April 11th, 2011
I met with Carissa from Dulce Photography to ask her a few questions about her photography business. This interview is seriously one of my favorites! Keep an eye on this girl, I seriously think we’ll be seeing amazing things from her!
Carissa, thank you so much for meeting with me! You are a doll, and it’s been such an honor getting to know you! Maybe we’ll be BFFs by the time WPPI rolls around again. ;) Thank you, thank you, thank you. You’re awesome!
How long have you been a photographer?
That’s kind of a loaded question, lol. Technically, this year is my first full year in business. I just graduated last summer, so this is the first year that I’ve been able to solely focus on growing my business. But I shot my first wedding the summer of ’09. I was still going to school at the time, and I interned with Scott Jarvie that summer, between my junior and senior year. And that was when I really fell in love with shooting weddings. However, I really started to pursue photography in ’08, when I switched from a Graphic Design major to a Photography major. So yeah, this is my first full year, but I suppose you could say I started in ’08 when I became a Photography major. Whatever you prefer :)
Have you always been interested in photography?
You know, it’s kind of funny, I actually wrote a blog post about that a little bit ago. It was the first time I ever thought about photography. I was like 7 or 8 years old, and my brother brought a camera home from school with an assignment to take a roll of pictures. Like any little sister, I wanted to be like him. So I took my mom’s camera and this little clay fox she has, and I took a million pictures of it around the house. That’s where it started. After that, I began taking pictures of anything and everything that would stand still long enough for me. I even dressed up my dog. Haha. I have a drawer full of these awful pictures that I took when I was little. (If you want a good laugh, come over and I’ll show them to you lol.) But as I got into high school, it kind of faded, because I never considered it as something I could do for the rest of my life.
So I started college pursuing a Graphic Design major. Then, my sophomore year, I took an Intro to Photography course required for my Graphic Design major, and it was like a light switch went off. I was like “Oh my gosh, what am I doing?? I LOVE this!!” I realized photography was truly still my passion, and that it was something I could do for the rest of my life. So I switched majors. And I haven’t looked back since.
How do you mentally prepare for a shoot?
I have a little collection of some of my favorite pictures, my favorite poses, that always inspire me. I’ll usually flip through those before I head to a shoot. Honestly though, it depends a lot on each individual shoot, because my ultimate goal is to try to capture the personalities of my clients. I don’t want to go in with any preconceived notions of what it’s going to be like, or who they are. So it develops a lot during the shoot. I have a few poses that I fall back on to begin with, but after that I go with the flow. I really want my pictures to be natural.
Has that changed since you first started?
Hmm. Yes and no. When I first started I had no idea what I was doing. I would look through so many photographers’ blogs and spend countless hours reading and looking at pictures, trying to figure it out. I turned to the big shot photographers for inspiration instead of looking within myself and my clients. That’s what I’d say my biggest change is. Instead of looking at other photographers that I admire and trying to emulate them, now I try to focus on my clients and my own vision for the shoot. I used to look at so many blogs I became overwhelmed. But I realized that’s no way to go about building your business or yourself, so I’ve stopped looking at almost all blogs, and I just try to be true to who I am as an artist.
What is it about weddings you like so much?
You know, I think it’s the girl in me! Haha. Seriously though, I’m a hopeless romantic. I love chick flicks. I love romantic stories. I just love LOVE. It’s almost unfair, really, because I get so giddy from other people’s weddings! To be a part of someone’s wedding, the best day of their life, and knowing that they chose me, that they appreciate my style and passion, is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It’s an incredible honor. My wedding day was THE best day of my life, and I honestly feel so blessed to be able to share that with my clients. I love it.
How do you connect with your brides?
It’s really important to me to create a relationship with my brides long before their wedding. I always like to meet with them in person beforehand. If I can’t meet with them in person, we’ll be in contact by phone and email all the time. First and foremost, they need to feel completely comfortable with me and trust me. What a lot of people don’t realize is that, besides the wedding planner, the photographer should be an essential part of planning out the timeline for the day and keeping the schedule going off without a hitch. After all, the pictures kind of depend on that. So I also try to let my brides know that upfront, and assure them that I’m not trying to tell them what to do, I just want to help them understand all the aspects and make sure the day goes as smoothly as possible.
When do you think a photographer crosses the threshold between being an amateur to being a professional?
This is definitely a subjective question, but personally I think the difference between an amateur/hobbyist and a professional is the amount of time and experience that you have. I know some people would disagree with that. Many say if you make money, you are a professional. But I feel it’s much more than that. For instance, I went to school and studied photography. (Not to say that you HAVE to go to school to be successful. I know that’s not true, because I know of plenty extremely successful photographers who never went to school for photography.) But I do think that it gives me an edge, and it helped me progress a lot faster than, say, someone who had to teach themselves. I guess when you feel comfortable with what you’re doing, when you feel your work represents who you are as an artist and you feel confident in that time after time, then you can consider yourself a professional because you have a consistent base of work that you can offer the client. They’ll get exactly what they were expecting.
What would your perfect scenario for a picture that’s 100% Dulce Photography look like?
Oh gosh, let’s see… It would absolutely involve beautiful, soft light. So right before the sun is setting. Maybe in an orchard of blooming flowers, or in a desert full of little cacti and subtle wind, or in a forest full of moss and flowers… Something naturey. (Is that a word? Lol.) I just love things that are soft and pretty. Anything with soft light. I melt over soft light.
Describe your ideal client.
I’d have to say someone who feels comfortable with who they are individually as well as who they are as a couple. I love intimate laughing moments. Like whispering, giggling together. People who can be real without feeling ashamed or nervous. I definitely have fun photographing those kinds of people. But I just love photographing love. It’s hard to go wrong :)
When did you start feeling like a pro?
I think it started in 2009, when I shot my first wedding by myself. I’d shot numerous weddings with Scott already that summer, and I’m very, very thankful for that. Sidenote- I don’t think anyone should ever shoot a wedding as the main shooter without having second shot for someone first. I just don’t think that’s fair to the bride and groom because there are so many things happening, and when you don’t know what to expect, it’s nearly impossible to be able to anticipate everything. You just need that experience, in my opinion. Ok, now I’ll step off my soapbox. -End sidenote. Anyways. That very first wedding I shot by myself, I was nervous and excited and I did a lot of things right and I made a ton of mistakes, too. But I thought to myself for the very first time, “I can do this!” I felt confident in myself. I learned more than I imagined. I took all the things I did wrong and I put them in my back pocket so I wouldn’t do them next time. From there I just started growing.
What was one of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
I was comparing myself waaaay too much to other people. Looking at way too many blogs. Over-saturating my mind, my eyes, with beautiful images that I just felt like I would never compare to. And really, I never could have. Because those photographers are not me. I am not them. I think if I had kept doing that, I would’ve been my own self-destruction. So I just stopped. I cut myself away from all the blogs and websites of all the photographers I could never become. And since I’ve stopped doing that, I’ve felt so much peace of mind and more confident with my own body of work. I’m no longer comparing it to other people’s work, I’m just doing my thing!
If you could change one thing about the photography industry, what would that be?
Oh boy. Well, I’m not sure how on earth this could happen, and I really hope it doesn’t sound stuck up, but I would show brides the difference between someone who owns a nice camera, and someone who is truly a photographer. I would draw a line between someone who’s invested their time, blood, sweat, and money into their business, and someone who thinks that having an expensive camera means they take professional pictures. You could say I am biased because I am a photographer, but I honestly believe that one of the most important investments a bride can make is her photographer. And maybe videographer. That is truly all you are left with to remember your wedding. And I feel so bad when I see a bride stuck with wedding pictures that are not where they could be, where they should be, pictures that don’t do the wedding justice. It makes me sad. So I guess I just want people to realize that. To realize what they could have: cherished memories to look back on that are gorgeous and done right, instead of subpar at best.
How important is it to you, to have a client that is comfortable with you and trusts you completely?
It’s huge! If they don’t trust me or what I’m doing, it will show in the pictures. They’ll look rigid. They’ll look nervous. That’s why I love engagement shoots, because it’s a time for us to get to know each other, for them to relax, and for me to show them that this is fun! We get comfortable with each other, which is vital because I’m going to be with them alllll day on their wedding day. Which leads me to another thing. Even if you love a photographer’s work, they might not be the right photographer for you. I’m not a perfect fit for everyone. I know this. And if it’s not a good fit I wouldn’t want them to hire me because it would just cause added stress and I would hate for that to happen. It’s so important for a bride and groom to pick a photographer that they connect with!
What is the most embarrassing thing you’ve done or said on a shoot?
Fortunately I haven’t had too many embarrassing moments. But I’ll be real. Sometimes, I can be quite awkward… I’m an introvert, and I’m constantly working hard to be more extroverted, more talkative. And I always try to tell jokes, you know, to be funny and lighten the mood to get people’s natural smiles. Well, there was one time I was shooting a family, and I don’t even remember what joke I had attempted, but after no one laughed I went on to say, “Well that was kind of awkward!”, hoping for some smiles. Unfortunately, there was just pure silence. Literally, crickets. It got even more awkward. They were just standing there looking at me! Yeah, I was pretty embarrassed about that.
During a wedding, is it more important for you to be comfortable, or more important to be cute?
It’s certainly a balance. I mean, I definitely try to look cute and professional, and I think I do pretty well when I’m leaving my house. By the end of a wedding, however, I look trashed. I just look awful. Haha. But at the last wedding I shot I wore these really cute new flats I thought would be perfect. They were AWFUL. I got huge blisters. Not fun. So it’s definitely important to be comfortable and practical. Practically cute :)
How do you describe your pictures?
Classy, romantic, fresh.
What about your branding?
Professional, clean, and pretty. Professional, because through and through I want my clients to feel like they’re working with someone who cares, who’s there for them, and who sees them through to the end and beyond, even. I’m not going to leave them hanging and they’re going to be happy with all their products. Clean, because that pretty much sums up my design preference. I like white space, I like layouts that are simple and well thought out. And pretty, because, well, I’m a girl. I looove pretty packaging. Think ribbon :)
How would you define success?
Hmm. I guess I would have to break it down into two categories: success in business, and success in life. To be successful in business, in my mind anyway, would be having enough clients that I would have to turn people down because I’m already fully booked. Not that I would ever want to turn anyone down, but obviously I have to draw the line somewhere, and when I get to the point where I am getting more inquiries than I can accommodate, well, I think that’s pretty successful :) Success in life, on the other hand, is greatly determined by your passion and by your happiness. It’s not about money, or what kind of car you drive, or where you live. It’s about loving who you are and what you have. Even though my business might not be where I want it to be yet, I’m so happy to be living life with my husband and pursuing my dreams. I feel so blessed to be able to wake up every day excited for what’s in store. Success in life means never giving in, never giving up. Always striving to make your goals happen and become a better person. At least, that’s my definition :)
Is there anything else you want to pursue, or is this it for you?
This is it! Photography is not just a job, not just a way to pay the bills. It’s truly my passion. I can’t imagine doing anything else :)
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January 13th, 2011
I sat down with Courtney from Courtney Brooke Photography a while back to ask a few questions about her photography business. I love doing these little interviews as it gives me a chance to meet people I would have never met before! :D
Courtney! Thanks so much for meeting with me, girl! You are so beautiful inside and out, and I can’t wait to visit you in California and have some Disneyland churros! ;) I wish you the best of luck with your new place, in your life, in your business, in everything! You’re the best.
*When did you start your business?
Early 2008. Closing in on two years!
*Are you where you expected to be two years later?
I definitely exceeded my goals! I didn’t think I’d be where I am now. Even when I look back to the first few photo shoots I did, I’ve changed so much. Although I’ve stayed pretty consistent in my work. I just didn’t expect to have the clients that I have, or as much business. I mean, the past two years I’ve just been doing photography; I haven’t had a side job. So it’s kept me pretty busy. It’s been a lot of fun!
*What would you say lead to your successful business?
I think from day one I just considered myself a professional. I worked with a professional photographer for a little under a year and I learned so much from him. But then our styles just kinda grew apart. I developed my own style and wanted to charge my own prices and have my own clients. And so from then on I knew I was experienced and knew what I was doing. I was just ready to start charging and ready to start my business!
*Would you say that’s the biggest difference between an amateur/hobbyist (who wants to be a professional) and a professional is having confidence?
Yea! You have to know what you’re worth and know your talent, and able to be like, “Ok, I’m decent”. It’s good to kinda compare yourself to others, at some degree. Like, if you look at professional’s photos and say, ok I can equal that or my photos can be almost as good as theirs, then you have the ability. If you know how to get the right composure, the right lighting, the right settings and you feel so comfortable, I think you can call yourself pretty experienced. A professional.
*What does it mean to be a professional?
It’s definitely all in the confidence! But you do need experience to back you up and you do need to be paid! Because otherwise, it’s a hobby if you’re not being paid!
*How long have you been a photographer?
I grew up with it. My dad, two uncles, and my grandpa all have really nice equipment and do photography for fun. So I grew up taking pictures with my dad. I always knew I wanted to do photography, but I didn’t realize you could do it as a profession until college. One of my college teachers introduced me to some photographers and I was like, “Alright, throw me in there! I’m ready!”
*Was that the moment that made you decide to pursue photography professionally?
Well, in college I was taking photography classes, but they all focused on film and I knew I wanted to focus more on digital, because film takes so much time and it’s so expensive. And it was my photography teacher that introduced me to a really cool wedding photographer. I hadn’t really seen any photographers photograph weddings that way. I just considered wedding photography to be really standard “smile at the camera”, really cheesy and really formal. And he was the opposite of that. He was just super creative and I was like, “Oh wow, you can do this with photography!?” So that sparked my interest, that’s when I found an internship with a photographer. And from that point, I just knew that’s what I was gonna do for the rest of my life!
*How did you find that internship?
I googled photographers to find someone who was hiring, and I came across his blog. It said he was hiring an intern! I thought, that would be perfect, I would love to learn from somebody, get some more knowledge, and make sure it’s what I want to do. When I went into the interview, he said that they had an opening and offered me a position as a second shooter. So, I took it! It was a lot of fun. I learned SO much! I wouldn’t have been able to start my business without that knowledge and without that experience. It really helped a lot.
*What do you do to prepare yourself for a shoot?
One thing I try to do is try to get creativity flowing, whether it’s just looking up creative photo shoots that I’ve done or look at what other people have done. I don’t steal ideas, but I try to get that creativity flowing in my mind. I do like to listen to some fun upbeat music on the drive there, just to kinda get me pumped, make sure I’m in a good mood so that I can be able to make people laugh and have a good time! Because it really is all about having a fun time! You want them to let loose and have fun and just able to laugh and be themselves. I think those things are key! I’ve had so many people, mainly guys, that hate getting their pictures taken, but most of the time by the end of the shoot all of them say, “That was actually fun! I really liked it!” So it’s true, you can have fun on a photo shoot!
*Has that changed much from when you first started?
It’s always been about the same. I guess in the beginning I was trying to get more ideas from other photographers and now I kind of go into a shoot and use my own creativity and be me, and just do whatever comes to my mind. That’s what I’m trying to focus on more, having a shoot be 100% me, use my ideas, get creative, and have fun!
*What would you say sets you apart from other photographers?
I like to use all natural lighting. I don’t use a flash at all. I like to be in big open areas, like a field, where they can laugh and run around and play, you know? I am not all about the smiling and looking at the camera. If I’m shooting a family I want them all to interact or play a game, or just be laughing with each other; just being themselves together. Or I like to have people bring stuff that expresses who they are. I ask them questions to see what they’re all about and I just try to incorporate that into their photographs; I try to bring out that side of them. Really get their true personality out without them looking uncomfortable or even feeling uncomfortable. That’s really what I’m about, I just try to make everyone laugh and have fun, and make it a fun photo shoot. I do love shade, if it’s noon I like shade! But if it’s sunset I’m all about shooting in the open! I love getting the sunlight peeking through, I love all of that to shine through in my photographs. But I do love everything outside. I’m all about nature-y locations and cool trees, stuff like that. I like old walls and really cool abstract buildings, but I like them all to be kinda vintage-y. That’s the feel I try to go for. I’m not really into graffiti or stuff like that.
*What would you say is one of the biggest mistakes you made when you first started?
When I first started or a couple months ago?! When I first started it was probably that I was discounting to family and friends. I would discount a lot, which is good for first starting out, but then I never got to the point where I raised my prices to reflect how much I’m worth. And so I got to a point where I was just trapped. I felt like I could never raise my prices because I didn’t want to lose those clients. So it’s kinda good that I moved to California and start fresh and be firm on my prices. In the beginning it was definitely about not being confident enough in myself. But as I learned more, and grew more and got more established, I gained that confidence. I did want to raise my prices but I was too afraid to lose all those clients, and lose my family and friends that couldn’t afford me. So I think that was my biggest fear.
*If you could change one thing about the photography industry, what would it be?
That there are so many photographers, I think. Everyone thinks they’re a photographer, but… I feel bad to say it but it bugs me. I see friends, or people I went to high school with that claim to be a photographer, but they don’t have the experience, or the talent, or the ability. It’s starting to ruin people’s businesses because nowadays everyone knows a “photographer”. A lot of people know someone who can do it for free, an aunt or uncle with a camera. It’s getting hard because anyone with a camera can claim they are a photographer. So that’s something I would change, so that being a professional had more value and meaning. So that you have to be skilled in your craft to be known as a professional photographer. Nowadays having the creativity and the skill is kind of an uncommon thing. You need that creative eye, and you need the ability to Photoshop, and edit really well. I think it’s 50/50. You have to have a good picture, first of all as a base, but then your editing can make the biggest difference.
*What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done or said on a shoot?
I’ve had multiple clients tell me I talk with an accent or sing the end of my sentences. Took me awhile to catch myself doing it, but I just laugh it out!
*If you could change one thing about your body of work, what would it be?
I wish I would take more risks in doing creative things, instead of just capturing the basics sometimes.
*Is being a photographer it? Do you have anything else you’d like to pursue?
This is it. I am living my dream! One day I hope to be a mom, but who says you can’t have both?? :)
What’s your sign? Taurus
Favorite ice-cream flavor? Coldstone’s Cake Batter
What was the last book you read? Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
What was the last movie you saw? Red
Loved it or loathed it? Loved it!
Starbucks drink of choice? Vanilla Steamer!
3 blogs you follow: Jose Villa, Stephanie Williams, and Caroline Joy.
Most underrated photography tool: Photoshop
Most overrated photography tool? Tilt shift lenses
Hidden Talent: I can do really good voice impersonations! (She really can!)
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August 20th, 2010
One day I was scheming with Rustin about how I could meet more local people. Twitter has been fantastic for me, I’ve met some crazy wonderful folks through Twitter, but I wanted to take it further than the 140 character limit. That was when Rustin told me to just go out and meet people. And I was all, you’re so not a girl. Then he had the most brilliant idea ever. In not so few words, he told me to go out and interview photographers.
I let the idea sit and marinate for a few days, and every so often I’d go back and have him tell me about it again, you know, in case I left out some details. I wasn’t sure if I had the guts to go through with it. But one day I was stagnant enough to send a message. To someone I’ve already met… to test the waters.
Kelli Bramble of Sprout Photo was kind enough to sit and chat with me. I found her through Twitter, and shortly after viewing some of her work, contacted her to shoot our family photos. She is one that I look up to, and I’m so so glad to call this talented person my friend. You know someone’s your friend when they’re willing to shank someone for you! Thanks again, Kelli! For the shanking and the interview! :)
How long have you been a photographer?
Two years. I jumped into it, I got my camera in April of 2008 so that’s when I started shooting. I took my first clients like in July of 2008, that was all in Michigan. And when I moved back here is when I officially started the business.
What happened in your life to make you decide to become a photographer?
I think it all stemmed from when I started taking pictures of my friends’ kids. Before I got a camera, when I lived in Michigan, I was searching for that thing to keep me busy because we were away from all of our family. I wanted this hobby. It started as a hobby, obviously, but when I started doing pictures for other people I really really loved capturing their kids, and I loved the feedback that I got. It was something they couldn’t do that I could give to people, and I love being able to do that. I love being able to give people these memories and these pictures that they couldn’t take for themselves.
How do you mentally prepare for a shoot?
I used to draw stick figures for all of my sessions. Different poses I could do, different things that I could do to help my creativity along. But now I don’t find myself needing to do that I just kinda get there and see what’s there and kinda go with the family. I moreso let people do their thing. I used to be very posey and now I try to do half and half. I find I really Iove the photojournalistic, but people really love that one posey happy smiley picture. And they both make me really happy, like I don’t feel like I’m a sell-out because I pose people. So, I don’t really prepare as much as I used to. I do listen to music really loud on the way there. Whatever’s on the radio, Lady GaGa sometimes, the Glee versions. That’s me in a nutshell, Eminem, Britney Spears and Lady GaGa.
What was one of the biggest mistakes you made when you first started?Not valuing my time. What I mean by that is, I spent way too much time, trying to please clients and to bend over backwards for them, that I was losing family time. I’ve had to work really hard to find a balance between being able to support my family and be a part of what their doing, rather than just sitting behind the computer. Just being able to balance a being a mom and being a good mom, VS being a photographer who’s kind of a mom sometimes. It’s possible to do both and do it well, but I struggled to get there, to find that balance.
If you could change one thing about the photography industry, what would it be?
The “Rockstars”. I just think people need to get real. My life isn’t the most amazing thing ever because I’m a photographer. I think it’s this facade that people put on and I just wish people would just be real with each other. I live my life straight out, you know exactly how I feel all the time and I just wish people were more honest about it sucking sometimes. And for people that are coming into the industry, its easy to look up to these things and say, “That’s going to be me if I just work hard enough.” Chances are it’s not, but it doesn’t mean your photography experience is going to be bad. I just think there’s this idolization of people, like we put certain photographers on a pedestal even though it isn’t necessary. I think they’re all fantastic photographers, it’s not a question of bad photography. I just think people need to get down to earth.
Okay, so you’re in a creative rut and you have a shoot that night. What do you do to get out of it?
I used to turn to blogs, and I found that was the worst thing I could ever do! Just because I compared my work to everybody else’s, and didn’t get why people dug me. I would look at other people’s blogs and it would be discouraging. Your photography is less magical than anyone else’s because you know what went into that shot. You know that kid was screaming, you know the parents were cranky. But when you snap that perfect moment, no one sees that other stuff that went into it. And so now I step away from everything. I just spend my day doing other stuff and not worrying about it, so when I do come back to it I find myself falling back into it. Some shoots aren’t my best. You’ll have shoots that aren’t your creative genius, and they’re ok still. I think that’s what pushes you to step it up because you’re not satisfied with what you’re doing now. And that’s how you grow. I think that’s why I’ve grown quickly, it’s because I’m never happy with myself. I look at some of the shoots I’ve done and think, “Wow. That sucks. I should’ve done this and this and this.” That’s what I attribute to how I’ve grown and changed– my unhappiness with myself! That’s what makes me change. I push myself to do better next time. You know, you’re in love with that one picture for like a couple days and then you look at it again and you’re like, “It’s alright.” Then you think, what could I have done to do that a little bit better? If I had turned them this way just a little bit more, you start to practice these little things and soon it becomes second nature. So, I’m getting there. I had to take a big step out into the sun, I was scared to death of shooting in the sun. I shot in the shade and that’s just what I did. I had to get out of my comfort zone, and now I love shooting in the sun. But it’s getting yourself out of your comfort zone. When I can shoot 100% in the sun I think, what am I going to do next? I’ll need to find the next thing to conquer, to make myself happy. I think it will be years and years when I’m at a point where I feel I can shoot in any situation and be cool. With family shoots, I get to schedule what time, I get to schedule where, I’m in control. So I really have to force myself to shoot a little bit earlier so it’s harsher light, things like that that make me more comfortable in that situation. It usually ends up ok. You can always find shade if you have to!
What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done or said on a shoot?
Me opening my mouth is usually embarrassing! A specific instance… I’ve fallen down a few times! I’m clumsy as it is. Yea, I’ve fallen down on my butt a few times. And then I just get up, and laugh. What else are you gonna do? I’m sure I’ve said lots of stupid stuff, but I don’t remember. That’s just me in general. It would be scary to go back and hear what I’ve said!
At what point do you think a photographer crosses the threshold between an amateur and professional?
Well technically, when you’re taking money for a job you’re a professional. Technically. But there’s such a varying level of people that are accepting money for their work that shouldn’t necessarily be taking money for their work. And then there are those that are working for free, that need to be charging. It varies so widely. That’s another huge problem in our industry is people valuing their work too much, charging too much, and on the flip side people that don’t charge enough. It’s hard to get that confidence to believe you’re worth that much.
When did you start feeling like a professional?
Maybe tomorrow! Umm, I don’t know. When I was consistently giving clients a gallery I was proud of. Giving them pictures I would be proud of them showing someone else. That was the point when I felt ok with charging this much. I was charging enough for the time I was spending, for the hours that I’ve put into it, ’cause it’s endless. The hours of photography… if I could count, I’d probably die. I count using social media in that, it’s just part of building my circle. I have this huge circle that I’m so happy I have, but the hours I’ve spent is pretty ridiculous.
If you could change one thing about your body of work, what would it be?
I wish I would’ve never tried to veer away from what I love to do. I took a few weddings because I thought that was what I was “supposed” to do, and it’s not what I love. I love to shoot families. I love the interaction. I love having a family together and having them have fun together, and being able to capture that for them. I needed to try shooting a wedding to see if I loved it, which was possible. But I could’ve really done without. I think there’s a pressure to do weddings. Like, family photographers just aren’t as respected. It’s just kinda how it is. But I’m a family photographer and I love it. So I had to come to terms with that myself to say, yep that’s all I want to do and I don’t have to prove anything to anybody else. I think there’s a certain expectation, like, if you’re new you shoot families, when you get better you shoot weddings. And that’s “the path”, but it’s a bogus path. Shoot whatever makes you happy.
So is this your life’s work, being a photographer? Or is there something else you would want to pursue?
I will be a photographer my whole life. Will I be in business my whole life? I don’t know. Two years ago, I would’ve laughed if you said I would be a photographer. I like to do whatever makes me happy. So far I can’t see it ending anytime soon. I’d like to just get better and better to the point where I’m consistently happy with where I’m at, if that’s ever a point. But we’ll see. Maybe I’ll do something tomorrow! I’ll be a painter, tomorrow.
What’s your sign? Taurus
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip
What was the last book you read? Moral Politics by George Lakoff
What was the last movie you saw? Toy Story 3
Loved it or hate it? Loved it. It was good. It made me cry.
Starbucks drink of choice: Regular hot chocolate. With whip.
3 blogs you subscribe to: Joanna Taylor, Ewen and Brianna Phelan and Lamebook
Most underrated photography tool: The eye.
Most overrated photography tool: The newest and bestest lens/software/plugin/action/prop
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Anywhere with my family. We’d be happy anywhere.
Hidden talent: I can crack eggs with one hand. Two at a time!
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August 11th, 2010
I had grand plans of revealing a new series on my blog this week. One that involves me, a top-secret local photographer, and some racy questions (not really), but because of our recent trip to Yee-haw Idaho I’ve been just absolutely wiped. So if not this week, I will open up the curtains and do a big reveal sometime this decade, when I’ve caught up on sleep.
To say I’ve been a little grumpy is a big fat understatement. Spiders have taken over my basement… yea. And they’re not little spiders, they’re big fat tarantula-like spiders. I’ve been on the edge the last couple of days. To relieve some of that pent up frustration, I’ve decided to take it out on the human race. Ok, not really. Specifically photographers, women, and children. Ready?
If someone compliments you, say THANK YOU! But not in that pretentious, I’m-better-than-you kind of way. That’s just really obnoxious and it’s not becoming. F’reals! Don’t act like a barnyard animal. We all know you’re the shiznit, so you don’t have anything to prove. Really. These two magic words go a long way and say a lot about you (not your momma, ’cause your momma taught you better than that!). Try it out, you might like it!
Annnd scene.
Also, rainbow cupcakes are yummy.
Hope your home is not being taken over by fugly spiders!
Cheers!
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