Inspired, A Very Special Project | Essential Life Photography

Welcome to our 2014 version of the Inspired Project. I began this project nearly three years ago with a goal and a purpose. My purpose is to humanize the Photography industry. To shine light on the diversity and on the many different creative souls around us. To bring these photographers out from behind the camera and into the spotlight. To show that we all, or many of us anyhow, have humble beginnings and stories of our own. That we are people. That we all live and breath and share the love of Photography, even if we all have a very different vantage point on the art itself.

I took just a bit of time away to repurpose this project. I have scouted some new amazing talent. I am always on the lookout and am a pay it forward kind of girl so I love to well.. share the love. We have new questions as well so I am excited to dive right in. I used to do these on Tuesdays and Thursdays but will be doing them more sporadically now.

First up, I am a huge fan of Candy Kempsy from Essential Life Photography. I stumbled on her work while she was participating in my Project 52 and was instantly smitten.  From her breath taking, real-life perspective to the way she uses light and processing to enhance her already stunning creative voice, her work has an undeniable enchanting quality. With further, ado, let’s get to know her a bit better!

Hi Candy!

What is your Business Name?
Essential Life Photography
What is your Facebook Fan Page?

https://www.facebook.com/EssentialLifePhotography
What is your Camera Body?
Nikon
Website:

http://www.essentiallifephotography.com/

What inspired you to become a Photographer?
Recovering from Hodgkins Lymphoma and seeing beautiful photos online. That combination was so powerful. I still can’t explain it but I have been addicted since.

If you could only keep three things in your camera bag at one time, what would they be and why?

Camera with lens attached, battery and memory card. That’s all you need. I am a minimalist for sure.

If you are a Professional Photographer, what was your first paid session like?

I would say exhilarating. I was so darn excited to finally make a little cash with doing something I was so in love with. I felt so honored someone wanted ME to take their photos.

Jump in a time capsule. What would you do differently if you could? Do you have a cautionary tale?

I would never have taken on a job I didn’t really want to do in the first place. 99% of the time if your heart is not in it then it is bound to be a disaster.
What’s in your camera bag?
A Nikon D600 & a Nikon 35mm, 50mm and a Lensbaby.

Above all, what inspires your art the most?

For me it is being a survivor. A survivor of cancer and from a very tough childhood. I cannot believe I have come this far. We also recently lost our dear papa (my father in law). A lot of the emotions I have from life come out when I am taking photos. I do not know if that is always a good thing and I am working on that!

Do you have any personal projects in the works?

No projects at the moment. I have developed a real passion for fine art photography so we’ll see what happens from that.

Any one token piece of advice to someone that has just picked up a camera for the first time?

It is so easy to get frustrated but if you are passionate about photography you will learn. Read everything you can and at the same time keep your camera in your lap ready to try all that information you are digesting.

What is one thing you will never get tired of photographing?

My sweet daughter Ella.

If you could sit across any one photographer with a cup of your favorite warm beverage, and talk shop for an hour, who would it be and what would you talk about?

This one has to be Amy Grace. I would talk about life and then I would ask if I could hug her.

Favorite Snack to Edit to:
Chocolate.

Favorite time of Day to Shoot at:

I am not a morning person so anytime after that!

Favorite Quote:

“To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour.” ― William Blake, Auguries of Innocence

One thing you do NOT like to Photograph is:

Landscapes

If you could Photograph anyone, who would that one person be?

My older daughter if she would let me.

One thing no one knows about you?
I used to dream of being a great gymnast but I actually fall even going up the stairs. Ha.
Best Photography Investment you ever made:
A 35mm lens.
Photoshop or Lightroom?

Lightroom
If you could live anywhere it would be:
England. I love that accent and pretty flowers. ; )
Pants or No pants?

Pants. I am odd I am sure.
Natural Hair Color?

Dark Blond
Last Book you Read was?

I think Susan Sontag – On Photography … I wish I had more time!

Can you sum up your Photography in just four words?

Quiet, Soulful, Moody and Emotional
If your Photography had a theme song, what would it be?
Don’t you forget about me by Simple Minds.
Favorite Non Photography Related Website is:
Zulily for the little one.