Inspired, A Very Special Project | Melissa Stottmann Photography

Hopping right into this week’s edition of Inspired! We have the super talented Melissa Stottmann Photography! Her work is rich, gorgeous and REAL!

You can find Melissa’s Website HERE, her Facebook page HERE and her Flickr stream HERE.

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

I am a passionate mommy and wife (an adorable husband and two equally adorable children)- I obviously love photography.  I’m a chronic “googler” (is that a word in the dictionary yet?) and constantly researching to seek out my own answers for everything in life- particularly when it comes to birth, chemicals in products, and animal welfare.  The newest change in my life is the decision to become a vegan this fall.

Melissa was kind enough to share one of her very first starting out images with us!!

What sparked your passion for Photography?

I have always been interested in documenting life but it wasn’t until my daughter was born in 2008 that I really felt drawn to capturing every detail.

 
Whats in your camera bag?  

A Nikon D700 and a Nikon D300 (as a back-up that I hardly use).  Nikon 24-70 2.8, Nikon 135 2.0, Sigma 105mm 2.8 Macro, Sigma 35mm 1.4, Nikon 50mm 1.4 that currently needs a tune-up, and a battery grip.  Some miscellaneous items – A few extra batteries, 4 CF memory cards, Radio Poppers. Plus the most important things… a whistle, a squeaky dog toy, a harmonica, and a lens pet. Also – a Canon AE-1 and some film! I have a SB-600 speed light but I haven’t used it in 2 years.  Writing that makes me feel like downsizing!

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

Nikon D40 with a 18-55mm Kit Lens

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

Hands down – 24-70. I love that I can get wide but also get nice and close.  I tend to be a closer shooter- I like to be in on the action!

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

Read, read, read, and read. Then shoot, shoot, shoot, and shoot. Get lots of eyes on your work.  Take critique – but don’t take it personally.  Allow people to help you grow.  Think of business second – because once you go into business you have to learn business and it puts the creative growing on the back burner.

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

There were (and are) so many people that I just adored every bit of their work… but I have to say I was, and still am, in awe of Mindy Harris’s (Pastel Photography) work.

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

My kids- everyday moments.  I enjoy playing with dramatic lighting too.

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

This is really hard for me.  There isn’t any one person in particular. I love the connection and emotion between a mother and their child (no matter what age). Achieving a raw emotional image of that interaction is what really makes my heart sing!

Describe your style in 3 words.

Simple, Classic, Natural

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

Getting sick… I felt it coming about half way through a session and I knew I was going to be ill.  I think I played it off- hopefully the client didn’t even notice!

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

Yes! Having my son made photography move down on the list of importance (as it should).  The moment I was pregnant and sick I simply halted my growth as a photographer and did not begin to feel the creative juices again until he was about 9 months old. That was a huge chunk of time- but incredibly important to pause and take care of my family first.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

20 minutes before sundown.  Everything is so rich and deep.  Colors are magnified, light is soft.

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

I would go back to teaching. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Education.

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

Attended college? Yes. For photography? No.

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

I’m a fairly easy person to talk to – I try to be more casual then a typical service provider/client relationship.

What are your photography related goals for 2013?  

To take more model shoots and shoot what I really love – emotional and loving family images.  Working on stronger compositions is also on the list…

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

Continuing to read and participate in positive photography forums keeps me fresh. I have a list of books I would like to read about photography this year, particularly some by David Duchemin.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

I want everyone involved in a photo shoot to want to be there and feel the importance of the moment.  It is difficult for me when there is a subject (usually a member of the family) that simply does not want to cooperate… and I’m not talking about the children, haha.

Digital or Prints?

Both! I have packages designed for my clients that include both. I think it’s important to come away with something for your wall, however, when I have my family photographed, I want the digitals. In this day and age, digital images are so valuable!

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

I’m not a ‘trendy’ photographer- I’ve let go of many props that are super colorful. I have a very soft, serene and classic style. Less posed and more real. I want to create work that is going to stand the test of time and could have been created in any decade.

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

Probably a new camera in a year or two – eyeing up the next level, maybe a D3 or D4.

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

A 24-70mm 2.8.  I have a serious love affair with that lens.

What would you say your biggest muse is?

Cliche… but my kids.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: YELLOW! Yes, I screamed it. I love yellow.
Favorite Season: Fall
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Pedicures.
Pet Peeve: When people that are behind me in line at the store jump ahead when a new lane opens.  
Favorite Pandora Station: Matchbox 20… well hello there, 1999
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up? Teacher
One thing no one knows about you is: No one knows… 🙂
Pc or Mac: PC
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Both!
Film or Digital: Both! (Though mostly digital)
Props or No Props: Can I say – light props?
If you could travel anywhere it would be: All over the country with a renovated vintage trailer (currently begging my husband for one!)
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Half full 🙂
Favorite photo ever taken:

A shot of my son.  He’s yelling a happy yell with his sweet little eyes looking at me and his new tooth buds popping out.
Raw or Jpeg: Raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: If I am listening to music, Amy Seeley (but I mostly watch Netflix)
Favorite Quote: “Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.” ~Winston Churchill
Most valued material possession: Pictures and videos of my children
Processing Style: Soft and Rich
Coffee or Tea: Coffee… by far
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?  Pink (because I love her and her bond with her daughter!)
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? Simple and useful.  A Tamrac shoulder bag. I want it to look like a camera bag and function like one too.