Sweet newborns
Kiddos
Couples 
Family
Posted on September 22, 2011
Hello all! It’s Thursday, and the rain has definitely brought something unpleasant my way. My head is pounding, and I can’t breathe. I have horrible allergies, and they have chosen now to remind me of how much I dislike them. However, it’s Thursday and that means we have another talented photographer joining us today. I met this talented gal through a forum, and let me tell you…her work is fabulous. She has taken her talent in a completely different direction than most, and it’s fantastic. I have featured another photographer before that I classified her work as magical, and this is another one as well. It’s fantastic, and is definitely awesome to look at. So, sit back, enjoy, and get to know Brittany Bentine of Locked Illusions Photography!
Brittany Bentine – Locked Illusions Photography
Houston, Texas and surrounding areas Photographer
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
Houston, TX area , Friendswood to be exact. I also have lived in Denver , Englewood and Littleton Colorado as well for a few years.
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
Photography is a means in which you can artistically escape to make a world all of your own. I had modeled for a couple of years and decided I would much rather be behind the lens rather than in front.
Describe the area of photography you specialize in?
Child and family dark art,alt goth and fantasy themed and styled photography.
Why did you choose this area?
It just feels as home. I don’t really know how to to answer this question exactly but.. I knew there were not that many options in family photography as far as alternative family regarding family art so this is where I wanted to be. Plus its just where my vision takes me.
How long have you been a photographer?
3-4 years but professionally 2.
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
I’m the only one behind the camera, but I very often work with a makeup artist Sarah Bowers of If Looks Could Kill. I also work with hair stylist Alecia Ramos. Both are absolutely talented and amazing women. I also work with a number of different clothing designers as well.
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling?
What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you? 100% self taught I’ve not been one to be into workshops or seminars and I’m just downright way to shy.
Morning or night owl?
Night owl
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
Fantasy,dark arts,alternative,mysterious ?
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
My wonderful best friend and husband Ben, and 3 awesome boys, Dreyvn my oldest he is 9, Addon my middle baby he is 7 and my baby boy is Jude he is 2.
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
Oh gosh there are entirely just way to many to post here. But one project I want to work with is an albino look series as well as mermaids.
How do you balance work, and your family?
I make them a part of what I do at home. While I’m editing they are by my side. I take time away to give them the attention and love they deserve.
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
50 mm 2.8 macro and 85mm 1.8 Canon 5d. Love my 85 but looking forward to adding to the bag.
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why?
Wow hmmm I have no idea. I don’t think it is an exact person as much as it is a look that fits my visions.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
Honestly I’m quite unsure however painting and sculpting would probably be a focus.
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
Pain In The Butt LOL.
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
The continuous visions and the joy of just working with the wonderful kids and families. I really love it.
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
To open an art gallery with my works. I’d love to have my pieces displayed. I’d also love to work with magazines as well that would accept and embrace this style with children.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
I’m honestly not a blog stalker.
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Spending time with my family.
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
Rome!
If you listen to music during editing, what music just totally keeps you going?
All sorts I do love so many fantastic artist I am a Christian so I do tend to listen to a bit of Christian tunes of all sorts as well as classical.
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
Blow a kiss to the wind and I will rain.
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
Dave Hill. His eye and technique is rather outstanding.
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 really don’t know I suppose what I do now but with some more exotic animals and perhaps in another country with outstanding architecture.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
Don’t just shoot what everyone else is. Step outside the box and remain there. Do what YOU dream and want to do not what everyone else is doing.
What magazine could you not live without?
I do tend to really enjoy gothic beauty,alt fashion and auxiliary just to name a few.
Please include some of your favorite images….
Thank you so much for joining us Brittany! Your work is absolutely fascinating, and seeing you grow over the last year of knowing you has been awesome! Your creativity is fabulous, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for the future! Thanks again for joining us. 
Posted on September 15, 2011
It’s almost fall, which means, it’s time to start thinking of the fabulous time to get those beautiful family portraits taken. This year I’ve introduced Holiday Mini Sessions. Those are short and sweet. They’re 20-30 minutes in length, provide 8-12 images in a password protected gallery viewable for one week. I also have special collections that were made with the mini’s specifically in mind. The info for mini’s is below:
We also have the information up for the full length sessions. We have some fabulous incentives going this season. When booking a full length session, you can pick one of two FREE products!
The promotion for this ends January 31st. So even if you aren’t wanting them in time for Christmas, you still can get the awesome incentive.
ALSO, for every session that spends at least $250, you will get another free product! Oh yes, and it is a pretty little product. What is it you ask….
it is a 3×3 Organic Bloom frame! Like the ones shown below. It will also include…a 3×3 image from your session! These are absolutely beautiful frames, and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on these beauties! You will be able to choose from any design they offer, and also whatever color you want. These frames are only sold exclusively to photographers. So, book your session today to be able to take advantage of the fabulous promos we have going right now!
Posted on September 8, 2011
Hello all! It’s time for Talk To Me Thursday, and we have such a fabulous gal joining us today. Before we get to that, I want to take a moment and talk about something that has really been on my mind.
On a personal note…
Every 3 years, I tell my husband that we need to prepare for some seriously bad weather. Typically, I’m referring to hurricanes, since that is what the south normally has. Well, this year, when hurricane season started, I told him, we really need to prepare for a bad hurricane this year. Three years ago we had Hurricane Ike come and leave some horrible damage behind. It was so sad to see the devastation, and three years before that there was Hurricane Katrina and Rita. So this year, I was ready. Well, the hurricane season is almost over, and I was glad to say that we hadn’t received any bad weather…until Sunday. When a massive amount of wildfires flared up. We’re not used to wildfires, b/c hey, we’re in the south, and we get hurricanes, not wildfires. So, I sat there and thought…it’s been three years since Ike, and we may not have a huge hurricane, but so much of Central and Southern Texas is now dealing with massive wildfires. The fires have left tons of people forced to evacuate their homes, not knowing if when they return, if they will even have anything left. It’s extremely sad, and so heartbreaking. You can ask my husband, I watch the news several times a day trying to see what these fires are doing. We have so many firefighters out there battling these horrible fires, and then we have the wives and even husbands of these firefighters, having to watch their spouses go fight these fires. I’m extremely honored to be able to have my BIL as a firefighter. It makes me even more proud to call him my BIL. Not only is he brave to go fight these fires, but my SIL is also brave. She’s brave to let her husband go fight fires every day, and have the faith that he will return to her and my sweet little niece. Me and the girls drove up and dropped off donation supplies for the firefighters, so that they will stay hydrated and also have some food to fuel their energy. The girls were excited to see their uncle was safe, and so glad that we were able to go help him “not be hungry or thirsty”. Love kids minds.
So to Michael, and all of you men and women fighting these wildfires, and other fires everyday…Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are such brave men and women, and we’re all so incredibly grateful for all you do for all of us to help protect us, and keep us safe in times of need. To the spouses of these men and women, thank you as well. If it weren’t for you being brave as well, we wouldn’t have them. You’re the ones behind the scenes as well, kissing them and hugging them as they go protect all of us. So thank you to all of you! May God be with those firefighters, their spouses, and to all of the men, women, children, and pets having to evacuate your homes…our prayers go out to all of you.
Talk To Me Thursday
Our guest today is a gal I’ve met through of course, photography forums. She’s absolutely fantastic, and I can’t wait for the day she goes into business. She has a great eye, and she has fabulous work. She has two little girls that are so stinking cute, and furbabies that almost as cute as her little girlies. She is also a huge enabler. 
She has helped add 3 lenses to my list (my husband thanks her), and she also has made me realize, it’s okay to have multiple camera bags. Which in turn, has helped add two more bags to my list.
So, let’s get to this fabulous lady, who not only is a fabulous photographer, but is so funny and sweet. She cracks me up all the time, and is on my list of people I HAVE to meet. Make sure you check out all her blogs (I’m linking her main one), but she has some gorgeous macro images!
Let’s say hello to…
Crystal Ziegenfuss – The Ziggy Life
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
I was born and raised in Southern California. It’s a fairly small town with beautiful views of our mountains. I have hopes of moving North, hopefully out of California, possibly Northern Idaho where my dad and grandma live.
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
I’ve always been obsessed with taking pictures. I always had a camera because I wanted to document and capture my life so I could look back when I was older and see all the fun I had in my youth. So I guess in a way I’ve always been a lifestyle/photojournalistic photographer at heart. Of course all my life I shot on Auto and never thought about it in terms of photography, light, composition etc. I just took snapshots! Then when I had Haylee (2001) I started scrapbooking and used my awful point & shoot auto flashy pictures for years. Then after I had Avyree (2006) I started to yearn for better quality images like those I was seeing online and message boards. And 2 years later my new life began!
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
I don’t think I really specialize in anything particular. I just shoot what I love and what moves me. But if I had to say one thing, I’m a lifestyle/photojournalistic photographer. I do not do sessions and posing. I’m horrible at it and I do not enjoy it, which is probably why I am horrible at it. Moments, real life moments and who people really are, is what moves me. I love details as well. Lifestyle real moments and details. That is what you could say I specialize in. I love shooting events and second shooting weddings with a friend of mine. If I ever decide to go into business, I’d love to go into events & on location product photography. I have no desire to ever do sessions and family photography.
How long have you been a photographer?
I got my very first camera (Canon XSi kit) on June 30th 2008. So I just celebrated my 3 year anniversary.
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
Ha-ha..yes…it’s only me in my obsession!
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
I am internet taught! Everything I’ve learned has been online! Various different resources online, including many amazing women on photography message boards. A couple of Photoshop books along the way as well, but mostly online. I’ve yet to find a photography book that can teach me more than I can learn for free online! Google was and is my best friend! I would love do to the Wallflowers retreat one day with both Leah’s! I’m getting to a point where I’d love to start doing workshops with photographers I admire just for the fun and experience.
Morning or night owl?
Before photography I was a morning owl. 5am sharp, out jogging 5 miles. Now I’ve turned into a night owl, 25lbs heavier and no more morning jogs! Lol! Too many late nights at the computer editing and obsessing over PS. I LOVE to edit so I can spend days editing!
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
Lifestyle, story-telling, bokeh and details!
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
( photo taken by Amanda Ward of A M W Photography)
My husband Eric & I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary may 19th of this year! My oldest daughter Haylee will be 10 Nov 19th and my youngest daughter Avyree just turned 5! Our 16lb fat cat Thor (5) and our sweet big fat baby pit bull Lily (2).
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
I would like to start trying my hand at product photography that includes people. A dear friend of mine that makes headbands sent me several for the girls to model. Even though I don’t like to pose and do session type pictures, I did enjoy the product aspect of it. It was no longer about the person but the product and how to have the person best display the product! I think that may be something I could get into and as close to posing people as I will ever get! Product photography is in my heart and a part of who I am as a photographer. So I would like to start playing around with that and maybe move to clothes and accessories!
How do you balance work, and your family?
Easy, I don’t work! Lol! But I do spend a LOT of time and Photoshop. Sadly, probably more than most that are in business! It’s something I’m working on and need to balance better. I love to edit and can get lost in PS for too long! One way I’m balancing better is by spending less time on the internet, so that I can still spend a lot of time in PS!
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
Sigh…my FAVORITE thing to talk about, next to PS. What’s in my 3 bags! Lol! Can I talk about my bags too? I have the medium Jill E in red and use it only for storage and travel where I need to take all my gear. Great bag, great padding, made well, but just too boxy to carry around. Then I have my most used bag, my Jo Tote Rose bag in Sugarplum. I love it because it’s big enough to fit my camera gripped, 3 lenses and all my purse stuff with a little extra room. I love that it’s deep so I don’t have to zip it up every time and still feel safe! The padding could be better but the price is right! Then my Epiphanie Lola in red. I love her, but she’s small. It’s made well with great padding. But I have to take my grip off and can only take 2 lenses in the bag and even then I usually have to take my cards etc out of my wallet and put it in the zipper bag. So I’m limited on what purse stuff will fit even with just two lenses (one on the camera, one in a slot). I only use her when I know I’ll only use one lens on camera. Sometimes I’ll cram 2 but normally I just take my Rose bag. And because the top is curved, it’s impossible to zip up with one hand but is way too shallow to leave open!
Okay…onto equipment…yay! I shoot Canon and I’m a prime lens bokeh junkie! I’ve had 3 camera bodies and am down to one. Started with the XSi, then the 50D and now the Classic 5D. I’m also a full frame junkie, but that kind of goes along with a bokeh junkie, so not surprising! I’ve bought/sold over 10 lenses. I started with primes, switched to zooms and am back to primes! Lol! So I can say with confidence that I am a prime lens full frame girl! Lol! My two lenses that I simply could not live without are my 35L & my 135L. These two lenses truly complete me! Both are SO SHARP, even wide open! The AF is super fast, quiet and accurate, even wide open! The colors are gorgeous, but no surprise with L glass. The 35L is a surprising little lens too. The bokeh from this wide angle lens is amazing, which is rare for a wide angle lens! I use my 35L for all my indoor shooting and when I want a standard wide angle shot. I also use my 35L for detail shots! I shoot it at 1.8 99% of the time and this is my most used lens. My 35L is great for lifestyle shots as well. I love the perspective I get with my lifestyle shots with my 35L. I use my 135L for more traditional portraits when I want the face to have no distortion and I want that compressed buttery bokeh. Then I have my 100mm 2.8 Macro (non L) that I don’t use too often but can’t bare to get rid of. I find I use my 35L & 135L for details more than my macro. But I have my days where I go out with my macro and just explore. My newest lens (that I rented first) is my Tokina 16-28. I wanted an ultra wide and never bought off brand. But I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews and it got better reviews than Canon’s 16-35L. The only drawback for some is that you cannot put filters on the Tokina. The Tokina is SUPER sharp and so much detail and the colors are gorgeous which I’m surprised at for an off brand camera. Distortion isn’t too bad and almost no CA. Then I have my Lensbaby Composer for when I really want to just let my hair down! I also have a 430ex II Speedlight & OCF accessories that I rarely use as I love the softness, texture & depth of natural light. I edit with PSCS4 and am calibrated with Spyder3Elite. And I can say for the first time in three years, I have nothing on my wish list! Besides an backup camera, I’m complete! Told you I love talking equipment. Sorry this got so long! Lol!
This was the short answer she sent as well…I love the long answer.
(SHORTER ANSWER)… In my bag is my Canon Classic 5D plus grip. EF 35mm 1.4L, EF 135mm 2.0L, EF 100mm 2.8 Macro, Tokina 16-28mm 2.8, Lensbaby Composer, Canon 430ex II Speedlite with OCF accessories and I edit with PSCS4 & am calibrated with Sypder3Elite) And I can say for the first time in three years, that besides a backup camera, I have nothing on my wishlist!
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why? (I totally agree with her answer…such a cutie Paul Walker is).
Funny… Paul Walker because I have a MAD crush on that smile & eyes…not to mention his long lean muscles! Haha! Serious… I really & truly do not know. There are so many people with beautiful souls that I would love to capture. So many people I want to get to know WHO they are through my photos. But I don’t have just one person. I know…so boring! Lol!
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
Just a mom! Lol! Now I’m a mom with a camera!
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
Oh crap! Ha! We have a very funny way of showing love and affection. It’s teasing each other! So it might not be suitable for Melanie’s blog! Lol! I texted him to ask and this is what he said and I quote…
“Photography O……C…….D!” Gotta love him! Lol!
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
My girls and documenting their childhood for them. Random shots of details, flowers, scenes etc motivate me. Non people shots motivate me! Photoshop motivates me. When I don’t feel like shooting but want to edit, I HAVE to get out there and shoot so I can edit. Knowing one day my girls will be grown and have families of their own. Knowing how badly I will need the visual memories, especially when my memory starts to go. That motivates me the most! Preserving the visual memories of their life!
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
Personal life… find more balance between computer time & family time. Start exercising again to lose weight and to feel better physically and mentally!
Photography… Truly, my main long term goal is to stay true to my heart & vision and follow it! o not second guess myself and just shoot & edit from my heart! One day I may go into business but I may not! I will see where the wind takes me! But the one thing I want is to always love it and always stay true to me! Everything else will fall into place.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
I have MANY so I’ll post my top 10 favorites & why I love them (not in order)…
Joielala Photographie (I love their shooting style but their editing style makes my heart melt)
Leah Zawadzki or more popularly known as Lilyblue (love her shooting style & her ability to edit each image based on light/mood so accurately. I love her lifestyle candid relaxed approach to photography)
Red Leaf Studios (I love everything about them…what else can I say)
Bobbi & Mike (their fun quirky ways, their love for each other & photography, their ability to make their subject feel comfortable in front of the camera, their ability to pose so naturally, the fun funky angles, their editing…really everything)
Lisa Lucky (Wow…she rocks. Her colors, her sharpness, her details and her over head shots just amaze me. Here editing (so unlike my own style) is divine!)
Tara Whitney… (huge fan of hers. Of course her lifestyle shooting. Her real to life editing. Her wide angle lens use, the OOF shots and her use of light. Her ability to stay true to herself, her vision and her passion and never be swayed. Plus I hear she’s like the coolest and nicest person in real life. Which shows in her work!)
Karen Russell… (Oh how I love her and her cute little family. I love the way she documents her childrens lives! I love how she loves her husband. I love everything about her, her blog and her photography)
Millie Holloman & Company… (Rachel is my favorite photographer from this company. I love her style and feel she’s a little more creative, funky & fun than the rest! But I love their clean shots, their use of light and DOF. There is something so real about their shots. Like you can reach out and touch the scene/person!)
Jasmine Starr… (What isn’t there to love. She captures beauty of her subjects in such a natural yet posed way, like Bobbi & Mike. I love the clean pureness of her work. Her focus is unreal. I always feel like I get to know the people she shoots through her blog. She’s gorgeous but so real and funny. She pretty much rocks!)
Funky Photographer… (I don’t remember where I found her! She was on a message board I go onto for a short time. I find myself always going to her blog to see her new work! I love her style of shooting, planning and props. I love her use of light and most of her editing! Lol! The only thing I don’t like is her use of extreme angles. But I’m always excited to see her new work!)
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Editing, message boards, Facebook and reading! I LOVE to read, so my Kindle is almost as much of a part of me as my camera. I played softball my whole life but stopped when Haylee was about 2. I’d like to get back into that in the next year! Other than that, like my husband said… Photography OCD! I’m pretty boring!
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
Hawaii
If you listen to music during editing, what music just totally keeps you going?
I don’t listen to music but I have all 10 seasons of FRIENDS and a little DVD player next to my computer and I just put those on while I’m editing. I start at 1 and go to 10 then start over again! First disk of Season 10 is playing as I type this!
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
“This too shall pass” & “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”!
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
Wow..that’s a hard one! I’ve got two in mind and I don’t know if I could pick one! Joielala Photography and Leah Zawadzki (Lilyblue)!
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.)
On location food/product for a restaurant or on location product for a boutique.
(If apples always looked this pretty and good, I would eat them all the time! ) Lol -Melanie
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
So many thing you could say because there is SO much to photography, from the technical aspect and the emotional aspect. So the first thing I would say is watch the light! Not quantity, but quality! It will make learning SO much easier and more fun, it will make your editing so much easier and fun & it will make your end results look much more pleasing & professional! Don’t shoot at high noon and bad hot white afternoon light if you are going for photography shots. If you are just shooting your kids at the park….shoot away. And don’t shoot when it’s too dark indoors with lamps turned on. And when shooting indoors, learn the window light in your house! Some rooms have better light at different times of the day and seasons! Learn your light in your house and shooting indoors will be much better. Learn good light outside and avoid the bad times of day, and your work and happiness will grow! Lol! But probably the most important thing I can say is…stay true to WHO you are as a photographer! Always be open to grown and learn but DO NOT change who you are inside…that core of what makes you the photographer you are, for anyone! If you love posing, learn it and grow with it. If you love clean editing, rock it. If you love lifestyle or creative edits like myself and want to be out of the box…embrace it and go with it! No matter who you are, what you love and your style…it’s what makes you YOU and special! Like Jasmine Starr says…YOU are the secret! There is a lot of judgment in this industry and don’t let it get inside! Shoot from your heart always…and you’ll be just fine!
What magazine could you not live without?
I’m bad here…none! Lol! I get the free Rangefinder and browse through it and occasionally read. But I’m not a magazine girl!
Please include some of your favorite images….
Crystal, wow! It’s no secret that I love your work, and can’t wait to see if what your future holds. You do an amazing job, and you’re totally going to be someone I turn to when I need to buy macro prints. You’re family is so stinking cute, even your furbabies, and I’m so glad you joined us today. I also have to know where you got those cute cute HB’s for the girls. Waaaayy adorable!
Thank you again for joining us, and it was a blast to get to know you better, and of course I always love your way of enabling.
Posted on September 1, 2011
Hello Hello! Talk To Me Thursday is up, and this one is a talented gal from my hometown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma! We weren’t at the same schools at the same time, so we never ran into each other, but eventually the internet had us meet. We ended up meeting through the world of Xanga, and we’ve “known” other for 6 years! I’ve watched her have two beautiful little girls, and go through life changes. She’s one of the sweetest girls, and can’t wait to actually meet her one day! So let me introduce you to the talented, funny, and sweet….
Summer Wyers – Designs By Summer
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Portrait Photographer
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
I am originally from NE Oklahoma. We moved to central Oklahoma in late 2009.
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
Photography means freezing time. My tagline is “Time flies… Catch it.“ I was first attracted to photography working for my school newspaper in high school. From there I never really considered that I would be a “photographer,” given that writing was more my specialty. However, being the editor forces you to do all things, and I realized that it might be worth a shot to at least pick up as a hobby. I’ve always loved art, so it makes sense looking back.
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
It’s been a long time coming to the point of specialty. I’m not sure I’ll ever settle, but my two main focus points are children and seniors.
How long have you been a photographer?
I started learning photography in high school, continuing through college, and will be a lifelong learner. I shot professionally for the first time in 2004.
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
You can find my husband assisting me much of the time, but as for second shooters, I make use of my photographer friends around the area. We swap out helping one another out so that we can avoid having to pay someone and build our portfolios. I’m a lone ranger!
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
Mostly self-taught. I have a marketing degree, which has helped tremendously in the business side of things. The photography classes I’ve taken were not suited to prepare me for digital photography, and were great for learning the difficult nuts-and-bolts, but the digital portion I learned through trial and error. I job shadowed with a printing company in the graphics department, and I learned a great deal about design, which is how I got started in photography as a source of income.
Morning or night owl?
Both. Although, I am not a morning person. I am forced to wake up. Being a full-time grad student, youth pastor’s wife and a mother of two young daughters requires one to make use of whatever time available.
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
Clean, Heartfelt, Colorful, Whimsical
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
My family is large. My immediate family here at home consists of my husband Dustin, myself and our two sweet little daughters, Isabella (nearly 5) and Presley (6 months). I have 5 younger siblings ages 7-19, and two teenaged stepbrothers. I have wonderful parents, two of the greatest stepparents anyone could ask for, and in-laws that love me like their own. I am very close to my grandparents. Lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that I consider family. I can’t forget my church family as well!
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
This year’s “project file” is reserved for working hard on my website redesign. It’s more than that actually; it’s pretty much my entire marketing plan. My logo, template design and portfolio, and packages are all changing quite drastically. My website will be easier to navigate, feature a much better portfolio, and have the ability to book appointments via an online booking calendar that also has the ability to accept a Paypal payment for the session fee.
How do you balance work, and your family?
Balance? Admittedly, I fail at balance a lot. I’m learning that when your business suddenly takes an upward swing, you have to learn to say no to certain things. I serve both Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas, and it requires extreme organization. People always say how nice it must be that I can work from home, but I tell you what… that is not always a good thing. What is tricky is finding the time to balance family, housework, church, friends, school and work all at the same time. Most of the time people on both the outside and the inside will not understand. My heart belongs to so many things, and priorities can easily be lost in the shuffle.
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
In my bag: Nikon D40x & D80 and Nikkor18-200mm, 50mm 1.8/f, and 105mm 2.8/f lenses. I couldn’t live without both my primes. I don’t care what anyone says, a prime is ALWAYS better than a zoom unless you’re a sports photographer and during ceremonies at weddings.
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why?
Giada DeLaurentiis. Because I’m sure she’d want to be photographed in Greece, of course, which is where I dream of going someday!
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
A therapist.
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
My husband is a very encouraging person! This is a tough one to pick out. Perhaps it would include peaceful, creative, restless and personable?
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
I have a small group of friends that own studios, and it’s nice to gather inspiration and encouragement. It helps to have people to remind you of why you do what you do, and to stay in love with the art of photography, not the business.
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
Most people are surprised to learn that I am working towards my Masters in Professional Counseling. I will graduate next year, and work towards licensure. Long-term I will always be a photographer. I will have lots of flexibility to sustain my business, as I am starting my own counseling and therapy practice.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
Mommy Hates Cooking (www.mommyhatescooking.com)
The Peaceful Housewife (www.thepeacefulhousewife.com)
Hurray4Crochet (www.hurray4crochet.blogspot.com)
The Pioneer Woman – whom I’ve been following since the early days (www.thepioneerwoman.com)
Style Me Pretty (www.stylemepretty.com)
Jamie Delaine (www.JamieDelaine.com)
Jessica Claire (www.JessicaClaire.net)
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Processing! Okay, so when I’m not doing that, I’m raising my babies and being a wife. Then comes school. You’ll find me at our church much of the time, as my husband is a youth pastor. I enjoy spending time with my friends – lunching or going to the mall. When I actually get time to myself, I like to crochet, read, make bread, take extremely long bubble baths, cook with my husband, and work out.
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
The Mediterranean. For SURE. But really, I just need a vacation period.
If you listen to music during editing, what music just totally keeps you going?
I’m embarrassingly eclectic. The Cure, Michael Jackson, ABBA, Black Eyed Peas, David Crowder Band, Lady Gaga, Robbie Seay Band, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, John Mayer, Mozart.
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
“Mediocrity is the intersection of the fear of failure and the fear of success.”
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’ve been following LJ Holloway Photography (www.ljphotography.com) for some time now, and her ability to get near-perfect exposure SOOC is exquisite. She says that photography is weaving light and emotion together, and I love that picture.
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’m not sure. I do cover just about everything having to do with human emotion. I don’t do a lot of boudoir photography because people are often apprehensive about the process. No matter your personality type, I think it’s a wonderful thing for new brides to give to their husbands. It’s so easy to make something like this trashy, and understandably so many people shy away, but in my limited boudior experience, I appreciate its purpose and (after shedding my post-baby weight) would love to be a part of the boudoir movement myself!
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
Just one? LOL! I think that photography should be approached with reverence and respect, not with the intention to “make a buck.” Develop a style, but if you’re dependant on props, Photoshop actions or your camera to make that style work for you, you don’t have a foundation at all. One day one or more of those things you depend on won’t be there, so you’d better know who you are outside of that. My favorite quote is this: A photographer went to a dinner party where he showed many of his photographs. The lady of the house said, “Those are very nice pictures. You must have a great camera.” He said nothing, but when leaving for home offered the following compliment to the lady of the house: “The meal was very nice. You must have a wonderful stove.” Buying a nice camera won’t do you any good unless you know what to do with it, so don’t market yourself as a photographer until you know you’re ready.
What magazine could you not live without?
I’m so boring. I subscribe to All You magazine because I coupon. I keep up with People magazine every once and a while online. That’s pretty much it.
Thanks so much for joining us this week Summer! It’s been awesome seeing you grow over the years with your family, and also with your business. I’ve enjoyed knowing you, and can’t wait to one day actually meet up! Keep up the fabulous work, and congrats for being almost done with your Masters! WAHOO! Thanks again for joining us.
