Inspired, A Very Special Project | Sweet Aqua Photography

Sarah Morris of Sweet Aqua Photography, has such a ethereal and dreamy quality of her work, that it is incredibly easy to be sucked right in. From the gorgeous way she captures her littlest subjects, to the almost fairy tale essence her work embodies it is such a treat to get to feature her here on the blog!

You can find Sarah’s Website here and her Facebook page here.

Hi Sarah!

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

Hi!  Thanks for having me, Sarah 🙂 I’m Sarah Morris, and I live in the mountains of north Georgia with my three little angels and husband.
What sparked your passion for Photography? 

The old stand by 😉  Having babies.  I also met Meg Bitton through cloth diapering, and her beautiful images made me wish I could document my children’s adolescence the way she has.  She has become such a wonderful mentor and influence in the direction my work has gone.  I owe her so much for being such an amazing teacher <3

Whats in your camera bag?

Nikon D3, 24mm 2.8, 35mm 1.4, 70-200mm 2.8 and 60mm macro
What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

Nikon D90

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

That’s a toss up between the 35 and the 70-200.  I’ve been using the 35 a lot more lately so probably that.
What advice would go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?

Take the time to really educate yourself.  It may take years (like it did for me) before you are proficient enough to go into business.  Also do not be afraid or too proud to take criticism.  It really is the only way to grow.

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

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

I love lifestyle work.  In my area, it’s not a very popular thing (yet) but I shoot a ton of lifestyle of my family.

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

My grandfather.  He passed away when my mom was 9.
Describe your style in 3 words.  Real, colorful, and true.

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

I don’t think I’ve had any embarrassing moments yet–thank goodness.
Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?

I really struggled when I started out in finding my own voice.  Photographers are so bombarded these days with information overload.  Other people’s work is everywhere, and in the last year I have finally felt that I am comfortable in my own skin and have started to find my own way.  My 365 project has been a huge help in helping me find it.

Favorite time of day to shoot is? Evening
If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?

Open a restaurant
Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography? Nope

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

I am not an “in your face” type of shooter, so I think that helps clients relax.  It takes some of the pressure off.
What are your photography related goals for 2013?

I am wanting to work on conceptual portraiture and I would love to do some work underwater.

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

Oh for sure!  I feel like I have aha moments every few weeks.  Shooting daily has really helped increase the frequency of the “aha’s” 😉
Biggest Photography related insecurity?

I am so terrified of being boring and run of the mill.  It’s so funny, because some of my more popular images are the ones I’m not really crazy about. It’s crazy how that happens.  I prefer exploring the darker, deeper parts of life, and those aren’t always the ones that are all that well-received in Internet world.

Digital or Prints?

Prints!  I am trying to guide my clients into moving into printing more of my work.  Everybody loves digitals because they can be shared via e-mail or Facebook, but there is just something about prints.
How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

A lot of the photographers near me do mainly studio work, so by shooting on location in natural light it really helps set my work apart.

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

I really, really want an underwater housing.
If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be?

I don’t use anything but cameras and lenses, so I would say a camera.  😉

What would you say your biggest muse is?

My middle child.  He just gets me, and I get him.

Fun stuff:
 
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Season: Spring
Biggest Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate-the darker the better.
Pet Peeve:  Dishonesty  
Studio or On location: On location
What did you want to be when you grew up? A cardiologist.  Needless to say, that didn’t happen 😉
One thing no one knows about you is: I have a southern accent.  A friend from up north compared me to Britney Spears (shudder 😉 )
Pc or Mac: Mac
Lightroom Or Photoshop: Photoshop
Film or Digital: Digital
Props or No Props: No props
If you could travel anywhere it would be: I really want to take my family to Europe.  Hopefully when the baby is a little older…
Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Half full!
Favorite photo ever taken: Probably the out of focus one of my kiddo in the tub.

Raw or Jpeg: Raw
Favorite Music to Edit to: I don’t listen to music when I edit
Favorite Quote: I am the worst at finding and using quotes.  I don’t have a favorite quote.
Most valued material possession: My camera
Processing Style: Clean with a touch of color.  
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
What kind of Camera bag do you rock? A Think Tank