We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented Matilde Gattoni to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her amazing photojournalist photography, and be sure to visit her website Tandem Reportages. Thank you so much Matilde for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I’ve always been interested in visual arts but I discovered photography at the of 18 when I embarked on a trip to Morocco with my father’s SLR.

How would you describe your photography style?
I’m a photojournalist focusing on human rights around the world.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I graduated in History and History of the Art. I’m a self taught photographer.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?
Canon, but really the camera is just a tool.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
I personally only use natural light. I guess the perfect light is when it hits the subject of the photograph (be it a person or a landscape) which suddenly comes to life, it’s impossible to explain how to find it, I guess understanding the light is what makes you (or not) a good photographer, it’s quite instinctive.

What is the most challenging thing about being a photojournalist, and a female photojournalist at that?
Convincing the editors that you are as good as men. On the field: I’ve worked mostly in the Middle East and I find being a woman to be a great advantage, you have the privilege to enter the female’s world and people don’t often take you seriously and they feel more comfortable with you which is a great start considering that you need to be as invisible as possible.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Not to enter a rebel zone without knowing you’re entering a rebel zone.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I guess I’d tell them to follow their heart and choose whatever they feel closer to their interest and passion. Photography is a beautiful and tough path to follow so you have to be fully committed to it, it’s not a simple job, it’s a way of envisioning life.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
Meeting people, traveling, receiving messages from readers telling me that thanks to my pictures they see the world in a different way.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I recently founded Tandem Reportages along with journalist Matteo Fagotto. At Tandem we produce independent, in-depth reportage, it’s an agency focused on social and human rights issues worldwide. Our works have been published in more than thirty countries and in over one hundred newspapers and magazines, including TIME, Newsweek, The Guardian, The Independent, GQ, Marie Claire, Wired and Die Zeit.

We have covered untold stories all over the world, from witch hunts in India to tin mining in Indonesia, from famine in Kenya to human trafficking in Nepal. We work together as a close-knit team, we’re able to produce a coherent body of work, where photographs, stories and interviews are strongly complete each other.My wish is to see my little agency growing and to be able to include more talented photographers and journalists in the near future.

About the Artist: Matilde studied History and History of the Art at the University of Strasbourg, France. She started her career as a photojournalist in Palestine in 2000 covering the second Intifada. She was then commissioned by the UN to cover the consequences of war and drought on the local population in Eritrea and Tajikistan. Since then Matilde has been focusing her work on human rights issues around the world and especially in war torn countries. Her stories are published on Time, Time Lightbox, The Financial Times, Der Spiegel, The Observer, Die Zeit, Foreign Policy, Neon Magazine, Geo, The New Yorker, The Guardian, Vanity Fair, Elle, GQ, The International New York Times.

In 2014 Matilde founded the agency Tandem Reportages along with journalist Matteo Fagotto, with the aim to produce independent in-depth reportage in a fast evolving editorial industry.

She has been awarded the IPA, Px3, Lens Culture Award, the Invisible Photographer of Asia, the International Color Award, the San Francisco International Award. Matilde’s work has been exhibited at The European Parliament in Brussels, The Backlight Festival in Finland, The Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles, La Feltrinelli in Milan and Rome, Gallery Photographica in San Francisco, Fondazione Pirelli, Milan, 305 Sauraran Toronto.

Visit Matilde at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM pages

We are so excited to welcome the fabulously talented Salome Klopfenstein to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful senior photography, and be sure to visit her website Salome Photography. Thank you so much Salome 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 was a little girl actually!   My father loved film photography, and had even won an award for a landscape image he shot.    Even when I was little I had a 110 camera with me at all times, and took photos of everyone and everything.

How would you describe your photography style?
I would describe my style as classic with a twist.   I love beautiful bold bright images, but I also love soft airy matted images when the particular shot calls for it.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I did not take photography in school, but I grew up learning photography since I was a little kid, and since deciding to make a business of it, I’ve taken (and still continue to take) workshops and courses by industry professionals.  This has helped me tremendously in perfecting my craft.   Also, I’m a HUGE advocate of just getting out there and shooting!  Nothing will help you learn, and find something that fits your style like continuous practice and trial and error.

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with a Nikon D800 and my favorite lens to shoot seniors with is my 85MM 1.8G.    It’s probably on my camera about 95% of the time.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Finding the light is just about studying it ALL of the time.    Some of my best “ah-ha” moments have come to me when I didn’t even have my camera in hand, but I was just outside watching my kids play, and seeing how the light would fall on them in different ways..  Or being in the car and looking at the landscape, and light and shadows in fields, woods, around buildings etc.    When I’m on a shoot, sometimes I’ll have my client turn around or move while I study the light in her eyes or on her face, until I find the look that I want.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing seniors?
The most challenging thing about photographing seniors, is also the best part about photographing seniors..    It’s just learning about each one individually, and what they like and what makes them comfortable or uncomfortable…  As soon as you create a level of trust in you and their image on camera, the shoot is perfect, no matter the girl.   Everyone of us has insecurities about being photographed, but getting to a place where you can watch those fall away, and the relaxed fun senior come out, that’s when the magic happens!

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
A good lesson for this year, just has to do with making sure all of your ducks are in order business wise.  Shooting is the fun part, and as artists, we can all get a little overwhelmed with the business side.   Just making sure that you remember to be a business person, and protecting yourself AND your clients with contracts, and being very clear up front with expectations, saves a LOT of headache down the road.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would encourage new photographers to learn your craft, learn the technicalities of photography, and then have FUN!   Don’t be afraid to be yourself!  So what if your style is different than the other photographers in the area, or so what if you do things a little differently than other photographer’s that you know, or see online?   Just do what makes you happy, and then the people that love that, will find you and come to you for what only you provide.    Also, on the flip side, if you feel like maybe the style that sings to you is something that you see other people doing too.. Don’t worry about it.  As long as you stay true to what makes YOU happy, and as long as you are producing images that make you and your clients happy, that’s all that matters.   The best advice I can give,  is to just do your thing, and don’t let what other people are, or aren’t, doing influence the things that you want to do, and the art that you want to create.

What do you love most about being photographer?
I love everything about it..  I love having a business that is mine.  I love my sweet clients, and their joy at having images and an experience that they want to SING about.  And I love that I can create, and use my mind to be artistic and problem solving.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself in 5 years, much as I see myself today..  Only more experienced, and more established.   I’m looking forward to someday hopefully teaching other photographers with small guides and workshops, and also having a stand alone studio that my clients can come to and feel uber pampered in!

About the Artist: Salome Klopfenstein is the owner of Salome Photography, a high-end boutique senior photography studio in Northern Indiana.  She is happily married, almost 7 years, to her husband, Michael, and they have two amazing little girls.   Photography has been her biggest life long hobby, and within the past few years, she’s been able to turn it into a a thriving business for her local senior girls.  Salome also is a devout Christian and loves summertime, reading, traveling, wine, and LOVES COFFEE at any time of the day!

Visit Salome at her WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER pages

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

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
My inspiration for photography began after shooting a friend’s engagement session. She was trying to save money and knew that I had been itching to try out my mother-in-law’s “nice camera.” I had always appreciated beautiful photographs, but had never picked up a camera. After the shoot, I was hooked. I had no clue what I was doing but immediately fell in love with light and capturing romance. During my husband’s deployment to Afghanistan and for a couple years after he returned, I struggled with anxiety and depression. Photography became a creative outlet for me and I believe it truly helped me heal. What started out as a hobby has now become my full-time job and obsession!

How would you describe your photography style?
My photography style is full of light, romance, and anything whimsical. I’m drawn to breathtaking locations and candid moments. I seek to blend the beauty of nature with raw emotion to create timeless images.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I’m completely self-taught and am still learning new things every time I shoot!

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with a Canon 5d Mark ii and my favorite lens currently is the Canon 50mm f/1.2L. However, I’m hoping to break into the world of film and am saving for a Contax 645! I’m excited to see where this new adventure takes me.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Light is always the most beautiful in the early morning and late afternoon.  When shooting engagements and weddings, I love backlit photos and overexposing the shot to create a soft and romantic feel.  When shooting something edgier, it’s fun to play around with harsher light and shadows. But most importantly, I think you should shoot the type of light you love. I’m personally not a fan of studio lighting or direct sunlight but someone else may be! Although I don’t choose to shoot in those lighting situations, I appreciate when a fashion photographer puts out an awesome collection that has been shot with artificial light in a dim apartment or something cool along those lines!

What is most challenging thing about photographing weddings?
My favorite subject to photograph are weddings! I love capturing each couple’s unique story. Seeing it unfold behind the lens, and witnessing the special details, intimate moments, and essence of the day is unlike anything else.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
A good lesson I’ve learned this year in photography is to be mindful of what inspires me.  As you grow as an artist, it is important to shoot things that push you creatively and help you reach your goals. This year I decided to focus mainly on weddings, engagements, and boudoir and improve my skills in those realms.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would encourage a new photographer to not compare themselves to their peers! Ultimately, I don’t think it’s the healthiest thing to do and can be discouraging at times. A photographer friend of mine once said, find your idol in photography, someone far beyond your current level, and let that person inspire you. Strive for more and don’t get caught up in the local competition wheel.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
What I love most about being a photographer, is being invited into people’s lives if only for a moment.  Witnessing a couple’s love and traveling to beautiful places where I’m exposed to different traditions and cultures is incredibly rewarding.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Professionally, in 5 years I hope to be consistently shooting film and traveling the world to capture weddings.  Personally, I hope to be the best wife and mommy I can be. My husband and I are expecting our first child at the beginning of March!

About the Artist: Katie Shuler is a Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer based out of Southern California. She is inspired by light, love, and nature, and it shows in her work.  Katie lives in Thousand Oaks, California, with her wonderful husband, Duncan, and their rambunctious pup, Murphy. When she is not taking photographs, Katie enjoys hiking through the local mountains, road trips, and psychology.

Visit Katie at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM pages

We are so excited to welcome the wonderfully talented Kathleen Amelia to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful wedding and portrait photography, and be sure to visit her website Kathleen Amelia Photography. Thank you so much Kathleen for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
When I was in the 8th grade I was part of the yearbook class.  We were working with photographs on the computers all day.  While every one of my classmates were bored, I was intrigued.  I loved looking at all the memories that were captured on film, and the fact that they could be remembered forever.  Shortly after yearbook class started, my father bought me my first camera.  A Canon.  I was hooked, taking photos of everything in sight.  It was so fun for me, and thats when my passion started for photography.

How would you describe your photography style?
I wouldn’t say I have a particular photography style, per say.  I just enjoy watching the scene unfold in front of my eyes, and be the one who captures the sweet moments that happen.  I enjoy photographing real moments.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I wish I could say that I went to photography school.  I would still love to!  There is always so much to learn.  Maybe someday. =]

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I am still a Canon fan, even from the beginning.  My digital camera is a Canon 5D Mark III, and my film camera is a Canon 1v.  I have a few different L series lenses that are my favorite, but if I had to choose, I’d have to go with the 35mm 1.4L & the 85mm 1.2L.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Lighting was always an intimidation for me.  I was only ever comfortable in shooting in open shade.  However with more and more experimentation and practice, I learned to love shooting in different lighting situations.  My advice would be to practice shooting at different times of day in different locations.  An open field at sunset with the beautiful backlighting, or through a window during mid-day.   Its so fun to try out new shooting techniques with different lighting.  And be confident!  Confidence is key to taking beautifully lit photographs.

What is most challenging thing about photographing weddings?
From a personal standpoint, my favorite subject is my daughters!  I just had another baby in August, and I love watching my 6 year old and now five month old interact together.  Also, street art and graffiti.  I love the creative mind process that goes behind it. From a professional standpoint it would have to be love.  Either between a newly married couple, or a family.  I just love love.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
I have learned to encourage your fellow photographer.  I have made so many amazing friends in the photography community and it really is an incredible thing!  I love helping other photographers with questions that they might have, taking photos together, or even grabbing a cup of coffee and chatting about our photography inspiration.  Its fun and I encourage everyone who is in this industry to make friends who are in the same job field.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
To photograph what your heart desires.  It took me many years to only photograph what I wanted to photograph.  When I first started out in photography back in 2007, I shot anything that would come my way!  From birthday parties, to newborns, to dinner parties and weddings.  But I wasn’t happy.  Now I only photograph what makes me happy as a photographer and as a human.  I think it also makes my clients happier, knowing that I am shooting from my heart and soul.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love being able to watch love unfold behind my lens.  A newly engaged couple is an incredible thing to witness behind a camera.  A family that is so in love with each other and their kids is amazing to watch.  I love being able to watch it, capture it, and keep it forever.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I see myself more steadily employed.  My goal is 30-40 weddings a year, and hopefully I can make it happen! =]

About the Artist: Kathleen Amelia was born and raised in Humboldt County, CA.  She fell in love with photography after her father had given her the first camera she would ever own as a young teenager.  She married her Marine Corps husband at 18, while soon after started her own photography business in the state of North Carolina.  Kathleen became a mother at age 20 to their daughter Allyson, and age 26 to their second daughter, Pyper.  They now reside back home in Humboldt County, CA where Kathleen is a full-time wedding & portrait photographer.

Visit Kathleen at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK pages

We are so excited to welcome the fabulously talented Laura Nelson to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful fine art film wedding and portrait photography, and be sure to visit her website Laura Nelson Photography. Thank you so much Laura for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

Growing up in a small town at the base of a mountain, I was surrounded by towering pines, indigo hills and waterfalls. I was captivated by natural beauty and had that innate desire to preserve the sights and senses that surrounded me. Wanting to be creative as a profession is often discouraged as a child though & taking to heart everything you hear at a young age as true, can sway you. It wasn’t until our wedding day, Billy, my husband, had bought me my first camera and suddenly it was like a door that I had forgotten was opened and a flood of possibility flowed. Billy has continually always been my support, love & encouragement. I would be no where without that man! 🙂

How would you describe your photography style?

I shoot with film, which has its own unique and beautiful qualities that only film can give. I would like to think my style is romantic, a collection of real moments & photographs that make you feel something…

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?

Self taught! 🙂

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?

I shoot with a Mamiya 645af with an 80mm lens  🙂

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?

Of course evening light when the sun is low & even as it has just set is the most beautiful light of all. During weddings, it can be a bit more difficult to find that soft light as you’re shooting at  noon part of the day. During those times, find shade, trees create beautiful filtered back lighting.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?

Probably a challenge that comes with every wedding is being able to adapt to situations that are out of your control. Like a hideous getting ready room, unfortunate weather and delayed timelines. So much is out of our control and being able to think on your feet, be an artist and create something beautiful in a setting that isn’t ideal, that is my biggest challenge and keeps me on my toes and I think doing this well is what makes you truly a wedding artist.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?

I hate to say it, but, have a winter/spring/fall baby, not summer haha! Here in Oregon, we have about 4 months for wedding season, not year round like other areas. Im definitely not complaining, but it is really hard turning down all these summer weddings, as our baby is due in the middle of wedding season this year. It’s been really challenging for me to not get down about having to turn away all these amazing locations, like Italy! I had a good cry about it the other day because it feels like I’ve worked so hard to get where I am and then having to say no to so many opportunities, it just feels like Im having to give up on my dreams. Then I realized, it’s just one wedding season and I am getting so much more this summer, a new kind of dream that I can’t even explain right now because I haven’t experienced this love yet. So, having a summer baby has a little more challenges and you cannot easily control when you get pregnant…but a baby in off season might be a bit simpler! 🙂

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

Take time to live, to really be present in every moment. It will inspire your work!

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I LOVE meeting so many amazing couples and sharing in their love for each other, it’s refreshing and inspiring!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hmmm….we just bought our first house, so Im hoping in five years it’s finished being remodeled and look less like a medieval dungeon! Haha… but on the businessy side, I see my self in Italy or France, tromping around with my husband & babies photographing tuscan hills, lavender, cobblestone streets and couples in love… and there will be wine.

We are so excited to welcome the wonderfully talented Aubrey Jones to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful wedding and senior portrait photography, and be sure to visit her website Aubrey Marie Photography. Thank you so much Aubrey for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
In college, I had a part time job working at a photography studio. My job basically consisted of cleaning, answering phones, clerical work – anything besides the photography side. But that’s where my interest was piqued.

How would you describe your photography style?
I would say fresh and classic with a focus on natural moments.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I actually graduated college with a degree in communications, which I think is helpful on the business side of my photography business. As far as the actual photography side, I am self taught.

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I currently shoot with a Canon 5d MarkIII and I would have to say my favorite lens is the 50mm.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
Take the time to study all sorts of lighting situations. Pay attention to where light is coming from, how strong or soft it is, whether there’s any reflectors bouncing the light in a certain direction, what happens when you shoot from different angles, etc. The more you study and experiment, the more you’ll learn how to use the light to get the results you want.

What is your favorite subject to photograph?
Well, I only photograph weddings and high school seniors. I don’t know if I could choose between the two. The industry and the clients are always evolving and changing, so there’s always something new and exciting happening in both areas.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
I can’t just cross my fingers and hope that opportunities will open up for me or new clients will come my way. I have to take action and sometimes get outside of my comfort zone to make things happen.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Just focus on yourself and your own work. Don’t obsess over what others are doing. You will drive yourself crazy constantly comparing your work to others.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
A few years ago, I photographed a wedding for a sweet family. The bride’s aunt had cancer, and even though she was sick and weak, she came to the wedding. Before the ceremony, I was able to capture a few sweet moments between the bride and her aunt. A few months later the aunt passed away and the bride sent me an email letting me know how much those photos meant to her and her family. That story is my reminder of why I do what I do.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
To be honest, I’m not quite sure. 2015 marks the fifth full year of my photography business. Five years ago, I had no clue I would be where I am today. Every day I just strive to be the most honest, hardworking woman I can be. I feel that as long as I continue to push myself, grow, and work hard, I’ll be successful – whatever that may mean for me at that time.

About the Artist: Based in her hometown of Oklahoma City, Aubrey Jones specializes in wedding and senior portrait photography. Her main focus is building great relationships with her clients, which allows her to capture natural moments on camera.

Visit Aubrey at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM pages

We are so excited to welcome the insanely talented Lindsay Williams to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful photography, and be sure to visit her website Lindsay Williams Photography. Thank you so much Lindsay for taking the time to share your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I can honestly say that I do not remember ever NOT taking photos.  I have had a camera in my hand most of my life.  My mom still has my first photographs, actually—snapshots I took of family members at a Christmas dinner when I was five years old!  However, I really started taking more of an interest when I took a photography class my senior year in high school and studied the works of Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange.  I learned how to shoot using an SLR and how to develop film myself in a dark room, which I thought was the coolest thing ever!  I bought my first DSLR after owning several point-and-shoot cameras in 2009, and when I waited too late to try to book a photographer for my own fall family photos a few years ago, I decided it was time to get out of auto mode on my “big” camera and learn how to take my photography to a new level. I fell in love all over again!

How would you describe your photography style?
Emotional.  Loving.  Joyful.  Fun.  Above all else, I want the emotional connections people have and the unique personalities they possess to be obvious.  For me, that’s what photography is really about.  Any photo can show what people looked like during a certain time in their lives, but not just any photo can show who they really WERE during that time.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
Other than the course I took in high school, I am self-taught.  I started out by reading a few books about photography to learn more technical aspects of the craft and practicing on my own family.  Rock the Shot was a HUGE asset during that time (and still is) because I learned a TON about shooting in manual, post-processing techniques, and working with clients from the posts and forum.  I have also participated in a few online workshops and one awesome in-person workshop.  I am still learning, so I read and practice as much as I can, and I want to attend more in-person workshops and conferences in the future.

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III.  My favorite lens is probably my Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.  My Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 is a very close second, however.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
I used to be terrified of light unless it was “perfect,” because I didn’t have the know-how to deal with other types of lighting.  Now I absolutely LOVE dramatic light!  My advice is to learn how to spot meter, keep your eyes peeled for unique lighting situations, and practice.  That’s how I discovered that I love silhouettes and reflections, which I never would have known if I had kept trying to play it safe!

What is your favorite thing to photograph?
I have two little boys who are my favorite subjects because there is no pressure when I photograph them.  I can experiment with lighting and post-processing with their photos all I want while also documenting all the details of our lives together.  Ultimately, their photos mean the most to me because they are the reasons I started studying photography more anyway.  Gavin is four and is starting to take directions better, so I’m having a blast shooting fun little photo sessions with him that showcase his interests.  Finley, who is almost three, was diagnosed with autism last year, and I absolutely love capturing his quirky little personality.  I know he will do great things someday, and I am glad he will have photos that show him how fun, sweet, and unique he has always been.

As for clients, I adore shooting kids—especially in the 5-7 age range.  They don’t have the self-consciousness that adults tend to have, so getting raw emotion out of kids is much easier for me.  I’m also a pretty goofy gal, so I tend to operate more on their level anyway!

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
I learned how to say no, and it might have been the most valuable thing I have EVER learned.  I am also a high school English teacher, and photography is meant to be a part-time gig for me.  I let my schedule get a little out of control because I was afraid that turning down work would keep people from wanting to hire me later on and ruin my business, since I live in a tiny Kentucky town with several other photographers.  I realized I was working just as many hours as a photographer as I was as a teacher, and my husband and family life was suffering as a result.  I started sticking to the limits I put in place each month and very kindly declining work that I knew would cause me to go over those limits.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
I would encourage a new photographer to become as educated as possible about the technical side of photography.  Connecting with clients and being able to capture emotion and personality in a photo as a result is a priceless skill.  Being able to enhance photos through post-processing techniques is also super important, but if the photo itself is not technically solid, those other elements won’t be able to shine through.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love the feeling I get when a photo makes me cry.  Looking at a photo and feeling like I can literally see the love…or joy…or even pain my subjects are feeling is indescribable for me.  Knowing that I get to capture that for myself in photos of my children and for clients in the photos I take for them makes me truly believe that my passion for photography is one of the greatest gifts I was ever given.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself still teaching high school English, still drinking lots of coffee to help me get through late-night editing sessions, and still wishing I could freeze time in reality instead of just in photographs.

About the Artist: Lindsay Williams lives in south-central Kentucky with her husband, David, and two little boys, Gavin and Finley, where she runs Lindsay Williams Photography and teaches high school English.  In addition to her loves for photography and teaching, she is also passionate about helping others, autism awareness, drinking coffee, laughing, good books, family and friends, animals, and sun flares.

Visit Lindsay at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  INSTAGRAM  pages

We are so excited to welcome the wonderfully talented Abby Caldwell to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful wedding photography, and be sure to visit her website Abby Caldwell Photography. Thank you so much Abby for taking the time to share your work with us today!

 Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I think inspiration was breathed into me when I was created. I have always seen beauty in random things, and have expressed myself through music, painting, drawing, and photography since I was young. My first print publication was in the local newspaper of an image shot with a disposable camera on a 6th grade field trip!

How would you describe your photography style?
My style is simple and clean. I like to fade into the background and tell authentic stories as they happen. Occasionally I may rearrange furniture to achieve a certain backdrop, but I prefer to watch and see people interact so that I can capture the most true images.

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I started down the path to becoming a Dental Hygienist, then moved onto Humanities. When I felt like I was spinning my wheels, I landed an internship with Visions in White in Dallas, TX. Learning hands-on with this team and keeping my nose in books, forums, and my camera manual was my school. When I realized that photography could be my job, I never looked back. (Thanks, Cindy and Mike!).

What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
I currently shoot with Canon 5d Mark IIIs. I own Mark IIs as back-ups and often throw one into the hands of an intern. I go back and forth loving the 85mm 1.2 and the 50mm 1.2. In fact, I shoot with two cameras at once. Usually the 85mm and the 35mm are attached to get different looks in one place, especially when shooting solo. I love polaroids, though that is more of a personal thing. I have taken some polaroids at a few weddings just for fun. Its neat when I can send the couple home with something tangible that day.

Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
I think if you don’t automatically see good light, you just train yourself to find it. One of the simplest ways I learned was by noticing catchlights in the subject’s eyes. If you see them, its probably good. If not, there’s a better spot or angle. Ultimately, good old fashioned hard work and practice will be the key.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?
Other than admin stuff (I’m forever in debt to my husband for making me a better business-woman!), the hardest part for me is getting started. Upon arrival, I am often so nervous that I stand there and look around. I have to get my camera in my hand, breathe, and just get in “that mode”. Forcing myself to be creative and to see things in a unique way can be overwhelming, but once I start it seems to come naturally.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
I like to check things off of lists. Learning that I can’t finish editing a wedding in one sitting has been hard for me. This year has taught me patience and how to properly use lists to my advantage. I now have a better understanding of my process from start to finish, and I know what stage I should be in and when. So, I can make lists for each stage of the process, but I’m no longer reaching for unrealistic goals.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Stop looking at the internet. My most inspired work comes from me. I will probably be blacklisted for this, but I can’t handle Pinterest. Lean on things like music, reading, or time with family to inspire you. Picture things in your head, not what others have pictured for you.

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I am a mom to the wittiest, coolest, most stylish little 5 year old ever, and he gets all those traits from my husband. My job allows me to teach my son, alongside my husband, who also works from home as a Pastor to Redemption Church, with a flexible schedule. It also reminds me to teach him big ideas, like beauty and finding the best in people. My heart is happy that I get to be the one to show him the world. There are parts of being a photographer that are very much like a job, i.e. emailing, paying insurance, doing taxes, but it is rewarding and fulfilling to see the world in a way that helps others see the best in themselves as well.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope I will grow as a human and an artist, but honestly, I am quite content with my life. I do not seek fame, rather smiles on client’s faces. I really believe God put me here to be an encourager and to build people up; one of the best ways I know how to do that is by helping people tell great stories through great images.

About the Artist: I like pictures. I like my family. I especially like pictures of my family. I also tell stories about people in love.” I am primarily a wedding photographer living in Annapolis, MD. I strive to deliver creative, timeless images that inspire people the way they inspire me. Life is a story, and I want to tell a good one.

Visit Abby at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  TWITTER  pages