Inspired, A Very Special Project | Erin Wheeler Photography

I can not believe how time is just flying by! I have had the honor of spotlighting so many amazing, talented photographers and this week is no exception!! This Tuesday edition I am going to be shining the light on a very special lady!!! Erin Wheeler’s work is fun, fabulous and bursting with creativity! She has a whimsical feel to her images all her own and I am so honored to interview her here!!

You can see Erin’s website HERE and say hello to here on Facebook HERE.

Why Hello Sweet Erin!

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

I am a wife and a mother of three little girls. I love being outdoors and exploring new places with my family. I am super laid back, love coffee and my favorite pair of flip flops.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

My children. Shortly after my 3rd daughter was born I bought my first dslr. I absolutely loved documenting every part of my girls childhood but I eventually became frustrated having my camera on auto all the time and not getting the type of pictures that I wanted. I basically set out on mission- researching, signing up on forums, reading books ect on how to get better pictures out of my camera. I became so obsessed and in love with photography. It definitely became a huge part of my life!

Whats in your camera bag?

Nikon D700, Nikon D300, 85 1.8, 24-70mm, 50 1.4G, and a few speedlites.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

A Nikon D50 with a very cheap kit lens.

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

For children and families I love my 24-70mm because kids are constantly moving and on the go. Otherwise I love my 85mm!

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

It’s definitely not easy! Having your own business is hard! You wear your own hat in every aspect of your business- secretary, accountant, marketing, ect. Definitely educate yourself as much as possible and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

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

Mandy Lynne. Her work is so dreamy!

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

Anything super creative. I love looking for new locations especially ones that can be a challenge.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Clean, soulful, emotive

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

Nothing super embarrassing so far (knock on wood) but I am sure I have walked in some dog poo, walked into bushes and trees and nearly fell in a ditch. But like a said nothing super embarrassing yet. ☺

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

I think finding a balance with life is definitely a challenge. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it is okay if I can’t do it all!

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

20-30 minutes before sunset.

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

I am sure I would be an event planner of some sorts. Birthdays, weddings, events ect. I love planning parties and decorating! Everyone will tell you I go a bit overboard on my girls birthdays!

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

I have attended college but with no formal training in photography- I am self taught all the way!

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

I talk about anything and everything under the sun. Sometimes I we get so busy talking I forget that I am suppose to be shooting!

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

Finding a good balance with everything. And shooting for myself as much as possible.

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

I don’t think we ever stop learning and growing in photography. I try as much as I can to challenge myself, learn new techniques and stuff my brain with as much knowledge as it will hold.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

At the end of a session I always fear that I didn’t take enough photos. Once I get home and download- it is usually the opposite. I tend to go overboard sometimes!

Digital or Prints?

Both

How long did it take you to develop your processing style. Its so rich and unique. I am always in awe of your beautiful photos!

Probably about a year or so. I spent a good year just playing around with different processing styles not quite knowing what I liked.

What is your best promotional tool for your business?

Word of mouth! Its been the best and most amazing tool for my business.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: Aqua
Favorite Season: summer
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Starbucks! I am always there!
Pet Peeve: bad manners and people who don’t know how to drive
Favorite Pandora Station: so many but right now Norah Jones
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian
Pc or Mac: Mac!
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Photoshop
Film or Digital: Digital (but one day hope to be both)
Props or No Props: I am a little bit in between but I love simple props
If you could travel anywhere it would be: Hawaii
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: half full
Raw or Jpeg: Raw
Favorite Quote: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Processing Style: clean with a splash of vintage
Coffee or Tea: coffee
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Celebrities? Who are they? Lol! I am so out of the loop with celebrities these days!
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Epiphanie Ginger bag.