Inspired, A Very Special Project | Feels Like Today Photography

Dana Tate of Feels Like Today Photography is a wonderfully, clean and timeless photographer based out St. Louis. Spending a bit of time on her blog, I adore her and the back stories she shares about her clients. You can sense a connection even going through the images, but reading her bits and blurbs about her sessions, and even in her personal posts shows what an awesome person she is. I am really excited to get to show her off here!

Let’s get started!

You can find Dana’s Website HERE, Blog HERE, Fan Page Here and Instagram Here. You can also find her on twitter HERE.

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

I would describe myself as both classic and quirky.  I am determined and very strong willed. Others always describe me as cute. ( I have always kind of hated that!)

 
What sparked your passion for Photography?

I have loved imagery for as long as I can remember. I used to pour through magazines as a teen and pull out the most interesting and inspiring images, I even loved looking at National Geographic for the imagery, but I was always drawn to more commercial model style work. I bought my first camera right after high school, but I didn’t get a dslr until my daughter was born in 2004. I was hooked on photography fully once I got my rebel and I haven’t looked back.

Whats in your camera bag?

My camera bag is overflowing right now, and I still have some gear I would like to add. I currently have a Canon 5D Markiii, Canon 5D Markii, Canon Rebel xsi (that I am teaching my daughter to use), Canon 50mm 1.2L, Canon 85mm 1.4, Canon 28mm 1.4, Canon 70-200 2.8L version 2, Sigma 35 1.4, and Canon 100mm Macro 2 600RT flash units

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

I started with a digital Rebel and a 50 1.8 and learned on that for about two years.
If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?

Right now, I would say the 70-200, because I love the fact that you can really compress your background. I am just having fun seeing how that translates to my work and I am loving it. I shoot most with the 85, but like I said I am trying to grow and pushing myself to use my 70-200 more. (I really want the 135L though and if a fairy godmother sent it to me I think I would shoot with it and never look at my 70-200 again….)

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

I would say LEARN THE CRAFT, not just how to use your camera, but the real lost craft of photography (composition, posing, lighting, etc.). Learn posing, because no matter what type of photographer you need to know those rules. I would also really encourage an internship and then a partnership with another photographer. Running a business is not a walk in the park and I think that so many jump on that bandwagon and get burnt out.
What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?

My first photographer crush was Amii Wrobleski. Amii and I are now friends and she is the most amazing teacher, she is kind hearted and encouraging. I remember when I first saw her work. I actually took her class last year and it really changed my work for the better.

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

I like to take photos of my family being a family, I guess you would call that more lifestyle work. When I am not creating portraits I want to record our memories.
If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?

I honestly have no idea….I have spent ten minutes trying to think of an answer…and I have nothing.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Modern. Clean. Classic.
Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

My dress ripping, which happened the other day at a wedding, praise God I was wearing a slip. I had to shoot the whole wedding with a tear in my dress.

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

I have overcome a lot of challenges to be where I am and most days I feel like there are still many challenges ahead. I think the biggest challenge was teaching myself to trust God with my business. To be honest I struggle with that still. The other big thing that was so hard for me to accept is that every client is not my client and not everyone will value me and my work. I treasure the clients that do value me and my talent and I treat them like gold.
Favorite time of day to shoot is?

My favorite time of day to shoot is early evening.

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

I would become a chef. I actually really would love to go to culinary school, but I don’t like the hours I would have to work. My daughter wants to open a cupcake shop with me when she gets older, so anything could happen.
Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?

No, I do not have any formal education in the realm of photography, but I have spent a college education fund on workshops. (the fund is of course hypothetical, my daughters college fund is safe and sound!)

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

I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients via email, face to face meetings, and during there hair and makeup session. I just do my best to be myself and treat them like they are a close friend. So far…so good.
What are your photography related goals for 2013?

To learn and utilize off camera lighting well. I am working on it!

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

I push myself to shoot often, to study daily, and I allow myself to fail. I have had several great Aha moments about lighting lately, because I am taking an off camera flash course.
Biggest Photography related insecurity?

Always feeling like I am not good enough.

Digital or Prints? Both
How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

I am a makeup artist and photographer and I use that to my advantage by providing an all-inclusive session to my seniors. My brides love that I am a MUA because I can help with touch ups.

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

The 135 mentioned above…but I actually need another flash for wedding receptions and that is what I should buy.

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

A camera! Seriously, a great white balance tool is pretty helpful.

What would you say your biggest muse is?

My daughter.

Fun stuff:
 
Favorite Color: Pink, followed by Navy blue
Favorite Season: Fall
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Gummie Bears
Pet Peeve: People who talk to you when you are reading
Favorite Pandora Station: I don’t have one, I am clearly lame.
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up? Be a makeup artist
One thing no one knows about you is: If I told you than the whole internet would know…but good try. I will tell you a little fun fact though, my favorite show of all time is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I own all of the seasons on DVD and this doesn’t embarrass me in the least bit.
Pc or Mac: PC
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Both
Film or Digital: Digital
Props or No Props: No props
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Fiji
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Half Empty, but I wish desperately that I was a half full girl.
Favorite photo ever taken: This constantly changes
Raw or Jpeg: Raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: I watch TV when I edit
Favorite Quote: Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live it’s whole life believing that it is stupid – Albert Einstein
Most valued material possession: My home
Processing Style: Clean
Coffee or Tea: Tea
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Emily Deschenel from the Show Bones
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? I have a tarmac backpack, because I love my shoulders.