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Inspiring Interview | featuring Carley Kay Photography

By on December 6, 2012 in Photographer Interviews

Our Inspiring Interview for this week features the fabulous, Carley Kay Photography, based out of Chicago.  You can follow more of her gorgeous work by liking her over on Facebook!  Please meet Carley…

 

A few words from Carley:   My name is Carley Slater and I have been in the business going on 4 years now. I am a newborn, children, and family photographer in the Chicago area! I have been married to my high school sweetheart for more than 6 years now. We have a 4 year old son named Cohen and a 15 month old daughter Finley. Believe me….our house NEVER has a dull moment. My kids keep me on my toes and challenge me daily. I love watching them grow up and learn new things. It’s been an amazing experience so far! I have sooo many hilarious stories that I love to share about them. Pull up a chair…!

 

1. If there was one thing you would want us to know about you, what would it be?

I LOOOOOOOVVVEEEE to laugh and make other people laugh. I am never too serious and can probably be called silly a lot of times. I’m sure I embarrass my husband a lot, but, eh….who cares!

2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

My favorite image, of course, is of my two babies. More than the fact that it’s a picture of them, it’s a perfect example that it only takes one shot. The money shot. I love sibling shots! This was a completely spur of the moment capture of them before my son pushed her off of him in disgust! I never want to forget this time in their life. Makes me tear up looking at it.

 

3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

I consider myself an artist. I am passionate about design and turning nothing into something. Whether that be decorating, designing, sewing, building or photography. I need an outlet to give me some creative freedom to do what I need to do, to make me feel “whole” as a person. When my son was born in 2008, I bought a camera to document his life and it took on a whole new life of it’s own.

 

4. How long was the transition from hobbyist to paid professional and how long have you officially been taking paid clients? 

I would say it took me a good 6 months to feel okay charging a small fee. I have been professionally shooting for 3.5 years now.

 

5. What type of session do you look forward to the most (maternity, newborn, child, family, senior, wedding, engagement, etc) and why?

I LOVE newborns. They are the hardest to shoot and give me the most challenges when thinking of new things to do. Plus, it’s the beginning of a beautiful relationship I have with my clients. Most of the time, I am photographing them through their first year milestones.

6. On average, how many sessions do you have a month?

Depends on the time of year, but I’d say on average, 8-10 a month.

 

7. What has been your most memorable session and why?

I can’t think of just one…but my favorite sessions are when I’m shooting a newborn and the new mom is watching their baby sleep all curled up and it brings her to tears. She just can’t believe that beautiful, perfect, child is her own. That is why I do what I do. So very special.

 

8. Are you formally taught or self taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?

I am self taught. I took one class in college for film, but I have got where I’m at today by researching like crazy, asking a million questions and practicing. I have to pay huge credits to forums like LSI for giving priceless information to beginning photographers. It was worth every penny for me. I also had many photographers who I admire, give me amazing advice and encouragement.

 

9. What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

My family. It has been so amazing to go from a stay at home mom, to a full time working mom (from home), and being able to provide for my family. What a blessing it is. I am doing what I love and helping contribute to my family and their needs. They are my biggest fans!

 

10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens? 

Canon 5d Mark III and my favorite lens is my 50mm 1.2. Rarely leaves my camera!

 

11. RAW or jpg and why? 

I shoot all of my newborns in RAW, but have started to venture out and shoot Jpeg for my outdoor family/children sessions. Kind of makes me more careful to get it right the first time.

12. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, both or other? 

I use both. I cull my images in Lightroom and then edit in Photoshop. However, I’m slowing learning to do more in Lightroom. It’s definitely a challenge for me as I’m so used to Photoshop.

 

13. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Be confident in who you are and your style. Sounds kind of silly and what everyone says, but I really struggled with that for a long time. Seeing photographers find that niche and make a name for themselves very quickly. That was very hard for me until about a year ago. I’ve learned that it’s ok to fly under the radar…someone is always watching and admiring what you do. I am an achiever and if I don’t get the response I want, I question myself. Believe in yourself. If you don’t, no one else will. ;)

 

14. What is your favorite and least favorite part of owning your own photography business?

Favorite part, BY FAR, is meeting my clients. Making friendships and being a part of their family. Watching my familes grow and multiply. It’s amazing and I am so thankful that they love bringing their children to me! I love it more than they will ever know. I consider each of them friends! Least favorite part….the business side of the deal. I am not gifted with that. It actually stresses me out a lot of times. But, I’m learning and making mistakes. haha….hopefully I can hire someone to take care of that in the future. Any takers?? ;)

 

15. Who is the most inspirational photographer in your life?

Oh man….there are so many! The Baby as Art team has really driven me. I am always so amazed by some of things they come up with. Makes me wanna be different and stand out. I am also completely BLOWN AWAY by Angie at Simplicity Photography. Mom of 3 and a great photographer with awesome style. Plus, she does a bajillion other things on the side. How she does it, no idea….but I’d love to know her secrets! Love her work!

 

16. Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?

Honestly, YES!! I don’t ever see this being just a phase in my life. I love it. It’s a never ending opportunity to be creative. Not only that….it’s a part of my clients lives. It’s such an honor to capture their memories that I can’t imagine ever getting sick of that. But who knows what the future will bring!

 

17. And finally, please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

That’s a really hard question for me to answer as I feel like I’m still figuring that out myself. But if I had to say something….I’d say, fresh, soft, RAW, informal and artistic.

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food?  mmmm….I love crab legs! I also have a very big sweet tooth. Love me some doughy chocolate chip cookies with ice cream on top. Oooooo boy!

2. what is your favorite beverage?  A good glass of white wine in the evening after the kids are asleep.

3. your favorite item of clothing?  Oh gosh….I LOVE clothes! Probably a GREAT fitting pair of jeans!

4. your go to pair of shoes?  Some fun colored flats. I am 5’8 and my husband isn’t much more than that. So, that’s pretty common for me.

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often?  “Like”. Ugh….hate it! I just can’t break the habit. Especially when I’m nervous! haha

 

Comments { 1 }

Inspiring Interview | featuring Simple Gifts Photography

By on November 28, 2012 in Photographer Interviews

Our Inspiring Interview for this week features the super awesome,  Jessica of Simple Gifts Photography, based out of Birmingham, AL.  You can follow more of her gorgeous work by liking her over on Facebook!  Please meet Jessica…

 

 

 

A few words from Jessica:  Hello!  My name is Jessica Henry and I am the photographer behind Simple Gifts Photography.   I am a sweet tea drinking,  Crimson Tide football cheering,  Bible believing gal.   I am located in Birmingham, AL and specialize in newborn, maternity, children, and family photography.  I have been married for 11 years to the love of my life, my husband George.  We have been blessed with two wonderful children that keep us busy (and entertained).

 

1. If there was one thing you would want us to know about you, what would it be?

Hmmm.  Probably the fact that I’m a nurse.  I work in intensive care so my job can be very sad  and depressing, but also very rewarding.  I am constantly surrounded by sickness and death, therefore I am constantly reminded of how precious and fragile life is.  It’s interesting…..one day I might be holding the hand of a dying patient and the next morning I might be snuggling and photographing a newborn baby.  It’s odd seeing the two ends of the life spectrum so close together like that.  I see it as sort of a blessing, though.  It gives me a unique perspective on life.   It is my belief that each day, each hour, each passing minute is a gift from God.  The seemingly mundane things of this life are actually simple gifts that God has bestowed on us.  It is our choice on what we choose to do with those gifts.  Life is far too short to be wasted. 

 

2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

My latest favorite image is one of my son and daughter.  I think this picture beautifully illustrates their relationship.  Even though they have their typical brother/sister fighting moments, they really do love each other and stand up for one another.  That is something I hope they will carry with them for years to come.

 

 3. What inspired you to be a photographer? 

Naturally, my children.  Never have I wanted to freeze time then when my children have been small. Those little moments….the laughs, the smiles…even those tears will never be repeated in quite the same way.  It’s my way of documenting their lives as well as a way to relive a little of my own childhood.

 

 4. How long was the transition from hobbyist to paid professional and how long have you officially been taking paid clients? 

From hobbyist to paid professional  was about two years.  I have been taking paid clients for two years now. 

 

 5. What type of session do you look forward to the most (maternity, newborn, child, family, senior, wedding, engagement, etc) and why? 

You know….I really had to think about this one and the answer I came up with is “themed sessions”.   Whatever the age group or category, I love for the session to tell a story.  After that, I would probably say children because I LOVE their curious minds and imaginative play.

 

 6. On average, how many sessions do you have a month? 

I try to limit my sessions to 6 a month due to the fact that I also work as a nurse.

 

 7. What has been your most memorable session and why? 

I actually have two….both of which were very similar situations.   Both of the clients were dear friends of mine that had struggled for years with infertility.  One mother delivered a beautiful little boy and the other mother delivered three beautiful boys.  I actually broke down and started crying at the triplets’ session….the mother had to console me! LOL  It was a good cry though.  All I can say is God is good.

 

 8. Are you formally taught or self taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?

I am self taught.  When I first began I would stay up into the wee hours of the morning  and search the internet for articles.  I would go to my local bookstore and buy just about all the books in the photography section! LOL  I joined various photography forums and developed a pretty thick skin when I finally realized I had to take criticism in order to get better. I have never attended a workshop although I am making that one of my goals for the new year.

 

 9. What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

I have got to give a shout out to my photography girls…you know who you are…for keeping me inspired.  We actually started out all pregnant together on one of the baby forums and then we all got to talking about wanting to take better pictures of our kids and before you knew it we had a little group of amateur photographers that have all later turned to pro.  I could not do it without them…they have been there for me thick and thin, even when I have wanted to throw in the towel.

 

 10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?  

I am a Canon girl.  I currently have a 5D Mark II.  I have various zoom lens but I always come back to my primes.  I feel that they just end up crisper.  My favorite is my 85mm because I think it most accurately represents an image the way the eye perceives it.

 

11. RAW or jpg and why?  

I shoot jpg.  I know a lot of photographers prefer RAW but I have never been so dissatisfied with jpg that I have wanted to change.  Plus it also saves a step in editing.

 

12. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, both or other?  

Photoshop elements. Gasp!!!  Did I just say that?  LOL  Yes, it’s true.  It is an excellent program although it does have its limits.  For most of those limits I have found a way to get around it….I always have liked a good challenge.  Nevertheless, I think it’s time to upgrade this year. 

 

13. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

DO NOT sell yourself short….your time is worth something!  In the beginning it is very easy to be excited and want to do everything and anything that comes your way.  Also, it is easy to not charge what your time is worth.  All of this will lead to burn out, which leads to lack of inspiration, which leads to frustration, which leads to prematurely calling it quits.  Take your time.  Shoot the things you enjoy the most.  The business will come.  And above all, understand that the time you put into your business (the time away from your family) is something you will never get back.  Make sure you are charging accordingly.

 14. What is your favorite and least favorite part of owning your own photography business? 

My favorite part is meeting clients and learning about their life story.  I also like to edit…it’s like coloring for big kids!!! LOL  My least favorite is the business side of it….I tend to be a softy so it’s very hard for me to put my foot down when it comes to certain business practices.

 

 15. Who is the most inspirational photographer in your life? 

My dad.  He will always be a pro in my book.  He was the first one to put a camera in my hands and the first one to recognize my interest in photography.  I love when we get together and talk photography….the rest of the family looks at us as if we are talking some foreign language!  Aside from him, I truly admire and am inspired by my good friend Kandis of Wish Photography.  I also have the upmost respect for some of my local photographers including Dewdrops Photography by Amy McDaniel, Stephanie Fisher Photography and Ashley Warren Studios….simply amazing talent!

 16. Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road? 

Certainly!  I believe in the saying “Once a photographer, always a photographer.”  You can never go back!!

 

 17. And finally, please briefly describe your photography style for our readers. 

Whimsical and vintage.  Innocent.  Child’s play.  All of these descriptions come to mind when I think about defining my style.  If I have been able to photograph a session in such a way that I tell a story using those images then I know I have succeeded.

 

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food?  Ha!  That’s a no brainer….I LOVE all things chocolate!

2. what is your favorite beverage? Dr. Pepper

3. your favorite item of clothing? Do pajamas count?  LOL 

4. your go to pair of shoes?  My boots….they are great for walking in fields, forests or dirt roads.

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often?  Seeing as how I live in the South I have a tendency to say “Bless her/his/its heart”.  And depending on the pitch of my voice it can mean several different things, LOL!

Comments { 2 }

Inspiring Interview | featuring Jackie Jean Photography

By on November 21, 2012 in Photographer Interviews

Our Inspiring Interview for this week features the amazing and super creative,  Jackie Jean Photography, based out of Portland, Oregon.  You can follow more of her gorgeous work by liking her over on Facebook!  Please meet Jackie…

 

A few words from Jackie:  My name is Jackie Jean and I specialize in children and family portraiture in all natural light. I have been in business for over eight years. I am currently located in the beautiful Northwest (Portland, OR).  I am a mom of four boys and lover of music and coffee! 

 

1. If there was one thing you would want us to know about you, what would it be?

I am musician and love playing and singing as much as I love photography. My husband is a writer, singer, and can play anything he touches and I am proud to say I can carry a beat with a bass guitar and am getting better at playing the acoustic! One day I aspire to actually start writing!

 

 

2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

I have so many favorites from different sessions but I chose this image because this is where taking portraits of families really clicked for me and I fell in love with it.

 

 

3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

I’m not too sure, I have had a camera in my hand since I can remember. I had a cheap 35mm and 110mm camera I took everywhere with me and was always taking pictures. I took a photography class in high school and that’s when I decided I wanted to pursue a career with it.

 

 

4. How long was the transition from hobbyist to paid professional and how long have you officially been taking paid clients?

Hobbyist lasted from kid until about 24 yrs. old. I had done free work and a couple free weddings but it was at 24 years old when I “officially” went into business. I was laid off at my job, so my husband said it was time to really pursue what I wanted to do and this next Spring will mark 9 years!

 

 

5. What type of session do you look forward to the most (maternity, newborn, child, family, senior, wedding, engagement, etc) and why?

Any session that requires me to stretch my creativity, I am over the moon about. I will say though, I get excited about family sessions now because I think it’s so important to get those moments of family togetherness. Children and Seniors come at a close second!

 

 

6. On average, how many sessions do you have a month?

I just relocated back to Portland a month ago after being gone for a couple years, so I am somewhat starting over again. Ideally, I only like to take 4-5 a month.

 

 

7. What has been your most memorable session and why?

It would be my first paid session! I laugh and cringe at the same time when I think about it! A dear friend of mine said she wanted to pay me to do her family photos. I was so nervous, I made my husband come along with me and he ended up doing all the talking and posing for me because I could barely utter a word of instruction! My husband actually had to help me the first year because I am not naturally a talker so if you are a shy person by nature, know you can grow out of it! I now look forward to chatting with and meeting new people!

 

 

8. Are you formally taught or self taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?

I am self taught. Lots of trial and error in business and photography. When I switched from film to digital, online forums were a good resource.

 

 

9. What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

Mostly people and just getting to know them. After having a conversation and getting a feel for who they are, that is when the ideas start to come in. I also love antique shops, as I might come across something I may want to use for a future shoot.

 

10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?
Nikon though I do still have a little Canon AE-1 (Film). Favorite lens would have to be the 135mm, I love the creaminess of it!

 

11. RAW or jpg and why?
Jpg because I like to get in and out of photoshop!

 

 

12. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, both or other?

Photoshop for sure! I’ve tried LR a couple times and still can’t seem to fall in love with it.

 

 

13. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Have confidence in who you are, read books on marketing and business, know you camera and your craft, and then go from there!

 

 

14. What is your favorite and least favorite part of owning your own photography business?

Favorite part is meeting new people, developing new friendships, and stretching my creativity. Least favorite, would be the behind the scenes paperwork, the tedious business end.

 

 

15. Who is the most inspirational photographer in your life?

Oh gosh, it varies depending on the styles but I have always loved Jinky Art for her creativity, Pastel Photography for the emotion she captures, and Erin Drallos, founder of ACPCG. In person, would be my high school photography teacher. He was so honest with his critiques that it always pushed me to work harder and he always took his time to encourage me.

 

 

16. Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?

I hope so!

 

 

17. And finally, please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Real, Fun, Simple, with a bit of Imagination

 

 

 

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food? exactly my problem, I love ALL food

2. what is your favorite beverage? coffee

3. your favorite item of clothing? my hoodie

4. your go to pair of shoes? my pink nike sneakers, the only pink in my wardrobe

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often? dude

Comments { 1 }

Inspiring Interview | featuring Sweet Melissa Photography

By on November 13, 2012 in Photographer Interviews

Our Inspiring Interview for this week features another one of our very own amazing LSI Pro Advisors,  Sweet Melissa Photography.  You can follow more of her gorgeous work by liking her over on Facebook!  Please meet Melissa…

 

A few words from Melissa:   Hi! My name is Melissa of Sweet Melissa Photography. I have been in business for a little over two years now and I specialize in newborn, maternity and babies under 1. I have been married for 7 years and have 2 wonderful boys, Derek, almost 4 and Chase, 7 months.

 

1. If there was one thing you would want us to know about you, what would it be?

That I am a full time 3rd grade teacher. I have been a teacher for 10 years now so I balance that with my business and my family. To call it a juggling act would be an understatement. I have considered leaving teaching to peruse my business full time but I have invested many, many years and a lot of money into this career. I have a masters degree and I am still paying off student loans. Teaching is one of the most challenging professions and it’s a job that never ends (much like being a business owner) but it still gives me a certain amount of satisfaction. It also keeps a roof over our heads and mouths fed. So for now, I continue to work both jobs!

Oh, and I have a pretty hard-core Pinterest addiction. I need AA for Pinterest.


2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

It was harder than I thought to pick just one. But if I had to choose, I’d pick this one of my 2 boys. I love the eye contact I got from both of them. This will forever have my heart.


3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

So cliché, but my children. After my 1st son was born I was obsessed with capturing him daily. I started with a point and shoot and I remember feeling so confused as to why I could not achieve images like some I had seen online. From that point on, learning on the computer (blogs, forums, etc.) almost became my life and I would shoot and practice any chance I got.


4. How long was the transition from hobbyist to paid professional and how long have you officially been taking paid clients?

I have been professionally taking paid clients for 2 years and spent one year prior to that portfolio building. So I guess the transition was about 3 years. But before that, I always had a passion for photography. It was something that intrigued me. I was drawn to it but never really knew anything about it.


5. What type of session do you look forward to the most (maternity, newborn, child, family, senior, wedding, engagement, etc) and why?

I love different sessions for different reasons, but hands down newborns! The newness, the purity, their smell. Oh my, I could go on and on. My husband and I are done having children, but I will forever miss that newborn stage. Although challenging and virtually sleepless, the first 2 weeks with a newborn is priceless. If I could have it my way, I’d have a newborn in my home for the rest of my life! So with each newborn session, I almost get to relive that feeling, even if it’s just for a few hours. I also love chatting with the parents at my newborn sessions and sharing stories and tips. I feel such a connection with them and what they are going through.


6. On average, how many sessions do you have a month?

Because I have a full time career and I am a mother to two young children, I try to limit myself to about 2-3 sessions a month. But I do have a hard time saying no, so sometimes that numbers could creep up to 6 a month. But at that rate, I get exhausted and stressed out and it affects my work in all areas of my life. I do better with less.


7. What has been your most memorable session and why?

About a year ago I did a newborn session with a slightly older newborn (just over 3 weeks old) and she was very alert. It was very challenging to keep her in a deep sleep so this session really challenged me to try out new things and it pushed me to think outside the box. I ended up loving many of the images because they were different than my “normal”. This is how you grow; when things don’t always go according to plan.


8. Are you formally taught or self taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?

Mostly self-taught but I have to give credit where credit is due! Online forums have been critical to my learning process. Getting CC is one of the best things you can do to grow. Also reading the CC that others get on their images helped me to learn too. This summer I took Stephanie Robin’s “Newborn Safety, Posing and Compositing”. It was wonderful and I felt my work grow so much from this! I would love to attend Baby as Art someday. It has always been on my wish list.


9. What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

Well, my children and family of course. Whenever I get a new idea I get to try it out on my very own kids! But overall, life inspires me every day. Driving home from work, I like to put on calm music and take in everything around me. Especially right now in Connecticut, the Fall leaves are astonishingly beautiful. I love watching the sun and how it embraces people and places. I notice when light is streaming through at just the right moment. I get inspiration from colors and textures. I love browsing Pinterest and seeing color schemes I like in home designs, living rooms and nurseries. I get ideas from simple things. It wasn’t until photography came into my life that I really did notice these small things.


10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?

Canon. I love my 5d MK III. My favorite lens has got to be my 135 L. It’s bokehlicious! But I shoot mostly newborn and for that I use my 50 1.4. I have thought about upgrading the to 50 1.2 L but I shoot studio lights so I very rarely shoot below f/2.2 anyhow. The 50 1.4 serves me quite well! I also own the 100 2.8 macro L lens. What an amazing lens… that I am still trying to master!

 

11. RAW or jpg and why? 

RAW all the way. Gotta have that control. Absolutely!


12. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, both or other? 

I use ACR for basic fixes then bring all images into Photoshop CS6.


13. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Learn first and price yourself right. Do not disrespect the industry. Your clients should choose you for your work, not for your price. Make your work so good that potential clients cannot say no.


14. What is your favorite and least favorite part of owning your own photography business?

I love the freedom it brings. The ability to say yes or no to jobs. I love being my own boss and having the creativity and the right to make my own choices. I actually like many things about being a business owner. What don’t I like? Paying taxes ;(


15. Who is the most inspirational photographer in your life?

I really do not think I could pick one. No way. Baby as Art of course. Lisa of Milk & Honey. I love her organic style. Kristin Cook is beautifully simple and pure. Jennie Pyfferoen is always spot-on. Newborn Photography by Jade produces stunning work. I am very drawn to Kelly Ryden and Tracy Raver as well for their warm and organic colors. I love so many photographers for so many different reasons. I love so many different styles. There are far too many to list here.


16. Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?

I certainly hope so. There were times I wanted to give up. I work so hard. My dream is to be a full time business owner exclusively. But right now, teaching pays the bills and photography feeds my soul.


17. And finally, please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Dreamy, simple, sweet.

 

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food? Pasta. I could eat it every day.

2. what is your favorite beverage? Coffee, hands-down!

3. your favorite item of clothing? A good scarf. Right now my favorite one is my greige (gray/beige) one. It goes with everything.

4. your go to pair of shoes? Flip flops.

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often? I have a potty mouth. So you don’t want to know.

Comments { 6 }

Inspiring Interview | featuring Cayden Lane Photography

By on October 31, 2012 in Photographer Interviews

Our Inspiring Interview for this week features one of our very own amazing LSI Pro Advisors, Lori of Cayden Lane Photography.  You can follow more of her gorgeous work by liking her over on Facebook!  Please meet Lori…

A few words from Lori: My passion for photography started with the birth of my first daughter 14 years ago.  Surprisingly, I didn’t think I could be a “professional photographer” until after the birth of my 4 year old and I didn’t want to go back to a “real job” lol.  I officially started my business 3 years ago after a dream I had about the name of my company, Cayden Lane Photography.  I got up, bought the domain name and business has blossomed ever since! I feel it was truly meant to be!  I’m an an on location photographer and shoot outdoors 98% of the time.  I shoot natural light and LOVE me some backlighting!  Being in Florida lends me to being able to shoot outside pretty much 12 months a year.  I’ve tried all types of photography and love almost all of it as well!  But in 2013 I am specializing in families and children since that is where my real passion is.  Aside from being a photographer I am also a mom of five gorgeous children who keep me very busy! 

 

1. If there was one thing you would want us to know about you, what would it be? 

apparently it’s a secret bc Lori didn’t answer this question, LOL. :)

2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

As an artist this is SO hard! Because my favorites change constantly! Right now my favorite is of my latest family session. The family is dressed PERFECTLY which adds a whole extra element of glamour to the photo. And they way mom is twirling her daughter around as dad and little sister lovingly watched…..I hope I capture this love in every session that I do!

3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

Growing up my parents divorced when I was very young, so we moved a lot. I don’t have very many pictures of my childhood thanks to that. When my first daughter was born I vowed I would capture every single moment that I could for her to remember forever.

4. How long was the transition from hobbyist to paid professional and how long have you officially been taking paid clients?  

It’s so hard to answer this since I’ve always been one to take pictures for my friends and family.  But once I decided to go “into business” it was probably at least 6 months before I actually charged for my services. I have now been in business for a little over 3 years.

5. What type of session do you look forward to the most (maternity, newborn, child, family, senior, wedding, engagement, etc) and why?

child sessions! I love how innocent and imaginative they are!

6. On average, how many sessions do you have a month?

I try not to do more than 4 a month but in the fall I average around 15.

7. What has been your most memorable session and why?

hmmmm, that is hard! I would say recently it would have to be a family session that we had to reschedule 5 times because of the weather. The day we were supposed to finally shoot it was raining ALL DAY. But the forecast at 6pm said only 30% chance of rain. I said lets just go for it and if it gets rained out at least we will have fun! So driving to the beach it was raining. Then entire hour raining. I was so defeated. I get to the beach and its STILL sprinkling but I get out anyway because I see blue skies in the distance. By the time my clients got there the sun was so bright that we had to wait 30 minutes to shoot. Once we started shooting, they were walking down the beach and then a rainbow appeared over the water behind them. It was amazing!

8. Are you formally taught or self taught? And what has been the best source of information along this journey (workshop, online forums, classroom, mentor, etc)?

I am self taught. I learned online from a forum. I heard it wasn’t the “nice” place to be so that made me want to try it lol. Turns out that their honest critique is what has made me into the photographer that I am today. I will be forever grateful.

9. What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

Photography forums when I first started out. And fanning lots of other photographers. Now I find my inspiration in children’s books and from my clients and the story that they want told through photography.

10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?

Nikon! Fav lens 70-200/2.8 VR II

11. RAW or jpg and why?

RAW! Can’t imagine shooting in jpeg with as error proof as RAW is! Saves me when I forget to check my settings ;)

12. Do you use Lightroom, Photoshop, both or other?

I use both! I LOVE Lightroom for streamlining my workflow. Then I use Photoshop for the artistic stuff.

13. What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Remember that you CAN do it! Reach out and ask for advice. The sky is really the limit and you ARE unique!

14. What is your favorite and least favorite part of owning your own photography business?

least- the business part. Seriously lol. I suck at it ;-) The best- capturing my clients memories forever and the joy from them knowing that!

15. Who is the most inspirational photographer in your life?

Barb Uil with Jinky Art. I just got back from her workshop. She taught me to shoot for me and what I love. And to not be afraid.

16. Do you see yourself as a photographer many years down the road?

Yes I do! Hopefully a very well known one ;-)

17. And finally, please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

My style is soft and romantic with a little whimsy. I want to create the “perfect dream world” for my clients through photos.

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food? Sushi.

2. what is your favorite beverage? sweet tea (although I’m trying not to drink it anymore boo).

3. your favorite item of clothing? my black capri pants. I wear them everywhere, all the time. dressed up or down.

4. your go to pair of shoes? I’m in Florida so all I ever wear is flip flops, lol.

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often? crap (oops lol)

 

 

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