Sweet newborns
Kiddos
Couples 
Family
Posted on July 14, 2011
So our themed feature has been wrapped up, and let me say I had a blast! I will definitely be doing another themed one again. Well, it’s Thursday, and let me tell you, I’m ready for the weekend. I haven’t been sleeping great, and that just makes for rough days. I don’t have a lot of funny comments in me today, as they seem to have ran off with my sleep, so therefore, I’m going to jump right into our feature for this week. You have seen her here before, in fact, she was part of our Boudoir edition. She is April Lewis, the talented gal behind Life In Print Photography by April Michelle. She’s a funny gal, and so sweet as well. I’ve actually been able to meet her, and we actually shot a maternity session together for another photographer, along with another photographer friend of ours, Dayna. It was a blast, and that day made for lots of laughs! LOTS!
So, let’s say hello to April, and get to know her some more, shall we? “And, here we goooooo” (What movie is that from? Come on, take a guess).
April Lewis – Life In Print Photography by April Michelle
www.lifeinprintphotography.net
Spring, Texas Photographer
Where are you from?
Tampa, FL Where do you currently live? Spring, TX (Suburb of Houston)
What does photography mean to you?
It means the world, after God, my kids, my husband and my family & friends What attracted you to photography? The creative and expressive outlet it gives me, I have a need to create and be creative .
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
PEOPLE….in any and all aspect, little to big, young and old, pregnant or not, in love or married. Its way more fun than products and architecture, lol.
How long have you been a photographer?
Since I was in High School (I graduated in 1994)
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
It’s just me but I do sometimes ask my teenage daughters for help, they are great at carrying stuff and making little kids smile.
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
High school class but it was film and only black and white….when I started with digital I was self taught. The free ones…..actually I have only attended a few business ones.
Morning or night owl?
Night Owl
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
Fun, Creative, Simple, Versatile
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
My husband Justin, daughter Alexis (16), daughter Sonja (14), son Donovan (11), son Izaiah (10)
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
Document a birth
How do you balance work, and your family?
I work a full time non photography job and run my business all while having a family function as close to normal as I can. I work my day job until 3:30pm, I try to edit and work when I get home, cook dinner or if I am really busy my husband will cook. I still try to have at least two nights a week that I do not edit, that way I can spend more family time. I limit my sessions to 4-5 a month….that has not been happening though lately. Everyone pretty much chips in with chores and we somehow manage.
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
Canon – 7D, 40D and I still have a 350D, can’t seem to part with it yet. Sigma 70-200 2.8, Sigma 70-300 4.6, Canon 50 1.4, Sigma 17-70 2.8, Canon 28-135 3.5 Sigma 17-70 2.8
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why?
Myself, I would love to do self portraits but I am just so self conscious and I can never be happy with any image of myself.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
Something creative, I wanted to be an interior designer at one point.
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
Impatient, Moody, Emotional, Loving (I just asked him and this is what he told me, yikes).
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
Coming up with new things to try and neat props.
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
I want to leave a legacy….I would love to do a series where some of my photography would be displayed some where as an exhibit.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
I don’t stalk really, I never find much time to read but I am getting better at it now with my iPad…..Jasmine Star, Indie Jane (she was a pea and I love her carefree fun lifestyle), Jordan Krogman’s Three Little Birds, Rebekka Guoleifsdottier (Iceland), Lucia Holm (she has not updated her blog since April L), My Sweet Chaos.
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Editing, lol or spending time with my family
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
Italy or Australia
What is one thing that you want to do in your life?
Leave a legacy
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
“If you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything.”
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
Rebekka Guoleifsdottier…..I love her style
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.)
Street portraits….I would love to randomly walk around and capture people unknowingly in their everyday life, doing everyday things.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
Read and gain knowledge and then practice what you read.
What magazine could you not live without?
Rangefinder and After Capture
Thanks for joining us again April! It’s been a blast having you join us for Talk To Me Thursday! Love your work, and love how fun you are! Can’t wait for our next meet up. Keep up the great work! 
Well, I’m off to enjoy some liquid energy so I can get some more accomplished for today! Have a fabulous Thursday!!!
Posted on June 2, 2011
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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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