We are so excited to feature Nicole M. Stuart from StuStuStudio Photography on our blog today. You can see from her photos that she absolutely loves her job. We love her enthusiasm and the extra little touches she provides for her clients. Thank you Nicole for sharing your passion with us today!
Your Name: Nicole M Stuart
Your Name: Nicole M Stuart
Your studio/business name: StuStuStudio Photography
Location: Lewiston, NY (greater Buffalo area)
Website: www.stustustudio.com
Blog: Twitter/Facebook: www.facebook.com/justsaytheword
Your Style:
In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography? Clients describe my photography as fun and creative. I’ve been told that I make a family feel comfortable right away and that it shows in my photographs. I love children so when I photograph them, it is not a job it is a joy, I absolutely love it.
Are you self-taught or classroom trained? Both. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the SUNY@ Fredonia specializing in photography however there are so many things as a photographer that you just learn from experience.
How many years have you been a professional photographer? This is tough question for me as I have been photographing for over 15 years but not on a regular basis. About 6 months ago I really started advertising and utilizing the social media to market myself and have been pleasantly surprised at how busy I have been :).
Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years? I have so many ideas and ambitions I can go on forever in this category...I am just going to continue to learn and grow everyday as a photographer and artist and see where destiny leads.
Is there a photographer who inspires your style? On the portrait side I am inspired by so many but not one in particular. On the artistic side of photography, yes.
Who would that be? Freeman Patterson, I have always been fascinated by his use of light....it is breath taking. Favorite location to take photos? Anywhere outside with natural light! Favorite vacation spot? Love Cali but would have to say... Cape Cod, Mass. This is my families vacation spot, we have created so many memories there through out the years. :)
Your Business:
What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer? This stems back to 10th grade in high school. I was obsessed from my first photography class. I would stay after school whenever possible just to work in the darkroom, (yes darkroom). I was never the same after that, every where I go, my camera goes.
What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you? Having a refer a friend program. I put a little saying with a few cards in a clients final cd package which has worked out really well. I give the referring client a discount on their next session. The 2nd is posting my work on facebook. I have gotten so many jobs from friends viewing my posts.... I am so thankful!
What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you? I can’t say I have had any surprising questions as of yet...
What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you? I can’t say I have had any surprising questions as of yet...
Favorite print lab? Right now I am using Mpix.
Your Gear:
Are you Canon or Nikon (or –other): Canon
If you could only have one lens on a photo shoot, what would it be? Canon 50mm 1.4
What brand bag do you carry your camera in? Canon•
What gear would we find in your camera bag? Canon 3Ti, Canon50mm1.4, Canon efs 18-135mm, canon430exII (flash), and of course Burts Bees lip balm! :)
Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? Natural light all the way!
Are you PC or Mac? Mac
Your Tips and Tricks:
What post processing tools do you use? Programs: I still use Picasa (have purchased lightroom but have yet to really dive i). Photoshop of course. I am a big fan of Florabella Actions but also ty to edit myself so that I continue to enhance my own photoshop skills.
Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg? I actually shoot in both but usually edit the raw image.
Best advice you would give your 20-year old self? Don’t wait to fulfill your dreams in life. If you want to do something throw yourself at it and do it!
Best advice you would give a new photographer? Utilize the resources available on the web, you are your own best teacher!
What site do you use for your photography and why? I host through Zenfolio for client viewing.
What Else Should We Know?
What was your worst photography experience? I don’t consider any of them bad but instead learning experiences!
What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not? hmmmm.... I don’t start editing until about 11pm which means I don’t get much sleep, it is over rated these days any way.
There is just not enough time in a day for me right now so I figure if I want my dreams to come true, I need to work for it.
Tell us something else you’d like us to know: I have an amazing husband and a beautiful 2
year old son that make me smile everyday! :)
And just because we want to know you better, fill in the blanks.....
Three things I can’t live without....My family, My Camera, Never thought i would say this but my Computer!
I wish I had more..... lenses The best thing about being a photographer is...capturing the joy and beauty of every day life. It opens my eyes to so many new things!
The most important lesson I ever learned was.... Be true to yourself and the rest will fall in place.
My favorite time of day is...morning
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