What made you decide that you wanted to be a photographer?
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As with most photographers, I have always loved pictures – but I never actually considered I could make it a career. It felt more like a nice dream to have. I remember filling out one of those silly surveys on Facebook years ago when it asked what your dream job would be – mine was a children’s photographer. Sweetly, it’s happened. We bought a DSLR before our daughter was born in 2010 & I took that chance to really try to get something started and I ran with it. I went from knowing very little – using Auto with an entry-level camera and one lens (I did know the kit lens wasn’t good – that I knew.) – a 50 1.8. I shot with only those 2 pieces of equipment for about a year and taught myself manual mode & how to take RAW photos. I researched TONS of things online about photography – concerning issues with business skills and technical skills. Photography takes work & it isn’t easy, especially considering there are so many other wonderful photographers out there that people can choose from. I do my best, give my best service & generally my clients do come back which I am super super thankful for.
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What inspires you?
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Children. They are so real & honest – that inspires so much of how I work. I love to capture everything they do and how they do it. Children are so innocent and new to everything and you just never know they are going to say! Haha! I am also inspired by so many amazing fellow photographers out there. I love watching all styles of photography – but I mainly gravitate towards baby & child lifestyle photographers.
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What do you find is the best way to promote your business?
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Facebook and word of mouth. When people really like something, they tell their friends and family.
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How would you describe your photography style?
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Honest, fun, relaxed, emotive.
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How do you get your clients to relax and feel natural around you?
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With parents I just try to chit-chat, find common ground – I’m a parent, they are parents. I tell them it’s fine if their child isn’t behaving however they think he/she should be. Kids should do what makes them happy in our sessions – those are their true personalities coming out, and that is what you want to remember. With kids – I get on their level. I run & chase them, ask them what their favorite shows are, ask them if they have a pet monkey. I talk to them before & during the session to get them to see this isn’t going to be so bad – it’s actually going to be kind of fun!..
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Are you a Canon or Nikon gal?
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Nikon at this point. I started with a Canon XSi . After learning how to properly use my camera (after much research and reading my manual as well as experimenting on my own) I realized that the camera I was working with was limiting me in natural light situations, more so with newborns inside clients’ homes. I upgraded from a Canon Xsi to a Nikon D700. It was quite a change!!
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What’s your favorite lens?
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The only lens I have had since buying my Nikon was the 50 1.4 until just recently when I purchased a macro lens (105mm 2.8). But my favorite lens that I do not own is the 85 1.4G. She will be mine! I have rented it and the bokeh is killer as well as it is tack sharp. Don’t get me started on that lens. Whew!
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What tips would you give aspiring photographers?
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Where do you see your career in 5 years?
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Possibly having a space of my own that utilizes natural light & where I can meet with clients and potential clients to discuss and show them all of the amazing things that can be done with the images we’ve captured!
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Where can we find you (Facebook link, website link etc)?
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