When did you first realize you wanted to be a photographer?
I realized that photography was something I was interested in for a career after my 6th or 7th photo shoot. I had been doing it as a hobby, just to pay for gas, but I did an Alice in Wonderland photo shoot and thats when the photography bug bit me.
When and how did you start out in photography?
I was 18 years old and a senior in high school. My best friend asked me if I could “please, please, please” take her senior portraits for the yearbook. They were due in a couple of days and she was desperate. I had always had an artistic side, which is why she asked me, but I had never picked up a camera before. I reluctantly agreed, got my girlfriend hot pink point and shoot camera and took some VERY cheesy pictures. I posted them on Facebook and it just took off from there. I always joke that “I didn’t choose photography, it chose me”.
What inspires you?
Everything. Literally everything. I have been inspired by so many random things, its hilarious sometimes. Something as random as a broken sidewalk will inspire me to dream up this big crazy, elaborate photoshoot. But my favorite form of inspiration is definitely music. 90% of my shoots have been inspired by music. I go through these “moods” of music, currently I’m so so inspired by Lana Del Rey.
How do you get your ideas for sessions?
I usually like to go through itunes and find an artist that I love. Then I’ll go to “related artists” and download some songs I’ve never heard, I’ll play the songs in a shuffle and sit back and close my eyes. Whatever pops in my head during the songs is my next shoot.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t really have a “set style” I don’t think. I just like pretty pictures, haha! Whatever looks best on any given photo what I’ll do. I love vintage tones though, its very rare that you’ll find a photo of mine that doesnt have some kind of vintage feel to them.
What’s in your gear bag?
Canon 5d Mark 2. 50mm 1.2, 85mm 1.2, 70-200mm, 135mm
One lens you can’t live without?
85mm 1.2. It’s such a dreamy lens
How did know when the right time to start charging was?
When I was paying for in gas to get to the shoot than they were actually paying me, haha. When I realized it was something I actually considered as a career was when I decided to charge.
How much did you charge for your first session and how much are you charging for the same type of session now?
$15 an hour, most photoshoot were 1 hour haha! How sad is that?? Now I charge $600
How did you market yourself when you started out?
I think a huge way to market yourself now is wedding blogs. I guess its a “new” form or marketing but the amount of brides who are obsessed with them is untouched.
Name the first person that comes to mind when you think of:
– Newborn photographer: Joy Prouty
– Wedding photographer: Jose Villa
– Lifestyle photographer: Elizabeth Messina
– Most inspiration person: Annie Leibovitz
Did you go to school for photography or were you self- taught?
100% self taught. Youtube is insanely helpful, you can basically learn anything you can dream of on there.
What has been some of the hardest things to overcome in your business?
Standing apart from everyone else. There are so many “photographers” out there, so it’s really difficult to differentiate yourself in this industry.
Do you have any tips for photographers just starting out?
Just do what makes you happy. Don’t listen to what everyone tells you what you’re “supposed” to do and do what you want. There are no rules.
If for some reason you couldn’t be a photographer what do you think you would be?
A bus driver. I’ve just always wanted to be able to pull that lever that opens and closes bus doors.
What’s the best lesson in photography that you’ve learned so far?
Patience with brides. Ill just leave it at that 😉
What are your thoughts on pricing?
I think you should charge what you’re comfortable with. That was a hard thing for me because I would feel so bad to charge a lot, and friends of mine would tell me I should charge more. Now, I charge what will get me by and a little extra. I love photography and don’t want to turn people down because they can’t afford me.
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