BEHIND THE LENS: Ashley Sisk, Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

This week we are excited to feature the creative work of Ashley Sisk.   We found Ashley's blog Ramblings and Photos a few months ago and were immediately drawn to her wonderful, sharing spirit.  Her blog is filled with inspiration, tutorials and and tips.   It was there that we found her great tutorial on creating Full Circles or Planet Photography.   If you are wondering what that is, you should definitely go and check it out (after you read her interview below).  :)

Your Name:  Ashley Sisk
Location: Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
Blog: www.ashleysisk.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshleyRSisk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ramblings-and-Photos-by-Ashley-Sisk/107326436009802

Your Style

In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography? I’ve always said that if you want a nice, classic, formal portrait of your child…I’m probably not the right photographer for you. If you want someone who will play with your kids and bring out all the quirks, sign me up!

Are you self-taught or classroom trained? Mostly self-taught. I once took a photography course in high school and a graphic design course in college, but most of what I know today is a result of my own curiosity.

How many years have you been a professional photographer? I’m not sure I am comfortable calling myself a professional just yet. I officially became a business a couple of weeks ago (from a risk management perspective), but I am far from pro…at least in my mind.

Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years? Five years from now, I hope to continue expanding my current practices. I still love to teach photography and photo processing through my blog, but I hope to do a bit more portrait work…in addition to raising a family.

Is there a photographer who inspires your style? Who would that be? There are so many photographers I admire, but if I had to name one, it would be The Schultzes (http://www.lovetheschultzes.com/). I love the way they share their passion for photography, their family and their faith.

Your Business:

What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer? I got into photography because I wanted a hobby. I have a few professional photographer friends, and I’ve always told them that I have absolutely no interest in doing the type of work they do. However, my ultimate goal with photography was to take pictures of my own family once they (babies) came along…so, I needed the practice. I’m not sure that the portrait work was ever intentional. However, after doing several freebie sessions for friends, I realized that I needed to start charging…if for nothing more than my time.

Your Gear:
Are you Canon or Nikon (or –other):  I shoot with a Canon 7D.

If you could only have one lens on a photo shoot, what would it be? My 50mm f/1.4 – love that lens!

What brand bag do you carry your camera in? I typically carry my Jo Tote.

What gear would we find in your camera bag? I almost always shoot with my 50mm f/1.4, but I also carry my Tamron 28-75mm and potentially my Canon Speedlite 430 EX if for some reason I need additional light.

Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? Natural light for sure.

Are you PC or Mac? I’m a PC girl.

Your Tips and Tricks:

What post processing tools do you use? I recently added Lightroom 3 to my workflow. It makes such a difference, but I still really love CS5.

Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg? 100% RAW – I made the move to RAW about a year or so ago. I can’t imagine going back. I have so much more control over my processing.

Best advice you would give your 20-year old self? It’s okay to go off plan (I’ve always been quite planner)– have fun and live!

Best advice you would give a new photographer? Take every opportunity you’re presented as a chance to learn something new. More importantly, carry your camera with you everywhere – I literally do.

What site do you use for your photography and why? I currently have my own domain but use blogger. I’m planning to move to wordpress in the next few months.

What Else Should We Know?

What was your worst photography experience? I remember my first photography assignment – my best friend asked if I could take some photos of her in your graduate attire. She wanted a series in the library so I needed to use my speedlight. For whatever reason, I decided to switch back into Aperture Priority mode (I’d been shooting in manual for a few months). My photos all looked dull and I couldn’t get my light right. I literally started breaking out in a sweat! I took a quick break, switched back to manual and all was well. Learned a good lesson that day!


What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not? I’ve always thought of myself as incredibly shy. Photography (and blogging) has really allowed me to find my “voice.”


Tell us something else you’d like us to know:  Right now, I’m not technically a “mom who clicks,” but we’re hoping to start trying this fall!

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

Three things I can’t live without….my camera, my cat and my faith…I guess I should throw my husband in there too, right? ☺


I wish I had more…..daylight hours. When you work full time, you have to squeeze in shooting time whenever you have a chance. While I love cooler weather, I’m not looking forward to shorter days.


The best thing about being a photographer is…the people you meet and the stories you’re able to tell as a result of those people. I am a much better person as a result of the people I’ve met through photography and blogging.

BEHIND THE LENS: Lindsay Horn, Dallas, TX

When we met Lindsay, she was on bed rest and had just a few weeks to go before her delivery date.  We love her work (especially how she utilizes backlighting) and were excited to showcase her talent.  However with a baby on the way, we  figured it might have to wait.  But lucky for us, we got her interview just days before her darling daughter Finley was born.  Congratulations Lindsay on the birth of your sweet little girl, born June 28, 2011.  

Your Name: Lindsay Horn

Your studio/business name: Lindsay Horn Photography / LHP Seniors

Location: Dallas, Texas

Website: http://lindsayhorn.com

Blog: http://lindsayhorn.com/blog

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

Your Style

In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography?

I’ve heard my work described as modern, fresh, and uniquely personal.  I really strive to capture my clients’ personalities in a natural and relaxed way.  Particularly with my seniors, I try to draw out the many facets of their personalities – from playful and fun to that inner supermodel! 

Are you self-taught or classroom trained? 

I took one course during my last semester of college on Digital Photography where I learned all of the basics, but other than that I’ve learned through good old trial and error and lots of practice, as well as some workshops and mentorships. 

How many years have you been a professional photographer? 

Two years

Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years?  

I would love to have a dedicated space in my home or elsewhere for client meetings and sales sessions.  I also may narrow my specialization at some point in the future.   

Is there a photographer who inspires your style?  Who would that be? 

I draw inspiration from so many photographers, but since I shoot mainly seniors, I really love Michelle Moore, Sarah Lane (Studio 12 Seniors), and Amanda Holloway. 

Favorite location to take photos?

Yikes, I shoot all on location and aside from the long list of spots that I use, I’m always on the lookout!  I love the areas around White Rock Lake in Dallas – it’s such a versatile little oasis in the midst of our big city. 

Favorite vacation spot? 

My family has some property in Central Texas that I love to visit (we call it “the ranch”).  It’s so relaxing and beautiful, and it would be my favorite place to shoot if it were closer!

Your Business

What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer? 

Like many photographers, I really started to get serious about improving my technical skills after my first daughter was born.  I wanted to capture every little moment!  Friends and family started seeing what I was doing and asking for sessions, and it grew from there! 

What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you?  

I book 95% from word of mouth.  I try to give my clients a custom-tailored experience that they want to talk to others about!

What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you? 

I haven’t gotten too many surprising questions, although I was asked about traveling across the country for a senior portrait session.  I was honored! 

Favorite print lab?

I use WHCC and Millers for different things, but I love them both!

Your Gear

Are you Canon or Nikon (or –other): 

Nikon all the way!

If you could only have one lens on a photo shoot, what would it be?

My hands-down favorite lens is my 85mm 1.8.  It is dreamy!  

What brand bag do you carry your camera in?

I use a Shootsac during sessions while shooting, and a Lowepro Slingshot backpack to transport all of my gear to and from sessions. 

What gear would we find in your camera bag? 

I have a D700 and my D80 for backup, the 85mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4, 35mm f/2, and 24-70mm f/2.8. I also have one SB600, although I’ve never used it on a professional job, along with my memory cards, lens cleaner, bottle of water, and small towel. 

Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? 

All natural light – I am a serious backlight junkie.  Give me gorgeous evening light and a reflector and I’m set!  I am hoping to experiment some with OCF in the future though.

Are you PC or Mac? PC

Your Tips and Tricks

What post processing tools do you use? 

I use Bridge and ACR for culling and Raw editing, and then I do my final touches in CS4.

Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg? Raw

Best advice you would give your 20-year old self? 

To cherish every phase of life, whether business, personal, or otherwise.  Even the hard ones have their silver linings, and the best ones too easily get taken for granted! 

Best advice you would give a new photographer?  

Don’t rush into it!  You only get one chance to make a first impression – take your time building your portfolio, researching the business side of things, and educating yourself.  Having a successful photography business is 90% business and 10% photography, so don’t overlook the business side of things! 

What site do you use for your photography and why?  

I use Photobiz for my websites, Wordpress for my blog, and Photocart for online proofing.  Photobiz has the BEST customer service of any business I’ve ever worked with and the interface is extremely easy to use.  Web design is not my thing, so that was key for me. 

What Else Should We Know?

What was your worst photography experience? 

When switching lenses during a session once, I started getting a weird error message that I had never seen before and all of my images were black.  I had to excuse myself to the car where luckily I keep my manual so I could consult it.  I did figure out the problem, but I was freaking out! 

What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not? 

I used to be terribly, painfully shy.  I still get a kick out of the fact that I work in a field where interpersonal relationships and interaction is so important.  With that being said, I’m not shy at all anymore, and I pride myself on the relationships I develop with my clients.  I do still have an “anxious” personality let’s say, and I still get really nervous before every shoot.

Tell us something else you’d like us to know: 

I’m actually pregnant with my second daughter and have been on bed rest for about 6 weeks.  I’m hoping that by the time this is published she will be here!  J  I did have to cancel my last two sessions and my clients had to pick up their orders (I usually hand-deliver them myself), but I seriously have the best clients on the planet – they have been amazingly understanding and check on me via Facebook, text, and email all the time.  I’m so blessed!

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

Three things I can’t live without….My family, my camera, and Blue Bell ice cream. 

I wish I had more…..time.

The best thing about being a photographer is…capturing images that make my clients feel wonderful about themselves. 

The most important lesson I ever learned was….to put God first in your life and trust in Him.

My favorite time of day is…the couple of hours before sunset, I just love that creamy golden light!

BEHIND THE LENS: CHRISTENE SCHAAF, Virginia Beach, Virginia

We are very excited to introduce Christene Schaaf to our Behind the Lens series.  Christene is a Life art photographer. She offers a unique photography service where she custom designs true-to-life portrait sessions with the goal of adding beautiful life art to a client's home. It's sort of a cross between interior design meets photography.   Perhaps we'll see her on HGTV one of these days!  Without further ado, please welcome Christene!

Your Name: Christene Schaaf

Your studio/business name: C.S. Photography, Inc.

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Website: www.csphotopro.com

Blog: www.csphotopro.com/blog

Twitter/Facebook: www.twitter.com/csphotography

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/csphotopro

Your Style

• In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography? Natural, emotionally driven, catching the in-between. I like to call it Life Art. I strive to create a sense of playfulness and comfort between family members at a shoot so they are actively engaged in each other.
• Are you self-taught or classroom trained? Self taught
• How many years have you been a professional photographer? About 2 years
• Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years? My business plan incorporates interior design with photography. I want to hand hold clients through the entire process of discovering what their design goals are, incorporating a custom photo shoot of their family and children while incorporating the emotion, relationship and life that exists in the family. From there I want to work with them to design gorgeous wall galleries that make a statement in their home. So often people hire a photographer and then are lost or afraid to ask for help or simply think decorating with the images is something they can do on their own and end up selling themselves short by hanging portraits that are too small for a wall space. They also might not see the full potential or have access to the industry's innovative products. I'm acting not only as a photographer, but as a guide to educate and inspire them with possibilities so their life art becomes treasured home décor.
• Is there a photographer who inspires your style? Who would that be? Me Ra Koh inspires me everyday as a woman in this business. I attended her Discovery Workshop in San Francisco a few years back which was such an amazing experience. I think my style was defined at that workshop because we concentrated on identifying who we were first as artists and then incorporating that into a style that we wanted to bring to our photography. I adore Stacey Woods in Tampa. She has an incredible way with storytelling that mesmerizes me. Especially with her newborn photography. I see myself leaning more and more towards this style to bring real life and connection into my newborn portraits.
• Favorite location to take photos? For family portraits I love shooting at the beach. Families come alive out there. I love getting to run around with the kids in the sand. They are always surprised when I don't make them sit and smile for an hour of torture.
• Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere outdoors. I love connecting to nature and bringing up our 2 boys in the same environment. I remember going camping after my 2^nd was just born. He couldn't of been more than 6 weeks old. West Virginia and Maine have been phenomenal vacation spots. Some of my favorite images have come from the there.

Your Business

• What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer?  It was in late 2009 when my first son was almost walking. I was working almost full time from home and started feeling like I was overwhelmed and failing at everything. I couldn't give my son 100% because I had to answer the phone, return emails, check production levels. And I wasn't able to give my job 100% because the baby was crying, or needed to eat, or was just plain bored. I found that I was often working after hours just to catch up which definitely put a strain in my marriage. That was the moment. When I felt like 5 arms were being pulled in every direction and I couldn't get a breath in. I had lost myself, my passion for working and the baby was crying.
• What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you?  Before I could market anything, I had to have a brand, a purpose, and a plan. So my biggest tip would be to make sure you have those in place. Do a business plan, have goals and objectives, do a break even analysis. Otherwise how will you know if the marketing you are doing is succeeding? Or even who you are marketing to. Because I am looking to cater such a defined niche, I had to look in the not so obvious places to find them. Networking has been huge to me. Community involvement has started to become widely beneficial. I am so big on the philosophy that the more you give, the more those synchronicities start to show up in your life. Networking is about helping others succeed in their business without asking what's in it for you. You start developing a web of people who are ambassadors for your business instead of passive observers.
• What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you?  I think the most surprising thing would be to take portraits for an internet dating site. I do think there's a huge market potential for this type of portrait service, but just not my cup of tea to explore as a lucrative business avenue.  
• Favorite print lab?  Pixel2Canvas for my gallery wraps and metals. I use a couple different labs depending on the purpose. Millers is a favorite, WHCC and H&H are other favorites. 

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? My 50mm 1.2L
• What brand bag do you carry your camera in? If I'm on a shoot, I use a Shootsac. I love having everything I need within reach. For storage I just use a Lowepro backpack.
• What gear would we find in your camera bag? My favorite lenses, a Canon 50mm 1.2L, Canon 24-70mm 2.8L, Canon 16-35mm 2.8L, my Canon 5d Mark ii and Canon 50D as a backup, the Canon 580EX and another Canon 580 EX ii speedlite, lots of CF cards, backup batteries, and business cards.
• Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? I try and use natural light whenever possible, but I'm not against supplementing with flash.
• Are you PC or Mac? Mac

Your Tips and Tricks

• What post processing tools do you use? Lightroom handles most of my clean edits. I pull them up in Photoshop if I want a more creative edit applied. I've started steering away from the use of a lot of actions. I think especially starting out in photography, actions become more of a crutch and keep us from focusing on getting the basics of exposure, lighting, focus and composition right in camera.
• Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg? Raw
• Best advice you would give your 20-year old self? Take more risks in life. Don't always follow the safe route because it is laid out in front of you. And stop buying things because they are cheap. Investing in great quality will last you in the long run, and you'll be happier right from the beginning. Just take a few days to think about whether or not it's really a need, or just a want.
• Best advice you would give a new photographer? Read your manual over and over. Practice every day. Learn your camera and its capabilities. Learn to shoot in manual and learn when to override your camera's suggestions for exposure. Once you are completely comfortable with your camera and can think quickly through exposure challenges, then you have the freedom to be creative. And please stop thinking of other photographers as competition. Bring something unique to the industry and your market. Be open to sharing what you've learned, be gracious and respectful.
• What site do you use for your photography and why? I use photobiz for my website and  wordpress for my blog. I question myself on whether a website is necessary and if the benefit is worth the monthly cost. Most traffic is generated by my blog but I also think that I just haven't had the time to maximize the use from the website. I love the ease of use Photobiz templates offer and the ability to customize them as well hosting client galleries if need be right from the site.

What Else Should We Know?

• What was your worst photography experience? I'm hoping this isn't yet to be answered, but really I can't pinpoint a bad experience. Every experience has made me grow as an artist and a professional. I've looked back on past work and cringed at some of the mistakes I've made, but at the time I remember feeling euphoria and happiness that I was engaged in my passion and getting paid for it. For the first time I knew what people were talking about when they say “Do something you love and it never feels like work.”
• What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not? Oh, probably that I am the worst morning person ever. I've heard it said that if you want to get ahead in life to wake up early. So I thought I'd try it for a week. Setting the alarm for 6am, I had grand plans of working out, getting a shower in, reading blogs and industry news over coffee...and my husband would laugh because I can't begin to tell you what a grand failure that was. I'm pretty sure I actually growled at him when he tried to push me out of the bed after the snooze went off for the 3^rd time.
• Tell us something else you’d like us to know: I am a proud Navy spouse. I love supporting my husband and am so proud of him for what he does but I don't define myself by him or his career. I am a huge advocate for breaking out of the traditional military spouse role. There are so many barriers and challenges that we face and it's always a hope of mine that I offer inspiration to other spouses to pursue their own dreams and passion and to live their lives creatively.

And Just Because we want to know you, fill in the blanks

• Three things I can’t live without…. My children and husband, decaf coffee and a phone to stay connected with family who live so many miles away.
• I wish I had more…..time.
• The best thing about being a photographer is… creative freedom. It rejuvenates me.
• The most important lesson I ever learned was….Feed your soul first. It sounds selfish, but you will be much better equipped to handle life when you have a grasp on who you are as a person, a mother, and a wife.
• My favorite time of day is…right after the kids go to bed.

 Click it forward!

BEHIND THE LENS: ERIKA HOFF, MARYLAND

The Mom Bloggers Club has been a great way to connect with fellow shutterbugs.  That is how we found the wonderful work of Erika Hoff.   And now we unveil, Erika Hoff......

Your Name:  Erika Hoff

Your studio/business name:  Erika Hoff Photography, LLC

Location:  Columbia, Maryland

Website:  http://www.erikahoffphotography.com/

Blog:  www.erikahoffphotography.com/blog/

Twitter/Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erika-Hoff-Photography/106492366046669

Your Style: 

• In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography?   Classic.  Timeless.  Fabulous.  I’m not making that up!  Those are some of the words used in emails from my latest clients.  I aim to please, and I do try to keep up with the latest technology, but I am also careful to balance trendy post-processing with heirloom quality editing.  I want my clients to choose me based on my style, and the way I see things.   I know that I’m not a perfect fit for everyone, so it keeps me focused on really being true to my own look. 
• Are you self-taught or classroom trained?  Both!  In 2008, I started shooting in manual.   I completed half the required courses for a certificate in Photography at UCSD before we moved.  I worked there when we lived in San Diego, so I took advantage of the extension program and took as many classes as I could squeeze in while juggling work as an event planner and my newborn daughter. 
• How many years have you been a professional photographer?  I started shooting in manual in 2008. I spent all of 2009 building my portfolio, and I went ‘pro’ in 2010.
• Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years?  I want to focus on editorial-style wedding photography, and I’d love to try my hand at commercial/fashion photography.
• Is there a photographer who inspires your style?  Who would that be?  I know this seems like a cop-out, but there are just so many who inspire me, and for different reasons.  I love how honest and raw Jasmine Star is, she doesn’t pretend to ever have known everything and she is always giving back.  I love Jennifer Hughes, she shot my mom’s wedding, and I just love her eye and her fashion background.  I also love one of National Geographic’s resident photographers – Amy Toensing.   Travel and photograph?  I think she has my dream job.  
• Favorite location to take photos?  Believe it or not, as challenging as it is to shoot in the woods, I love the glow of sunset it in the woods, there is something magical about it.
• Favorite vacation spot?  Waikiki, Hawaii.  

Your Business:

• What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer?  For me, it wasn’t a sudden thing.  I loved just taking pictures of my daughter, and then got asked to take pictures of other kids, and slowly I got used to the idea that maybe I could do it professionally.  I loved my interaction with every portrait session, and felt like I was making new friends in addition to customers.  Honestly, it wasn’t until I shot my first wedding, that I really thought, “Wow!  I can get paid for doing something I love so much!!”
• What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you? Don’t turn anything down in the beginning.  Seriously. 
• What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you? If they could edit my photos after I sold them to them, lol.  Ummmm…..no.  
• Favorite print lab?  Mpixpro!!
• 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?  My 50mm f/1.4
• What brand bag do you carry your camera in?  Just a boring old Lowe Pro.  
• What gear would we find in your camera bag?  My 5dmark ii, 50mm f/1.4, 24-70 f/2.8 and my speedlight 580 EXII.
• Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? Natural light, I haven’t ventured into strobe yet!
• Are you PC or Mac?  PC for now.

Your Tips and Tricks 

• What post processing tools do you use?  I really try to do as much editing as I can in Adobe Camera Raw.  I probably do 75% in ACR, and then 25% in Photoshop.
•  Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg?  Raw.
• Best advice you would give your 20-year old self?   Yes you can.  
• Best advice you would give a new photographer?  Take your time, don’t rush!  Don’t turn anything down, and don’t try to copy other photographers.
• What site do you use for your photography and why?   I use BluDomain to host my website, and Wordpress for my blog.  It just seemed like the cool thing to do.

What Else Should We Know?

• What was your worst photography experience?  How much time do you have?  My worst was a client who wasn’t happy no matter what I did, even after I gave her a FREE second session.  She thought she should get a lot of extras, and she was bossy around her son, preventing me from doing a lot of what I wanted to do. It was a mutual disaster, but it taught me a lot too.
• What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not?  I’m kind of ‘shy’ online – but in real life, I’m a pretty outgoing person! 
• Tell us something else you’d like us to know:  Hmmm…….let’s see.  I am bilingual in Spanish and I have lived overseas twice!

Click this forward!

BEHIND THE LENS: JACQUELINE PARSONS

It has been such a pleasure working on our Behind the Lens series.  We have met so many wonderful photographers and continue to meet more.  Today we are excited to feature Jacqueline Parsons of Parsons Photography.  

Your Name: Jacqueline Parsons

Your studio/business name: Parsons Photography

Location: Ridgeley, WV

Website: http://www.parsonsphotographs.com/

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

Twitter/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Parsons-Photography/156685604345127?ref=ts

Your Style:

• In 50 words or less, how would your clients describe your photography? I pay attention to the details. I photograph from many different perspectives to find the ones that suit that specific client. I spend time trying to figure out how to best express that client. I strive to tell a story with their photographs.
• Are you self-taught or classroom trained? Self-taught but I'm in a class right now.
• How many years have you been a professional photographer? Just opened the business last fall.
• Where do you want to take your photography business in 5 years? I want to be known locally as a photographer with a different perspective. I've recently started offering boudoir photography and would love for that to take off. Eventually, I'd love to have my photos published.
• Is there a photographer who inspires your style?  Who would that be? Jessica Fike from Jessica Fike Photography – She's fresh & fun. I also love Erin Tole Photography and Bobbi + Mike.
• Favorite location to take photos? I love photographing people in places of their choosing because it tells a bit about who they are. But if I were to choose the location it would be somewhere in the middle of the woods.
• Favorite vacation spot? The beach! Any warm one will do.

Your Business:

• What was the pivotal moment when you decided to become a photographer? I think I've always had it in me, but I never really pursued it. My husband & I photographed my brother's wedding and a friend's wedding. Everyone raved about the photos. It was then that I thought this could actually be a business and not simply a hobby.
• What’s the best marketing tip that has worked for you? Utilize the social media tools available. Facebook has redefined what "word of mouth" means. Just the other night I posted a few photos from a boudoir session. That girl shared the photos on her personal page. By the next morning I had 5 new clients ready to book.
• What’s the most surprising thing a customer has asked you? I haven't been left speechless by a customer... yet.
• Favorite print lab? Mpix

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? A prime, for sure. I love my Sigma 30mm at the moment.
• What brand bag do you carry your camera in? One that I made myself. I converted my favorite diaper bag. (http://www.talesofthewife.com/2011/01/diy-camera-bag-from-purse-tutorial.html%29
• What gear would we find in your camera bag? 7D, Speedlite, batteries, zoom lens just in case, Yummy Earth lollipops & diapers. I know, I know.
• Are you a natural light fan or strobe fan? Natural light but I work with both.
• Are you PC or Mac? PC for now

Your Tips and Tricks:

• What post processing tools do you use? Love Lightroom but I also use Gimp and PS7
• Do you shoot in Raw or Jpeg? Raw, definitely
• Best advice you would give your 20-year old self? Trust yourself
• Best advice you would give a new photographer? Learn all you can from experienced photographers, and never stop learning.
• What site do you use for your photography and why? Zenfolio because let's face it, with two in diapers, ease of use is extremely important. I love the client access on Zenfolio. 

What Else Should We Know?

• What was your worst photography experience? A senior didn't really want his photos taken. Mom was there, he was uncooperative and I was inexperienced at how to get him to come out of his shell. Toward the end of the shoot he was smiling and laughing more. I learned that by asking a few questions and cracking a few jokes you can find out about a client's personality and get them to open up.
• What would surprise people most about you, whether it is photography related or not? I'm a total science geek. I have a B.S. in Biology.
• Tell us something else you’d like us to know: I write a natural parenting blog where I talk about life with my boys including info about cloth diapering, tutorials on crafty projects & reviews & giveaways of green products. It's called Tales of the Wife. 

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

• Three things I can’t live without…. My boys, the internet & chocolate
• I wish I had more….. patience
• The best thing about being a photographer is… capturing candid moments so people can see themselves as they really are.
• The most important lesson I ever learned was…. To just believe in the ideas you have within yourself. No one knows the vision you have in your mind. Show them.
• My favorite time of day is… NAP TIME!

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