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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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 3^rd 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 1^st 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.

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)

A few words from Tina:   Hi! My name is Tina, I live in Durban, South Africa, with my hubby and two little blessings… my son, Josh, is 7rs old and my daughter, Ella, is 5 yrs old.   I’ve been taking photo’s and trying to better my photography since my son was born in 2005.  Before that I didn’t really own a camera and had no interest in taking photos at all (I seriously don’t know how I lived 30 years like that **shudder**).  My little business, BlueBelle Photography, has been up and running for past 2 years and I’m in love with my life… I’m a very happy, grateful bunny

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

I adore bookstores and fabric shops!!!  I could seriously spend endless hours in both.  We have a coffee shop here in Durban that’s situated inside a bookstore and you can pop in for a coffee or something to eat and take the books or magazines to your table and browse through them while you sip your latte… I love it there   Oh, and I have a bit of a fabric fetish even though I can’t sew!!!!  I always leave the fabric store with something… and then it sits in my cupboard for me to look at… I suppose you never know when a gorgeous piece of fabric might be needed

2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

Oh it just has to be this one of my babies!!!  If you only know the bribery and corruption that went on to get this shot… this was taken on a weekend away and I had bought them each a toy which I promised them they could have IF they co-operated for photos during our holiday… well… lets just say that this shot was taken 30mins after arriving at our destination and guess who got those toys immediately afterwards!!!

3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

Did you see those two beautiful babies running through the vineyards???… need I say more   No, seriously, when my son was a baby I always thought he was the most beautiful boy in the world (I know, I know, don’t all moms) but I got so frustrated that the pictures I took of him never seemed to adequately portray how beautiful I knew he was, and so I became more and more obsessed with taking better pictures.  I just wanted the whole world to see him exactly as I did.

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

Both of my children were at home with me until they were 3yrs old and then they went to pre-school.   Whilst they were with me I practiced and practiced, I read up everything and anything I could get my hands, I got totally lost in this beautiful world of photography.  As soon as Ella went to school I took the plunge and officially started BlueBelle Photography.  I’ve been taking paid clients for just short of 2 years.

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

Ooooooo, this is tricky… I have a definite soft spot for my little newborns, each and every one of them is such a little miracle… but I think my favourite shoots are those with children – children are so completely natural, they have no inhibitions and don’t worry about their good or bad angles )  They are so endearing and they laugh, really great, big, genuine belly laughs that look so beautiful in pictures… I adore my little tots

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

20

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

I did a newborn shoot for a friend of mine who had suffered many very late miscarriages.  She had pretty much given up any hope of having a second child and the journey had been a very emotional one for her.  She fell pregnant unexpectedly and I’m not sure that she ever really believed that she would have this baby, even right up until delivery.  She managed to carry to term and she gave birth to her second beautiful baby girl.  Whilst I was doing her newborn shoot I was struck many times by what a miracle this tiny little pink bundle was…

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)?

For the most part self-taught, hours upon endless hours of devouring as much information as I could… but then you have to practice for even longer!!!  I’ve done a few on-line workshops that have been very informative.

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

Josh & Ella

10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?

Canon… I have 2 favourites, my 70-200mm 2.8 and my 50mm 1.4

11. RAW or jpg and why?

Definitely RAW as I have more control when it comes to editing

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

I’m a Photoshop girl

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

Don’t waste time shooting for others, shoot for yourself.  By this I mean don’t take the images that you think everyone else wants to see if this goes against the way in which you would really like to shoot.  If you are true to yourself then your own style will develop, your images will be original, and genuine… so all in all… be free, be brave, experiment, remain true to you and don’t over analyze.

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

My favourite is making my moms and dads happy when they see their beautiful babies in their pics, I have had some clients shed a few tears (happy ones I promise!!!!)… I love that .  My least favourite is dealing with the accounts… YUK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

Oh boy, I don’t have one, I have many many photographers whose images i love… to name but a few… Jessica Deane, Crave Photography, Leah Cook, Feather Nest Photography (just discovered them) – oh, and I love love love to see DeAnna McCasland, Dewdrops Photography and Megan Wilson in my FB newsfeed every morning, you ladies are SO fab!!!

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

Absolutely, without doubt!

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

I almost said light & airy and then had a good chuckle because I sounded like an estate agent!!!!   Light, whimsical, soft, and a touch vintage.

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food?  Toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches

2. what is your favorite beverage?  Nescafe Vanilla Latte… yum, yum, yum

3. your favorite item of clothing?  Pajama pants, is there anything more comfy?

4. your go to pair of shoes?  Flip Flops!!!!

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often?  No answer.

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

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

I’m an image-maker first and a photographer second. I studied animation in art college and have worked as an animator in the computer games industry, a graphic designer, 3D modeller, an illustrator and now photographer. In all these jobs I have used Photoshop to help finesse the final image.

2. Share with us your favorite image and why. (please let me know if it is one of the images you include to post) IMG_6906

This is my favourite image right now. I like it mainly because they both look happy and relaxed and because something I had planned beforehand worked just as I had pictured it.

The rather predictable answer is having children and wanting to get really nice pictures of them as they were growing. Back when my eldest was born 12 years ago we had a film SLR and I still treasure the early pictures I have of my children taken with that camera. My father was also a professional photographer. He bought me an SLR when I was 18 and taught me how to use it. It makes me sad that he never knew I had become a professional photographer as he died in 2000.

Although I dabbled with personal photography in my 20′s I would say I became a hobbyist when I got my first dslr (a canon 400D) in 2007 and a paid professional  about 18 months later. In the beginning I charged just enough to cover my costs which suited everyone but photography is a time consuming job and pretty soon you’ve got to start charging for that too or you will burn out quickly.

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

 I love outdoor family sessions the most. We don’t get great weather in Ireland so when we have a nice evening I call one of the families I have on standby and we head for the hills. I love how much more relaxed children are outdoors with their families and it feels much less like work than setting up the ‘studio’ for an indoor session.

I have on average 5 sessions a month.  Not many I know but since I’ve moved more into the editing side of photography I take on fewer clients to give myself time to teach.

7. What has been your most memorable session and why? IMG_7451

It’s going to sound narcissistic but the most memorable is the one of my own family. We have never had a professional family portrait session and only have a handful of snapshots of the 4 of us together so I took my camera and remote and insisted everyone join in. Having photographs of your family with you in them is very important and something that lots of photographers don’t  do enough of.

I did have some photography training in college but most of my training has been from trial and error and from photography forums.

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

Other photographers have always been my source of inspiration. Seeing the great work that’s out there can show you what’s possible and make you strive for better pictures each time.

10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?

Canon all the way.  I prefer the color tones in Canon.  I have a 5D classic and although the temptation is always there to upgrade to the latest model  I know that the 5D is still easily good enough for me.  My favourite lens for indoors is the 24-70mm f/ 2.8 and for outdoor it’s hard to beat the 70-200mm f/ 2.8.

RAW always. I never shoot jpg because you end up with so many fewer options when it comes to editing.

I use ACR and Photoshop. Lightroom and I had a nasty row a couple of years ago over RAM and a laptop got harmed in the ensuing battle.  I now have a new computer but LR never got reinstalled on it.

I would say join LSI or another photography forum. There is so much information on online forums that could save you time and money as you are growing your business. Be brave about asking for CC on your images. You will learn lots that way.

My favourite part is the satisfaction I get from making clients happy with images of themselves. I love getting emails and texts after the photos have been delivered saying how happy they are that they decided to get pictures taken. The time suckage is the worst part of owning a business. It can become 24/7 if you let it.

At the moment fellow LSI’er Melanie Leighton (www.melanieleighton.com) is my photography idol but I also love the work of  Paula O’Hara (www.paulaohara.com) They both have such consistently beautiful work but with an individual style.

I certainly see photography still having a big influence in my life in the years to come. I still have so much to learn and family photography is just a small part of what I would like to explore in the world of photography.

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food? Chocolate, no competition

2. what is your favorite beverage? Coffee, I have a Nespresso machine that will have to be prised from my cold, dead fingers

3. your favorite item of clothing? Jeans

4. your go to pair of shoes? Converse shoes or my gorgeous Fly boots I treated myself to on my 40th birthday.

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often? Sugar. Only because I used it to replace bad language when the children were younger. Now I just remind myself of my mother.

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

I love my family. I know. Cliché’ You said only ONE thing though I also love to shop, am a loyal friend and enjoy watching reality TV (love me some Honey Boo-Boo LOL)

2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

My favorite image changes fairly often (it’s usually something from one of my most recent sessions) but right now I just adore this one. (probably because it’s my baby in the picture) I just love her little toes and her tongue and her little kitty face—lol!

3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

My babies. I also really fell in love with photography once I got a digital camera. I loved being able to play with my photos in Photoshop.

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

It was about 2 months. In 2006 when I started there weren’t as many photographers as there are today so my name spread very quickly.

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

Newborn. After struggling for years with infertility I just TRULY appreciate the miracle of it all.

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

16-18

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

The sessions I donate for children with cancer. IT’s SO heartbreaking and rewarding at the same time. Those families appreciate the images more than I can even understand.

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)?

Self taught. I have learned SO much both online in forums as well as attending workshops. Kelley Ryden and Tracy Raver have been a huge inspiration and source of learning when it comes to newborn posing. I hosted their workshop in 2010 (I think?) and it just really gave me the confidence to work on my newborn posing skills.

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

Color. I am all about the bling. I’m that way in real life though, too. If it is sparkly or brightly colored I probably own it.

10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?

Canon. I love the 50mm 1.2 for newborns. The 24-70 2.8 for older babies/families and seniors in studio and the 135 L for outdoor work.

11. RAW or jpg and why?

RAW. I can’t imagine not having that control over my files.

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

I use ACR and Photoshop

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

Learn about BUSINESS before you start. Being successful in this industry really has 90% to do with your business skill and 10% with your photography skill.

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

My favorite part is being a part of all of my clients lives and capturing their most special moments. The least favorite part is bookkeeping and taxes.

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

Ahh I can’t pick just one. Kelley Ryden and Tracy Raver inspire me as well as Kristen Mackey (Son Kissed Photography). I also ADORE Caralee Case’s work.

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

Yes. For sure.

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

Fun, Colorful and Accessorized LOL!!!

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food? Louisiana Chicken Pasta from the Cheesecake Factory. YUMMMM.

2. what is your favorite beverage? Coke

3. your favorite item of clothing? Skinny Jeans

4. your go to pair of shoes? In the winter here in good old Minnesota = UGGS. IN the summer I just wear cute little flats typically.

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often? ‘like’ My grammar iz AWESOME.

A few words from Amanda:  Just a photographing, knitting, crazy Mama to six amazing kids, with an awesome husband and an incredible God.  I live in NSW Australia, and photograph newborns, babies and kids.

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

If I was Sarah in the Labyrinth movie, I would TOTALLY just forget about the baby.

2. Share with us your favorite image and why.

You know, I honestly don’t have a truly favorite image. It keeps changing..I guess a recent-ish favorite is this one of my youngest child at 2 days old, purely because she was so fresh and I felt very blessed to be able to capture her early days with my camera.

3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

Truthfully, I was a young Mum with a toddler and a baby, bored out of my brain at home all day every day. I thought photography (I started out with a ONE megapixel hand-me-down point and shoot) would be a nice creative outlet.

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

About two and a half years from the time I started experimenting with that dinky little point and shoot, until the time I took on my first paying client.

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

I LOVE newborn sessions. I love getting to snuggle with a fresh little baby (and sneaking in a little sniff of their sweet newborn smell…). But I think I am equally as excited for a session with a preschool aged kid. They as still young enough to not be self conscious, but old enough to listen (most of the time).

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

At the moment, about 2. I don’t have time for more.

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

Ooh gosh, I’m not sure! Maybe the maternity session I did for a girlfriend of mine who was pregnant with twins, which were baby 7 and 8 for her.

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)?

Self taught. I got a lot of helpful advise from friends on that art website I mentioned, then moved on to the ilp forums which back then was quite small and intimate. I learnt a lot from many generous people! Apart from that, I read a LOT of books, even books that looked completely dorky and were before the digital time.

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

My kids.

10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?

Nikon and 85mm 1.4

11. RAW or jpg and why?

RAW. I like the extra control I have over my final images.

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

Both.

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

Haha…don’t? No just kidding Be really sure you want to do this for money. It’s so easy to get lured into thinking it will be an easy ride, when it’s often times the complete opposite. I wish someone had told ME back then that I didn’t automatically have to progress to “being in business” just  because I had skill.

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

Paperwork, everything accounting.

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

Different photographers inspire me at different times. Sally Mann was one of the very first people I looked up to in the photography world. Celebrity photographers aside, I absolutely LOVE the work of Pat Fruen.

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

Yes.

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food?  Pasta.
2. what is your favorite beverage?  Coffee. Specially, a skin caramel latte. Yummm.
3. your favorite item of clothing?  Maxi skirts.
4. your go to pair of shoes?  Flip flops.
5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often?  Stop!! (to my kids..haha).

A few words from Charlotte: Hi my name is Charlotte and I live in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia. I was originally born in the UK but immigrated with my family to Canada when I was 17 years old. I have been happily married to my darling husband for 5 years now and we have two beautiful boys, Cameron who is 3 and Brayden who just turned 4 months. Not only am I a photographer but I’m also a group fitness instructor at my local gym. I have always been involved in Photography since I was a teenager and have had various jobs in the industry from working retail in a camera store to working as a portrait photographer on board the cruise ships. I started Charlotte Gamache Photography almost 3 years ago, just shortly after Cameron was born and I work mainly out of my home shooting with both Studio and Natural light.

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

My sister and I share the same birthday, October 11^th but she is two years younger than me. I’m still not sure how my mum managed to pull off giving birth on my second birthday but I was not impressed apparently.

2. Share with us your favorite image and why. 

I have to be biased here and say it is one of my son’s newborn images I took of him at 5 days old on a blue blanket background. I had this idea to play around with a stretch wrap and style it in a way I hadn’t seen before. I played around with it until I found something I liked and then I snapped away. He looks so snug as a bug in that image.

3. What inspired you to be a photographer?

My grandfather was a photographer and I always remember him taking out his ‘big’ camera whenever we went anywhere. I have always had an artistic ability about me so I believe I was just destined to take after him and be behind the lens.

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

I have always wanted to be a professional so I was never really a ‘hobbyist’ per say as I studied photography in College and have always had some sort of job in the photographic industry. I have been officially taking on paid clients for about 2 and half 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 absolutely love newborns, they are my most favourite thing to photograph. I love to get creative styling different set-ups and always pushing myself to try something new rather than staying in the ‘safe zone’ as we know how hard newborns can be to photograph, especially if you get a fussy, non sleeping baby.

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

At the moment about 6 – 8 sessions a month

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

Every session is memorable for me as every session is different.

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 started out teaching myself when I got my first 35mm SLR as a teenager, but then I went onto college and studied photography for 2 years. In terms of newborn photography, I have learned through online forums and taking Keri Meyers workshop last year.

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

Oh gosh, I am constantly inspired everyday whether it is a new prop I have purchased or a location I have spotted. But mainly the clients that come into the studio give me the biggest inspiration as I feed off of their personalities.

10. Nikon or Canon, other? Favorite lens?

I have always been a Canon Girl. I just broke down and purchased the 70 – 200 2.8 IS and it’s AMAZING. I just love shooting with that lens right now.

11. RAW or jpg and why?

RAW for sure, I just love having that flexibility.

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

ACR combined with Photoshop. I have never used LR and I don’t think I ever will as I am quite happy with my post processing workflow.

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

Have a business plan. What do you ultimately want to achieve from owning a photography business. If you think its way to make a ‘quick buck or two’ then you are in it for the wrong reasons.

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

The favorite part for me is that I can set my own schedule around my already hectic personal life, but the least favourite part is that my personal life sometimes has to take a back seat especially in the evenings when I have to get caught up on editing instead of spending time cuddling on the couch with my hubby after the kids have gone to bed.

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

My dear friend Charlene Schreuder of Charlene Schreuder Photography in South Africa. Her work is phenomenal and she is so talented as what she does. I also love Carrie and Brit from Baby as Art, their newborn work is out of this world.

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

I sure do….I don’t think I could ever give this up.

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

I would like to think that my style is soft, pure, timeless and unique.

A few fun questions:

1. what is your favorite food?  Chocolate Chip Cookies

2. what is your favorite beverage?  Hmmmm Milk (especially with cookies)

3. Your favorite item of clothing?  Right now I am loving my black leggings/tights especially for newborn sessions. They are so comfy

4. your go to pair of shoes?  My black flip flops

5. what is one word you catch yourself saying too often?  “Wait ” to my 3 year old son who has no patience whatsoever