Sweet newborns
Kiddos
Couples 
Family
Posted on March 25, 2011
Oh my! It’s been a hectic week here for us. We have a birthday party happening on Saturday, and we have to make an unexpected trip to Brett’s hometown tonight. So, it means that I will be missing some party planning time. Plus, I have a winner to announce, and also a fabulous and spunky photographer for our feature. Wow…such a fun packed blog post!
Okay, so before we announce the awesome photographer for this week, let’s announce the winner of this fabulous giveaway! The lucky winner is….
Congratulations Kim Skavnak!!!!
Please shoot me your e-mail melanie@melanieashcraftphotography(dot)com, so I can send your info to our wonderful vendors. Also, when you shoot me your e-mail, let me know what style & color frame you want for your 3×3 Organic Bloom frame. Also please include your address, in there so I can get that frame ordered. Congratulations again, and thank you all those that participated, and another THANK YOU to all the fabulous vendors that helped make this giveaway possible. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Talk To Me Thursday
Okay, so now we have a fabulous lady to introduce. I know this gal from a forum that I’m part of, and I love her spunky, fun personality. She always looks like she’s having fun, and always has the cutest profile pictures! 
She also has a baby girl VERY SOON! Can’t wait to see the images she produces.
Let’s introduce….
Emily Southerland – Emily Southerland Photography
St.Louis, Missouri Photographer
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
I am a Missouri girl! I grew up in Columbia, MO, but have lived in St. Louis for nearly nine years, now.
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
Photography has always been a way for my deeply sentimental heart to capture and hold onto things that I care about… I am very emotionally-driven, and when I experience an amazing feeling, I yearn to hold on forever. Taking a photograph allows a little of that to happen. That has organically grown to suit my business. Now, I cherish that I am able to preserve memories of my clients’ children and families, just as they are right now, for them to hold onto. I love being able to show a client their own beauty and REAL-ness this very moment.
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
I specialize in portraits of babies, kiddos, and teens… With family moments thrown in. I do love photographing couples in love, but most of my work leans towards the younger set. I particularly adore babies and high school seniors. I find myself drawn to this instead of weddings/landscape/macro because I love the spontaneity you get when you can arrange the best times and places for photographs. I love that I can get most any subject to let loose and really become themselves in front of the camera. And I love the intimacy of working with people, but in small numbers.
How long have you been a photographer?
I got a rinky-dink little camera back in elementary school and have ROLLS of terrible photos shot with it— my thumb in the frame, cropped subjects, etc. But even then, I knew I was having a BLAST taking photos. Fast forward to jr. high, when my mom got a film SLR. I began shooting for my yearbook in black and white and again burned through ROLLS of film. I have always been a hobby-shooter, whether with a good camera or a crappy one. But I really started trying to GROW as a photographer at the end of college in 2001. My parents gifted me with a film SLR (the same one I used in jr. high!) as a graduation gift, and I never looked back. I had very brave friends willing to let me practice on them, and before I knew it, I was bringing in steady business doing engagements and family shoots. When I moved to St. Louis, I began portfolio building in film. In late 2006 I switched to digital and began the daunting task of learning digital processing, Photoshop, etc., as well as refining my skills further. I created my business in 2009.
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
I am the sole employee of my business, though I do sometimes contract out some work to my friend, who runs a business designed to solely help out primary photographers, called “Out of Frame Photography Services”. She’ll do album creation, resizing, watermarking, etc. for me.
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
I am self-taught. My best friend Katie of Kate Benson Photography is formally taught, and was so generous with her mentoring and advice back when I first began trying to be a better photographer, ten years ago. I credit her with so much of my knowledge. As for workshops, I haven’t been to many, but the Sandy Puc ones have been inspiring, as well as being a part of online forums.
Morning or night owl?
I am a night owl for sure, though I tend to be more efficient and productive in the morning! Catch 22!
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
This is tough! Um… Happy, bold, whimsical, real?
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
I am the wife of Joe, the mama to Noah (3) and the soon-to-be-mama to Lucy, due in two weeks.
I am a sister to 5 sisters and a brother and a sister-in-law.
I am the daughter of amazing parents.
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
When my baby girl is born, I want to try the “30 days of images” that Heather Bauers and Emily Weaver Brown did with their new little ones. I want to keep it simple and only try one “set” a day, and I also want to stay ZEN about it if it stops being satisfying or fun or if the birth itself creates complications. But I’d love to at least attempt this!
How do you balance work, and your family?
It’s been a process finding a way to be happy in both arenas. The first MUST in my life was arranging to do most of my work after Noah’s bedtime. My work shift is usually 8pm-12am, 4-5 nights a week. I almost NEVER do any work during the daytime, focusing my energy on being a mom and taking care of our lives instead. The next brilliant solution was getting a babysitter for Noah one day a week. On this day, he goes to play all day at a friend’s house and I tackle the more mundane things related to business, including bookkeeping, emails, orders, invoicing, etc. I work my TAIL off for 7 hours uninterrupted and usually manage to keep on top of the biz.
And lastly, I finally trusted my skills enough to raise my pricing last year, so I could move from 8 sessions a month to 4-5 sessions a month. And THAT has made all the difference. I went from working 6 night a week to 4-5 nights, and my poor long-suffering hubby gets time with me now!
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
I shoot with a Canon 50D, and the lens I use 90% of the time is my 24-70 2.8L. I do love my 50mm 1.8 (and would love the 50mm 1.4), and I have a Lensbaby Composer I LOVE… But the 24-70 is so dang versatile… I’m afraid I just don’t switch it out that often. My wish list for lenses: the 85mm 1.8, a macro, and I hear good things about the 35mm. I’d also love to switch to the 5DmkII, but that’s not in the cards this year.
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why?
Goodness! I honestly don’t have an answer to this! Um… ooh—maybe kids/women from India, decked out in their gorgeous saris, with the beautiful jewelry and amazing skin tones?
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
I was a high school English teacher before this, and could see myself returning to teaching of some sort… But I’d love to teach some form of art instead of English. Or I’d love to be a life coach!
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
Creative, emotional, mood-driven, cute.
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
I am motivated by the moments I finally overcome a plateau or a slump in my work. I am motivated by my clients and their energy. I am motivated by other photographers’ amazing ideas. Sadly, I am motivated by deadlines. Ha!
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
Photography goals: I’d LOVE to eventually be able to justify a lovely little natural light studio space. I DREAM of that. Within that goal are a million other little goals!
Personal goals: I still hang onto my dream of moving my family to a lovely little farmhouse on a bit of land one day. Not to actually FARM, but to live rurally and keep life simplified a bit. I have so many visions for that dream farmhouse.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
I have been loving the newborn photographer sites—
Laura Farris (http://laurafarrisphotography.blogspot.com/)
Carrie Sandoval (http://capturedbycarrie.com/blog/)
I always love checking out Shannon Sewell’s latest work (http://shannonsewell.com/theblankpage/)
And non-photography related, I love Oh Happy Day (http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/) and a variety of crafty, sewing, creative style blogs—none I am super regular about following, but love when I Google for something and find them and drool.
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
If I am doing ANYTHING else with my time, the top five things are-
exploring my town/playing with Joe and Noah
napping
sewing!! (HUGE addiction of mine right now)
nesting, these days!!
Talking to my favorite people— friends, family…
(note there is not a lot of cooking/cleaning on that list!! Oops!)
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
I’ve already been there, 5 years ago, but I am dying to get back to Italy one day. I dream of Italy and ache to be there!
What is one thing that you want to do in your life?
This is random, but I want to sing/play in a bluegrass band one day.
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have
and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown,
you must believe that one of two things will happen:
There will be something solid for you to stand upon,
or, you will be taught how to fly.” -Patrick Overton
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
Maybe Barb Uil of Jinky? I adore her spin on things, and her light and color are divine! (Plus, it’d get me to Australia!)
If you could photograph one area of photography for a day, what would it be, why? (Something other than what you photograph, i.e. architecture, food, boudoir, birth, etc.)
I’d be fascinated to mentor on the scenes of a fashion shoot or product shoot… But I don’t think I’d want the stress of mastering it…
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
Shoot ALL the time, and get brave enough to ask for constructive criticism. And NEVER get to the point you think you’ve “made it”. Because we never stop growing!
What magazine could you not live without?
I don’t NEED any magazine, but I love Real Simple and O.
Please show us some of your favorite images…
Thank you so much Emily for your feature this week. I have always been admirer of your work, and love your style. I enjoyed having you on the blog this week, and loved seeing all your images. You have ones that had me laughing, ooh-ing, and aw-ing. I love the fun mustaches! I can’t wait to see the images you produce of your baby girl. Thanks again.
Well, everyone…it is now time to hit the ground running again, and the busy weekend won’t stop until Sunday night. Man, I think I will actually be looking forward to Monday. I will be able to breath again and get to work on pictures from the party.
Everyone have a wonderful weekend, and again thank you to Emily Southerland for being featured this week, and thank you to the participants of the giveaway! It was tons of fun, and I’m glad I was able to celebrate me and Lily’s birthday with all of you!
Posted on March 24, 2011
We have a winner, and the winner has been verified. The winner will be posted tomorrow morning, so stay tuned. Along with the giveaway winner, “Talk To Me Thursday” will also be posted tomorrow as well. It’s been crazy around here, and I have lots of stuff going on in the next couple of days that are needing my time right now. We had to get things finalized with the fantastic photographer for tomorrow, so she will be posted tomorrow along with the winner of the giveaway.
You don’t want to miss the winner, and you definitely don’t want to miss this talented photographer.
So stay tuned for a post tomorrow morning.
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Posted on March 17, 2011
Our photographer for this week is joining us all the way from Germany! Oh yes, Germany. I actually met her through a photography forum that I’m part of. The first boudoir photography I ever saw was hers, and I was hooked. I always thought that boudoir was risque, however these thoughts were just from hearing the word mixed with photography. Once I actually saw what it was, I fell in love. This photographer does an amazing job. You can feel the emotion in her photos. I’ve never met her, but from her e-mails, and comments on the forum she sounds like a hoot, and someone that would definitely be fun to hang out with.
So, let’s get on with introducing this awesome photographer…
Kim Kravitz – Kim Kravitz Photography
Heidelberg, Germany Photographer
http://www.kimkravitzphotography.com/
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
I was born in Oklahoma, raised in southeast Kansas, and now live in Germany.
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
I’ve always had a creative side. My outlet used to be cheerleading, twirling, and dance. Once I had kids, though, and was out of school, those were no longer my outlets. One day I discussed getting a camera with my husband, we went to Best Buy to test some out, and I came home with a shinny new camera. Seems like now I always have a camera on hand.
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
I specialize in boudoir, seniors, and couples. I never really had a feel for shooting families or children. After I’m done shooting a boudoir, senior, or couple my clients always seem to be on cloud nine. They loved their session and they can’t wait to see their images. I love their excitement that they have. I never seem to get the same feeling from my family/children clients, so I’ve decided not to openly advertise for those two types of sessions.
How long have you been a photographer?
I started shooting in October 2008, so I’m going on 2.5 years. J
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
It’s only me for now. There are times when I will seek out an assitant for a session but those are few and far in between.
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
All self taught! I did a mentor session with Jessica Edwards Photography back when I was JSO. Since then I have taught at the Mpix Meet-up and “attended” a few on-line workshops. Most of what I know is done through trial and error.
Morning or night owl?
I would say both. When my husband is deployed I’m definitely a night owl. It’s so much easier to get some work done when the kids are in bed. When my husband is home, I’m a morning person. I get up with my oldest to take her to the bus stop, so I have about a good hour after that that I can sit down and get work done.
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
I would say my style is clean, bright, candid, and moody. My colored images are definitely bright and clean, but my black and white images are definitely moody. I would say most of my images are “candid.” I just don’t do the whole “sit and pose” thing.
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
I have two daughters Mac and Keclie, my wonderful husband Aaron, and our dog Ringo.
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
Gah! I have so many! Lol I would really like to get all of my images in my portfolio to be cohesive with each other. I feel like I’ve recently found my “style” and want my portfolio images to convey that style.
How do you balance work, and your family?
Good question. I don’t feel like I have them balance yet, but I do feel like I am more balanced than I was just a few months ago. I have become a list maker. The night before I make my photography “to-do” list and try to stick to it. Being a SAHM and a WAHM, I have a very “terrible two” year old here. I have to use nap time and my mornings well. If I do not stay on task it doesn’t get done. White boards have, also, become my friend to help keep my to-do list in my face and keep me on track for the day. As for scheduling sessions and what not, I do most of those on weekends. I’m a low volume type of person, so it’s easy for me to keep my families priorities number one.
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
Ha! I just upgraded to the Canon 5D Mark II. I still have my Canon 50D as my back up. I really wanted video. I think it’s the new “in,” especially with senior portraits. I shoot with my 50 mm 1.4 and my 24-70 mm 2.8. Since getting the new full-frame camera, I have lens lust for the 70-200 mm 2.8. My 24-70 just doesn’t zoom in there close enough anymore lol.
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why?
The President. Any of them. I would love to be the White House photographer. With this position, you really are capturing history!
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
A cop or something else in law enforcement. Before I met my husband I was going to school to get my criminal justice degree. With moving so much with the Army, being a cop just isn’t a realistic dream anymore.
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
Ha! I have totally asked him this question before. I believe his answers were driven, stubborn, and something else and something else. I would ask him but it’s the morning here and he is still snoozing. 
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
Everything and anything. After raising my prices, I have yet to get burned out. During the “down time” in the winter months, I try to keep my photography club very active shooting 2 to 3 times per month with them.
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
Hm. Never really thought about the long term goals yet. That’s what you’re supposed to do when you grow up, right? Lol I definitely do not feel old enough to have a long term goal. I guess if I had to pick a few right now, it would be to make sure I still feel the need to learn something. When I get to the point that I think I know everything, I need to give it up. Photography is constantly evolving and there is always something new to learn. I would, also, like to have a steady flow of clients. I’ll take 4 to 5 per month. Nothing too major. And for a personal goal, I would love to go back to college and get my degree. Haven’t decided in what yet. Business, criminal justice, and of course photography all tickle my fancy for the time being.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
I don’t really have the time right now to stalk a lot of blogs. I’m more of a forum junky. J A few blogs that I really enjoy are http://www.vickielanphoto.com/, http://www.thedivasblog.com/ (love their youtube channel!) and http://www.bumblesandlight.com/.
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Chasing around my “terrible two” year old. She definitely keeps me on my toes. Also, running our oldest to wrestling practice. Yeah, random, I know. Her dad convinced her, after watching too much WWE, to do wrestling instead of cheerleading this year. J She loves it so fine. Lol. And I play army wife here and there.
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
There are so many! Being in Europe, I would love to go to Pairs. It’s so close. Like a 5 hour drive. I don’t know why we haven’t done it yet lol. I, also, want to go to Ireland. It’s on my bucket list, so I will go there before I die. And, lastly, I must go back to Jamaica. That country rocks!! It’s so carefree and absolutely gorgeous!
What is one thing that you want to do in your life?
Tough question. There are so many things that I want to do in my life, but which one is the most important one to list here lol. I would like to build my own studio someday. And not your average studio. I want a white wall, one bed, all natural light studio. I have this vision for my boudoir portraits and this type of studio would help achieve that vision.
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
I’m not for sure if I can think of an appropriate one to share. Lol I have a terrible sense of humor that most probably wouldn’t get unless you spent some time with me in person.
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
Oh this one is a tough one. There are so many great photographers out there! I really love Sarah Wilkerson’s lifestyle photography. She knows how to capture those aw moments that makes a mother’s her skip a beat.
If you could photograph one area of photography for a day, what would it be, why? (Something other than what you photograph, i.e. architecture, food, boudoir, birth, etc.)
Combat/war photography. I would love to capture the good, the bad, and the ugly of what our troops are doing down range. Not for sure if I could really explain why I want to do this so it would make sense for everyone, so we’ll just leave it at that.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
You don’t need to buy everything out there. Do not get caught up in all the craze. Master your camera first. Once you know how to properly use your camera, you photography journey can really soar!
What magazine could you not live without?
Hm. I’m not really the magazine type. I have a bad habit of buying books and magazines and never finishing them lol. I was never really the reading type.
Please include some of your favorite images….
Thanks so much Kim for allowing us to get to know you better and have you featured this week! You definitely had some awesome answers, and I’ve never thought of what it would be like to be the White House photographer. That would be an interesting job indeed. You totally sound like me when it comes to college. I would love to go back once the kids are all in school, and I have a list of things I wouldn’t mind getting a degree or two in. I have a couple of artsy related ones, then some more “grown up” type ones. Lol.
Thanks again Kim! It was great having you, and I don’t think this will be the last we see of Kim on the website. Just sayin’.
Don’t forget about the giveaway going on right now either! It ends on Tuesday night at 11:59 p.m. You can find it here The big 28 + 3 Birthday Giveaway!!!
Super easy to enter!!
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Posted on March 16, 2011
The Big 28 + 3 Birthday Giveaway!!
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*** Thank you to all that entered and thank you so much to all
the wonderful vendors that have participated! Winner will be announced tomorrow morning…so
stay tuned.
Oh yes, you heard right. I’m celebrating some birthdays over here – my youngest is turning 3, and I’m turning 28 (hence the title: “The big 2-8 + 3 giveaway”). So, that means party time for us, and some awesome presents for YOU!!! We have a giveaway going on, and we have some awesome, fantabulous vendors that have donated some awesome prizes. You definitely want to be apart of this giveaway.
My youngest is totally into her birthday this year. She knows that nanny has a long list of things that she is wanting. Me, well, I have a ton of things on my list, but they’re also a tad bit more expensive than Dora, LaLaLoopsey’s, Olivias, etc. Most likely she will get most of everything she has on her lists. Me, I get some stuff now, but some will be coming in May/June.
So to celebrate, we have some fabulous prizes from some absolutely fabulous vendors. It’s totally easy to enter, so make sure you do all of the required entries, so YOU can score some awesome, and absolutely fantastic prizes. I think you will absolutely love the prizes that we have, so let’s get started.
First off before introducing the vendors, I want to give a huge thanks to all of them for their generosity. Thank you so very much to all of you that have helped make this giveaway possible. We have a total of They were all totally excited to do the giveaway, and all of them were so very generous. I don’t want to keep you waiting, so let’s introduce our vendors, and the prizes they are giving away.
We have a total of 10 vendors, and an extra bonus prize donated by…..ME! Yep, even I’m donating a prize. So you have 11 prizes total that you can win. So, let’s introduce the vendors and the awesome prizes that are being donated.
Meet our wonderful vendors…
This is a fabulous store that does custom labels. I get my return address labels from her every year for numerous occasions (birthdays, Christmas, business). She is awesome to work with, and can pretty much do anything, She is quick and the labels look great!
I absolutely love the ruffle rompers. I have one and am dying to get a newborn girl into it. Chic Baby Rose is donating a beautiful newborn beanie. Winner chooses color.
I have a ton of stuff from this store that’s on my wish list as well. I swear, cute little knitted items are so easy to buy. They’re so cute, soft, and you can totally picture a little baby in them. Such adorable stuff, and the cute little babies totally help sell it even better.
This little critters are an awesome thing to have for your sessions. They grab the attention of little kiddos, and they look at the camera, because they want to see what this little critter is. Fabulous thing to have!
This gal has some uber cute products in her store. LillyAnna kids seems to have everything. She has head gear, she has fruffles (oh so cute), and she even has some cute stuff for the little dudes. OH! Can’t forget she has something for the photog as well. Check out her CF wallets. One of those will be purchased by me very very soon.
I think we all know who this fabulous lady is. She has some fantastic products, and she’s also been releasing a ton of NEW products. You definitely want to go check her out. She has albums, cards, business materials. You want it, you will most likely find it. I think I pretty much have bought her entire store, and have a ton of stuff on my wishlist. Thank goodness for birthday cash! =)
The actions over at My 4 Hens are absolutely dreamy. Sarah is a fabulous photographer, and knows what needs to be put into actions. I own some of her actions and love them. You will have so much fun spending your GC over there, and will have an even better time using the products!
Templates Templates Templates…that is what you will have fun looking at with this gal. She has some fabulous templates, and they’re all so….elegant. She has tons of products for you to “ooo” and “ahhh” over. You will have some fun finding whatever your heart desires. Definitely a talented designer, and as I said already…thank goodness for getting birthday cash. I’ve had my eye on some things for awhile, and am itching to get them.
We have another fabulous designer of knit products. I have bought things from this gal, and I love them. She has the cutest things over at her shop. Absolutely to die for. How can you resist a cute little thing like this….? I have the owl, and a kooky kat. I’m dying to get my hands on a sleepy owl and sock monkey!
Talk about cute cute cute! Kim with TomKat Studio has some fabulously cute printables and party ideas! She was the inspiration behind my youngest daughters birthday party, and I’m using her stuff for my husbands Luau themed grad party. You could literally sit and look at her site for hours. She has ideas for EVERYTHING!
The final prize is being donated by me….
I’m donating a 3×3 Ornament frame by The Organic Bloom! They were already tied up with giveaways at this point, and just b/c I love their frames so much, I decided to donate one. You can pick your frame design, and color. I will order it and have it shipped to you! These don’t come in double or twin double stack. Only single. They are too cute and perfect to put on the Christmas tree, or perfect to put anywhere you choose.
(Image courtesy of The Organic Bloom)
So now for the rules of entry!!
You have to come back here to this post and leave a comment after doing each step. Super easy!
1. Go to my Facebook fan page and “like” me. Let me know that you are coming from the giveaway.
2. Visit each vendor’s FB page and like them. Mention that you’re coming from the @Melanie Ashcraft Photography Birthday Giveaway! You have to use the @ symbol to tag people on FB.
My Four Hens Photography (M4H)
Vendor having product donated:
3. Visit each vendors store/website, and tell me what your favorite thing is from their store.
My Four Hens Photography-The Shop
Vendor having product donated:
4. Post about the giveaway on your FB. Tag me (using the @ symbol followed by Melanie Ashcraft Photography).
5. If you have twitter, follow me @MelanieAshcraft, and post about the giveaway on your twitter. Come back here and post the link.
Each one of these steps counts as one entry. You have a total of 5 (4 that are required) entries. Remember to come back here and leave a comment telling me that you did each step.
They are all easy steps! The giveaway ends on Tuesday night (March 22, 2011) at 11:59 p.m. Winner will be announced on Friday by noon!
Thank you again to all the fabulous vendors. I am extremely appreciative of your donations, and
Good Luck everyone and can’t wait to see who the winner is!!
Posted on March 10, 2011
I have been waiting for this feature since I asked the photographer to do it. Why you ask? Well, because I had a neat little tid bit of information on how I knew this photographer, before I actually “met” her. I’ve never been able to meet her in person, but rest assured she is also one that I would love to meet. I’ve known her almost 2 years from a forum we’re both part of, but the first time I saw her was a couple of years before that. I used to be big into scrapbooking, but since photography has taken over, scrapbooking has been put on the back burner. Anyways, onto the story. I remember looking at one of my scrapbook magazines (can’t remember which one, but I know I do still have it), and seeing this cute couple. It was a girl and her boyfriend. Well then you look over to the right, and there they are again, but older. I saw the scrapbook page and thought: “That couple looks so cute, sweet and so in love. Oh, and that’s a brilliant idea for a page.” It was a page from then and now. I can’t remember the years that had lapsed, but remember thinking it was such a cute page. So then fast forward a couple of years. I see this photographers face on the forum we’re part of, and think: “Wow, where have I seen her before?” I start going through my memory bank, and then realize that I’ve seen her in a scrapbook magazine, and SHE was the one in that page I loved. I specifically kept that magazine to go back to for inspiration on a page for me and Brett. I will tell you, this photographer is just as sweet of a person as she looks in pictures. Oh, and we can’t forget…she was also voted as Best Photographer in 2011 for the Fife/Milton/Edgewood area. So, since I have you all very curious as to who this gal is…let’s introduce her.
Let’s all say hello to…..
Angela Marvel – Angela Marvel Photography
www.angelamarvelphotography.com
Seattle/Tacoma, Washington Photographer
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
I am originally from Federal Way, WA and currently live in Fife, WA
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
I love being able to capture memories and moments in time. I love that it is a record of our lives right now. I first was interested in photography strictly as a record of memories. I use to carry a camera with me everywhere, as far back as junior high. When I got interested in scrapbooking a few years ago I wanted to have better photos to scrapbook, so I then was attracted to learning how to have better photos and once family and friends started to have families, I became attracted to portrait photography.
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
Babies, Children and Families. When I started out, I tried just about everything and found I enjoyed working with the little ones the best. Probably because my kids were and are young and I am use to shooting those under age 5.
How long have you been a photographer?
I have always loved taking snapshots, but got serious about the quality of my photographs in 2003 and have been in business for 4 years now.
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
It is only me On a rare occasion I use my husband as an assistant.
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
I am self taught. I have learned the most from searching the Internet, books and online friends.
Morning or night owl?
Big time night owl. You can often find me awake and editing until 1-2am.
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
Creative, sweet, clean, and fun
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
My husband of almost 10 years Chris, my son Brett who just turned 4 and my youngest son Alex who is 22 months.
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
I would love to get fully caught up on our family albums. I create blog books for each year and still need to do both 2009 and 2010 J
How do you balance work, and your family?
Some days I don’t. I am lucky that my husbands goes to bed early and my kids sleep in to an acceptable hour so I can edit at night, but some days I don’t get everything done.
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
I have three cameras, 5d, 40d and Xt. My main lenses are: 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, and 70-200 F/4L. I could not live without my 50mm 1.4 lens. I shoot a lot of babies and photos of my kids indoors, so its on my camera more then any other lens. However my 85mm lens is a very close 2nd since I love it for outdoor photos.
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why?
I spent a lot of time on this one. At first I was thinking a celebrity. Maybe a sports celebrity like a football player. Or maybe another photographer. But honestly I think I would be too nervous if I did any of these.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
I was a paralegal before being a SAHM and I really loved that.
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
Loyal, creative, shy, stubborn
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
Looking at others’ photos, coming up with new ideas to try, and trying to push myself to think outside the box.
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
Eventually I would love to buy a bigger home, so I can have my own dedicated work space. In the shorter term, I want to keep working on becoming a little faster at editing so I don’t have to spend so much time in front of the computer.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
I don’t tend to go to blogs much anymore since I can see everything on facebook now.
Some non photo ones I follow are:
www.realitysteve.com gotta get all my Bachelor spoilers and love his articles
www.have-you-met-ted.com I am a big How I met your mother fan, so each week I stalk this blog
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Family time, playing games with the boys, watching TV (I love to watch TV), going out to eat, crocheting, being a mom
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
I really want to go to Italy.
What is one thing that you want to do in your life?
Visit all 50 states. I have 15 down, only 35 to go : )
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” -Walt Disney.
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
Tara Whitney, I love her style and way she captures family relationships. I have been following her for years and am always inspired by her.
If you could photograph one area of photography for a day, what would it be, why? (Something other than what you photograph, i.e. architecture, food, boudoir, birth, etc.)
I love the raw emotion of a birth. I have photographed one before and it was one of the most moving experiences of my life.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
Practice and keep at it. Photography does not come to you overnight and it doesn’t come all at once.
What magazine could you not live without?
I don’t get any magazines. But I do like People, Real Simple, and National Geographic
Please include some of your favorite images….
Well, there we have it. Another fabulous photographer that we had the chance to get to know. I really do love this feature, and have enjoyed it a ton. A lot of the photographers have said how they feel honored that I have asked them to be featured. What’s funny about that, is I feel extremely honored that they want to be featured by me. Like I’ve said before, I love this industry and all the amazing people I have the opportunity to meet. I’m extremely grateful for this industry, and the amazing people in it.
Angela, thank you so much for being featured this week, and I hope you found my little “story” funny, or amusing. Thanks again for letting us get to know you better, and of course being able to see your awesome images!
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Posted on March 3, 2011
It’s Thursday, and I feel like it’s starting to go towards Spring/Summer weather finally. Oh wait! That’s what is has been this whole year. We just got to have about 20 days of cold to tease us. The weather would probably be the ultimate reason as to why I feel like I live on allergy medication. Ahhhh….HOWEVER, today is not the day to talk about weather.
It’s Thursday and anyone that follows this blog knows what Thursday means…..
ANOTHER FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHER!!!
Oh yes, and this talented gal is no exception. She’s funny (I’ve laughed quite a few times reading her interview), totally rocks her camera, and is so stinkin’ nice. She has totally rocked seniors this year, and she has definitely made me want to get into photographing them.
She doesn’t live that far from me either, well, in Louisiana, but hey, that’s not far at all. She is definitely on my list of people I would love to meet. You will love her!
So, without further adieu, meet…..
Jessica VanDerMark – Jessica VanDerMark Photography
Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma and Thibodaux area Photographer
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
The swamps of Louisiana! Spent some wonderful years in So Cal {would LOVE to go back}, a few years in Massachusetts and I’ve been back in Louisiana for the last 4 years.
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
I’m not sure what attracted me to photography, because I’ve been drawn to it for as long as I can remember. Like most photographers, I love the ability to capture and freeze a moment in time. Life moves so fast, now more than ever, it brings me peace to be able to just stop in the moment when looking at an image frozen in time.
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
The business side of photography is still new for me. So, I’m not sure I could say that I have a specialty yet, BUT I do know that I would LOVE to make Senior Photography my specialty. I’ve been blessed to have a successful year photographing Seniors and I love it. They are fun, fresh and eager to participate in creating their images. It’s such a big moment in a person’s life and I am so grateful to be a part of capturing it. I love watching them transform from shy kids to rockin’ models by the end of the session. It’s so much fun!
How long have you been a photographer?
I supposed it depends on your definition of photographer. If it’s something you “do”, then less than one year. If it’s something you “are”, then since my first camera in elementary school.
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
Only me. Though, the thought of an assistant is marvelous!
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
Though I have not attended any formal schooling, I don’t like the words “self taught” either. I feel like it discredits all of the amazing photographers that have had a hand in my journey. Plus, I’m still learning…don’t think I will ever be finishing learning. It’s part of the appeal of photography to me. Endless possibilities with every session, every image, every location, every lesson, every person you meet.
Morning or night owl?
Pre-children..NIGHT OWL! Post-children, morning! =)
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
I. Have. No. Clue. Lol Seriously, I really don’t know how I would describe my style…perhaps I’m still trying to figure it out!
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
I’ve been with my husband since the day we met 11 years ago. Literally. In fact, he bought me a camera the very first Christmas we celebrated together. It was a 35mm point and shoot! My existing camera was broken and he surprised me with a new one for Christmas! The picture of us is from the night we met…see how special photography is?? It’s a bad, grainy photo…but it’s a photo none-the-less from the night we met. I am so glad to have it and it was all because I never leave my house without a camera in hand! Then there are my amazing children! Brice – 16, Joe – 14, Maddison – 12, Katie Grace -7 and Hayden – 3. Calm down people, I didn’t give birth to all 5. Two of them were a wonderful bonus that came with my husband! =)
This is why you totally crack me up Jessica! The comment about “Calm down people”. Love it.
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
I would like to do a self portrait of the day project. Because my worst fear is that my kids won’t have any pictures of me to share with their kids, and their kids, and so on and so on…
How do you balance work, and your family?
Balance??? You mean, it’s a real thing?? Oh my…I thought that was just some Cajun French folklore!
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
I use a Shootsac for my sessions and LOVE it! I currently shoot with a 50D that hangs from a Black Rapid strap and LOVE that too! {Hoping to get a Marky Mark soon} My lenses include 50 1.4, 85 1.8 and 70-200 2.8 – Though I can’t imagine giving any of them up, I would have to say I can’t live without my 70-200! It serves me for both sports photography and portrait sessions.
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why?
Gosh, I could think of soooo many people I would love to photograph! But let me see if I can narrow it down.
James Franco Why??? Do you have to ask? Seriously, yes…he is easy to look at, but I think he would be up for anything and that would be so fun.
Natalie Portman…that face is perfection.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
My husband and I have a marketing company, so technically I guess I am something else!
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
I asked him and he said Smart. Thoughtful. Beautiful. Interesting…and then he rambled more words and I told him to follow the rules!
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
Other photographers definitely…their art inspires me to keep pushing myself to see what I can discover.
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
Long term goals.. hahahahaha… I don’t know if this is a good quality or a bad quality, but I really don’t have long time goals…I’ve always tended to just live life. I believe if what you are doing today is good and you are doing good by people, your path will take care of itself. My husband is not like that at all and I think it drives him a little crazy! Hee hee
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
I’m not much a blog stalker but I do have some photogs that I LOVE!
Kirk Voclain…incredibly proud that he is from my home town.
Michelle Kane – amazing! If you love color, you will love her!
http://michellekanephotography.com/photoblog/
Kelly Moore – Most people rave about her bags (understandably so) but she also rocks her camera! http://kellymoorephotography.com/index2.php?v=v1#/home/
MarK Eric : http://www.markeric.com/
Blair Phillips : http://www.blairphillipsphotography.com/
Jerry Ghionis : www.jerryghionisphotography.com
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Bringing my kids to hockey, softball, basketball, cheer….cooking, working, spending time with family…listening to music…whatever I can squeeze in!
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
I can never narrow down anything to only one option. Just not possible for me! I would love to travel to the little town in France that my ancestors are from. I would also love to go to Tuscany…Fiji sounds nice…..Belize wouldn’t be so bad…I could swing a trip to Brazil while I’m at it. Seriously, I have no clue how to pick only one!
What is one thing that you want to do in your life?
I think I’m doing it now. I’m in a happy marriage, with great kids doing what I love. What more could I ask for? However, I would love to give back more. I really would like to leave my mark on the world by making someone’s life better as a result of my actions. That would make me feel like I’ve really accomplished something.
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
I love quotes…again, don’t know if I have a favorite. But my mom sent a good one to me today. It’s from a book by one of my grandfather’s favorite authors.
“ There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning. ”
Louis L’Amour (1908–1988) American writer
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
I think I would pick Blair Philips … he seems like he would be so much fun and I would love to do a very non-traditional session with my family!
Recently I had a conversation with Kirk Voclain about how I wanted to go to him for my Senior Portraits, but my mom shot me down and he invited me to his studio this summer to get the session I always wanted! I’m beyond excited about that! What a great guy!
If you could photograph one area of photography for a day, what would it be, why? (Something other than what you photograph, i.e. architecture, food, boudoir, birth, etc.)
A military assignment would be amazing. What an honor that would be to capture the men and women of our country who are putting their lives on the line to preserve all that we have.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
Take your time to learn light! I truly believe that nothing else you learn in photography matters if you don’t take the time to learn how to read light. I wish someone would have told that to me. I’m still on my journey to really learning how to read it, how to manipulate it and make it work to my advantage. But with every little nugget I learn and apply, I watch my photography grow.
What magazine could you not live without?
Not much of a magazine reader, but I do get Rangefinder in the mail and look forward to every edition!
Please include some of your favorite images….
Once again, this week I was able to get to know another fabulous photographer. I’m so incredibly grateful to be part of this industry. You meet some FANTASTIC people. I think my husband is also glad I’ve met so many great people, because then he only has to “talk shop” with me sometimes. Right Brett?
Jessica, thank you so much for being our featured photographer. You had me laughing at quite a lot of your replies, just b/c I could almost hear how they would be said. Especially, “Calm down people.” I had a great time getting to know you better, and of course being able to see how you rock your camera. Thanks again.
Well, I’m off for now. Going to meet one of my wonderful friends for a little Round Top Collection date.
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