When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I have always had a passion for photography. I wanted to be a photographer since I was little. I always bought all the new Polaroid instant cameras when they came out. I used to tape up picture collages all over my walls with the pictures I took. I went through rolls of film like it was going out of style. It was when digital SLR cameras started to come out when my love for photography became more serious.
When and how did you start out in photography?
I bought my first film SLR when I had my first son. I became a total Mom Tog. Then, when digital came out, I bought my first digital SLR camera — a Nikon D80 — and thought it was the best thing ever invented besides pop. I could take a gazillion pictures and not have to run to the store to buy another roll of film or go develop it. By far the coolest thing ever. I was bad at actually developing my rolls of film. After my second son, I started really getting more into photography because I quit my job and sat at home taking pictures of him all day, but never thought it was actually a possibility to become a photographer. I joined some photography forums and saw so many people already having or starting a business and started talking about how they started. I taught myself how to shoot in manual and I thought I would take the leap. I bought a D700 and 24-70 2.8 & 70-200 2.8 VRII and started my business about two and a half years ago.
How would you describe your style?
Real and pure; I love capturing real, pure moments. I don’t like the total forced pose. I like my clients to be themselves and natural. I will help guide them along if they need some help.
What’s in your gear bag?
Nikon D700 – 3 of them
Nikon D3s
70-200 2.8 VRII
24-70 2.8
135 2.0 DC
50 1.4G
60 2.8G
35 1.4
16 2.8
Lensbaby
What’s one lens you can’t live without?
My 24-70 2.8!
How did know when the right time to start charging was?
I started charging the day I started my actual business.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
My first session, including all the digital images, was $50. Now, for the same type of session with the digital images, I charge $600.
How did you market yourself when you started out?
Besides posting pictures to Facebook, I didn’t really do any marketing.
Let’s play a game. Name the first person who comes to mind with each type of photographer. Write down the first person — no cheating!
- Newborn photographer: Blue Dandelion Photography
- Wedding photographer: Julie Paisley
- Lifestyle photographer: Paint the Moon
- Most inspirational person: Paint the Moon
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most?
I am 100% self taught. I learned if you are patient and practice as much as you can, you will get the outcome you want.
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
Self doubt and realizing that I can do things if I really want to.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
Learn how to shoot in manual and practice getting it right in camera. It will save you so much time. Shoot from your heart and not your head. What I mean is, when you are shooting, don’t think about it. Just do it.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer, what do you think you would be?
I am a certified pharmacy technician. I worked as pharmacy tech and a medical biller at a health insurance company doing benefits and claims. So I’d be in the medical field doing something or I’d be a stay home mom.
What’s the best lesson in photography (business or shooting) that you’ve learned so far?
Getting it right in camera so you get awesome SOOC. It is the biggest life saver ever! And just be who you are!
What are your thoughts on lifestyle photography?
Lifestyle is just pure awesomeness. I love taking lifestyle pictures of my boys. I always have, but didn’t know what lifestyle actually was until I started my business. I love pure moments. I wish more people wanted to do in-home lifestyle sessions, but it doesn’t seem like it’s very appealing to people who are not photographers.
“I am a wedding and child photographer and will always be a mom tog taking lifestyle pictures of my kiddos. I shoot from my heart. I am a
complete photography junkie. Weddings are where my heart is; I am a total sap for love. I have two awesome boys that are my whole world
and a dog named Nikon (that is how much of a photography junkie I am). I love Penn Station, nachos, Code Red and watching The Walking Dead. I love eating Twizzlers while I edit. I live in my jammies.”
Mandy’s specialty is lifestyle photography with a modern and photojournalism twist. Her love for being behind the camera and capturing moments on film is apparent in all of her work.
Find Gage Blake Photography on the Web: Website / Blog / Facebook
