When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I was the documentarian of the family growing up and created scrapbooks and photo albums to preserve memories. I am a total sentimental sap and have always been nostalgic by nature. I rocked a Kodak Instamatic for years and always loved my Polaroid 600. My husband purchased a DSLR for me in 2009.
I realized there were so many settings I had no clue how to use, so I began reading photography blogs, visiting online forums and reading photography related books. I devoured everything I could find: ebooks, workshops, and online tutorials. I’d choose a topic and focus on practicing that until I got comfortable with it.
When and how did you start out in photography?
After studying for a few years and port folio building for a few months, I opened up shop in late 2012. I began part time, shooting mostly families and second shooting weddings. I now work full time shootings lifestyle sessions and weddings.
How would you describe your style?
It has changed over the years. When I started my style was light and natural with a hint of whimsy, now I am drawn to deep shadows and bold color. My favorite shots tend to be candid and showcase connections among my subjects. I am inspired by movement, emotion and the play of light and shadow.
What’s in your gear bag?
I am a Nikon girl. I shoot with a D800, a D750 and a variety of lenses, mostly primes, but I do love my 70-200 2.8.
One lens you can’t live without?
My Sigma 35 1.4 Art.
How did know when the right time to start charging was?
I started charging a small fee when I was portfolio building. So much goes into planning, executing and editing a shoot that I knew I didn’t want to do it all for free.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
I was charging $75 an hour when I first started shooting (now I realized that’s crazy insane!). I now charge between $325 and $800 for a session, depending on the type.
How did you market yourself when you started out?
I started by reaching out to family and friends. I created a Facebook page and posted images there, blogged regularly, put out post cards in my neighborhood and in local shops, handed out business cards, etc. Whatever I could do at a minimal cost.
Name the first person that comes to mind when you think of:
Newborn photographer: Lacey Newman Photography
Wedding photographer: Meagan Gielow of Morning Wild Photography
Lifestyle photographer: DeAnna McCasland
Most inspirational person: Amber Carbo Privizinni (she has been a huge support to so many in the photography community including me!)
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught?
I am self-taught. I have found online workshops and critiques to be most helpful. I have taken many!
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
Finding the right clients and targeting my marketing to be effective. That, and just keeping up with all the work while balancing family life.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
My best advice is to shoot every day in all kinds of light and situations and never stop learning. Connect with other photographers or local photography clubs, practice on family, friends, neighbors, whoever will let you! The more you shoot the better you will become, and the more confident you will be. Building confidence was huge for me. It helped me learn to value my time and talent. If you don’t value that in yourself, others won’t either.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
I would be distraught. Ha ha. But seriously, I would probably work in advertising. I was a print production manager before becoming a stay at home mom, and later a photographer. I love the creative aspect of advertising so I would probably go back into that field.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
To give myself credit and not undervalue what I do. I have worked really, really hard and spent countless hours studying, and perfecting my art. While I still have much to learn and room to grow, all that effort and hard earned experience has value.
What are your thoughts on lifestyle photography?
I love the genuine, organic feel that lifestyle photography affords. I am often drawn to those types of images. I love being able to record little moments in my own children’s lives so that they can go back one day and remember exactly who they were in that moment. I prefer to be a documentary shooter – a fly on the wall. My client sessions lean more toward lifestyle but I plan to make more of a push toward documentary sessions this year.
I am a homeschooling mom of 4 crazy kiddos and one floppy-eared Great Dane living in coastal Virginia. I have been married for 14+ years to a mathematician, who is fantastically supportive of my photography addiction. I adore children’s books, love to bake chewy chocolate chip cookies, and will never turn down a stop at Starbucks.
I enjoy exploring museums and historic sites with my family, and long walks around the neighborhood on warm summer evenings. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll often find me burning up my iPhone battery on Facebook and Instagram while folding umpteen loads of laundry one-handed.
Life is messy and beautiful. Those imperfect moments of struggle, growth, freedom or sorrow, they are what make life so bitter sweet. I love capturing those slices of life. I think they are the images I treasure most.
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