I finally took the tripod out to try and get some new family photos of us. This was much easier to do before toddler age! I think we got maybe 10 keepers out of an hour of shooting and my daughter isn’t smiling (or even looking) in most of them, but I love them! I already have a big wall display planned for them for over our couch. I will try and remember to post a photo when it’s up! I wanted to share these with you as well as include answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that I recieve. Soooo….here we go!
1. What is in your camera bag?
I’m a canon girl and I shoot with a 5D Mark iii. It is an AMAZING camera and I can’t say enough wonderful things about it. As for my lenses I have a 35mm 2.0 , a 50mm 1.4, and a 85mm 1.8. I guess I’m a prime girl! I really have no desire for a zoom, but maybe one day. Prime lenses are perfect for my style of shooting.
2. How did you get started in photography?
I probably have gotten started like a lot of other mommy photographers out there, learning to photograph my daughter. I have had a DSLR for about 5 years, but I never really learned how to use it until a year ago. I really wanted to be able to take great photos of my daughter so I started learning everything I could about photography….and I was hooked. I spent every free moment researching exposure, lighting, composition, and processing. I even used to dream about photography haha. I eventually started taking classes to hone and perfect my skills which helped tremendously.
3. How do you light your photos?
I use only natural light in my photos. Natural light works for me and my style of shooting. I love the look of indoor dramatic split light as well as beautiful backlight outdoors. If you look at my work you will notice I love to use the sun in various aspects in my photos.
4. What actions/presets do you use on your photos?
The only actions and presets I use on my photos are ones I have created myself. When I first started photography I spent money on user made presets which were a big waste of money for me. I have such a precise vision for my photos that I prefer to perfect the look I am going for on my own.
5. What inspires your photography?
There are two major things that inspire my photography. The first is light! Seeing beautiful light makes me want to get my camera out and snap away. Gorgeous golden evening light as well as some pretty window light put me into photo mode right away. The second is my daughter. Seeing life through her eyes everyday inspires me to no end. I love getting down on her level and snapping away at little moments with her. Now give me some gorgeous light AND my daughter and I’ll be in heaven!
7. Color of BW?
I would definitely say it depends on the image, but for the most part I am drawn to black and white. I love isolation of the subject and the timelessness that black and white gives. It takes all distraction of clothing and color and focuses more on the emotion of the image.
Thanks for looking! And if you have any questions I did not answer here please feel free to ask!
-Bethney