1. How did you get started in photography and when did you start your business?
Like many newborn/child photographers, my own babies were my inspiration to begin with. I started in about 2006 and quickly realized how hard and how much more work it was than I thought. But that didn't deter me,
I loved it from the start!
2. Where are you located? Do you have a studio space or do you shoot on-location?
I am located in Tampa Bay, FL. I have a natural light studio in Clearwater, FL and I photograph on-location from time to time.
3. What do you shoot with and what are your favorite lenses?
I shoot with the canon mark III and primarily use the 50L1.2. I loved
The 70-200L 2.8 but found that for me, I had to be to far away from myclients. Whether babies, families or children and I felt like I lost connection with them as I "yelled" down the beach for them that I was ready or to give them a direction.
4. Do you shoot anything other than newborns?
Ahhhh..... LOVE the babies! How can you NOT be drawn to them? It is so rewarding to capture those first few days for families. Those are days that go by SO fast and to be able to have priceless memories of them is inspiring. I do have a baby plan (New Beginnings Plan) so I photograph lots of sitting up babies and cake smashes. Also, being in Florida, I photograph lots of families on the beach.
5. How would you describe your style & where do you find your inspiration?
I think it takes a long time to find your style. It doesn't happen after a few shoots. I do believe I have finally found mine though- I love simple and classic images. I love white and soft colors. I love photographing newborns outside. I get my inspiration from many things but mostly from my clients or babies. I love when they bring something for me to use in a session or when a newborn moves themselves to a pose that is all his/her own.
6. Have you taken any photography workshops and/or training?
Yes, I have taken a few workshops that were newborn related and that also touched on other things. I enjoyed each of them for different reasons. One of the best things about all the workshops I have attended is just getting to know the other photographers and networking together with them.
7. Where do you like to shop for your props? Do you have favorite vendors?
Although I don't have any favorite vendors that I order from exclusively I of course try to keep myself off of Etsy! It is so dangerous! LOL! I also love to wander antique shops and some of the local stores in my area for fun finds. I always try to stay true to my style when purchasing props and newborn things.
8. Please share with us your top 5 favorite images!
I feel like these images really showcase my style and who I am as a photographer. They show what I love and what gets me excited about a session. These are the ones that I can't wait to get home to edit and see how they came out.
9. What are 3 you wish someone would have told you when you started?
Only 3? :) Wow- I guess I wish that I would have had more guidance in how to find my style. I "wandered" around a long time trying to figure out who I was in my photography and finding the confidence to be myself and shoot what I love. I also which someone would have told me how hot (not hot like beautiful, hot, like HOT! LOL!) I would be when photographing a newborn! LOL! Funny, but seriously, I love the book The Happiest Baby on the Block and use those 5 S words during my sessions to help keep the newborns happy. I could have used that advice much earlier on! And last but not least, I think I wish it didn't take me so long to figure some of the technical sides of using a camera. It is always a learning process but some of the things I used to do.... Oh MY! If only someone would have told me!
10 Lastly, tell us about YOU! Who are you, other than a photographer?
Whew- that's a loaded question! I am so many things and wear so many hats (like all us moms!). I would say I am a Dr. Pepper loving, Desert loving, movies loving, beach loving, baby loving, shopping loving mommy to 2 beautiful children and wife to an awesome husband that I have been married to for 20 years!
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Would you like to be our next Spotlight Photographer? E-mail us at info@newbornphotography.com with the subject “Spotlight Photographer.” We look forward to featuring you!