, from managing marketing/PR for companies to teaching, but my favorite thing to do besides taking pictures, is to write, so that’s my other dream and creative outlet.
    Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?
    I’ve taken photography courses at various colleges and majored in it for a short time, but it was in the film days before the more modern style of portraiture took hold. I knew I wanted to shoot portraits in natural light, but I didn’t see where I fit in. I thought I wanted to be a fashion photographer, but didn’t feel inspired by studio photography or working with large format cameras that was emphasized in the school I attended. I switched my major and always regret not giving it more of a shot.
    What do you do to get your clients to relax with you?
    I chat with them and ask them questions. I like to give them feedback about how well they are doing and act as confident as I can so they trust they are in good hands and can relax. For families and children that seem awkward or shy with the camera, I usually get silly, I probably sound ridiculous, but I just try to get them to laugh naturally. I try really hard to get them to interact together, especially if they are standing stiffly with a deer-in-the-headlights look. So I’ll ask the parents to tickle the kids, ask the siblings to kiss, have dad throw someone in the air, anything to let motion and connection to give natural expressions. And I’m always on the lookout to capture those in-between moments.
    What are your photography related goals for 2013?
    To just keep getting better. We are moving back to the US so I am planning on finally opening for business mid-year and am really excited about the opportunities to come.
    How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning? Any Big Aha! Moments?
    This past year I realized that no matter where we are on our photography journey, we will always have doubts about ourselves and our work. We will go through periods of not wanting to shoot or being in a rut. We just have to accept these feelings and realize they are a natural part of our journey as artists and photographers. The only danger is if we let those feelings stop us working daily to improve our craft and our vision.
    Biggest Photography related insecurity?
    I alternate. When I shoot to produce a technically “perfect” image , I fear it lacks my vision or soul. But often when I produce something that really speaks to me and doesn’t follow certain established “rules,” I fear it not being technically sound enough. I want to balance the two in a powerful way, but I know this is a long journey and this will only come with time and a deep knowledge of the arts.
    Digital or Prints?
    Digital. But I will be embracing prints more this year.
    How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers? 
    I believe every working photographer has a unique style and story to tell about what they have to offer. I think the best way to set yourself apart is to just focus on developing your photography, your brand, and the way you market. I can’t change what others do. But I can work to improve myself.
    What do you think your next photography related investment will be?
    A macro lens – the 105 mm 2.8, hopefully this month.
    If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be?
    Besides a fabulous camera/lenses? 🙂 I love my lens pen. Makes cleaning my lens so quick and easy.
    What would you say your biggest muse is?
    My children
    Fun stuff:
    Favorite Color: Teal
    Favorite Season: Spring or Summer (can’t pick just one)
    Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Champagne or any wine that sparkles
    Pet Peeve: Mean people
    Favorite Pandora Station: Unfortunately I can’t get Pandora in Mauritius where I live
    Studio or On location: Definitely on location
    What did you want to be when you grew up? A writer or photographer
    One thing no one knows about you is: My lips are sealed. 🙂
    Pc or Mac: Mac
    Lightroom Or Photoshop: Both
    Film or Digital: Digital, but my heart is in film
    Props or No Props: No props usually
    If you could travel anywhere it would be: Greece
    Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Half full
    Favorite photo ever taken: I haven’t yet. . .
    Raw or Jpeg: Raw
    Favorite Music to Edit to: Silence during the day or TV at night
    Favorite Quote: Just about every sentence of Julia Cameron’s in her “Artist’s Way” books. I keep them everywhere and have reread them so often – the book is completely dog-eared and underlined.
    Most valued material possession: My camera
    Processing Style: Soft, natural, and slightly filmy
    Coffee or Tea: Coffee
    If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? I don’t have a specific one, but any celebrity mom with a wonderful bond with her children would be fun. I love photographing moms and kids and documenting that special bond.
    What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Kelly Moore Boho bag in gray.

     

     

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    8 Lovely Comments  •  Leave a Comment for Sarah

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