Sweet newborns
Kiddos
Couples 
Family
Posted on June 2, 2011
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Posted on April 7, 2011
Hello all! It’s April 7, 2011. It’s Thursday. It’s also almost the weekend! Wahoo! I’m stoked for our weekend. We have a carnival Friday night, then we have our family pictures of Saturday. Oh yes, you heard that right. We’re having our pictures taken, and I’m pumped. I love actually being able to be in the pictures with my family, and I love our photographer, Cathy Hengst. She’s one of my close friends, and I love that my kids love her! We always have fun during the session, and this year she didn’t get to see what the girls Matilda Jane outfits are ahead of time, so I’m excited to see what she thinks.
Okay, so it’s Thursday, and that also means it’s time for Talk To Me Thursday!! The photographer being featured today is actually a photog that lives close to me, yet I’ve never been able to meet her. I’ve known her for awhile from another photography forum, and from how she sounds on throught the internet, I know she would have me cracking up. She’s come down to my area quite a few times to catch up with a close mutual friend of ours, but I wasn’t ever able to meet up. She is such a sweet gal, and one of these days, we will definitely have to get together. Another fun piece of info on her…she’s expecting a little girl this summer! How exciting!!. Hoping to be able to get together with her and her wee one, and do a little session. 
I know Dayna will be wanting to join as well. So, how about we meet her. Sound good to you?
Let’s introduce…
Rachael Hutchinson – Rachael Hutchinson Photography
Houston, Texas Photographer
www.rachaelhutchinsonphotography.com/blog
Where are you from? Where do you currently live?
I’m from Houston, Texas. I was born and raised here, and I have lived here most of my life. We spent a short time in San Antonio, but we moved back to Houston as soon as we could.
What does photography mean to you? What attracted you to photography?
To me photography is a way of telling a story. The pictures I take capture stories. They may be short like a birthday party, or long like an entire childhood, but all of the images add up to tell a story. I have always loved being able to capture memories and stories with still photos.
Describe the area of photography you specialize in? Why did you choose this area?
I specialize in birth photography. I love standing back and capturing events and moments and going unnoticed, and I loved the idea of being able to capture the hours surrounding a baby’s birth. I think much like a wedding, a birth is a beautiful and amazing life event that should be captured and remembered forever. I decided to give it a try and I fell in love. I feel like I’ve found what I was meant to do.
How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve had a camera in my hands starting as far back as I can remember. I started out with a LeClick disc film camera, and I have rolls and rolls of film from when I was little and I took pictures of everything. I hate to think how much money I cost my mom over the years developing a hundred rolls of pictures of my cat! As for actually being a professional photographer, I’ve been doing it seriously for about four years now.
Is it only you with your business, or do you have an assistant?
It’s just me! I do work with another great birth photographer on a backup system in case one of us has an emergency and can’t make a birth.
Are you self taught or have you attended formal schooling? What workshops/seminars have you found useful to you?
I’m self taught. I’ve never taken any classes, but I am a member of Lyndsay Stradtner’s Birth Experience and it’s been one of the most valuable resources I have found for my birth photography. I have learned a lot from the seasoned birth photographers there.
Morning or night owl?
I’m usually a night owl, that’s when I like to do most of my photo editing and catching up on the tv shows on the DVR. Although lately I can’t stay up past about 9pm, so I’m sure not being very productive!
If you could describe your style of photography in 4 words, what would they be?
I think that would be really different for births versus portraits, so I’m going to describe my birth photography. Real, emotional, moving, beautiful
Who is your family? Include some pictures of them since we all know that our family is always in our photographs.
I’ve been married to my husband, Chad, for 8 years now. We have two children, Mason and Scarlett. Another baby girl will join us sometime in June! Believe it or not I only have one family photo of all of us together. One of the hardest things to do as a photographer is get yourself in your pictures. Next spring we’re going to have someone do some real family pictures of us…I guess we were procrastinating for a reason, we didn’t have everyone yet!
What is a project that you would like to do this year with your photography?
Since I’ll be busy starting this summer with the new baby, I’d like to take advantage of having a newborn and baby subject at my disposal 24/7 and try a lot of new things with my little model. I’m excited about getting to spread out the newborn photos that you usually have to work really hard for in a four hour session over the course of a couple weeks and having fun with it!
How do you balance work, and your family?
Right now as a mom of young children, they are my first priority. Aside from births which can come at any time, I do all my shooting on the weekends when my husband can stay with our kids. Until our kids are all in school my photography will remain part time so I can devote most of my attention to them and their needs.
We all want to know…what’s in YOUR bag? What lens could you not live without?
I shoot with a Nikon D700. My favorite lens has always been the 50mm 1.4. I love the focal length, I love shooting wide open with it, and I love the sharpness of it. I also have the 24-70 which I love for it’s versatility. I recently switched to Nikon from Canon and although it was a very hard decision to make, I’ve been very happy with the results.
If you could photograph any person in the world, who would it be? Why?
Honestly, and this is probably a very boring answer…I’m just happy to be photographing my own family. There is nothing I’d rather capture than their childhoods and our life right now. It’s what makes me happy, and it’s why I love photography. I’ll take my kids out and do a session with them any day. They of course don’t think it’s as fun as I do.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
I’m not really sure. I knew after having my first baby that I didn’t want to return to the corporate workplace, so I’d probably just be a stay at home mom who takes a lot of pictures of her own kids! Maybe I’d be an event planner…I’m really good at coming up with all these ideas for projects and things but never starting or finishing them.
What are 4 words your husband would use to describe you?
Caring, genuine, artistic, indecisive (it’s true, I over-analyze everything!)
What helps keep you motivated with photography?
Shooting often. When I have a few days where I don’t pick up my camera, I start to feel like I’m moving backwards. Just picking up my camera to photograph the little every day things helps keep me looking for something new.
Tell us about some of your long term goals (with photography or personal life)?
Photography related, I’d like to get my little studio room all decorated and set up to where I can bring clients into it. Right now I just use it for personal photos and friends and family, but I’d really like to use it as a working studio some day.
What blogs do you love to stalk (doesn’t have to be photography related if you don’t want)?
When it comes to photographers, I stalk Bobbi+Mike (http://www.bobbiandmike.com/blog/), Lyndsay Stradner (http://www.lifeinmotionphotography.com/photoblog), and Emily Weaver Brown (http://emilyweaverbrownphoto.com/blog/). There are so many more talented photographers that I stalk, I just can’t list them all! When it comes to non-photo related things I love Annie’s Eats for healthy non-processed recipes (http://annies-eats.com/) and Anna White because I want to build everything on her site! (http://ana-white.com/)
When you’re not shooting, what are you doing?
Usually taking a kiddo to school, soccer practice, or something else. I’ve entered the busy stage of motherhood where you are pretty much a taxi. I didn’t expect it to come so early, my oldest is only 5 ½! I’d also like to get started with my little garden that I’ve been planning for a couple years. Procrastinating…something I’m really good at!
Where is one place you would love to travel to?
I spent three weeks in Australia the summer before I went to college, and it will always be hard to top that! I’d love to go to a pretty beach with blue water and white sand.
What is one thing that you want to do in your life?
I’d like to learn to love cooking. Maybe take some cooking classes so I’m better in the kitchen. I love good healthy food, but I’m not really great at cooking that food!
What is a quote that means a lot to you?
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt.
If you could pick one photographer in the world to do a session for you, and your family, who would it be and why?
That’s tough because there are a couple photographers who I would love to photograph my family. If I had to pick one I’d say Bobbi+Mike. I just love their style and the way they interact with their clients.
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 like to do some wildlife photography. I always had dreams of being a photographer for National Geographic when I was little! I don’t really have the equipment for it considering births are on the super wide end of lenses and wildlife is on the super long end.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in photography, what would it be?
Take your images and ask for constructive criticism so you can learn and grow. Don’t be hurt when you absolutely love an image and people point out the mistakes. You can still love it and keep it, but learn and grow from that advice to make the next image even better. I still have the very first images I ever took with my Rebel, and although I can look back and see the many things I was doing wrong when I was starting out, I still love those pictures.
What magazine could you not live without?
The only magazine I get is Rangefinder for photographers, and it’s free! I’m not really a magazine kind of person. I love to read, but I have very little time for reading these days.
Please include some of your favorite images….
Thanks so much Rachael for being our featured photographer! Your work is absolutely gorgeous and seeing your birth photography really makes me want another baby! I love your style and can’t wait to see what stuff you come up with for this new little one coming. It will be fun and exciting for sure.
Thanks again for coming on the blog this week Rachael! It was fun getting to know you more! I really do love these questions we have. They seem like such easy questions, but I love seeing the answers from people. 
Thanks again.
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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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