A: No. It's been a hobby for a long time, and there is still so much I want to learn. I am self-taught but am lucky to know that I have other photographers right at my fingertips via the internet. Having a nice DSLR camera helps, but I still believe that a beautiful image comes far more from a photographer's eye, passion, an interesting angle and a little bit of good light than formal training and technology. I do what works for me and have found that out by a little bit of reading, a little bit of Googling, but mostly from practicing a ton and playing with my camera.
Q: What do you use for editing?
A: I primarily use pixlr.com/express, picmonkey.com and befunky.com. I use to use picnik.com but then they shut it down :( I don't go crazy editing my photos because it's time consuming and I like a more organic look to them (although every once and awhile I'll knock myself out with some crazy tweaks), but I have a few main adjustments I make to most of my published photos: exposure, clarity, contrast and sharpening. Sometimes, I use an adjustment brush to brighten/sharpen eyes or enhance single colors in a photo and then sometimes, when I'm really lucky, I leave my photos just the way they came off the camera.
Q: What do you use for lighting?A: Natural light, baby. The more, the better. I don't like flash pictures mainly because I haven't practiced enough with a flash to get a natural look. I love good light and have learned all the places in my house that let in the best natural light and all the best times to get it. My favorite time to shoot outside is an hour before sunset (the golden light). Otherwise, we look for shady spots. If there's not great light, we crank up our ISO and hope for the best.
Q: What inspires your photography?
A: My family. Feeling completely relaxed at the harbor. Golden light. Color. Mornings. Love. Vintage fashion. Small details that no one else notices. Feeling in the moment. Not caring too much. The gratification that comes from knowing the next photo could be the best one I've ever taken.
Q: Advice to anyone who wants to take good photos?
A: Don't care what other people think. Believe in yourself and let passion and what you love take over. Don't try too hard and know that you will get better with practice. Trying to know everything right up front will only put pressure on you and take away your passion. Learn from others. Ask questions. Photograph what you love--whether it's your pets, home decor, food, etc. and don't forget the little details.
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