25 Great Gift Ideas for Photographers

Don’t know what to get your FAVE photographer this holiday season? Well, we’ve got you covered!! We’ve put together a fabulous list of 25 Great Gifts for Photographers. These fun and unique gift ideas are perfect for any photography enthusiast!

1. Designed exclusively for photographers, the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan (Photoshop CC + Lightroom) [Digital Subscription] is a MUST HAVE for any photographer! You’ll get the world’s best photography tools at one incredible price {only $9.99 a month/annual subscription}. Photoshop CC and Lightroom are tightly integrated for a complete photography workflow across your desktop and mobile devices.

Photoshop Creative Cloud is the world’s most advanced image editing software lets you transform your images in any way you can imagine.

Lightroom gives you the ease and power to organize, enhance, and share gorgeous images, every day. Now not only on PC or Mac but also on iPad and iPhone, with all changes syncing back to the originals on the desktop. We cannot recommend this program highly enough. This is an indispensable workflow tool that will help you organize and edit your images quickly and easily.

2. giftcardbanner Looking for the perfect e-Gift for your favorite photographer? Look no further! Purchase a gift card for Pretty Presets for Lightroom or Pretty Photoshop Actions in $10, $25, $50, and $100 denominations.

3. The Datacolor S5X100 Spyder5Express is a fantastic tool for photographers! We get a lot of questions about how to calibrate monitors and this is a wonderful way to do it. Say goodbye to time wasted on manually correcting your monitor’s preset settings without success. Now skin tones are going to be accurate and the blue sky you shot is going to look blue – not cyan. Next generation Spyder technology comes with a colorimeter that’s compact, portable and protected. It includes a dual purpose lens cap and counterweight, and guarantees improved tonal response with the industry’s only patented 7-detector optical engine.

4. Check out the Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Camera Tripod, and place your camera on almost any surface! Its sturdy prehensile legs help you achieve a steady shot with your SLR camera and zoom lenses. It attaches to any virtually any SLR, video camera, or tripodhead. The Gorillapod SLR-Zoom can support an impressive 6.6 pounds, yet it is remarkably compact and lightweight. A perfect tripod to have on hand for all your family photos where YOU want to be in the shot too!

5. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Camera Lens is a great deal for around $100. If you’re looking for sharper images and love background bokeh, start here. This is the perfect gift for a friend! If you’re looking for the 1.4, it’s about $200 more and a great buy. If you are a Nikon user, check out the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens.

6. Another great editing program we highly recommend is Adobe Photoshop Elements 14. Make quick edits, add artistic touches like a pro, or transform your photos to show your vision. Express your creativity in beautiful photo books and cards. Access your photos on the go. And always find any photo, fast.

7. The X-Rite MSCCPP ColorChecker Passport is a fantastic tool for photographers! RAW COLOR POWER Control and Creativity from Capture to Edit. Reduce your image processing time and improve quality control in your Raw workflow by combining the powerful color capabilities of the Color Checker Passport and Adobe Imaging solutions. The Color Checker Passport allows you to quickly and easily capture accurate color, instantly enhance portraits and landscapes, and maintain color control and consistency from capture to edit. Superior color results in a fraction of the time with X-Rite Color Checker Passport! Color Checker Passport is a powerful ‘capture to edit’ color solution for any photographer looking for more accurate, consistent color and creative flexibility. And when you combine Color Checker Passport with Adobe Imaging solutions you’ll gain even greater benefits.

8. Kelly Moore bags are a FABULOUS way to carry your camera gear in style! Who wouldn’t love a bag like this for Christmas? Kelly Moore bags come in a wide range of styles and include bags for both men and women!

9. With more than 350,000 copies sold, Understanding Exposure has demystified the complex concepts of exposure for countless photographers. Now updated with current technologies, more than one hundred new images, and an all-new chapter, this new edition will inspire you more than ever to free yourself from “auto” and create the pictures you truly want. This is a perfect book for anyone wanting to learn the basics of Photography.

10. Express your creativity with the Lensbaby Composer Pro with Sweet 50 Optic for Canon or Nikon. Product Description: All Lensbaby™ selective focus SLR camera lenses provide photographers with a new way to control depth of field by bringing one area of a photo into sharpest focus with that Sweet Spot surrounded by graduated blur. By bending the Lensbaby lens, the photographer moves the sharp area around the photo for customized creative effects!

11. Photo-opoly is a FUN idea for the entire family!! Choose 22 of your favorite photos and create a game for a birthday, a family reunion, a wedding, a party, a baby shower, an anniversary, or ANY EVENT. For 2 to 6 players. Ages 8 & Up.

12. A Camera Lens Mug in either Nikon or Canon. Any photographer would love to show off this kind of a lens in public. Seeing people’s eyes bug out when you twist off and take a drink is entertainment for sure.

13. If the photographer on your list doesn’t have an ExpoDisc, they are really missing out. This is hands down the easiest way to get spot on White Balance every time. The ExpoDisc White Balance Filter can be used to quickly set a custom white balance, virtually eliminating the need for RAW and JPEG color adjustments.

14. This 5-in-1 Fotodiox 42″ Premium-Grade Professional Collapsible Disc Reflector is a versatile and economical solution for light control in the field. With a simple flip of the sleeve, the reflector can be used as a warm gold tone reflector, a soft silver reflector, a neutral white bounce, or a solid black flag. The internal disc can be used as a diffuser to soften and spread the light hitting your subject. The reflector easily collapses to fit into the included carrying case making it a breeze to transport. The reflector is ready-to-go and available in many sizes.

15. These ADORABLE Camera USB Flash Drives are a fun and convenient way to save all of your important documents whether you are at the office or at home. It is also a great gift for your favorite photographer!

16. The Black Rapid Camera Women’s Strap is designed specifically for women. Part of the award-winning R-Strap line, the Women’s Strap is the world’s first camera strap that focuses on the perfect fit for the female. While maintaining the traditional “Built for Speed” design, BlackRapid’s designers added a sleek curve highlighted with an elegant but slight pattern accent or classic black. This Women’s Strap provides comfort, speed, and durability along with graceful styling. I LOVE my Black Rapid!!

17. The first time you experience a Gary Fong Cloud Diffuser can completely change your world. It’s a simple attachment that goes onto a Speedlight on top of your camera and helps spread the light around. For situations where you can’t set up an off camera flash and don’t want the direct light from the Speedlight, this is the best way to add more light without blinding your subjects.

18. Memory Cards in any size or speed are something that are always a welcome gift for photographers. Make sure you find out if the receiver uses Compact Flash cards or SD Cards.

19. Camera Cookie Cutters are a fun way to treat your friends, family and business associates to a true taste of your photography. Bake batches of cookies in any of the three camera shapes the set includes – SLR, TLR and rangefinder. The reusable cutters can be used to cook up a delicious photographic treat that can be decorated, iced or eaten right out of the mold.

20. The Tenba Shootout 24L Bag holds one or two DSLR cameras and 4-6 lenses, plus a flash and other accessories. It has a large main compartment with padded dividers that are customizable to fit your gear. It can also hold a 15″ laptop in its padded sleeve. There are also numerous exterior and interior pockets for additional accessories. Best part about this backpack style bag is the quick access side door which allows a camera or lenses to be swapped out without removing the bag from your body.

21. Another thing that any photographer can use more of is hard drive memory. Technology is getting better and cheaper. You can now get a 2TB Portable Hard Drive for less than $100 – that’s amazing!!

22. This Professional Cleaning Kit for DSLR Cameras makes an amazing stocking stuffer! Everything needed to keep gear in top working condition is included.

23. Dating back to the early 1960’s, the all-plastic Diana camera is a cult legend – famous for its its dreamy, radiant, and lo-fi images. The brand new DianaF+ is a faithful reproduction and a loving homage to the classic Diana – with a few new features tossed in. Each package includes the beautiful “Diana Vignettes” book – packed with over 200 pages of Diana history, Diana+ images, and truly off-the-wall short stories. Uses all varieties of medium format 120 film.

24. Any photographer needs to be on time to be successful. This FUN F-Stop Watch is a great way to stay punctual and show off your career.

25. Back in the day, the only way you could see your images instantly was with a Polaroid. Now, there are so many different ways to see images immediately but the joy of a Polaroid or Instax camera has never diminished. Especially not when it’s in an adorable pink Instax camera like this!

LEGAL STUFF: This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. All of these gift ideas are items we recommend and some are affiliates to our company.

Workshops

Business 101: Setting Up Shop

Whether you are in the first month, first year, or just rolling the idea around in your head of starting a photography business, there are some vital elements that could determine the success or failure of your business! Don’t just cross your fingers & hope your business is successful! Take the time to learn and plan – you’ll be so glad you did! Sign up for this 4-week online workshop, and ensure that you are starting off on the right foot!

Course Requirements

The desire to begin a photography business

Time Commitment: a minimum of 3 hours a week for 4 weeks. Non-members have access to the workshop forum for 4 weeks after the start of the class. Don’t forget to download everything you need prior to that date! Members will have access to the workshop forum for at least an additional 4 weeks to review and download workshop material for future reference.

Course Outline

Week One

Video Orientation
Creating a simple Business Plan
Establishing an Identity for your business
Business Entities- What is best for you?
Assignments at the end of each session will walk you through the specific steps, so each task can be checked off your list!

Week Two

Local compliance
Federal Compliance
Registering your Assumed Business Name
Opening a business bank account
Each lesson also includes links to the sites for registration, so you don’t have to do so much research!

Week Three

Learn about how accounting can be FUN & VITAL to understanding your business!
IRS bookkeeping requirements
Financial organization
What kind of software to use
Receipt keeping requirements

Week Four

Deductible business expenses
Special treatment deductions such as:
- business use of home
- Vehicles
- depreciation on large purchases
- meals & entertainment

Also included in this workshop will be the SNAPSHOT Financial Organization Tool (a $45 value), Mileage Tracker ($25 value):

NOTE: After you complete registration you will receive an automatic email with further details for the workshop (please check your spam box if you do not receive this email). If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email support@prettyforum.com

*Study-Along registrants will have full access to the materials, and may study along; however, are not able to post questions or photos for critique.

*UPDATE: SOLD-OUT

Please sign up on our waitlist for our next Business 101 Workshop

Workshop seats are non-refundable, and non-transferable

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Elisa Bricker

We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented Elisa Bricker to the Pretty Forum Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her incredible wedding photography, and be sure to visit her website Elisa Bricker Photography. Thank you so much Elisa for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I learned on an old film camera from my grandfather – and it was my father who first taught me to see and frame my images. I would shoot and develop a roll, and we would sit together and talk about posing, lighting, and exposure. It was a time I remember being inspired by what he knew and understood, and his view of the world.

How would you describe your photography style?
My style is a blend of organic moments naturally unfolding, and created imagery. I love finding the light and happiness in a candid photograph, but often my couples want to be helped into a comfortable place in order to get there. My work with them is very collaborative, focused on their comfort level.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
II am self-taught. My father studied art and architecture in college, and I have always been heavily involved in the arts world. What I learned through music, poetry, theater, and literature was a way of seeing the world, the beauty of self-expression, and telling the stories of others in one medium or another.

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I’m a hybrid shooter. I primarily shoot with a film camera – the Contax 645 with an 80mm lens. My husband, Edward, owns Contax Rental and rents and sells the same camera I use and love. He wanted to make it available to photographers who want to experience film and try photographing with this beautiful camera.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Light feels like a very personal thing based on what you’re looking for. Some photographers love the shadows, and muted images. Other photographers are looking for a light and bright image. I’m very classic; I love a balance. I want my couples to look back on their images and recognize the light and color in their images.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?
On a wedding day, it’s quite possible that plans will change on short notice. Communication with my couples and the planner beforehand has made a huge difference in my reaction time. Knowing what to expect has minimized my surprise when things need to change last minute as well as helped me respond and capture key moments and elements of the day despite the change.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
This year has been about simplifying. I’ve always wanted to hit a good balance between work and life, and have prioritized the quality of my work over quantity.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Practice! I make a point of taking my camera with me traveling, and seeing the world through my lens on a regular basis. I do not save my camera for moments when I’m being hired to create, but instead to choose to create regularly. The more you train, the better you’ll be.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
Having the opportunity to create images that will become cherished family heirlooms. My desire to document my own family turned into a lifetime passion for others. I wanted to photograph my parents and siblings and found that I’d found a talent and love I didn’t know I had. Being able to create images that a person will cherish is a skill I’m incredibly grateful for.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I love teaching, and so I’m doing more of that as my work grows. It’s an incredible opportunity to share what I’ve learned and create a space for other photographers to learn from each other as well. To find out more information about fall and spring workshops with visit here.

About the Artist: Elisa Bricker is a dedicated film photographer whose work is known for its light, natural quality. Elisa is an inspired artist and romantic – passionate about capturing who her clients are in the present, reflecting their dreams for the future, and creating art that emanates beauty. Elisa has been teaching workshops for several years on the art of film photography, and business of photography. Her work can be found in publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides Magazine, Town and Country, Once Wed, Southern Weddings, Weddings Unveiled, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and more. When Elisa is not photographing weddings, she resides in Charlottesville, Virginia with her husband, son, and pup.

Visit Elisa at her WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST pages

Freebies Gifts for Photographers

FAQ About Joining the Pretty Forum

If I am a Current Member of Rock the Shot Do I Need to Join Again to Access All the Goodies?

Nope!! It is all there just waiting for you to log in and enjoy! If you are close to the end of your membership, you can take advantage of the special pricing by cancelling your old membership and signing up for a new one!

Was Pretty Forum Always Part of Pretty Presets?

Pretty Forum (formerly Rock the Shot) was part of Pretty Presets since almost the beginning. Unfortunately, no one really knew. We decided to move all of the sites together (you’ll see it at the top of all 3 now). It has always been a paid forum though. It just got a new look and name to make it more obvious that Pretty Presets, Pretty Actions and Pretty Forum are all one company.

Where Do I Find all the Treasure Chest Freebies?

We have a thread in the forum dedicated specifically to the Treasure Chest. You can find logging in and then following this link. Treasure Chest

What is Included in the Treasure Chest?

There is so much goodness in the Treasure Chest, but I think this image says it best!

What are the Benefits of Joining Pretty Forum?

There are so many advantages of joining the forum! The biggest one right now is that you are joining and getting something in return just for joining. The downloads you get are a huge value. There are 2 sets of Lightroom presets, a Photoshop actions sampler set, a posing guide, and a few other goodies. The cost of one preset collection is more than the cost of membership so it just makes sense.

In addition, you’ll be in a community where you can discuss anything you need help with, want to share with others or just want to read about! You can literally spend hours in a forum reading threads that are specific to what you want to read about. We will still totally have the group here on fb and that doesn’t change at all. It’s like giving you a drink of water vs. giving you the entire water bottle. That drink will hold you over and be what you need for now, but that full water bottle is going to get you a lot further!

I m Just a Hobbiest/Amateur. Is the Pretty Forum Worth it for Me?

The value in the Treasure Chest makes it worth it for EVERYONE to join the forum right from the beginning! Even as a hobbyist or amateur, I imagine you would want to improve your knowledge or skills, right? Photography is something that you are constantly learning about and developing your own way of doing. The forum truly is for everyone. Moms, students, wives, hobbyists, just starting out photographer and seasoned photographer. It is a way for you to constantly be learning and growing your skills. It can be a source of inspiration and different ways to look at the world around you. Growth as a photographer isn’t limited to just professionals—everyone needs encouragement to grow their talents!

The Cost of the Forum is $59 Now. What Will It Be When I Renew?

The cost at renewal will be $59 for 12 months and $39 for 6 months. We all are so quick to spend a few dollars on a latte or frappe! Why not invest less than that in something that can help us grow our talents, skills, and business. The renewal will happen automatically through your PayPal account. You’ll want to be sure to cancel your membership before the year is up if you aren’t wanting to stick around. You can cancel your membership at anytime, and it will no longer renew, but you will have full access until your subscription ends. It is our goal that as you enter the forum, look around and participate, you will find so much value there that you won’t have any problem renewing your subscription!

What Will Happen to the Pretty Presets for Lightroom and Pretty Actions Facebook Groups?

The communities we have created on Facebook will still remain there just like normal. We love those communities and the encouragement and support they have been to so many! We really feel they are a valuable resource. However, because we love them so much, we couldn’t rely on Facebook to maintain them. Things change so often on Facebook. We might wake up one day and find that groups are gone, or that the conversations there are no longer shown in news feeds. And just like that, this wonderful place where we have all learned and grown together is gone. Hopefully that helps you understand why we are so excited about this.

Uncategorized

Why Join the Pretty Forum?

I love chocolate. When I’m in charge of baking dessert, it will usually include some form of chocolate. The richer and darker, the better. Every now and then, I venture outside what I love and try something new.

A couple of months ago my husband and I were at an auction to raise money. Several items were up for bid, but there was one item that was up for bid that my husband had his eye on. A blackberry pie made by Jane Holiday. I was confused because my husband doesn’t eat blackberries. Nor does he eat fruit of any kind. So I went along with him, figuring he wanted something other than chocolate for dessert. Then it came time for the bidding. $10.00. $20.00. $50.00. $75.00. $120.00. We paid $120.00 for a blackberry pie and he doesn’t even eat blackberries! Oh, but I tell you, that night, we all indulged in blackberry pie. You see, this wasn’t just any pie. This was Jane Holiday’s blackberry pie. Everyone in that room knew it would be good. I had heard stories about the crust. My son had tasted her pies and came home to tell me about them. Apple pie, Lemon Meringue pie, Blackberry pie. It didn’t matter what kind of pie. If Jane made it, people wanted it.

Why Join the Pretty Forum?

That’s what we hope the Pretty Forum will be for you. A place that you will want to come to because you trust those that created it. A place that you’re willing to spend some money on for membership because you know you’re making an investment in your passion. We pay for services or memberships we find value in. We buy family memberships to the zoo so we can go there often with our children. We sign up for snacks or makeup or other monthly memberships because we love getting that product in the mail every month. When you financially obligate yourself to a service, you are more inclined to be active and engaged. I mean, who wants to spend their money on something and have it go to waste? Not this girl!

Are you paying for the extra free things you get like presets and posing guides? No. You’re paying to be part of something special. And because we love having you in the forum, we want to give you something extra special to say thank you. Will you receive something every month? No. What you will receive instead is the attention of photographers throughout the world with knowledge. You will find information that you are seeking. You will have a safe place to ask questions. A place where you won’t be judged, clients won’t see you posting and other photographers can help you.

How will you find all of this? Easy.

On the home page of Pretty Forum, click on Enter Forum.
Once there, Log in with your username and password
Then, view all of the forum headings for subjects you are interested in, then click on one
Next, you’ll see all threads under that subject
Either read through those threads or start your new one

Want to make things more personal? I hope so, I want to get to know you!

Go to settings, located at the top of the page
On the far left, you’ll see My Profile
Choose your Avatar to upload a picture so we can see what you look like
Edit your profile so we can see where you’re from
Go fancy with your signature and add your logo/website/fanpage…

What Will Happen with the Pretty Presets for Lightroom Facebook Group?

Our facebook group at Pretty Presets and Pretty Actions won’t be changing. They will still be there as long as facebook will keep them around. But what happens when you want to learn how to pose better or learn how to find the light and avoid those harsh shadows? Where are you going to find those answers and trust the people giving them to you? The Pretty Forum, of course! Does it mean you should drop the group and go strictly to the forum, no! Having both is like having all the chocolate desserts at once AND a pie from Jane! You get amazing support for Pretty Presets and Lightroom in the group and then you can go to the forum for all the other stuff!

Why should you take my word that joining Pretty Forum is going to be one of the smartest decisions you’ll make this week?

Because the designers behind it are like Jane Holiday. When they make something, you just know it’s going to be good. With so many places to go for photography education, why wouldn’t you want to join? They’ve put together something pretty special that even if you don’t think you’ll like being in a forum, you’re going to like this one. The team behind Pretty Forum is smart, giving, talented and driven. There’s a reason Pretty Forum was created. Join the forum and find out for yourself. Have more questions? We’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions here!

Celebrity Mentor Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight + Celebrity Mentor: Ginger Unzueta

We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented Ginger Unzueta to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful photography, and be sure to visit her website Ginger Unzueta Photography.

The best news… Ginger will be featured as our “Celebrity Mentor” in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of September so come on over and ask her anything you like. Thank you so much Ginger for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
For me, photography is about capturing our life. It’s about being able to tell a story tomorrow of the memories we are making today. It’s about capturing the feelings and moments that I never want to forget. It’s about all the details, even the frequent imperfections of our children and of our family. These are the moments I want etched in my memory that will forever bring reminders of the love, joy, and even the challenges we experienced as a family.How would you describe your photography style?
Honest, intimate, sincereDid you study photography in school or are you self taught?
With the exception of a few online photography workshops, I am self taught. I have a BSBA degree in Finance and Marketing. What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with a Nikon d750 and Nikon d700. I use SPL water housing and my d700 to shoot in and around the water. My favorite lens would be the 35 1.4 and the 50 1.4. I love using the 35 inside to capture the scenes of our family life. It is very versatile. The 50 is wonderful to use with portraits. I use both lens in the water.Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
My best advice on finding light is to always keep your eyes open. It is important to really study your surroundings because the light is always changing. Search for pockets of light and notice the way the light comes through different parts of your home and environment. Light is such a powerful part of photography and plays such an important role in our images.What is the most challenging thing about photographing everyday beauty?
It’s hard to put into words all that I have learned and gained from documenting daily life with my children. I am most certain this will be an ongoing process. I think one of the most significant has been the ability to see the places around us in unique ways each time we are together. Most often our life takes place at home or in our backyard; but there is always a new story, a new light, and unique way of seeing our children in this place we call home. Fresh perspective, to see the beauty of life, to not let it become mundane; is something I want to hold on to forever. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so I want to really see this world and the people I am with, with a new found love and passion daily. And taking any of this for granted cannot be accepted.What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
For the last two years I have worked on a daily photo project called the Joy Project. This project has taught me so much about letting go of perfection; not only in my photography, but in my life. I am constantly reminded of the beauty of the imperfect. I am learning that the more I let go of my expectations of myself, of our days, and of others, the more alive I feel. God continues to teach and mold me through motherhood and for that I am grateful.

Whether you are a professional photographer, a hobbyist, or a parent or grandparent documenting the ones you love; I encourage you to look for the simple beauty in your life. Don’t wait for the perfect outfits, the perfect smiles, the perfect light, the perfect house, or whatever YOUR “perfect” is. These moments are fleeting.

What do you want to remember about today? What do you want to remember about these people? Pick up your camera; whatever body or style you use, and capture the now. It’s not about who will love your image. It’s not about perfect. It’s about the love you feel and see.If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would tell them to never forget the why.What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love being able to preserve these moments, days, years in the only tangible way I can.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
To be completely honest, I have no idea. As a mother to an 11, 8, and 5 year old it is hard to imagine life in 5 years. Life seems to fly by so quickly before my eyes. I want to linger in this time and enjoy each day.

I pray and strive to find ways to give back to this world; to inspire others and continue to be inspired.

My photography journey has been filled with many unexpected opportunities. I am grateful for the chance I have had to work with so many other photographers through my Everyday Beauty workshop. It is truly a blessing to get to know the hearts of these students. I am always in awe as I see them begin to be inspired by the beauty that is in their lives daily.
About Ginger: I am a Jesus follower, wife and homeschooling mama to three. I believe there is beauty to be found every day . I strive to find joy in the mundane and messy days of motherhood. I seek God’s plan in all things and realize I would not be the woman I am without His undeserving love and grace. I am learning to embrace the imperfect and love seeing the beauty He creates in all things broken.

I enjoy sunshine, time by the water, long baths, alone time in the Word, seeing our children run wild and free, and simple days at home.

Visit Ginger at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM pages

And don’t forget, you can ask Ginger anything you like in the PRETTY FORUM Celebrity Mentor board for the entire month of September!

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Archetype Studio

We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented couple of Koby and Terilyn Brown to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about their incredible wedding photography, and be sure to visit their website at Archetype Studio. Thank you so much Koby and Terilyn for taking the time to share your work with us today! Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
Traveling …particularly overseas. My parents bought me a 35mm when I was about 11 years old, I haven’t put down a camera since. (Koby)
How would you describe your photography style?
Constantly evolving, but our aim is always for our images to have a timeless aesthetic. Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
At 12, Koby began studying photography as an apprentice to a studio photographer, and we continually invest in learning from PPA, WPPI.

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
We use a variety of camera bodies; it’s important to have the right tool for the job and we haven’t found just one that does everything perfectly in all environments. You can view our gear bag online here: http://archetypestudioinc.com/details/gear-bag/ I would say a favorite body/lens combo right now is our Mamiya 645 AFDII with the Schneider 80mm 2.8.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
If you are working with only natural light, don’t be married to a background or scene. Instead, walk around the subject and look from all angles before deciding where to shoot. Have the subject turn her face so you can watch the light move. Finding the most beautiful light is of first importance, a beautiful background should be second priority. If natural light just isn’t working for you, create it – with off camera flash. What is your favorite subject to photograph?
Looking good while you sweat – haha. Making group photos interesting, but always timeless. Guests and groomsmen that drink too much. What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Carefully evaluate where every penny is put and stay focused on the goals made for the year. If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Shoot for yourself too, not just for paying clients. Get out there, take pictures – it’s the best way to find your voice. If you only shoot what people ask you to, you’ll struggle to develop your own style. And if you haven’t tried medium format film yet – we encourage you to give it a try – it’s magic. What do you love most about being a photographer?
Pictures make a difference in people’s lives. Whether it is the last image taken of great-grandpa, or the first images of a married couple, our goal is to tell a story that will help create a legacy for future generations. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
We have been invited to teach a series of workshops overseas! We enjoy teaching and sharing our knowledge, experience, failures and successes with other photographers – it is wonderful to have this opportunity. Truly afflicted with a lifelong wanderlust, we structure everything in our business towards the goal of continued travel… so this new adventure of traveling and teaching together is definitely something we plan to grow over the next five years.

About the Artists: For us, photography is about passion and the need to craft memories into something emotionally tangible. It’s about freedom to go where the wind blows, and live without boundaries. It’s about risk and sacrifice. It’s about relationships and love . . . It’s a lot about love. It’s about light . . . and the absence of light… The twist of a curl on a little girl’s head… It’s about life, the adventures along the way, and the chance to capture little pieces of future history.” – from the heart, Koby & Terilyn
International wedding photographers, Koby and Terilyn Brown, live in a happy little place on a barrier island off the coast of Texas. Together they planned, sacrificed for and ultimately built a business that takes them around the world to capture their client’s stories. The Brown’s photography has been featured globally in publications; including the cover of People Magazine, and editorials in Cosmo, Glamour, Rolling Stone, Good Housekeeping, The Knot, the New York Times, and more.

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Jean Photography

We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented Jackie Jean to the Pretty Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her incredible child photography, and be sure to visit her website Jean Photography. Thank you so much Jackie for taking the time to share your work with us today!Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
When I was about 10 years old, I had my 110 film camera and I took pictures of everything. I never stopped loving photography after that and it only increased after taking a photography course in high school.How would you describe your photography style?
Creative, Fun, Emotive. I love the creative aspect of photography as I am able to capture what I envision in my head. I say fun because I work towards my clients having a fun experience and I genuinely love to laugh and love laughter, so I like capturing those silly candids. Emotive because I like to capture love and beauty whether it is a connection in a relationship or a simple portrait. Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I began learning the techs in my high school photography course and then continued to learn by reading books and trial and error. I am a hands on learned so most of what I have learned has been self taught. What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with a Nikon D800. My favorite lens is the 135mm, though I do love the 85mm as it is simple and light.Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Pay close attention to your subject and how the light falls on them. So many times, if a subject was just angled slightly different, the whole dynamic of the image would change. What is your favorite subject to photograph and why?
Families and kids. I love to capture connection within the family and kids are just simply awesome. They are just themselves and I like bringing their personalities out in camera. What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
There is only one me and I am learning to be just that. It is easy to get swept up in what everybody else is doing, but there is no fulfillment in doing what everyone else is doing. If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Be true to yourself.What do you love most about being a photographer?
Two things. I love being able to express myself through photography and secondly, I love, LOVE all the people I meet.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing to take pictures, travel, teaching, and most of all, loving on my family.

About the Artist: Hello there! My name is Jackie Jean. I am a mama of five, (yes, five) amazing kids. I am a natural light, children and family portrait photographer. I love coffee shops, chatting with people, the outdoors, music; l also love so much teaching and encouraging others in their passions.

Visit Jackie at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE+ pages

Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight: Joanna Polling

We are so excited to welcome the wonderfully talented Joanna Polling to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful lifestyle photography, and be sure to visit her website Joanna Polling Photography. Thank you so much Joanna for taking the time to share your work with us today!Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
My inspiration for photography began when I had my twins 8 years ago. I’ve always loved photography, but it wasn’t until I had children that I really saw the rewards from capturing everyday life.How would you describe your photography style?
My style is more photo journalistic. I love capturing real, authentic moments.Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I did not study photography in school. However, I have an art degree from Arizona State University and prior to starting photography I was a a graphic designer.What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with the Canon 5dmkii and the 24-70L and 135 2.0. The 24-70L is hands down my favorite lens. I have rented every lens on the market, but always come back to the 24-70. I really think it’s the best lens Canon makes.Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
My tips for finding light is to always look for a window and photograph near that. I don’t like to pose people, but I do like to strategically place them near a window and let it unfold from there. Also, the golden hour is called that for a reason :).What is most challenging thing about photographing children?
I can’t really think of the most challenging thing about photographing children. They are such a fun subject to photograph – such real emotion. Even when they are upset or unhappy, it still makes for a good photo because it’s real. They are my favorite subject to photograph (paired with dogs – even better!).What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
A good lesson I have learned in photography this year is to learn to say no. You can’t photograph everything and some people are better in certain areas – so it’s okay to stick to what you enjoy and say no to the ones that don’t fuel your passion. But also at the same time, don’t be afraid to try something new.If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
My encouragement to a new photographer would be to not stop photographing what you love. Even when you think your pictures are awful and you’re completely frustrated. Keep going. You will get better, I promise!What do you love most about being a photographer?
What I love most about being a photographer is that I have documented my children’s lives while fulfilling my love of the art.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to be using my photography in more of a story telling setting. I would love to find projects that I am passionate about and devote 6 months, a year, two years (or more) photographing that story to help bring it to life for the world to see.About the Artist: I live in Peoria, Arizona with my husband, three kids and two dogs. I consider myself a story-telling photographer, with my main subjects being children. I am passionate about any photograph that tells a story. I love art in all forms and am so incredibly blessed to do what I love.

Visit Joanna at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM pages

Celebrity Mentor Photographer Spotlight

Photographer Spotlight + Celebrity Mentor: Jimmy Bui

We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented Jimmy Bui to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about his amazing wedding and conceptual photography, and be sure to visit his website Jimmy Bui Photography.

The best news… Jimmy will be featured as our “Celebrity Mentor” in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of July so come on over and ask him anything you like. Thank you so much Jimmy for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I’ve always been the creative type, but I didn’t really start getting serious about photography until about 4 years ago. I was an elementary school teacher for a few years but during the height of the recession in 2009 I was laid off, even though I won teacher of the year that same year. After that I felt it was a good time to change things up a bit. So I decided to change careers and try and pursue a career in photography. It was tough, and my transition into a new field wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my wife. She was my inspiration.

How would you describe your photography style?
There are two genres of photography that I focus on – weddings and conceptual portraits. My wedding photography style is modern and very vibrant in color with an emphasis on environment. My conceptual photography is highly processed but still maintains an organic and elemental feel with a somber or dark mood. Environment is also highly emphasized. I shoot 95% in the landscape position, so incorporating the environment in portraits is all about my style.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I enrolled into photography school in Southern California, and after half a semester I dropped out. I didn’t feel like I was being challenged enough, plus my ADD was a real roadblock to learning in the classroom. So instead I learned from established photographers that I admired in the field by being an assistant or second shooter. I studied the technical aspects of photography online, and I practiced new techniques everyday. I learned at my own pace and concentrated on things that mattered to me.

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with Canon cameras, namely the 5D Mark III and the 6D. As far as lenses go, I love Sigma, especially their Art series. My favorite lens would be, hands down, the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art. It’s the perfect lens for environmental portraits, which is my specialty.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
I’m always on location, so finding light is incredibly important. For me, I’m always looking for ambient light that I can use as a backlight, and I would use either an external flash/strobe or reflector to fill in the shadows. I like to look for light peaking through trees, bouncing off different surfaces, or penetrating through any sort of natural diffusion.

What is most challenging thing about photographing weddings and conceptual shoots?
The most challenging thing about wedding photography is how quickly a lighting scenario can change from one situation to the next. For example, I could be following the bride and groom outside in the bright sunlight into a dimly lit reception hall during their grand entrance or be shooting at an outdoor venue where there are large spots of super bright light and spots of really dark shadows. For wedding photography, knowing how to shoot in manual mode is incredibly vital because the camera’s auto settings simply cannot adapt to these fast changing lighting scenarios in a manner that you would want. So, quite simply, the way I would handle the first example I mentioned is that I would keep my aperture and iso to a fixed value and the only thing I would change is the shutter speed as I’m walking from a bright area to a dark area. Of course, I could shoot in aperture priority mode, but the camera is not going to know if I want a silhouette look or an over exposed look or whatever.

In the second example, I would expose for the highlights, and bring up the shadows later in Lightroom. For my conceptual shoots, my problems is always about budget. I have these grandiose ideas stored away in my head, but often times I have little or no budget to help these ideas come to life. So it’s forced me to think creatively on coming up with cheap solutions to create these art pieces.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
One of the things that I learned this year about my photography business is to never underestimate the power of social media to advance your business. Marketing is incredibly important if you want your business to survive, and one of those things that you may want to incorporate in your marketing strategy is having a social media presence. I’ve gained new clients through Facebook and Instagram, and I’m building my seo using Google+. Those platforms are constantly changing, especially when it comes to organic reach, so as those evolve I’m evolving too and keeping up with the changes.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would definitely encourage new photographers on becoming masters of light. When you do that, your confidence as a photographer will sky rocket. You will be able to handle any tough lighting situation and you’ll grow less dependent on what kind of camera body you have.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
Hands down, what I love most about being a photographer is the creative freedom. My clients trust me completely to give me the freedom to be as creative as possible and it has allowed me to grow as an artist and photographer. I also love the collaborative experiences that I’ve had with other artists and combine my aesthetics with someone else’s to create some really cool images.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to still be a wedding photographer. I absolutely love weddings. The once-in-a-lifetime moments you can capture from a wedding is priceless and totally fulfilling when captured right. I would, however, like to shoot less weddings by that time and make more room for my conceptual work. I would love to be a creative director for a major advertising firm or be able to create movie posters for big budget films. No matter what though, I’ll still be shooting.

About the Artist: After a successful career as an elementary school teacher, Jimmy Bui switched careers to pursue his passion in photography. He specializes in weddings and conceptual portrait photography in the Southern California area. His inspiration is drawn from his wife and daughter, and when he’s not shooting he’s spending time with his family and showering them with as much ice cream and trips to Disneyland as they want. His office is located wherever a shoot is happening, and if he’s not editing at home, you may find him editing at a local Starbucks with empty coffee cups strewn around him.

Visit Jimmy at his WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER pages

And don’t forget, you can ask Jimmy anything you like in the Pretty Celebrity Mentor Forum for the entire month of July!!

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