When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I don’t think I ever really realized I wanted to be a photographer until I realized I was a photographer. When I began, it was just about getting better but the goal of becoming a photographer was never there. As my skills developed, I eventually recognized that I had become a photographer.
When and how did you start out in photography?
I’ve always had an interest in photography and bought my first SLR about 12 years ago. It wasn’t until my daughter was born 9 years ago that I actually started trying to learn how to use it properly and that’s when I became obsessed with photography. I haven’t stopped learning since.
How would you describe your style?
Isn’t that always the hardest question to answer about yourself?! I’m often told by others that it is mysterious and tranquil. While I love those descriptive words, I do try to change it up and capture the fun and emotion when photographing my children.
What’s in your gear bag?
Canon 5d mark III
Canon 17-40L
Canon 35L
Canon 45 tilt-shift
Canon 85L
Canon 100L
Canon speedlite 580ex II
Ice Light
Profoto B1
One lens you can’t live without?
That’s going to be a hard tie between my 35L and 85L. I love the wider angle of the 35 and how it lends itself to storytelling better but the 85L is a gorgeous portrait lens. The depth of field on both of them are top notch.
How did you know when the right time to start charging was?
Actually, I am no longer in business. Several years ago I went into business because it seemed like the next move and everyone was telling me to but I soon realized it wasn’t the right step for me. Owning your own business takes a lot of work and time that I didn’t have between homeschooling three small children and my husband’s unpredictable work schedule. Now, I am more than happy to shoot for myself and second shoot about 20 weddings a year.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
If I remember correctly, I started with a $50 session fee and $25 for an 8×10 print. At the time that I closed my business, I was charging a $200 booking fee and 8×10’s were $60.
How did you market yourself when you started out?
I didn’t. I was horrible at marketing myself but that is such a crucial element to having your business be successful.
Name the first person that comes to mind when you think of:
Newborn photographer: Bethney Backhaus
Wedding photographer: Sam Hurd
Lifestyle photographer: Meredith Novario
Most inspirational person: Nina O’Connell – She’s always able to find the silver lining.
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught? If self-taught, what helped you the most?
For the most part, I’m self-taught. I didn’t go to school for photography but I’ve learned so much of what I know today from the Clickin Moms photography forum and Andrea Murphy who I second shoot for. Without those two, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
Focus on one thing at a time. There is so much to learn about photography and I always suggest to pick one thing (i.e. exposure, white balance, light, composition, etc.) and focus on it until you feel comfortable with it. After you feel confident in your original area of focus, then start working on something new.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
I’d be a storm chaser. Growing up in Oklahoma, I developed an admiration for weather and storms. In fact, I will never forget that first tornado I watched develop when I was about 8 years old while I stood right next to the storm cellar. Thankfully, that tornado didn’t grow into anything harmful. Since I’m not a storm chaser, I just obsessively photograph the sky 🙂
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
Take your time. Whether you’re trying to rush through the learning process or a photo session, slow down and take a deep breath and take your time. If you’re trying to learn something new, really dig your teeth into and give yourself time to truly understand it – nobody masters something overnight. If you’re on a shoot, slow down and evaluate every element of the frame to make sure it’s just right before you ever press the shutter. It’s far better to have one superb image than a handful of mediocre ones.
What are your thoughts on flash?
Learn it! Even if you prefer the look of natural light it will still benefit you greatly to learn flash photography. I was always scared of it but was forced to learn it once I got into second shooting weddings. Learning flash has helped me to understand light so much more and that is reflected in my natural light work as well. Plus, it’s helped me to get those photographs I want when it’s late at night and there’s absolutely no light available.
Self-taught photographer April Nienhuis is located in the Tulsa OK area. April’s camera of choice is the Canon 5D Mark II and while her lens choices may seem a bit unconventional, she primarily uses her 100mm macro, 45mm tilt-shift, lensbaby and 35mm lenses, she loves capturing her everyday life when not second shooting weddings where she has learned to be creative and find unique perspectives to the primary photographer.
Follow April Nienhuis on the Web: Blog | Facebook | Instagram
April is also the Director of Online Media for Clickin Moms and the instructor for CMU’s workshop Exploring Creative Photography.
