Let’s get to know her!

You Can find Kristin’s website HERE and her Facebook page HERE.

Hi Kristin!

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

I am a mother of three, wonderful girls. I am a reluctant artist with perfectionist tendencies and a huge sweet tooth. I’ve always been quite technically minded as well as artistic and much better with images than words, so photography is a natural fit.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

I know this is the most cliche answer ever, but, while I’ve always enjoyed photography, my passion was really sparked by my children and wanting to capture their childhood. Once I started looking online to learn more about photography, I found out there was so incredibly much to learn! I started implementing some of what I was learning and saw improvement in my work. After that, I was hooked.

Whats in your camera bag?

I have lots of lenses, but like to travel light. Since I shoot mainly outdoors and can zoom with my feet it’s often just my D700 and 85mm 1.4 or 135mm f2, plus the 50mm just in case I find myself in a tight spot.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

I had a film SLR at one point, but never used it much. So, I guess I really started with a Nikon D70 and a kit lens which was quickly replaced by a 50mm 1.8.

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

I often do shoot sessions with just my 85mm 1.4. The 85mm just suits me. I love the bokeh. I find that focal length to be very flattering for faces. Plus, I don’t feel like I’m too close or too far away from the people I am photographing.

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

This is perhaps another cliche answer, but I think that my best advice is to focus on photography first and get the basics down cold before even consider opening a business. To get the basics, my best advice would be to focus on one thing at a time. For example if you are struggling with exposure work on that first, don’t try to get everything all at once or you are likely to get overwhelmed. Also, I could have saved myself a lot of frustration if I had learned early on to not compare my journey with anyone else. Photography is definitely a journey, not a race. There is no finish line. There is always more to learn. That’s part of the charm as far as I’m concerned.

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

My business is part time, so a lot of what I do is for myself. There are many things I like to capture, but the top three are my girls just doing what they do on a daily basis, my girls in the beautiful surroundings of the Pacific Northwest, and macro nature shots.

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

I don’t know that there is any one person that I would love to photograph more than the three girls who are in front of my lens every day, but I have always thought it would be fun to travel and document the people/places we go.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Organic, pure, and just a bit whimsical.

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

I think my biggest challenge is trying to overcome my perfectionist tendencies. I am definitely my own worst critique and then some. I see the flaws in every image I take. While it does push me to always keep improving, I think it has also has slowed my progress. Initially it did things like kept me clinging to shooting in aperture priority mode because I was afraid I wouldn’t do a good job in manual. These days it keeps me from experimenting as much as I would like. Currently, I am trying to really embrace failure as I’ve come to realize is often necessary for growth.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

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

Personally, I would love to get back into ceramics, but if I couldn’t do that, I’d have to break out the charcoals or something. I need a creative outlet to be whole. Professionally, I’m starting to feel the pull back to design already, so I would likely go in that direction.

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

I was a design major in college but I studied graphic design and ceramics. I didn’t take a single photography course in college, but I do think my major serves me well in photography. I have taken a few photography workshops, but I would say I’m very much self taught through countless hours or practice, research, asking for critique, more practice, well, you get the idea.

Do you ever get nervous before your sessions?

I am almost always nervous before a session, but once I have the camera in my hands things just seem right, and I relax into the session.

What would your dream session be like?

My dream session would have my girls in it of course, on a good cooperative day. I am picturing them in flowing dresses in the woods. Golden sunshine. A bit of a breeze. Dancing.

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

My current photography related goal is to move beyond technically sound images to images that capture more than just the likeness of someone, images that capture part of who they are, and images that move people. How’s that for a lofty, open-ended goal?

How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning?

I think there’s always something more I want to know, so I just keep working. Though there have been slumps, there’s always something I am wanting to improve.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

Really, my biggest thing is confidence. I’m sure it’s related to the perfectionist in me, but I worry that my work will just never be good enough no matter how many people tell me otherwise.

Digital or Prints?

Both, but if I had my way every single client of mine would talk away with a huge wall print or a nice album.

If you could change one thing about the Photography industry what would it be and why?

I’d like to see more work on building each other up, and less stealing and tearing each other down.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Season: Summer

Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Soda

Pet Peeve: Lies

Favorite Pandora Station: Shuffle

Studio or On location: On Location

What did you want to be when you grew up? Scientist

Pc or Mac: Mac

Lightroom Or Photoshop: Both

Film or Digital: Digital, mainly

Props or No Props: No props

If you could travel anywhere it would be: I wouldn’t mind being back in Hawaii right now.

Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Half full

Favorite photo ever taken: Favorite ever? Wow, that’s like asking me to pick my favorite kid. Can I just quote Imogen Cunningham and say “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” No? I can’t? In that case, while it may not be the favorite, I think this one of my three girls playing Ring Around the Rosie will always be among my favorites. I love this one for how it captures them exactly how I want to remember them when they are grown. Three happy friends playing together in the sun. <3

Raw or Jpeg: RAW

Favorite Music to Edit to: Pandora, shuffling all my stations.

Favorite Quote: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault

Most valued material possession: Is it awful to say my camera? I feel like I should pick something more meaningful, but the camera does allow me to document so many things more meaningful than any possession.

Processing Style: Soft, yet clean

Coffee or Tea: Green Tea

What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Kelly Moore Hobo

Yay I am so excited its Monday already!! I always love going through the gallery and choosing favs for the week! Its never easy but so much fun!

Last week’s theme was Weather and as always you all had some stunning interpretations!!

Winner:

By: Sheryl Salisbury

Caption:
When the weather is nice at our house the ladybugs come out to play.

And some favs!

By: Holly Anissa

Caption:
Week 19 ~ Rainy Day Mushroom

The My Four Hens Project 52 theme this week is weather! We’ve had a lot of rain in Austin this week. Mid-week, Jenny told me about these tiny mushrooms that had sprung up in the front yard. Of course, I dashed out immediately, even though it was drizzling, to capture one for this week’s theme. This little mushroom wasn’t even one-inch tall. I think it looks like a tiny umbrella!

Thanks for looking!
Holly Anissa

By: arolfe25

Caption:
Week 19

I don’t think I could ever get tired of listening to the rain hitting the windows.

By: stephanie mitchell photography

Caption:
week19-weather

Who says rainy days aren’t fun. My kids love them~

By: Sarah Schroeder Hudson (The Stiles Files)

Caption:
19/52 Weather

Rainy in Minnesota.

By: MichelleSantiago1

Caption:
week 19/ Weather

I just wish i could have this weather more often

By: Jaime441

Caption:
Kite Flying Weather

By: senoni81

Caption:
Week 19 {Weather}

I am so glad that the weather was sunny today! My daughter turns one on Friday and it seems like a far cry from the storms that she has weathered in her short life. I have mentioned it before but she was born 10 weeks early and weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz. This happy healthy baby is a far cry from where she began. I am so happy that our life is full of sunny skies now instead of ominous clouds. Her name in Hawaiian means “Bright” and she lives up to her name. Our world sure is a lot brighter with this little sweetie around. It might be a stretch for the theme but hope you enjoy anyways.

She is my sunshine ….my Only sunshine
She makes me happy when skies are gray…..

By: Meg.M.Thomas

Caption:
19/52 “weather”

After the horrible storm we had, we were happy to see this gorgeous sky!

By: Slycat2

Caption:
morning-moon 19/52 weather, day 129

blogged at: mycornerthroughmylens.blogspot.com/2012/05/morning-moon.html

By: miss melaniez Three Turtles Photography

Caption:
Warm Spring weather brings butterflies

By: charmedoneX

Caption:
130/366 (19/52)

I decided I need inspiration so I’m doing this 30 day photo challenge where day 1 is self portrait. Also, thought it would be good to incorporate this for the 52 theme “jump”! (as well as another group i’ve just joined, seeing as how i will need inspiration after my 30 day challenge is up!)

One of my best buds and I went down to the beach to take some photos – lots of fun was had. But wished I was more appropriately dressed because eventually I waded out a little further in the water but didn’t get to go in much :/ Fun times though! Kinda annoyed with the light today because the sun would come and go, even though it was super hot today!

By: HeartfeltMemoriesPhotographybyCharlotte~Anne

Caption:
Week 19 “Weather”

Guess you can tell by the picture exactly what kind of weather we’ve been having… Glorious rain!!! I’ll take it though..we can live much better with it than we can without it!!!

By: Photos By Jes

Caption:
19/52- Weather

Fresh strawberries always make me think that summer is on its way!

© All rights reserved. Use without permission is illegal.

By: Essential Life Photography

Caption:
19-52

Sun after a rainy day….

By: Kimberly {Candidly Inspired}

Caption:
Week 19 {Weather} & {Imperfection}
A bit nervous to share bc:
#1. The image was taken with my cell phone
#2. The emotion this image provoked in me
#3. The dept of sharing I will be doing with this image!

WOW!!!! When I captured this image with cell phone in hand, it could not have fit more perfectly for this week’s theme (weather & imperfection) and oddly enough! So here is the story behind this image. Before my pursuit of photography, I embarked on a nursing career and still work as a pediatric oncology nurse very part time. As I was walking into the hospital the other night I was having a conversation with myself and asking God, “With how little I currently work in this profession, do I really make a difference with these kiddos who are fighting for their lives? Cancer makes me SO MAD God and even madder that precious kids have to be effected by it. How in my few days a month, can I possibly make a difference in their fight and journey?” No sooner did I walk through the door to my unit and round the corner into the nursing lounge and look straight ahead… this was the sight I saw….Immediately I gasped and grabbed my phone and snapped the picture. As I stood there peering out the window, I was reminded of the Bible story I have heard many times about God putting a rainbow in the sky to remind Noah of his promise that He would never flood the earth again. My mind immediately went to another verse I have heard many times, “Whoever can be trusted with very little, can be trusted with much…”. Without getting all spiritual on everyone as I know this is not the platform for such… I was instantly in AWE… in the hours ahead of me, I was being trusted with these precious kiddos to give them my absolute best by not only my boss, hospital, and these precious families and children, but God TOO was trusting me to give these kids the BEST care possible!
At that moment I realized that regardless of the “hours” I work on a monthly basis, my presence and responsibility is ENORMOUS and It is MY CHOICE to make a difference in those moments! Thank you God for the reminder that even in the imperfection of me as a person, the “Imperfection” of this “weather” image, that I can make a difference in my small corner of the world as a mother, wife, nurse and aspiring photographer!

By: image421

Caption:
Weather 19/52

A gorgeous sunny afternoon!

By: mjryckman

Caption:
Weather

The lure of a warm spring evening has been passed down to my second born.

By: nicolehindenach

Caption:
project 52 ~ week 19

‘weather’
I love a good carnival! And a ride in the ferris wheel! The weather was perfect, if only a bit windy up at the top of the wheel.

By: Ryanne Photography

Caption:
Week 19: Weather

We had rain this monday, here I am standing on my porch with lightening flashing just trying to get some rain shots. Half way through I figured I needed some shoes and to put my camera on a tripod. Too much water and to much lightening around.

By: Mandy Mortimer

Caption:
19/52 Weather

Talk about Irish mist!

This happens every once in a while, I’m still getting used to it, but I absolutely love when it does happen. Walk out in the morning to head to work and you’re engulfed in this amazing fog. It’s like you’re walking through a cloud, so surreal.

By: CrystalBellePhotography

Caption:
Week 19 Weather

Spring in Florida!

I love this time of year, when the weather warms up and light lingers longer! It makes after bath walks in our jammies possible. Finding wind wishers and flowers that only open at sunset! Still cool enough not to build up a sweat, but warm enough to allow the wind to dry our hair!

By: Sonnie Leigh

Caption:
19/52 Weather

I love this time of the year. We are heading into our Winter……. beautiful sunny days, crisp evenings, and sunsets that make me swoon. Perfect weather.

By: do11face

Caption:
M4H project 52 ~ week 19 (weather)

This was after a thunderstorm roared though. The sun peeked out at sunset.

By: Linsey Wilt Photography

Caption:
weather

Week 19

During dinner on Friday we decided it would be so fun to take the kids to Disneyland before life gets crazy during summer. Then we decided it would be a good idea to leave early the next morning! If you know my family, this will not surprise you… we all thrive in chaos!

We also decided we could camp to save money, so we hooked up our pop-up tent, and all eight of use packed up into our eight passenger Suburban for an awesome 18+ hour, drive! Good times!

We are having a blast and so many wonderful memories are being made!

The kids do not know where we are going, the huge lie is continuing to form as the miles of road pass.

The drive from CO to CA is so gorgeous. We are taking our time and stopping to enjoy the gorgeous views.

On the subject of the theme “weather”, we left CO Saturday morning covered in snow and drove into gorgeous Utah! We traded in our sweatshirts for tank tops!

This is an image of my youngest daughter and husband taking in the warm sunshine and gorgeous Utah view!

Disneyland here we come!

www.facebook.com/linseywiltphotography

By: 5gogots

Caption:
19:52

Weather

We got some much needed rain this week, so thankful!

By: Struttin’ My Stuff Photography

Caption:
© Struttin’ My Stuff Photography
struttinmystuffphotography.com/

Week 19 – May 6, 2012 – May 12, 2012

Weather

The weather here in the sunshine state has been, well, sunny! But early this morning I went for a run, camera, remote, and tripod in hand and waited for the Super Moon, that everyone so anxiously had been talking about, finally reach the horizon. To my surprise, the Super Moon was not as super as I had thought it would be. So here is my picture of the Not-So-Super, Super(Imposed), Moon! Now THAT is super!

By: sherrily16

Caption:
19/52 Weather

Here in south Georgia, it’s been perfect weather for hanging out the whites. I love the smell of sunshine on my shirts!

By: Chaos&BlissPhotography

Caption:
She Glows

M4H Project 52/Week 19: Weather

There’s a saying about weather in our neck of the woods: If you don’t like it, wait 5 minutes and it’ll change.

In the past few months, we’ve seen 80 degree days and snow days in the same week.

I think though, that those days are behind us. For now, anyway, the sun is here to stay.

By: willis2485

Caption:
19/52- Weather

Spring is in full force, so the dandelions are too My kids blow every single one in the yard!

By: JennBlakePhotog

Caption:
19/52 | Weather

The weather here in Saskatchewan has been very unpredictable. Hot, cold, hot cold. After a dreary grey day today, the sun finally peeked through the clouds as they started to break up at sunset.

I took this shot through the window in my front door.

By: Michelle Vinnacombe

Caption:
19/52: WEATHER

Rain…when I came home from work, I noticed the beads of rain glistening on the leaves and just had to take a pic : )

By: ItsStillLifePhotography

Caption:
Weather

Warmer weather is certainly welcome in south-central PA. We long for our extended light, springtime blooms, and signs of life that accompany the change of season. Unfortunately, after multiple episodes of our little man gasping for his breath after running outside and a scary trip to the ER, he was diagnosed with asthma. The weather brought us here. Every morning. So Tobias can enjoy the lovely spring weather with clear lungs and a child-like freedom.

By: xcfaith

Caption:
M4H Week 19 ~ Weather

As I have said before the weather in Belgium is pretty gray. Finally, after a week of grayness, the sun and puffy white clouds showed up. I decided to take my boys to the great park that we have here(kind of like a zoo/botanical gardens). On the way home, we took a different route(ie. we got lost) and ended up driving past this beautiful field of rapeseed flowers, which is used to make canola oil. We could see it from a mile away and all of us were WOW’d by it! I have 3 boys if that tells you how WOW’d they were. I am so glad we finally had nice weather to enjoy our day together!

By: kchiodi

Caption:
P52/Week 19: “Weather” (a.k.a. Purple Rain)

We had just arrived home from somewhere or other. We were between rainstorms and the sun was shining brightly on the wet everything. We walked into the door and my oldest commented, “Mom, the light is really nice out there and the raindrops are big on the flowers. Do you want to take some pictures?”

I guess I think out loud about this stuff often enough that it’s permeated into his train of thought and put him on the lookout. I love it. Sometimes my favorite thing about a picture is what happens behind the camera.

By: oharect1

Caption:
19/52

I asked her today what she wishes for. She said “I wish that you will love me for ever and ever mommy.” Wish come true little munchkin…

Christine O’Hare
www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-OHare-Photography/314641…

By: Simply Jamie

Caption:
19/52~Weather

We wait for summer time to come…dancing in the fields…chasing lightning bugs at night….waiting for another day to come so we can do it all again.

By: exposure poet

Caption:
19/52 Weather

It has been a GORGEOUS couple of days here. When I haven’t been trapped indoors working, I’ve spent all the time I can outdoors. The sunshine and the warm temperature really do affect me and my mood, and it has brought spring leaves and flowers out of their buds.

“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.”

By: Summer Murdock Photography

Caption:
project 19/52 {weather}

playing in the rain is always fun…especially with a rainbow in the background!
www.summershoots.blogspot.com

Being Mother’s Day (and A VERY Happy Mother’s Day to all you mamas out there!) I thought Motherhood would be a perfect theme this week. It can be any interoperation you want it to be as always! I will be back tomorrow with last week’s Fav! <3

Have a beautiful Sunday and Mother’s Day everyone!

You can find Ashley’s Website HERE.

Heya Sweet Ashley!!

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

I’m a girl who just loves life.  I’m surrounded by such a loving family and such amazing friends, and I’m grateful to be able to say that.  Though I’m definitely still a work in progress in these regards, I try to live life to the fullest, to be happy and positive more often than not, and to appreciate all of the things that make my life what it is.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

I’ve always had an interest in taking pictures.  I was never too interested in the technical side of things early on, but I’ve always liked the creative side and thinking about composition and such.  Like many others, my interest in photography really took off when we had kids.  I bought my first DSLR because I didn’t want to keep missing moments waiting for my point-and-shoot to focus.  I’m primarily drawn to lifestyle work, and that interest really came about in 2010 when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  I’m so fortunate that it’s a highly treatable cancer, but being diagnosed with any type of illness makes you realize that life truly can change in the blink of an eye.  After that experience, I developed an even stronger desire to document my kids doing regular everyday things in their everyday environments, doing all the things they love to do, doing all the things that make them so ‘them.’

Whats in your camera bag?

A rarely used Nikon D90, a D700 that I adore, a 24-70, a 35 1.4, and a 50 1.4.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

I bought my first DSLR – a Nikon D40 – in 2007.  I used that with the kit lens for about two years.

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

Since I’m drawn to lifestyle types of images and to the storytelling aspect of photography, I would have to say my 35mm.  I just love the focal length of that lens and the ability it gives me to capture so much of the scene behind the stories in my images.

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

As a hobbyist, I feel awkward offering any sort of business advice, but I would tell someone just starting out that it’s okay not to instantly dive into the business side of things.  Oftentimes, I think we feel like the business side is what validates us as photographers, what justifies our expensive photography-related purchases, and what makes us ‘true’ photographers, and that’s not the case.  It’s alright to pour your heart into something that’s just for you.  It’s fine to pursue a hobby with incredible passion.  Of course, it’s great to know that you want to be in business and to set that as a goal for yourself, as long as you’re doing it for the right reasons, and as long as you’re truly ready to go into business before doing so.  But, in my opinion, it’s also okay to get into photography simply for the love of it without feeling like you absolutely have to start a business.

 

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

Jody McKitrick (http://www.jodymphotography.com/blog/) and Patti Schmidt (http://www.pattischmidt.com/).  I adore Jody’s subtle tones and the ways in which she composes her images.  I actually had the pleasure of meeting Jody at a workshop last year and am thrilled to be able to call her a friend now.  And I absolutely love Patti’s clean processing and her gorgeous black and whites.

 

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

Since I am a hobbyist, I’m always taking photos just for myself, which is one of the things I cherish so much about being a hobbyist.  I love simply documenting our day to day…everything from learning to tie shoes to cleaning up toys at the end of the day.  All of those little things that we take for granted…I want my images to instantly bring those everyday moments back to me when I look at them 20 years from now.

 

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

My grandpa.  My mom’s dad was a painter in California.  I have some of his paintings hanging in my house, but he passed away when I was little, so I never had an opportunity to know him.  I know that some of my creative side comes from my grandpa, and my mom has told me that he would be proud of me and my photography.  I’d love to have been able to photograph him in his element while he was painting, doing what he loved to do most with his own creative side.

 

Describe your style in 3 words.

bright, joyful, timeless

 

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

Since I really only do ‘sessions’ with my kids, I haven’t had many embarrassing moments.  Don’t get me wrong…I’ve probably embarrassed myself in front of my kids, but they love me anyway.

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

We all have challenges in life, of course, but I’m fortunate to say that I really don’t feel like I’ve had to overcome anything in my life.  I’ve had experiences that have definitely shaped the person I am today – and that have affected my photography – but I don’t necessarily look at them as challenges I’ve overcome.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

Any time.  I shoot indoors a lot since one of my main loves is documenting my kids’ lives, and I like the challenge of always trying to find the best light at any time of the day.

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

Cry.  Seriously, my photography has brought so much to my life that I honestly can’t imagine having to stop taking photos.

 

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

I do not have any formal photography education.  I’ve learned everything I know about photography primarily through the incredible photography forum I belong to, Clickin Moms (www.clickinmoms.com), and through lots of reading.

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

My biggest photography related goal and dream for this year is actually taking off this month!  I’m running my first workshop on Clickin Moms – Lifestyle Photography with Kids (http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmu/archives/listing/shooting-101-lifestyle-photography-with-kids) – and I could not be more excited!  I taught for a couple of years when I was in grad school and loved it, so to be able to combine my love of teaching with my passion for photography on a forum that means so much to me is honestly a dream come true.

 

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

That’s one of the things that is so intriguing and attractive to me about photography; no matter how much you learn and grow, it seems like there’s always more learning and growing to do!  And I love that; it keeps photography exciting and fresh for me.  Right now, I’m participating in the Clickin Moms CMpro Daily Project (http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/), which has been such an inspiring push for my own work.  I’m 236 days in right now, and I’ve seen a lot of changes (for the better) in my work in that time.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

I sometimes feel like I’m never going to feel 100% good about my work.  Since I am always learning and growing as a photographer, I feel like I’m never quite ‘there.’  But then I tell myself that I really don’t need to be ‘there’ anyway…that’s a big part of what’s so appealing to me about photography.

What do you love most about photography?

I love that photography has made it so that my kids are going to be able to look back one day and see a lot of their childhood through the eyes of their mom.

If you could shadow a photographer for a day who would it be and why?

Barb Uil (http://www.jinkyart.com.au/).  She captures childhood so beautifully.  She truly captures the essence of it, and I love that her style is so vivid and so fresh and so fun.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: green

Favorite Season: fall

Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Ice cream; ridiculously large bowls of it.

Pet Peeve: chewing with your mouth open

Favorite Pandora Station: Is it okay to admit I don’t listen to Pandora?!? 

Studio or On location: on location

What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher or a veterinarian (until I realized vets had to put animals to sleep)

One thing no one knows about you is: Many of my friends already know this…I sucked my thumb until I was 10!  Oh my goodness!  Did I just put that on the Internet?!?

Pc or Mac: PC

Lightroom Or Photoshop: Lightroom

Film or Digital: Digital

Props or No Props: no props

If you could travel anywhere it would be: The Seychelles

Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Definitely half full!

Favorite photo ever taken: One of my kids together when our son was a baby.  I had not learned a thing about my camera yet and took this in Auto, but I’ve loved it from the moment I took it.  Our son was a difficult baby, and he was generally unhappy more than he was happy, so this image of him smiling as my daughter spontaneously leaned over to kiss him just melts me.  It’s hanging in our foyer where I can see it every day because it makes my heart happy.

Raw or Jpeg: RAW

Favorite Music to Edit to: I have very eclectic taste when it comes to music.  I listen to everything from Adele to Maroon 5 to Sara Evans when I edit…and lots in between!

Favorite Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Most valued material possession: I have two.  My wedding ring.  And a small wooden heart that my mom gave me when I was younger.

Processing Style: Squeaky-clean. 

Coffee or Tea: Coffee in the morning; chai spice black tea in the afternoon

If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Reese Witherspoon.  I think she seems like such a down-to-earth, genuinely sweet person.  She seems so beautiful on the inside, which is part of what makes her so beautiful on the outside.  And I think she just seems fun, so I think it would be a blast to hang out with her!

What kind of Camera bag do you rock? I love my ONA Venice bag!  (http://www.onabags.com/store/shoulder-bags/the-venice.html?color=stone#stone)

You can find her Website HERE and her Facebook Page HERE.

Hi Sweety Jenny!!

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

With 2 rugrats (5 & 3) with another on the way in September I am one busy mama! I grew up in the military so I moved around a lot, but it made me who I am: a talker and a listener. Diet Coke and sweets are my weakness…like I want them EVERYDAY!

What sparked your passion for Photography?

In Junior High I took photojournalism then in High School I was on the Yearbook staff and had a image published in “Popular Photography Magazine”. When I graduated I was still the one that ALWAYS had a camera with her. Then in 2007 my son was born and I just wanted to take better pictures of him but then I had the itch to get better which bloomed into capturing other people.

First Image Taken

Whats in your camera bag?

Canon Mark ii 5D, 85L, 35L, 50mm, 100mm L (macro)

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

Rebel XTi and the nifty fifty

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

My 85L, the bokeh and sharpness is just amazing! I am a prime lens girl so I like to move instead of the lens.

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

Take it slow…it is easy to jump into business too soon which then makes the “business aspect” take the love and fun out of it. Join a forum (CLICKINMOMS ), ask for a lot of critique…be open to it, read books, take classes (I took classes thru Leisure Learning here in Houston). And practice a lot, so that when you are ready to go into business you can do a session at anytime, anywhere and produce fantastic images.

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

hmmm I don’t have one

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

My rugrats just being themselves like laying on our very patient black lab or playing with my iPhone in bed. Taking pictures of those little moments during the day that I would normally not break out my camera for.

 

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

Can I do this in 2 parts . I wish I could go back to the Prairie Days and do session ie open fields, wild flowers, barns…ahhh! But a person I would like to take pictures of is my Papa John he passed right before I decided to get back into photography. He use to sit and snap peas from his garden I would love to have an image of him doing that.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Clean, relaxed, fun

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

I had my new camera out for my FIRST session and when I bent down it fell out of my bag and the corner scraped the ground…it was ok but my client was petrified.

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

Self doubt, anytime you do something that showcases every ounce of yourself you will have self doubt especially when surrounded with amazing talent.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

evening, I love backlit images or capturing the sun barely peaking thru the clounds.
If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead? go a little crazy , probably nothing else just hang out with my rugrats and read more books.

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

Aside from classes at Leisure Learning nope!

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

I talk..a lot! Not kidding and I run with the kids or talk to dad who most of the time had to be dragged there . We talk about their kids, what they like, what they are into. The more they talk the more they relax and the more I learn.

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

To be comfortable with my own photography. There are sooo many fantastic photographers out there that focusing on me and what I can produce I my ultimate goal.

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

There is a small forum that I have been a part of since 2007 that has helped me be the photographer I am today and it continues to make me strive to improve. Also ClickinMoms being a Pro has opened up my eyes to try new things, step out of my comfort zone.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

Probably what I said earlier, self doubt. It is hard in this industry especially where I live there are so many talented photographers within 10 minutes of me. But I have many of them and they are all so fantastic and nice. So being friends with my competition (not sure I like that word) is actually fun, fun to bounce ideas off each other and get a “stop it with the self doubt” pep talk once in a while

Digital or Prints?

Both

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

By just being me…cliche right ? But honestly that is how! My photography business has grown only by word of mouth so I make sure to stay true to the style I started out with.

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

A new camera bag…I would like it to be the Mark iii 5D but my husband might have a coronary.

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

Extra memory cards…and a squeaky toy to make little ones laugh.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Season: Spring
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: sweets
Pet Peeve: people that don’t use their blinker
Favorite Pandora Station: hmm I just created one.
Studio or On location: On Location
What did you want to be when you grew up? Be a teacher
One thing no one knows about you is: I am a speed reader. I read 2 “Hunger Games” books in one day, but don’t ask me the small details because I speed read thru those…needless to say I was terrible at book reports.
Pc or Mac: Mac
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Both
Film or Digital: Digital
Props or No Props: Both
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Greece
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: oh goodness just depends on the day
Favorite photo ever taken: The first photo on my blog of my daughter in a field…belly hanging out

Raw or Jpeg: Raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: I don’t think the TV, husband & children in the background classifies as music.
Most valued material possession: Aside from my children right? Probably my camera.
Processing Style: Clean
Coffee or Tea: Ummm neither…diet coke!
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? I use to say Jennie Garth & her family but since they just got divorced sort of blew that out of the water!
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Jo Totes

Meet Jamielynn of JLS Photography! You can find website HERE and her Facebook page HERE. Thank you so much for letting me show you off here sweety! And thank you for sharing! I always love seeing your images!

If you are new to Facebook Friend of the week I choose a “Friend” of the Fan page HERE once a week and show them off here!

This photo is from a recent maternity shoot I did for a co-worker of mine. Going into the shoot this was the one photo I had visualized and planned out in my head and luckily Hero the Pomeranian was more the cooperative! For editing I used primarily Dreamy Creamy from the Lightroom Serendipity set for this photo- it really helped to brighten the photo up and give it a much warmer feel. I also did some minor tweaking in Photoshop, using 15% Soft Pop & Eye Pop from Photographers Toolbox and brushed on a little bit of detail sharpen from Newbie Fix for the fur of Hero.
I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to My4Hens Action sets. While I have been a photographer for awhile I only switched over to digital photography about 3 years ago so everyday I’m learning new tricks for digital editing. A friend sent me a link to My4Hens saying I should check out the freebie and I was instantly hooked (once I figured out what an “action” was and how it worked). The actions not only make editing easier but they really have a way of taking my photos to the next level while still allowing me to maintain creative control to tweak things to my liking. Just when I think I find a favorite action set- My4Hens releases another!

I always so love to go through and post these! Going through the flickr gallery is such an amazing privilege every week. I can’t wait to get right into this and if you all look forward to these posts as much I don’t want ya to have to wait and read my rambling so I am going to get right to the fun stuff!

This week’s winning image! It stood out to me the minute I saw it! The crop, those tones. Just love!

By: alison may photography

Caption:
18/52 happy

And of course lots of favs!

By: Kimberly {Candidly Inspired}

Caption:
18/52 {Happy}

After having a very unhappy little guy last week due to a nasty virus, I am soooo thankful and relieved to have my “happy lil’ monkey” back! So incredibly grateful for happy and healthy kids!

By: lilonne18

Caption:
18/52 happy – m4h challenge

rainbows make me happy. this is my daughter’s 1st bday cake, made by my husband for her sunshine themed party. the leftovers still make me smile everytime i open our fridge!

By: Catcurrie

Caption:
18/52 – Happy

No matter what is going on in this crazy world, this little girl always makes me feel happy. She radiates happiness from the simplest of things, today it was a park filled with wild flowers and butterflies.

By: VegoPhotography

Caption:
Week 18- Happy

By: candidimpressionsphotography

Caption:
Happy

Week 18 – Happy

I love when she smiles!

By: vanilla bean blog

Caption:
dancer

My daughter, dancing. Here she is graceful, beautiful, thoughtful, and happy; oh, so happy.

By: purephotographbylisa

Caption:
My Four Hens P52 {Happiness}

What could be better than two friends enjoying themselves on a trampoline. Indeed, the poor boy’s head has been chopped off, but merely to show how high his feet are off the ground because he is so full of happiness!

By: sunshine.photography

Caption:
Happy

I actually took this for his daddy who is away working… When I went to send it I realised that this is perfect for this week’s theme.

My little man is singing along with mummy here. He has recently discovered ‘The Wiggles’ and LOVES to sing and dance along.

I just know this happy snap will warm daddy’s heart

By: miabellaphotogs

Caption:
18/52~Happy

This red Italian poppy says nothing but “HaPpY” to me! It makes me happy because it reminds me of beautiful California poppies-my home!

By: alideck

Caption:
happy

his big brother was blowing the crayola colored bubbles on him.
it made him very happy that he was turning purple

By: nicolecaywood

Caption:
18/52: Happy

Meet one of the happiest kids I have ever met. Ever since this sweet little guy was born, he has been so content and hardly ever cries. How did I get so lucky to be his mama?

By: kephotomn

Caption:
18:52:happy

happy birthday sweet baby girl

By: melissacordle

Caption:
Happy 18/52

These five kids make me happy! They always have such a great time together! Two of them are mine and the other three are my best friend’s…we don’t live near each other so when we do get together….thereare happy times!

By: fergusonsfhotos

Caption:
18\52

Happy~Little man just woke up from a nap. It should be noted that he can’t pull to stand yet, this photo is posed

By: fa11enan9e1

Caption:
Week Eighteen – Happy

Totally behind on posting, but I absolutely adore this photo and thought it fit the theme perfectly, so I wanted to make sure I got this up, even though I don’t have the past six weeks up! Thomas and Jocelyne make each other so happy.

By: Photos By JLS

Caption:
18/52 Happy

Carefree and just soaking in childhood. Can we bottle up this energy? Delightfully happy childhood memories.

By: cheng bee

Caption:
happily ever after

18/52: happy

By: stephanie mitchell photography

Caption:
week18-happy

We went out to eat last night and my little guy loved the chalk art they had. His favorite was this sun and he was so cute trying to mock it.

By: Ange_Photography

Caption:
Week 18: Happy

She is doing her thing climbing up all over the place.

By: Cassens3

Caption:
Week 18-Happy

Sometimes all you need is a kiss from a friend to make you happy.

By: Brandi Kjeldgaard

Caption:
Happy–M4H Project 52

What says “Happy” more than a fun moment between mother and child? This is one of my absolute favorites from this weekend’s session. So thankful this family chose me to capture the love they share.

By: Racheal Trahan

Caption:
{week 18} “Happy”

My son is definitely the happiest when he’s playing outside!!

By: JPphotog

Caption:
18/52 Happy.

Because this picture has been in my head for the past 3 years and I finally made it to the lily fields while they were still in bloom.. with my baby girl = one happy photographer.

By: Jill Serrano Photography

Caption:
M4H Project 52 Week 18 | Happy Pt. 2

I couldn’t post just one from this weekend. Happiness was overflowing. Laugh – laugh hard and often.

jillserranophotography.com

By: Tanya_KM

Caption:
Week 18 – Happy

Nothing makes me happier than waking up each morning to his sweet face. I am so blessed!

By: larag1028

Caption:
Week 18 – Happy

My sweet little man received his first trophy this week! He is involved in a little basketball program at his daycare. This boy has been obsessed with basketball (well, any ball really) since he could walk. Basketball is his absolute favorite! His group had a sweet little performance & then their teacher awarded all of them trophies.
I don’t even know if realizes what a trophy is, but he is so proud of it! He played with it all weekend, and even had to take it out when we ran errands. He begged to sleep with it, we agreed to put it on the table by his bed!
This little trophy has made my sweet little 3-year-old so very happy!

By: ChasFern24

Caption:
week 18 ~ happy

A work in progress, but the bottom line is that I need to be happy with the shape I’m in….I’m getting there

By: courtneyleigh823

Caption:
18/52: Happy

18/52: Happy
It makes me happy to watch my children run! To be able to run so freely and be happy while doing it I wish I could channel my inner child (or inner Phoebe) and run without a care!

By: theHappyJ’s

Caption:
M4H P52-18 Happy

Tulip is my favorite flower and always makes me happy and bring smile on my face. But when I see Tulip in my favorite color, it makes me more happy.

By: magda♥bee {busy with 366}

Caption:
124/366 Happy

18/52
Happy for My Four Hens Project 52

By: Lifeexpressionsphotography

Caption:
M4H Week 18/Happy

This was taken a couple days before the current week, but after spending 9 wonderful days on vacation in Florida, we have all come back exhausted and with the after vacation blues, so it has been hard to take a “happy” picture. Besides I took almost 400 pictures that week, so I figured that could count for this week also Here is my daughter at the beach for the first time. It was pure joy for her.

By: f3niks

Caption:
“A daughter is a gift of love. ” [Happiness] – 18/52

While practicing some lighting technique with headshots, this opportunity came up and i couldn’t resist. Enjoy!

By: matt&sara

Caption:
Project 52 Week 18 – Happiness

Happiness is sun, sand and my two favorite people playing in the surf. Life is good!

By: lovenin

Caption:
motherhood, happy

We really did have a great day. Planting flowers is a lot of work. However, much harder when a tripod and camera are involved. I’m so not used to being in the picture. I give my daughter kudos, she is a much better model than me.

By: kelly_5

Caption:
“happy”

childlike wonder, this makes me happy.

“Blessed be childhood, which brings down something of heaven into the midst of our rough earthliness.”

Henri Frederic Amiel

By: Dawn Blomquist

Caption:
P52: What happiness looks like to me

My husband got back from training on Sunday, and was extremely tired, so I had to wait until today to get the photo. A is extremely attached to his Daddy. Daddy was at Ft. Polk for 2 weeks, training with the Rakkasans(we lived at Ft. Campbell for over 9 years, so that is home to us). A was beyond happy when Daddy came home yesterday. You can’t see his face, but I think the look on Daddy’s face says it all.
Seeing your child’s face light up when he sees his Daddy after not seeing him for 2 weeks: PRICELESS!!!!

By: Justine B7

Caption:
18/52 Happy

Happy ~ an emotion that can be seen and felt.

This Tuesday I have a phenomenal woman to bring before you.  She is not only one of the brainchildren behind Clickinmoms who works SO incredibly hard with a circle of amazing women to keep a community for aspiring and well founded photographers  running but continues to show her passion for helping and aiding others to grow and flourish on their own journey.  She has an eye for lifestyle like none I have seen and her use of light is astoundingly beautiful. She also hosts workshops to help others hoping to achieve knowledge in her methods and her work.  I am a huge fan.  I have grown to know her since I have been around Clickinmoms forums the past few years or so and I am always impressed to find that no matter what I am doing or where I am at in my own walk she is always so willing to take time to help or be supportive . Whether it be in my own place at CM or in my life (she even reached out when I moved to my new home state of Colorado) I am so blessed to have made such a great friend.  Be prepared to be blown away. Her work is just enchanting and so special.  What I find most incredible about Sarah however isn’t her role at CM or her place as a photographer, its her abilities as a mother and a business woman. So often in this industry it is so hard to find balance and she does it all so well.  Her husband is in the service and she has to juggle so many roles and yet she finds a way to make it all work. I aspire to be as resourceful and talented as she is and if I am ever half the woman I feel completely satisfied!

You can find Sarah’s Website HERE and her Facebook page HERE. You can also find her on Twitter HERE and Pinterest HERE.

Let’s get to know a bit more about her!

Hi Sarah!!

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

1. I am a mother of three boys. I am an Army wife. And after these, I am a daughter, sister, attorney, vegetarian, reader, writer, artist, coffee drinker, night owl, homebody, multitasker, workaholic, shopaholic, Google addict.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

My husband deployed to Iraq ten days after our first child was born; about halfway into the deployment, I picked up a camera both to document for him the moments he was missing and to occupy myself mentally and creatively – a challenge that really did help those months pass more quickly. A friend introduced me to Clickin Moms in December 2008, and that’s when the interest gave way to true passion… it was like had I found a secret society of women who spoke my language and both understood and supported the obsession.

 

 

 

What’s in your camera bag?

Ha! Are you ready? Nikon D4, Nikon D3s, 14-24mm/2.8, 24-70mm/2.8, 70-200mm/2.8, 35mm/1.4, 45mm tilt shift, 50mm f/1.2 (manual), 50mm/1.4, 85mm/1.4, 85mm tilt shift, 105mm macro, SB800, SB900, 1.7x teleconverter, and a Sekonic 358-L. Yes, my camera bag has wheels.

 

 

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

I bought my first DSLR in April 2006. It was a Nikon D50 + Kit Lens.

 

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

It depends on the subject. If I have a single cooperative subject (or a nonliving subject!), it would be my 45mm tilt shift; if I have a subject on the move or multiple subjects, it would be my 35mm f/1.4.

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

Slow down. If you’re just beginning in the photography, focus on mastering the craft and developing a personal style before you start thinking about whether or not you should go into business. The photographer you will be by the time you’re ready to hang up your shingle is probably very different from the photographer you planned to be when you first bought your camera.

 

 

 

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

Anna Kuperberg was the first photographer whose work really spoke to me. Her images are lovingly intimate and beautifully genuine; I get a sense that her work is about capturing authentic personalities and relationships; it’s about them, not about her. There’s no ego in her work.

 

 

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

Since I don’t take clients, I only shoot what moves me. My website is divided by People, Places, and Things – so I really like to shoot a little bit of everything. What unifies that work is typically dramatic light, strong lines, and little bit of mystery in the underlying story or scene. When I really need to let go, I pick up my iPhone and shoot with that; it’s very freeing to shoot with something that is both physically lighter and simplifies the

shooting process. Some of my favorite work was shot with my iPhone, and I keep an iphoneography gallery on my website to represent a slightly more reckless side of my artistry.

 

 

 

 

Describe your style in 3 words.

Moody, thoughtful, cinematic

 

 

 

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

Lack of patience and an overabundance of expectation. There’s gear, there’s education, there’s practice … and then there’s just time. Making peace with the fact that my growth is to some extent beyond my control and that the more I improve, the more I realize how much further there is to go has helped me to enjoy the journey a little bit more.

 

 

 

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

Twilight. Because my kids are so young, I don’t often get out to shoot after sundown, but there is something magical about that time of day for me.

 

 

 

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

Nope — I majored in political science at Duke University and then got my law degree from UT-Austin.

 

 

 

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

I’m in a terrible shooting rut right now, so my biggest focus is just on finding my creative momentum again. I also have several educational projects underway, one of which will be announced on Clickin Moms later this month (and I am soooo excited about it!)!

 

 

 

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

Learning to work with low light was incredibly empowering and a defining moment for me as a photographer. I have an enormous outline of things I want to study and apply to my photography, so I don’t ever see myself running out room for growth or exhausting the list of new things I want to learn … I just need to find more time to work on it! Teaching has also played a huge role in my growth; my students never fail to challenge me with their questions and inspire me with their skill, vision, and commitment. Spending time studying and writing critiques on their work is also an extremely intensive exercise and really helps me to strengthen my own eye and stretch my exploration of the way photographers communicate story and message. I just finished up an advanced level composition workshop on Clickin Moms, and the girls that I had in class were absolutely brilliant.

 

 

 

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

This industry describes photographers who don’t operate a business using the words “hobbyist” or “amateur” – both of which tend to imply lesser skill or a lack of commitment. I struggled for a long time with the perception that a photographer has to go into business to be taken seriously. I so admire the extraordinary photographers who manage a client based business while maintaining a passion for what they do and staying true to themselves as artists, but it wasn’t a good model for me. The most beneficial thing I did for myself as an artist was to step back from client work; when I released myself from the pressure to deliver, I found that I became a more adventurous photographer who was willing to take risks, to “fail,” to shoot what, when and how it moved me. All of those things really accelerated my growth and made photography more personally fulfilling. Being a “hobbyist” is not a sign of inexperience, inferiority, or whimsy; it is, for me, a luxury.

 

 

 

Digital or Prints?

Digital, but I plan to start putting together print collections every quarter or so. There is just something extraordinary about seeing your work in print.

 

 

 

I know quite a few photographers that have a relative or spouse serving our country. This means you have to relocate a lot? How do you cope with having to start over? Any tips on how to sustain a business while moving every so often?

I work full-time for Clickin Moms, so I’m fortunate in that the moves do not adversely affect my professional life; my work simply moves with me. Happily for me, the nature of working for CM is also that I have a huge network of friends and colleagues throughout the country … no matter where the Army moves us, odds are that there will be a friendly face fairly close by.

 

 

You have so much on your plate. Family, your photography, and Clickin Moms. How do you find balance?

I struggle with that a lot, and I, like many moms, tend to sacrifice “me” time, which usually results in burnout every now and again. I’ve been trying to commit to a GTD (“Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity”) system; for starters, I have been more disciplined about using calendars and to-do lists on a daily basis, and that has been incredibly helpful for me. One of the keys to the GTD system is to complete immediately any task that can be completed in two minutes or less rather than adding it onto an increasingly overwhelming to-do list.

 

 

 

If you could buy absolutely anything for your business what would your next investment be?

Rumor has it that Nikon filed a patent for a 135mm f/1.8 lens. I’m holding out for that!

 

 

 

Fun stuff:

 

Favorite Color: White

 

Favorite Season: Fall

 

Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Reality TV.

 

Pet Peeve: Dishonesty

 

Studio or On location: On location

 

What did you want to be when you grew up? The President

One thing no one knows about you is: No one? I don’t think there is anything!

 

PC or Mac: Mac

 

Lightroom Or Photoshop: Lightroom

Film or Digital: Digital

 

Props or No Props: No Props

 

If you could travel anywhere it would be: Italy. I went in my pre-photography life but would love to go back with a camera.

 

Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Half Full

 

Favorite photo ever taken: Impossible question. The images in my portfolio make my heart sing for different reasons, but most also whisper, “I am flawed; you can do better than this!” I’m afraid that – at the point – I can’t chose among them, but here is a favorite from last week…. I love it because I shot this situation with my iPhone the day before, and the light and lines were so lovely that I was kicking myself because I didn’t have my “real” camera nearby. The next day, I left my camera near that window all morning, waiting for him to step onto his little stepstool and lift the blinds over his head again. Happily I’m even more in love with the second image. 

 

 

 

 

Raw or Jpeg: RAW

 

Favorite Music to Edit to: Right now it is Zee Avi and Ellie Goulding, but I could edit for hours to Rolling in the Deep (Adele) on repeat.

 

Favorite Quote: “I think the best pictures are often on the edges of any situation, I don’t find photographing the situation nearly as interesting as photographing the edges.” (William Albert Allard)

 

Most valued material possession: My wedding ring. It’s a constant reminder of how fast life has gone. I remember that proposal like it was yesterday, and yet somehow we have three boys and will be married eight years in August.

Processing Style: Moody

 

Coffee or Tea: Coffee

 

What kind of Camera bag do you rock? I have a Jill-E, a Think Tank, and a Lowepro backpack, but I usually keep my gear in my two Pelican Cases. 

I am SO excited to be able to offer this and so honored to be offered this opportunity by Clickinmoms. This giveaway is near and dear to my heart and I am beyond excited to be able to work so closely with 30 awesome people as I teach all my processing tips and tricks. We start on May 28th, 2012!

Included in this workshop I will be demonstrating via both a PDF instructional form with image and text examples as well as with video tutorials how I edit images creatively from SCRATCH from RAW to finish and with the aid of photoshop actions (A gift cert to the shop will be provided to each workshop participant so they have something to play with if they don’t already currently own any actions.) This Workshop is geared to CS version users of Photoshop. You can find more information and purchase your seat HERE. If you already purchased a seat you can still absolutely enter! You will be completely reimbursed if you win! There are only a couple of seats remaining so if you are hoping to participate please don’t hesitate! The widget below will help you enter and explain the rules and guidelines. The contest begins effective immediately and ends on Wednesday May 9th, 2012 at 11pm mtn time. Lots of luck!!

Also limited time only in honor of Mother’s Day now until May 13th you can use the code FLASH40 in the shop to grab 40% off all actions, textures and presets! My little way of saying thank you for being so incredibly awesome! You can find the shop at http://www.myfourhensphotography.com/shop and as always you are more then welcome to share how you use my goodies on my fan page HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This week I have a VERY special and rare talent! Jessica is fairly new on the Photography scene but her eye and her amazing perspective give her work flare all of her own! Her dreamy processing, her use of light and the serene feel to her imagery just make me swoon! I am so honored to have the opportunity to feature her here!! I know you will love her just as much!! Let’s get to know her!

You can find her Website HERE and her Facebook fan page HERE. And seriously how gorgeous is her branding?!

Hi Sweet Jessica!!

 Photo Credit: Kina Wicks Photography

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

My heart is full. I come alive when the sun is out. A bad day can always be fixed with a good family snuggle and a fresh donut.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

The arrival of my little lady. When she entered the world it was the best day of our lives. But at the same time, two people that mean so much to me were in the thick of battling cancer. A quote that really stuck with me was when Michele Anderson of PinkleToes Photography said “…we have no guarantees in life, but at least we can have the photos to prove that we were here, we were together, and we were happy.” Photography matters. I really believe that. And the rest is history. I picked up the camera determined to capture not only life as I saw it, but life as I FELT it so we could never forget how beautiful it was.

Whats in your camera bag?

I recently made the switch from Canon to the Nikon D700. We’re in the early stages of our relationship, but I think it’s love! Lenses: 50 1.4D and the 105 1.4G. Hoping to add the 35G and 85G to my bag of tricks very soon! Also in my bag is a 42 inch five-in-one reflector, Lasolite Gray Card, CF cards, lens cloth… wow that all fits in that little bag?

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?


Canon Rebel XS, a nifty fifty, and the 85 1.8.

 

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

50 1.4 for versatility on full frame. On a crop sensor? The 35L lived on my Canon 7D. It’s an amazing lens! Leaving it behind was the hardest part of my decision to switch to Nikon!

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


 As much as we want it to, growth does not happen overnight. It takes practice, a little sweat, and even the occasional tear – ask my husband! But don’t give up! Treat yourself to a donut, go shoot something that makes your heart sing, and take on each challenge one at a time. I promise it will be rewarding! The day you see an image in your head and know exactly what camera settings you need, how to manipulate the light, and compose the shot to make it happen is an AMAZING feeling. I also recommend finding a learning community that you love – I highly recommend ClickinMoms.

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

Photographer crushes include Meg Borders, Simplicity Photography, Bellini Portraits, Jose Villa, and of course… the fabulous Sarah Cornish (not brown nosing, I promise!).

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

I love capturing my daughter and her connections with the people that love her most. They will be her treasures as she grows up (and mine).

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


I’d love to turn back the clock and photograph my grandparents when they were young and in love – just as they were. Or the first time my parents held my brother and I.

Describe your style in 3 words.


Sun-filled, Emotive, Honest

 



Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?


When I first started my journey as a photographer I thought I wanted to be a newborn photographer. I’ll just leave it at poop, poop, poop… oh and more poop.



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


Everyone would own their own business if it was easy! Developing a successful business is an ongoing challenge.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?


I schedule every session for the two hours before sunset. But the last 20 minutes before sunset, when light just hugs your subject like a blanket… yummy.

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

My background is actually in corporate communications.

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


I have degrees in Public Relations and Psychology, but no formal training in photography.

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


Do a little pre-session dancing. Kidding, but don’t think that I haven’t considered it. We keep it fun, light, chatty, and provide plenty of direction. Don’t forget to remind the client how amazing they’re doing! A little confidence boost goes a long way.

What are your photography related goals for 2012?


I have big plans for this year! Like I previously mentioned, I made a decision to specialize. And with that decision came a blur of other activity… rebranding, launching a new website, changing the way I conduct business, revised pricing, and more.

On a more personal note… I’m determined to get a picture of my two year old where she’s not giving me the stinkeye…or sleeping

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


My biggest aha moment was when I learned to take more control of the session. From choosing the time of day, the location, coaching clients ahead of time on wardrobe, what to expect, and more. As a photographer, I think it’s important to bring all of the components together so that you can deliver your best work. 

I try to push myself to grow every time I take out the camera! I don’t think you’ve ever reached a point where you say “NOW I’m the best that I can be”, we can always grow.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?


I still get nervous before every single session!

Digital or Prints?


Both.

How long would you say it took you to find your “style”?


I think my style will always evolve, but I’d say it was about 9 months of trial, error, and refinement.

What do you think is the most important aspect of a photographer’s branding? Any tips or suggestions?

Oh this is a topic actually near and dear to my heart. I know there tend to be two camps on this one – some believe branding doesn’t mean a thing and your images should speak for themselves. Do I disagree? Not entirely. I believe that your images and you as a photographer are the foundation of your brand. But I also believe that your “branding” – or the design elements (logo, web design, print materials, etc.) – that encompass your art all become part of the customer experience and ultimately their perception of your business. Your brand should reflect and complement your style and speak esthetically to your target market. Tip: If you are just starting out, you may want to start out simple until your style evolves and have clarity around who you are as a photographer. Always stay authentic to yourself.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: tangerine
Favorite Season: summer
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: sprinkled donuts
Pet Peeve: When people take unnecessary risks while driving
Favorite Pandora Station: Adele
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up? a teacher
Pc or Mac: Mac
Lightroom Or Photoshop: both
Film or Digital: digital
Props or No Props: no props
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Bora Bora
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: full
Favorite photo ever taken: This image of my daughter makes me smile from ear to ear. We affectionately call it “the turtle face”. It’s from early in my journey, but I still love it.

Raw or Jpeg: raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: Ray Lamontagne, Adele, Ingrid Michaelson, and the occasional Miley Cyrus or Carrie Underwood thrown in there.
Favorite Quote: “Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~ Elizabeth Stone
Most valued material possession: my wedding ring
Processing Style: airy, vibrant, clean
Coffee or Tea: can I say hot chocolate?
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Taylor Swift
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Kelly Moore Hobo