We are so excited to kick off the new year with today's interview featuring Diana Foster from The Studio 56. We found her beautiful work while participating in the Picture the Holidays prompt in December.
As you will see from her images below, Diana is a lifestyle photographer who strives to create a photo session that is unique to the individual she is shooting. Whether the subject is surrounded by flowers or an urban building she caters to each subject's personality. Her sessions are unscripted, casual, candid and often unexpected. She captures each subject in their element. As she states, "it's often when we least expect it that the perfect photo happens."
After you read this interview, be sure to check out her video to see her in action and truly become inspired.
Your studio/business name: The Studio 56
Location: Greater Kansas City Area
Website: www.thestudio56.com
Twitter/Facebook: www.facebook.com/thestudio56, www.twitter.com/thestudio56
In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography? A belief in capturing everyday life in beautiful and unexpected ways, drives my art. Inspiration comes from being awake enough to recognize a compelling story just waiting to be told. Being in the moment allows me to find the visual message in simple, everyday objects and events. My hope is to invite viewers to explore the world around them with fresh perspective.
Are you self-taught or classroom trained? My response is that I am both self-taught and have also taken some classes: Nikon School, Creative Photography Workshops, on-line courses. My photography journey began many years ago in High School with an awesome mass media teacher (years ahead of her time) We had a darkroom and were able to shoot on-location during the school day. My best friend and I did an independent study with this teacher, wrote a poetry book and shoot all the accompanying images. Even had it copy written.
How many years have you been a professional photographer? I launched my business in 2009.
Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years? Equal to my love for portrait photography is my passion to shoot stock images. I hope to build this division of The Studio 56.
Is there a photographer who inspires your style? Who would that be? One of my favorite photographers is Tracey Clark. http://www.traceyclark.com/ She is the founder of Shuttersisters. http://shuttersisters.com/ If you have not checked out her body of work or need a bit of inspiration, please visit her!
Favorite location to take photos? It is so difficult to choose one favorite location, but a flower garden has to be up at the top of the list.
Favorite vacation spot? My absolute favorite place to vacation is anywhere near water. Oh, and anywhere that I am with my hubby of 33 years!
Your Business:
What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer? Mass Media class in high school launched my love for capturing life through a lens. After 25 years in the most meaningful career I could have every imagined, this special educator re-potted herself as a small business owner. Launching The Studio 56 has been a true joy.
What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you? Social media is a fabulous marketing tool for photographers. Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flicker or your blog, it is an avenue (free by the way) to introduce the world to your ART.
Favorite print lab? HHColorlab www.hhcolorlab.com
Your Gear:
Are you Canon or Nikon (or –other): Nikon baby!
If you could only have one lens on a photo shoot, what would it be? My absolute favorite lens if Nikkor 60mm lens
What brand bag do you carry your camera in? Tamrac backpack camera bag
What gear would we find in your camera bag? Nikon D300s, Nikon D50, Nikor DX 18-55 mm, Nikkor 18-200mm, Nikkor Macro 60mm, Nikkor 50mm, Tamron 10-24mm 3.5-4.5
Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? I am a natural light and on-location photographer. Natural light is most compelling in my book.
Are you PC or Mac? PC user here
Your Tips and Tricks:
What post processing tools do you use? I am using Photoshop Elements 10.0 for post processing images. Also, am a big fan of Kim Klassen’s textures. http://www.kimklassencafe.com/
Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg? Usually Jpeg
Best advice you would give your 20-year old self? Be happy. Be barefoot happy!
Best advice you would give a new photographer? Live with your eyes wide open!
What site do you use for your photography and why? I have a Wordpress siteblog. www.thestudio56.com
What Else Should We Know?
What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not? I grew up in a musical family. We had a family band (Patridge family of sorts).
And just because we want to know you better, fill in the blanks
A few things I can’t live without…. Faith & Family
I wish I had more….. not a thing!
The best thing about being a photographer is… A career, passion, hobby with incredible creativity and freedom
The most important lesson I ever learned was….Believe in yourself!
My favorite time of day is… early morning!
Thank you for the opportunity to be featured on your fabulous site! Thankful we met!
ReplyDeleteSo great to have you here! Hope to see you in some of Kim and Tracey's classes.
ReplyDelete