BEHIND THE LENS FLASHBACK: WITH ALEX BEADON

Almost exactly one year ago, we posted the interview below with the very talented Alex Beadon. As we predicted (and so did she), 2011 was a great year for Alex.  Her photography business and following has blossomed.  She has a beautiful new website, is making and selling gorgeous actions and is always out there creating, learning and sharing her photography experiences and knowledge.  After reading the interview below, we strongly encourage you to visit her website. We know you will be inspired by her passion and creativity!  Thank you Alex for being one of our first Behind the Lens series interviewees.  We are thrilled to know you and love watching you and your business grow!  

Originally posted on January 25, 2011

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Our Moms Who Click BEHIND THE LENS is going global!  We first came across the amazing work of Alex Beadon after she found us through our blog and left a comment.  We promptly checked out her photography site and blog and were blown away at the beautiful images she has captured.  Even more impressive is how Alex has been able to find her true passion and realize her potential at such a young age.  We are going to keep an eye on Alex, we know she's going to to be a major force in the world of photography.  We know for sure, 2011 is going to be a great year for Alex Beadon!  And now, without further ado we would like to introduce you to - Alex Beadon!

Name: Alex Beadon

Studio/business name: Alex Beadon Photography

Location: England

Website: http://www.alexbeadonphotography.com

Blog: http://www.alexbeadonphotography.com/blog

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/alexbeadon

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alex.beadon.photography and http://www.facebook.com/groups/alexbeadonsphotoshopactions/

Other: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexbeadon

Your Style:

• In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography?  My clients always express their awe at the unique and beautiful way I captured them within their surroundings. I’d like to think that’s how they would describe my work and that that’s why they hire me – for the unique way I see the world with my imagination.
• Are you self-taught or classroom trained?  Self-taught.
• How many years have you been a professional photographer?  I’m at the very beginning of my photography career. I still have a long way to go and I’m really looking forward to it!
• Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years? In five years I hope that I will have narrowed down the type of photography I offer. I hope that I will be both a great photographer and businesswoman. I hope I will be able to work internationally. I hope that I will be able to help and make a difference with my photography. I hope that I will continue to use my personal photography as a way to grow professionally. I hope I will take big risks.
• Is there a photographer who inspires your style?  Who would that be?  There are many photographers who inspire me but the list is constantly growing and changing. I’m inspired by people who are constantly trying to better themselves, their art, push boundaries and live outside of their comfort zones. To me, growth and change is so important and inspiring all at once.
• Favorite location to take photos?  I have a love for big, natural, open spaces. Fields, oceans, forests at sunset or sunrise.
• Favorite vacation spot?  Anywhere with the people I love and care about the most.

Your Business

• What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer?  The realization that if I could spend my life doing what I’m passionate about, I would always be rich in happiness and have love in my heart, and that is worth everything.
• What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you?  Utilizing my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Alex.Beadon.Photography) has been so pivotal to my business.
• What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you?   I’m not sure, can’t think of anything too surprising.
• Favorite print lab?  I’ve only just started printing my work, so I’m not able to comment on that just yet :)

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?  My Canon 50mm 1.4
• What brand bag do you carry your camera in? Kelly Moore.
• What gear would we find in your camera bag? Canon 5d mark ii,  Canon 50mm 1.4 Canon 28mm 1.8, Lots of batteries and memory sticks
• Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan?   Natural light all the way, and I must admit off camera lighting intimidates me. Not for long though, because it’s on my to-do list of things to learn ;)
• Are you PC or Mac?  Mac.

Your Tips and Tricks

• What post processing tools do you use?  Adobe Photoshop CS5. I make most of my own actions.
• Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg?  Jpeg.
• Best advice you would give your 20-year old self?  If I could send a message to myself a year ago, I would tell myself to love more, shoot more and worry less. I would tell myself to stop comparing my work to others, and to create images that speak to my soul instead of creating images similar to everyone else. This has been so important in taking steps to discovering my style.
• Best advice you would give a new phographer?  My first answer was to shoot as much as you possibly can. But the truth of the matter is that if you’re passionate about photography, you won’t be able to stop shooting anyways.  So, a better answer is to read the manual, understand your camera and the way it works; learn about light, and most importantly – experiment.
• What site do you use for your photography and why?   I have my website to showcase my work (http://www.alexbeadonphotography.com), my facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/alex.beadon.photography) and I’m also trying to keep my flickr page updated (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexbeadon).

What Else Should We Know?

• What was your worst photography experience?  Forgetting my battery at home when traveling. Annoying!
• What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not?  I’m not really sure, I try to be as much of an open book as possible.
• Tell us something else you’d like us to know:  2011 is going to be a great year for me :) 

And just because we want to get to know you, please fill in these blanks...

• Three things I cannot live without....1) My family 2) My boyfriend 3) My camera
• I wish I had more....hours in the day. 
• The best thing about being a photographer is....Seeing the final product for the first time.
• The most important lesson I ever learned was….Not to judge anyone, to see the best in everyone and try to appreciate them for who they are. 
• My favorite time of day is…There's a time of day right after sunset, right before it turns pitch black where the whole sky is a bright shade of blue. It's wonderful and I always love seeing that beautiful, bright colour in the sky

Please click this forward, share this with your friends and colleagues!

Project 365: Ending the Year on a Different Chord

Whew - what a feat it was to complete Project 365.   What began as a bit of a task for me became a joy and an  amazing outlet to document a year-in-the-life.  While not all of the photos had an artistic slant, they did cause me to reflect, get inspired and think about how I see things in everyday life.

My family, who has been following my project, was adamant that the last photo end on a similar "note."  My husband, who had his own Guitar 365, learning to play the guitar, is seen on both Day 1 and Day 365.  It's been wonderful for us to experience an artistic outlet that we both get lost in and in the "zone."

Above, Day 1 of Project 365, and Day 365

Will you try Project 366 in 2012 (it is a leap year)?  364 days ago I wasn't sure if I would be able to complete this.  But today, at Day 365, I know I will.  Follow us as we enter Project 366 Take 2.

Meanwhile here's our look back at 2011:

Tina's Project 365/2011

Kristina's Project 365/2011

Adieu to 2011, Our Gratitude to You

by Tina Case

Things do not change; we change. -Henry David Thoreau

Every New Year offers a chance to reset, to begin anew.  As we close this last day of 2011, I want to take the time to reflect on what has been a pivotal year, a year that I would never have imagined in my wildest thoughts.

At exactly midway through this year my life changed in ways I can barely describe, in ways I have yet to discover.  I'll never forget when my husband delivered the life altering and unexpected news, that my oldest brother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A cancer that has one of the lowest survival rates of any cancer.

From that very moment my life purpose and my center of gravity changed.  As the youngest sister, my big brother means the world to me.  As long as I can remember I have adored him and looked up to him.  With only 5 years between us and two other siblings, our foursome was my foundation.  I realize how my childhood is where I draw my strength and familiarity.  So when that foundation changes, you cannot anticipate how it will affect you.  

Your hands hold your future.

I will write more about those changes as the new year unravels.  Meanwhile, I am thankful for so many things and wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to our Behind the Lens series.  Each of you inspire us, motivate us and push us to achieve our dreams.  The first photographers who agreed to participate in our interviews are our pioneers (THANK YOU Kelly, Kevin, Lauren Jean).  You each helped us carve out our territory in the world of photography blogs.  And soon after our first few wonderful pioneers paved he way, Alex Beadon and Isabelle Lafrance, rock stars in the world of photography, agreed to give their time and be interviewed.  More and more of our favorite rock star photographers agreed to be interviewed and we clicked up to nearly 850 "likes" on our Facebook page in 2011. 

For all who helped us see through new eyes and learn that we are capable of more than we dared dream, a picture is worth a thousand ways of saying thank you.

To my friend Kristina, you have given me the constant push to believe and achieve. Everyone needs someone who gives them that extra push, to strive harder, achieve more and dream the impossible.  I experienced your journey with the Shutter Sisters camp through your eyes and words and hope to participate one day when the time is right for me.  This year was not my year to attend.  And thanks for keeping up this blog when I could not find the energy mid-way through the year.

Sadly my brother passed away in November, just weeks before his 59th birthday.  He lived a good life, a full life.  But he had more, so much more to achieve.  It is in his memory that I am forever motivated to aim higher, see failure as progress, live with integrity, worry less and live with a purpose.  For that is how he lived his life and in doing so taught me how to live mine.

Through my brother's eyes.

My resolution to this year echoes with the following lyrics that play over and over in my mind.  By one of my brother's favorite bands, it would be blaring from his basement room when we were growing up.  

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." - From The Beatles

Adieu 2011, I welcome a fresh start to a New Year.

How do you Track Project 365?

I found a handy-dandy calendar for my project 365.  What do you use to keep track of your photo a day?  This handy calendar, from NASA of all places, has been my go-to calendar for Project 365.  I lose track of counting down the days.

So check out this countdown calendar, it's been great for keeping me on track with the project.  Click here for the link.

iPhone Photography: Tips from a National Geographic Photographer

While many of us are professional photographers and extreme enthusiasts, we don't always carry our high-end, SLR camera and multiple lenses with us.  But most of us do carry our smartphone wherever we go, which in our case at Moms Who Click, is our iPhone (which we absolutely love, where would we be without our smartphone).

I love to browse great photography sites such as National Geographic and Time-Life Photos.  I found these great tips from an expert National Geographic photographer on how to use your iPhone to capture great shots.  He has some great ideas, and I love the adage he shares,

"The best camera to have is the one that’s with you all the time"

Having an iPhone on me at all times enables me to capture everyday photos  like this.

So check out his photos and suggestions, it's amazing what you can capture.  I can't wait until I can get my new iPhone 5 whenever that comes out (hoping it is mid-October if the rumors are true!)

JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL PHOTO WALK!

This past Monday we announced our partnership with CSAUG, the team of Steve Dolan and Sally Cox.  We are excited to present our first Virtual Photo Walk with them.

What is a Virtual Photowalk?

It’s a social photography event where photographers get together to walk around, shoot photos, and generally have fun with other photographers, or even solo. Since our readers are from all different parts of the world, we want to invite you to participate and share your photogaphy stories and techniques.

Our First Theme

Our first theme for inaugural Virtual Photo Walk is:  OUR TOWN.  The goal with this theme is to take up to 3 photos of your town from whatever perspective, angle, nuance or emotion you want to convey.  Once you have picked your 1-3 photos, here's what's next:

1. Between now and Friday April 15, Upload them to our free Flickr Pro account by linking here. 
2. The first time you link to this site, you will need to read our rules of engagement and "join" the Virtual Photo Walk group we created.
3. Upload your photos in a batch, if possible.
4. If you're not familiar with Flickr, here's a good tutorial to get started.
5. You will be able to add a description about your photo.  We would love it if you could capture the following details about your photo(s):
6. Did you use any post processing techniques?
7. Did you do anything unique to capture your shot?
8. Tell us what you like about the photo, - such as, "it made me laugh," "I like the composition" and whatever else you like about the photo.
9. We encourage everyone to view each other's photos and give friendly, constructive feedback.  Something that tells more of the story about the photo.

And let us know what you think.  Keep the dialogue going and give us suggestions on future themes.  We can't wait to see what shots you've got!

BEHIND THE LENS: WITH LAURA TILLINGHAST

We fell in love with Laura Tillinghast work when we were introduced to it a few months ago.  She has an innate ability to capture the timeless essence of the subject she is photographing.  The mood, the colors, the emotion all come through.  She's right here in our own backyard, in the San Francisco area.  Please join us as we reveal, Laura Tillinghast.

Your Name: Laura Tillinghast

Your studio/business name: Laura Tillinghast Photography

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Website: http://lauratillinghast.com/

Blog: http://lauratillinghastphoto.blogspot.com/

Your Style

• In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography?  I always get the words clean, pure and bright. My clients also see a female perspective, regardless of what I am shooting.
• Are you self-taught or classroom trained? Both. I started shooting film at a young age and learned as much as I could until I needed to start taking classes to improve and add to my knowledge. Studying photography in college taught me the basics of dark room processing. Practicing and experimenting on my own taught me more about lighting than you can ever learn in a classroom.
• How many years have you been a professional photographer? I accepted by first paid job as a photographer 13 years ago.
• Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years?  I want to continue to shoot in national publications and travel to the east coast more to shoot with clients there.
• Is there a photographer who inspires your style? Who would that be?  I love Joyce Tenneson’s portrait work. She has a soft feminine touch that inspires me.
• Favorite location to take photos? Anywhere outside of the studio. I love shooting on location and the craziness and spontaneity that comes with it.
• Favorite vacation spot? I have recently become a big fan of the Hawaiian islands. So far Maui is my favorite island.

Your Business

• What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer?  This is probably very typical for many photographers but for me the the moment I realized that I had found what I had been looking for happened in the darkroom. The first image I ever processed by hand needed some dodging and burning and as I watched my image slowly appear in the developer it was like magic and something in me clicked.
• What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you? Word of mouth. I have gotten more work from word of mouth and networking than I have from advertising or pounding the pavement with my portfolio.
• What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you? I have been asked to shoot everything. EVERYTHING. You can use your imagination  :)
• Favorite print lab? I love Mpix/MpixPro and more importantly my clients are always thrilled with their prints. I have used a variety of labs in the past with mixed results. I know I can count on Mpix and that gives me peace of mind. 

Your Gear

• Are you Canon or Nikon (or – gasp--“other”): I shoot with Canon gear but before I switched to a digital work flow I was a Nikon lover. I have lots of other cameras too so I am not a one brand girl.
• If you could only have one lens on a photo shoot, what would it be? Hands down the Canon 75-200 2.8 IS
• What brand bag do you carry your camera in? I have a Tamron bag but what I really love is my ShootSac for carrying lenses during a shoot. It is the perfect size and very comfortable.
• What gear would we find in your camera bag? I always carry gaffrer’s tape, bobby pins, a sewing kit, extra batteries and chapstick.
• Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? I love shooting with both, especially at the same time. However, I love the amount of control I have with strobes in studio. With natural light I love the versatility and improvisation that it requires.
• Are you PC or Mac? Mac. 

Your Tips and Tricks

• What post processing tools do you use? I always use Adobe Bridge and Photoshop for editing and processing.
• Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg? RAW, you never know when you might need to adjust something one direction or the other.
• Best advice you would give your 20-year old self? Have more confidence in your work and don’t second guess yourself. Your instincts are worth listening to.
• Best advice you would give a new photographer? Shoot as much as possible, all types of images. This is what will help you to develop a style that is all your own.
• What site do you use for your photography and why? I have a Zenfolio website. I have a great relationship with the company but more importantly my clients love it.

What Else Should We Know?

• What was your worst photography experience? I don’t normally shoot weddings but I had a bride come to me and beg me to shoot her wedding the following weekend as her photographer had canceled last minute. I was hesitant but felt bad for her and said yes. This was a mistake. She embodied all of the qualities of a ‘Bridezilla’ and tormented me for a good year after her wedding. I now can guess why the other photographer bailed while they had the chance.
• What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not?   I have a black belt in American Kickboxing and I teach free women’s self defense classes on the weekends.
• Tell us something else you’d like us to know: When I am not shooting you will find me in the kitchen baking or outside enjoying nature.

 Click it forward!  Share this interview with your friends and colleagues!

BEHIND THE LENS: WITH ISABELLE LAFRANCE, CANADA

We have been longtime admirers of Isabelle Lafrance.  When we approached her about doing an interview for our new Moms Who Click blog and she readily agreed, we were over the moon!  Isabelle has been a mentor to many, her blog is filled with amazing creations including textures and actions which she often generously provides free of charge.  She has a wonderful array of items in her boutique for purchase that you will absolutely love.  We have benefitted greatly from her artistic background, Thank You, Isabelle!  

Isabelle also introduces her audience to many other wonderful artists and skilled photographers.  You will find once you have visited her site you'll come back over and over. And check out the logo side of her fast growing business, Pink Sparrow Studio.  We are priviledged and honored to reveal our Moms Who Click interview with Isabelle LaFrance.  Welcome!

Your Name: Isabelle Lafrance

Your studio/business name: Isabelle Lafrance photography

Location: Montreal, Canada

Website: http://www.ilafrancephotography.com/

Blog: http://www.ilafrancephoto.blogspot.com/

Twitter/Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/IsabelleLafrancePhotography

Other: http://pinksparrowstudio.blogspot.com/

Your Style 

• In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography? Evocative, soulful and soothing.  People always tell me my portraiture work is touching them in many ways, and my fine art photography is calming, peaceful.
• Are you self-taught or classroom trained? I studied arts, not photography,  that has a great influence in how I “see” an image. So you can say self-trained in regards to photography.
• How many years have you been a professional photographer? Three years.  Going digital has allowed me to have greater confidence in myself.  I did start with film, but limited the amount of contracts due to the stress it was giving me.  I feel I have more confidence now that I know I can delete images as often as I want.
• Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years?  I'd like to see it grow, mostly the digital resources Boutique part.  My home studio could get more use as well, I'd like to develop the studio work a little bit more, natural light has it's limits here up north.
• Is there a photographer who inspires your style?  Who would that be?  Many, many, many, they all do at some point.  I'm a big fan of Jessica Drossin and Gina Kolsrud.
• Favorite location to take photos? Open fields with grasses swaying in the breeze.
• Favorite vacation spot? New England :)

Your Business

• What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer? I wanted to study photography as a teenager, but back then the cost of film and lab supplies was too expensive for the young adult I was, I put my dream aside for a while.  When I got my hands on a digital camera I knew I could come back to my initial dream.
• What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you? Never compromise your style and who you are.  Don't go with the trends if it doesn't suit who you are even if everyone does it.  Stay true to what you are.
• What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you? I don't know, I guess I'm always surprised by a pregnant woman who doesn't want to show her belly (without the clothes on, you guessed, the bump is rather hard to hide :) )
• Favorite print lab? A small local lab here, not any of the big guns.

Your Gear

• Are you Canon or Nikon (or – gasp--“other”): Canon
• If you could only have one lens on a photo shoot, what would it be? 85mm f/1.8
• What brand bag do you carry your camera in? JoTotes
• What gear would we find in your camera bag? Camera, two lenses, speedlite, remote, extra battery, extra memory card.  That's on a usual outing.
• Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? Natural light, but don't mind the strobes.
• Are you PC or Mac? PC

Your Tips and Tricks

• What post processing tools do you use? LR and CS5 (Adobe LightRoom and Creative Suites 5)
• Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg? Raw
• Best advice you would give your 20-year old self? Be patient, everything falls into place when it's supposed to.
• Best advice you would give a new photographer? Practice, practice, practice.  Be inspired by others, but develop your own style.
• What site do you use for your photography and why? I have a website with Portfoliositez, beautiful and easy to customize templates.  I'm not really html savvy and want an easy platform to work on.  My blog is still on blogger for the endless customization options.

What Else Should We Know?

• What was your worst photography experience? I really have trouble getting an overly shy person to get confident in front of the camera, I respect and understand their uneasiness, but sometimes have trouble have them open up to my lens.  This one particular shoot I have in mind, ended up with pretty photos, but they had not much “soul” in them.  I didn't feel the connection, so it could not be more than a decent shoot.
• What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not? I really don't know, I'm quite the typical girl next door :)
• Tell us something else you’d like us to know:  I'm a photographer who studied arts, but then I'm also a psychoeducator :)  I'm quite a complex person you might say.  I loved working in pediatrics psychiatry; I guess that also shows up in how I photograph children.

And just because we want to know you, please fill in the blanks

• Three things I can’t live without…. Things, not persons?  Three persons would be  my hubby and my two sons.  Three things, camera, coffee, books
• I wish I had more….. Time to do all those projects I have in mind
• The best thing about being a photographer is… Being your own boss and deciding yourself on how much you are ready to dedicate to your work.
• The most important lesson I ever learned was…. If your heart is not in it, don't do it.
• My favorite time of day is… Morning

And because we had extra time, we asked Isabelle Lafrance some more questions...

• What inspired you to create your blog and share all of the wonderful tips and tricks you have learned along the way?  It only seemed like the right thing to do, I figured that since I had learned so much by myself through other resources, might as well give some of it back.
• How does your background in the arts as well as being a psycho-educator play into your work today? LOL...  I should have read all the questions before getting down to this one, I feel like I've already answered this one.  I believe that my artistic background helps me compose an image that has a certain aesthetic mood in it, and my work as a psychoeducator adds the human, or more soulful part in it.
• What gifts do you feel you have relayed to your children through your photography? I hope they can see how beautiful they are, not only from the outside, but from their beautiful personalities that shine through as well.
• What are your wishes for your children? To be truly happy, to find joy and be themselves, whoever they are destined to become.
• Lastly – where do you see yourself after your children have left the nest? I'm not ready for this one, I haven't thought about this yet, one day at the time for now...  But I have some ideas :)

Click this forward, share this with your peeps!!

FREE STORY BOARDS: PHOTOSHOP

Recently we had to make a few flyers that were printed on A-size (8.5x11 inch) and 8x10 inch paper.  Click here for these free storyboard templates.  They will come in very handy when you need a quick flyer that shows your contact information on the bottom and your logo on top.

Because they are sized for 8.5x11 (for the one above) or 8x10 (for the one below), it is super easy to print to your home printer or send to your local lab in a common size.  Remove the text and logo if you just want to use the frames.

I should call the one above "Trifecta" because we have these wonderful shots of a client that show off her beloved horse.  But I already used that name for another storyboard that you can link to here. 

You need to use Adobe Photoshop to use these, and for more details on how to use clipping masks click here.

NOTE: This zip file is housed on Mediafire, whose site is rated high in terms of security.  But be sure to have some sort of virus scan protection on your computer to be sure it is virus free.  I have Comcast for my high speed internet connection - did you know you can get Norton Security for FREE?

Feel free to share these!