Inspired, A Very Special Project | District Photography

This Thursday edition of The Inspired Project we are featuring the talented Pam of District Photography. Pam’s work is real and raw and gorgeous!! Her processing is ethereal and beautiful. I won’t make ya wait! Excited to jump right in!

You can find Pam’s Website HERE and her Facebook page HERE.

Hello There Pam!

How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

Let’s see, I think my friends and family would say that I am fun to be around, outgoing and pretty funny. I believe I am a loyal, honest and loving friend (at least I try to be). And, I am slightly twisted in my addiction to coffee, chocolate chip cookies and organizing!

What sparked your passion for Photography?

In the summer of 2010, just for something fun to do, I signed up for an online beginner photography course. Before that, all I had ever shot was a point and shoot. The day I shot my first image in manual changed everything for me. I fell completely in love with photography. It was like I had found my place in the world or I guess, more accurately, it was like I found my way of seeing the world.

What’s in your camera bag?

I guess I should start by saying I am a little bit of a gear head. For digital shooting, in my bag you will find: a Nikon D700 camera, a Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 lens, a Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 lens, a Nikon 24mm 2.8 lens, a Nikon 50mm 1.4 lens, a Nikon 85mm 1.4 lens and a Lensbaby Composer Pro Sweet 35. For film shooting, I have a Nikon F100 camera, a Mamiya 645AF with the 80mm 2.8 lens, a Holga 120N, a Diana F+, a Lomo LC-Wide and a Polaroid 250 Land Camera. I also have a couple of Nikon flashes, an AB-800 light, a softbox, beauty dish, a couple of umbrellas, some triggers and a few light stands.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

I started with a Nikon D80 and a Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens. Now my daughter shoots with it.

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

It would either be my Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 lens or my Lensbaby. I love absolutely everything about both of those lenses.

 (shot with film and my lensbaby)

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

Since I am not in business, I am not the best person to give business advice. But in general, for someone just starting out in photography, I would encourage them to try on a lot of different hats. By that I mean try different cameras, different lens, different lighting conditions, different editing styles, experiment a lot. I think it is only through experimenting that we can find, and settle into, our true voice and style.

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

Richard Avedon. I think he was absolutely brilliant, especially in his use of movement and light.

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

Since I am not in business, I have the luxury of shooting for myself all the time. I truly feel lucky to be able to do that, but it can also be a challenge to stay motivated and to try new things. I am constantly looking to learn new techniques or challenge myself to shoot things outside my comfort zone.

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

My Grandmother

Describe your style in 3 words.

Classic, timeless and simple

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

I am very lucky to say I haven’t had any…yet.

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

I would say the hardest thing for me to overcome was a lack of belief in my work and myself. I think this is true for many of us. Ultimately, I am not sure I will ever completely overcome this since I think it is what drives me to be a better photographer. I think questioning our work is what helps us continue to grow and move forward.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

It really depends on whether I am shooting digital or film. For digital, I will mostly shoot in the late afternoon or early evening. With film, I will shoot most anytime of day.

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

Continue being a mom and hope that I find something that I love just as much to take its place.

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

I came to photography pretty late so my only “formal” education has been through workshops.

What are your photography related goals for 2013?

I definitely want to continue to shoot more film and experiment with some new film stocks. I also want to try my hand at shooting some large format film. Another goal of mine has been to share what I have learned and I am excited to say I will be teaching a Breakout Session on Clickin Moms in May focused on how to use editing to achieve your vision. And, finally, I would like to continue to pursue the fine art world more.

How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning?

For me, I find that I feel the most challenged by (and learn the most from) personal projects. I always have a few projects, both long and short-term, on which I am working. Right now, my short-term project is focused on double-exposed images (both digitally and on film). My current longer-term project is called “One Bench” and it explores the sights and scenes that can be observed, in the space of 20 or so minutes, from a single spot (a bench) through the course of a day, month and year.

  (double exposure)

Any Big Aha! Moments?

I guess I would say the moment I took my first image shooting completely in manual. So many things clicked for me then. And, also, when I came to understand using light to achieve my vision. That was key to me finding my style and voice.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

The same worry that plagues so many artists: not being “good enough”.

Digital or Prints?

As a hobbyist- both. I am pretty good at printing my favorite images and I recently got into creating photo books so more of my images are getting off my hard drive.

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

Probably some film, since I am always looking for obscure or hard to find film stocks.

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

would have to say a camera that you know inside and out. I think it is vital to know everything your camera can do and what are all your setting options. If you don’t know what your gear can do, you won’t be able to use if fully.

What would you say your biggest muse is?

My daughter! She is my most constant, and my favorite, model.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Season: Summer

Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Coffee and wine

Pet Peeve: Clutter

Favorite Pandora Station: I am sorry to say I don’t listen to Pandora. Maybe I should!

Studio or On location: Both

What did you want to be when you grew up? An investigative journalist

One thing no one knows about you is: Sorry, my lips are sealed.

Pc or Mac: Mac

Lightroom Or Photoshop: Both

Film or Digital: Both

Props or No Props: No Props

If you could travel anywhere it would be: France or Italy

Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Half full

Favorite photo ever taken: That is always such a hard question. I tend to favor whatever is my most recent work but if I have to choose it would be this one. It was taken a year or so ago using studio lighting to emulate window light.

Raw or Jpeg: Raw

Favorite Music to Edit to: Funny, I don’t play music when I edit. I like the quiet.

Favorite Quote: I have two that I really love:“Life is a marathon, not a sprint. You can do everything you want, just not all at once.” And, “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the- scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel”.

Most valued material possession: My camera

Processing Style: I hope it is “me”.

Coffee or Tea: Coffee

If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be? Robert Downy Jr.

What kind of Camera bag do you rock? My main bag is the Kelly Moore Hobo bag in walnut. I LOVE that bag!