Thursday, June 30, 2011

Lizzy Lyric Photography

Questions for you...You Fabulous Photographer, You!
Name: Hollie M. Cook
Business Name: Lizzy Lyric Photography
Location:  Havelock, North Carolina

Facebook: Hollie M. Cook Facebook Fanpage
Website/Blog:  www.lizzylyric.com


What gear is in your camera bag?
Olympus E510, 14-42mm, 40-150mm, 50 1.4 mm and also a wide-angle adapter
What is your favorite lens to use and why?
So far, it is the 50mm. I love how sharp it is and the bokeh is amazing! I'm saving up for a 24mm wide-angle lens now. I want it so bad!
Give us one sentence to describe the style of your photography.
Oh man, that's a hard one. Ive never thought about it.  Colorful, creative, and honest.


What caused your interest in photography?
When I was growing up, for as long as I can remember, when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” My answer was always, “An artist.” For birthdays and Christmas I always got paper and markers or paint. Always something to create with. One year, when I was about 10,  I asked for a Polaroid. I remember taking it inside the woods, taking pictures of all the trash. I was going to make my own newspaper and raise awareness. Haha. Never gave it much thought after that until I was a teenager and saw a photo a friend of mine took of his shoes sitting beside his guitar. It totally spoke his personality to me. From then on, I dreamed of owning a nice SLR.
What is your favorite thing to shoot and why?
My favorite photos to look at and shoot are candids. Street photography. Life in the moment, the good, the bad, and the ugly.


How long did it take before you felt that you established a solid portfolio?
It took about two years before I was comfortable calling a group of my photos, “My Portfolio”.
How long did it take you to discover your style of photography?
I am still trying to figure out my style! I just do what I do.


What inspires you most?
Other photographers. Children. Life.
How long does it typically take you to edit a portrait shoot? Weddings?
Depends on the type of session. I mainly do portrait sessions. With those, Id say about 4 hours.
Do you use studio equipment? If so, what would you say is the most crucial piece in your studio and why?
I use a reflector. I am a natural light photographer.


What are you looking most forward to this year...Both professionally, and personally?
This year I will shoot my first wedding. Its a friends wedding and they are both silly people. She said her reception is going to be a little off the wall. Totally my style!


Do you ever get "bored" with your work? If so, what do you do to shake things up?
I'm one of those people who get bored a lot. I get bored with my work too. I think everyone does. If not, you'd probably end up never evolving. When I get stuck in a rut, I take a break from taking photos and browse other photographers, art, read...eventually, something inspires me.
What's the one thing about your work that you feel sets you apart from the big sea of photogs?
It speaks of who I am. No one else. Its mine.


Do you have an idea for a shoot, but have no clue how you are going to make it happen?
I always have ideas and wonder how I will make it happen!
How do you balance your personal life with your work life?
Since I have a little one at home, still, during the day, I try to only book for the weekends and edit after she goes to bed. That doesn't always happen, though.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Switzerland. I saw a show once, it might have been Oprah...you know they leave sleeping babies outside...with NO worries?!  Can you imagine? Not to mention its beautiful there!


Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 
I see myself having a studio with a big sign out with flashing lights that screams LIZZY LYRIC PHOTOGRAPHY.  Not really. I see myself successful and happy. Maybe with my own studio?
What are you most proud of? Both professionally and personally?
I am most proud that I started out with absolutely nothing. No formal education, no money, no support. Nothing. I am still not where I would like to be. But I'm a lot further than I was. So I am very proud.


Describe in one paragraph what a perfect day for you would look like.
I'd wake up fully refreshed as the sun was rising. Breakfast would be made. Everyone would be in a great mood. And there was an adventure waiting for me. A journey to a place I had never been before. With my camera, of course. Oh, and there would be a lot of shopping. And an awesome lunch and dinner. Topped off with a massage and a nice comfy bed.  
What turns you on the most creatively and what turns you off?
What turns me on most is music. What turns me off the most creatively is negative people and drama! It overwhelms me and I cant think. I just want to hide away somewhere.
As far as marketing your business goes, what would you say are the most important and beneficial things to do when you want to get your name out there?
Being that our family is military and just this past year we've lived in 4 states, I know what its like to have to start over from scratch and getting my name out. Be professional. Be to the point. And market your *ss off! Maybe start out with a killer deal to get people’s attention.


What's the one piece of advice that you feel a person just starting a photography business would benefit from?
Don’t  jump the gun. Unless you know your stuff, don’t market as if you do. It’ll only hurt you in the end. Charge what you feel your time and talent is worth. There will always be someone who thinks you are too expensive.


Wednesday, June 29, 2011

"Innocence Radiated"

A beautiful shoot from Maria Alexandra Photography...
I loved photographing these little girls. 
I was inspired by their soft porcelain quality of it all ... The sunshine beaming on their little curls, the softness of the field. Innocence radiated from them. Shot after shot I felt myself watching two beautiful little angels run through the field like they were in a fairytale adventure chasing butterflies and collecting flowers. Taking a little break to read a book having everything else disappear. The mind of a child is truly a beautiful place. 



Thursday, June 23, 2011

Bella Kole Photography


Questions for you...You Fabulous Photographer, You!
 Name:
Heather (a.k.a. Kole) Loudermilk   
 Business Name:
Bella Kole Photography
 Location:
Cookeville, TN.
 Website/Blog:
Meet Heather...
 What gear is in your camera bag?
Canon T1i, 50mm 1.8, soon to be 85 1.8, and an extra memory card - speedlight when needed - I try to keep it simple (lol)

What is your favorite lens to use and why?
Thus far, the “nifty-fifty”, though I have used a friends 85 and fell in LOVE :) So I know that will be the favorite soon.

Give us one sentence to describe the style of your photography.
Dreamy vintage yet rich and modern. I love to keep things vivid and surreal, yet dreamy and memory-like.
 What caused your interest in photography?
Initially I have always been drawn to the art; my mom had a love for it, and while she never had the chance to learn professionally, she always felt it super important to capture the moments. We learned in the my teens that my mom had cervical cancer, and once she passed away, we realized how few photos we had with her in them with us; many other life events between my mom passing and my daughter being born pushed me more and more towards photography as an outlet for expression, and once my daughter was born I wanted to get even more serious about becoming a photographer to not only capture the images of her that I wanted, but to do it for others as well.

What is your favorite thing to shoot and why?
It really is hard to say... I love newborns, older babies, toddlers, kids and teens for sure; but each age group has its own special, unique thing that makes me love it. I try to be well rounded with taking photos of each category, but I try to not overwhelm myself either. I <3 details and capturing the uniqueness each person I photograph.
 How long did it take before you felt that you established a solid portfolio?
Um, I would have to say approximately 6 months, I think... maybe a little longer. I did not start shooting or assisting shooting weddings until about the 6 month mark either, so I would have to say I finally feel like I have things rounded out better with all categories in my portfolio at this point; a little over a year later :)

How long did it take you to discover your style of photography?
Sometimes I think I am still discovering it b/c I am constantly inspired, but I am way more consistent now than I was even 6 months or a year ago.

What inspires you most?
My daughter... she is amazing, silly, sassy, smart and down right awe-inspiring. No offense to anyone else in my life; there are tons of people who really do inspire and encourage me, and other [more seasoned] photographers that inspire me, but at the end of the day she is my soul inspiration. <3 :)
 How long does it typically take you to edit a portrait shoot? Weddings?
Portrait sessions are best summed up in hours - maybe about 10 to 12 give or take an hour... it really depends; being the mom of a 21 month old keeps things interesting; I am a SAHM, also so that tends to make “office hours” hairy.
Weddings are better summed up into weeks... 4 to 5 weeks, again just depending on work load, family things, etc.

Do you use studio equipment? If so, what would you say is the most crucial piece in your studio and why?
A flash mount speed light is the closest thing to studio equipment I use at the moment; I am hoping to make a studio space at some point in the next year to help with sessions that I want to take but cannot due to weather extremes.
 What are you looking most forward to this year...Both professionally, and personally?
Professionally - I am looking forward to building a more consistent client base, and creating a more regular schedule of sessions. Personally - I try to just go day to day, and pray that I can keep doing what I do :)

Do you ever get "bored" with your work? If so, what do you do to shake things up?
I do, actually, I either take a little break or I start looking around different sites/groups I am on for challenges. I also browse blogs and face book for inspiration.
 What's the one thing about your work that you feel sets you apart from the big sea of photogs?
 There are lots of photographers that think along the same lines as me when it comes to capturing the little things, the details and the emotion and personality of the person in the moment, but I AM ME... and they are them. Another photographer would not capture each shot at the same angle or with the same thought as I would; my editing style is unique to me, and I have began to gain a look that is recognizable to an image being mine.
 Do you have an idea for a shoot, but have no clue how you are going to make it happen?
YES!! (lol) I have a few of them ;) A big Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter Tea Party (my version) is one!
 How do you balance your personal life with your work life?
I am constantly working to improve this; some weeks go a lot better than others. My husband has really long work hours, 6 days a week, so in some ways that gives me a lot of time, but again, I am a SAHM with my daughter and her needs to think of first; lots of things get done during nap and bed time until about 2 AM.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
The country side in Italy or Coastal California
 Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully still doing photography with a steady business, and a small studio, and seeing my family flourish and watch my daughter grow into a sweet, well-rounded all American girl :)

What are you most proud of? Both professionally and personally?
Professionally - that I feel well versed at this point with both my camera and photoshop both; knowing the stuff I once did compared to now makes me feel amazing.
Personally - that my daughter is here today, healthy, vibrant and making me and the rest of the world smile on a daily basis - she knows no stranger! :)
 Describe in one paragraph what a perfect day for you would look like.
My perfect day would have to be one where I could be in a beautiful vineyard setting or on the beach, getting to snap away and create special moments either for myself/my family or someone else. Whether it is a wedding, a couple, children or an event. I love to be surrounded by the ocean air and sand, or beautiful trees, hills and lots of color and vintage things... either way, I could be a happy photographer and lady just getting to have the pleasure of standing among either setting.

What turns you on the most creatively and what turns you off?
What turns me on is the chance to photograph the sweetness of a baby, child or couple and capture all those little moments, expressions and details; what turns me off is someone else trying to run the show when I was the one hired to do my job.

As far as marketing your business goes, what would you say are the most important and beneficial things to do when you want to get your name out there?
I did several contests and offered a lot of portfolio building specials. I am starting to back off doing this since my first full year of business has come to close (as of the first of June), but it helps a great deal. My FB fan page is at 1,650 now... going on 2K - WOWWY!! :) My prices are getting on up there with the “big dawgs” and I am finding more and more value in my time, work and demand. I have much more experience now than when I started, so I know this is a must in order to see my business grow I have to have money to be able to put it into my equipment and business AND help at home.


What's the one piece of advice that you feel a person just starting a photography business would benefit from?
Find a way to get consistent with your style and find the name that fits YOU PERFECTLY. Be sure to truly have an understanding of your camera settings(learn MANUAL if at all possible, though some prefer Av) and photoshop; find a mentor [seasonged] photographer (they are everyone, and there is someone that is the right fit for you, just like there was for me), and LEARN LEARN LEARN …. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Portfolio build and then know when to get down to business with your business; take yourself and the nature of being in business for yourself as seriously as possible. I am CONSTANTLY learning and growing. Be open to growth.

Heather! We loved your honest answers! How refreshing...Recognizing the worth of your time and talent is something that I believe, many photographers struggle with. They listen to the potential clients who say things like, "I can't believe photographers are so expensive. You should never charge more than you charge now." So they don't, because they think that they won't get any work! Those people do not VALUE a professional photographer and your work. These are the people that say things like this because they never want to pay more than a certain amount even if they believe it's worth more. But here's the thing...We need to realize that there are people out there, lots of them actually, who value having professional pictures done of their families or of their weddings! You don't need those people that don't value your work! In the beginning when you are first starting out, you do to build your portfolio, but when you get to a certain point in your career, you will realize what you believe your work and experience is worth and you should charge accordingly. You make that leap of faith and you will be taken more seriously as a professional and you will still get work! It was so great to get to know you Heather, you are an inspiration to me personally and so many others! SHOOT ON! We wish you the best!




Thursday, June 16, 2011

Brooke Logue Photography

Questions for you...You Fabulous Photographer, You!
Name: Brooke Logue Gomberg
Business Name: Brooke Logue Photography
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
  Brooke Logue Gomberg
What gear is in your camera bag?
Right now it's quite simple. A Nikon D700 body and a Nikon D80 body (my backup), Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8 and a Nikkor 50mm 1.8.  I am also in the process of upgrading some of my equipment, and purchasing the 1.4 85mm. So exciting! Oh, and of course I have all the other goodies in my bag as well, back up memory cards, charger, gray cards, reflector, etc. 

What is your favorite lens to use and why? 
I find myself often using my fifty, it's just such a great lens and its small and easy to travel with. 

Give us one sentence to describe the style of your photography. 
I consider my style emotional, fairytale like and journalistic, a bit vintage inspired, with a personal artistic touch.
What caused your interest in photography? 
I have always considered myself an artist. About 10 years ago (ahh), I was a student at a magnet high school for visual arts, (where I practiced painting, drawing, sculpture, screen printing, photo, etc) and it was there that I discovered my love for photography. Only back then, I was developing my own images in the darkroom, which is a beautiful art of it's own. Two years ago my daughter was born and she was my inspiration to pick up my DSLR and start shooting again. My love of capturing emotions, expressions, feelings, and family interactions, is beautiful to me, and so irreplaceable.

What is your favorite thing to shoot and why? 
Young faces! And newborns of course! Oh the innocence! The beauty and spontaneity of discovering the world, beginning at day one of life, and progressing through the magic and innocence of childhood, is just so pure to me!
How long did it take before you felt that you established a solid portfolio? 
I am still building my portfolio every single day! As long as I am growing as a photographer and an artist, and continuing to learn everyday, my portfolio will ALWAYS be growing. 

How long did it take you to master your skill and discover your style of photography? 
Oh, I continue to master my skills everyday. I am constantly learning and growing. That is the beauty of art. My style has evolved over time, into what has become my own. Of course I have been inspired by many other amazing photographers, but at the same time, I have always remained true to myself. To me, this has meant, to shoot with expression, to shoot with meaning, to shoot with emotions. Ultimately, to shoot from my heart. 
What inspires you most? 
Oh, wow, so much has inspired me in my art, my business, and in my life! Most importantly, my 2 children and my husband! They are my constant reminder of the love that surrounds our family, and to always enjoy the little things in life, every moment! As a photographer, I am inspired to preserve these every little moments as works of art, photographic memories, instilled in our hearts for a lifetime! Another huge inspiration to me as a business owner, and always will be was my father, who passed away, at too young of an age, this past October, from cancer. He was always a very successful business owner and has always inspired and motivated me from a very young age, to want to be a entrepreneur. Im so glad he got to see me pursue my dream, and I know he's watching down on me, so very proud. I must also mention my amazing mentor (you know who you are), who has inspired me in so many different ways. One of his biggest inspirations to me as an artist, which I think is so important, and so challenging at times, is to take risks, be different, and to shoot from the heart.  
 How long does it typically take you to edit a portrait shoot? Weddings? 
Well, I am slow, and very much a perfectionist. I tend to find myself working on a few images at a time. I am not the type to sit down for hours, (all you middle of the nighter photo editers!), and edit an entire session in one sitting, so I edit over a period of days. Im not really sure how long it can take me, maybe 6-8 hours total for just the edits of 20-30 images. I tell my clients 2-3 weeks, that way I can take my time and make them perfect! 

Do you use studio equipment? If so, what would you say is the most crucial piece in your studio and why?
I do not use studio equipment. The reason for this is because my style demands a quality of light that conveys a very natural, warm look. While I am not opposed to studio lighting, I find that I am better able to achieve the mood and look that I want with natural light. 
 What are you looking most forward to this year...Both professionally, and personally? Professionally, I look forward to challenging myself artistically, and continuing to learn and grow as a photographer and an artist, every single day. Personally, I look forward to making memories with my children, and continuing to preserve those memories in my art and in my mind. I feel I have begun to find a good balance between my children and my business, and keeping this balance creates sanity! 

What keeps you going when you feel like slowing down? 
My children, and seeing them happy! They are just a reminder of what life is all about! 
 What's the one thing about your work that you feel sets you apart from the big sea of photogs? 
Many other photographers may use the same actions as I do, or use the same props, equipment, even compositions and poses. The one thing that sets my images apart, and that other photographers can't take from me personally, is that I shoot from my soul (my photography mentor told me this).  This is what makes my art different than everyone else's, it's mine, it's me, it's shot through my eye, from my soul. So with that said, I found this quote, "Every artist dips his brush into his own soul." :) 

Do you have an idea for a shoot, but have no clue how you are going to make it happen? 
All the time. My husband thinks Im crazy, for some of the things that I have actually "made happen." I believe that you can make ANYTHING happen if you just try! Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of ideas that I have had that just didn't happen at all! I think that this often goes along with photographing children and newborns! Sometimes, it goes their way, and not yours! And sometimes, it's so much better this way ;) Im actually starting to realize, that It's often better this way!
Is there anything more important than your photography? If so, what is it? Absolutely! My husband and my children are my everything! They are who keep me going, who make me smile, and who inspire me in every aspect of my life, not just photography! 

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? 
I have no clue! I love it here in Florida, and have been here my entire life! Honestly, I would just like multiple homes all around the world, and that way I can take the benefits from everywhere, and still be close to my family!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 
 I still see myself as a mother, a wife, and a professional photographer, however, with 10 years more experience, than I have now. 

What are you most proud of? Both professionally and personally? 
Personally, Im so so proud of my children. They make me proud everyday and they are just truly amazing! Im also proud of the family that my husband and I have created, a family that is in constant surroundings of love. To me, love is so important in a home. Professionally, I am proud of myself for pursuing my dreams, as a photographer and a business owner, and I look forward to the journey it continues to take me on every day. 
Describe in one paragraph what a perfect day for you would look like. 
Sitting in bed on a weekend morning, with my husband, two year old daughter, and 2 month old son, sipping on our coffee, and watching the sun slowly peek through our bedroom window. Oh, and it would only be perfect if my daughter was being her usual, goofy self, and jumping on the bed, singing and laughing. After a slow and lazy morning, we would mosy on to the kitchen where we would cook up some mickey mouse pancakes, and as I always do with my daughter in the kitchen (mostly when it's just the two of us) we would blast music and sing and dance together in the kitchen. Then, after pancakes, we would sunscreen the family up, for an afternoon/evening on the boat, with snacks and juice boxes ;) We would cruise into the evening time, when the sunlight makes it's sweet appearance, and enjoy my favorite time of the day with my favorite people. Not to mention, I would probably be taking pictures, because I usually cannot resist such perfect lighting (oh and my kids ridiculously adorable faces)!
What turns you on the most creatively and what turns you off? 
I am turned on by a desire to blend my creative ideas with the culture and personalities of my subjects. I am turned off by a rigid set of guidelines and poses that I have to shoot from. 

What's the one piece of advice that you feel a person just starting a photography business would benefit from?
I think it is important for an artist to identify themselves as who they are as an artist, and identify their own style and then with all veracity, remain true to themselves.