I got an email from another photographer, telling me that she loved my work and that she was my new blog stalker. I giggled to myself, in a flattered way, like a giddy schoolgirl, in awe of what's in front of me. She asked me if I would be willing to answer some questions on my blog, for her and others. Of course, I told her and again, I'm beyond flattered. So...here's her questions and my answers.

How did you learn photography? Are you self taught?
Photography is something that I dreamed about doing since I was a teen. In college, I took my camera everywhere...and I mean everywhere. I remember, in 1993, after I first got in the Air Force, I met a friend's friend, who was a photographer (she was trying to get hired by the Detroit Free Press, where I grew up). I so admired her and was constantly drilling her with questions. I told her that I dreamed of one day being a photographer. (I still have one of her prints hanging in my house..it's always been an inspiration for me.) But I was a nurse in the Air Force and being a photographer was only something I dreamed about. In 2003, I got out of the Air Force to pursue getting my oldest a cochlear implant and stay at home with my kids. Because I always have to be doing something, I taught myself Photoshop and began digital scrapbooking. I scrapped Sky's entire first year. Then in Jan 2006, after a discussion with my husband, I decided to go for it...follow my passion...and pursue my dream of photography. I bought a 20D and never looked back.

Yes, I'm completely self taught -- forums, workshops, books, magazines, friends and lots and lots of practice. I have to say a special thanks to Carrie Sandoval and Jen Kerker, who were such great mentors in the beginning of my journey. Carrie formally became a mentor and Jen became a mentor through friendship; both taught me so much and I'm so thankful. Most of my studying happened between the hours of 9 PM and 2 AM. And then I'd practice on my poor kids during the day. Yep, I'm sure they'd tell you that my learning photography was torture for them. Now I really try and limit them as my subjects and never force. I want them to enjoy being my subjects. Having three kids, most of my work continues to be between the hours of 9 PM and 2 AM. That is life...shoot on weekends and work during the night (every night).

I also have to mention Cheryl Jacobs, who I so admire. It was her workshop that provided me my 'aha' moment. It's very easy to get caught up in forums and stuff and if you don't fit in, it can be discouraging. And I don't think I ever fit it. I went to CJ's workshop eight months after picking up my camera and I was scared to death to share my portfolio. I thought my work was different and I just wasn't sure about myself. It was Cheryl's support and encouragement, at the workshop, that pushed me to just be myself and go for it. Keep doing what I'm doing. Believe in myself and believe in my work. It's okay to be different.

And last but not least, I hope that I never stop learning and growing. My journey has only just begun.

What brand of camera do you use?
I started with the Canon 20D and had lots of problems. I sent it back four times in six months and ended up buying a Nikon D200 because I was so frustrated with my 20D's problems (I think it was a lemon). Later I got the Canon 5D and when I did, I sold my Nikon D200 to a friend. It's not because I didn't like the D200 (I loved it) but I was tired of being a bi-shooter. I purchased the 5D because of it's low noise performance at high ISOs and well, I guess I got caught up in all the hype. I told myself that if I purchased the 5D, I had to sell my Nikon. Too much money invested in lenses. But seriously, you can't go wrong with either; they are both awesome brands and cameras. I recommend testing different brands and see what feels best to you. I'm sorry that I can't speak about any other brands; I've only used Canon and Nikon.

What is/are your favorite lens(es) to photograph with?
Right now my fav lens is the 24-70mm f/2.8. I also really enjoy the clarity of my primes, 50mm f/1.4 and the 85 mm f/1.8. For the longest time, I shot solely with primes. I rented the 85mm f/1.2 for the wedding this past weekend and that lens so rocks (but expensive). I think primes are a really great lens to start with, especially the 50mm.

Do you photograph in RAW or Jpeg?
I shoot manual and in RAW. It's great to be able to do basic adjustments in RAW. However, I still think it' so important to get as perfect exposure as possible ROOC.

Do you like to photograph at a particular time of day? What kind of lighting to you look for?
Early morning or evening is when I typically photograph. I'm always searching for some open shade when shooting outdoors. I DO NOT like full sun at all, at least not for standard portrait work. I also enjoy shooting indoors, if there's enough light, and that can be any time of day. You just have to find the right window...light.

What does your post processing consist of? Do you use actions or your own mix?
One of my biggest recommendations for aspiring photographers is to learn the power of the basics...curves, levels, etc. So many get caught up in actions, etc. (which definitely have their places) and they've never learned what the basics can do for an image by themselves. My processing consists mainly of levels and curves and depending on the image, I might run an action or two. I try to look at an image and make an artistic decision as to which direction to take things. The processing of each image is unique. I spend a lot of time (sometimes too much) editing each and every session.

What inspires you?
Life inspires me. Getting shots that feed my soul and make my heart happy inspires me. Having people like you, who asked me if I would do this, inspires me. Truly feeling that this is what I was meant to do in life inspires me. I also love viewing other people's work--there's so many amazing photographers out there (sometimes i'ts almost scary :-) I'm inspired by the possibilities.

Do you have any words of advice for anyone who is new to photography?
Stay true to yourself. Shoot from your heart. Don't get caught up in trying to be anyone else...or shoot like anyone else. You'll find that when you just shoot for you (and your clients) amazing things happen. Learn all you can learn. Make sure you learn the basics. Be thankful for each and every moment in your photography journey. Be thankful for each and every opportunity and success.

Have you ever taught a workshop or considered teaching one?
I've never taught a workshop. This question again made me giggle (in a flattered way). No, I've never considered teaching a workshop. I feel like I'm still so new to photography myself, having picked up an SLR for the first time in Jan 06. I feel like I have so much more to learn and so much more growing to do. I hope I never stop doing both--learning and growing. Thank you for asking though.

With all my heart and soul, I thank all of those who have supported me in this journey. You know who you are and I know that I couldn't have done it without you. I can only hope to give a little back of what those have so graciously given to me.



A friend shared this quote with me this morning and I so love it:
If one andvances confidently in the direction of his dreams,
and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined,
he will meet success unexpected in common hours.
- Henry David Thoreau