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

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

My inspiration for photography began as a little girl.  I have always been infatuated with photographs and documenting moments in our lives. I loved looking through photos to remember special times from my childhood and cherished photos so much.  This passion for photos just grew with time.   As a young adult I finally bought a DSLR and taught myself everything I know now.   I began to just photograph personal events such as traveling family and then I decided to photograph my friends and it just grew from there.

How would you describe your photography style?

Since I am a wedding and portrait photographer my style is very much romantic and airy.  I love to use natural light and love to capture moments that are genuine, real and “in the moment.”  I love color and black and white but would say most of my images are color and black and white for a real story teller or a candid moment from a wedding or session.  I love the look of film and the ease of digital, so I shoot both.  I love shooting film because it forces you to slow down and really think about each shot.  I love film because of the authentic colors and feel it creates that digital doesn’t always emulate.

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

I am self taught…going backwards from digital and now self teaching myself film.  Often times I think it would have been nice to have learned photography in school but I think being self-taught allows you to make more mistakes and learn from them which is great.  I love learning for myself and it only makes me want to continue to progress as an artist.  I have also read a lot of books and find inspiration from many great photographers that I believe help to shape the industry trends.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

I shoot Canon.  My favorite lens is the 50mm 1.4  Its a dream!  I love all Prime lenses because I shoot at a very wide aperture 99% of the time.

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

Every scene, every location and every time of day is different.  If you are wanting to shoot at a certain location I always suggest walking around the time you plan to shoot ahead of time.  See how different backgrounds effect lighting, use back-light to wrap your subject nicely but also keep in mind of finding natural reflectors on location to bring out the light in their face.  Try side-lighting and just play around with it to figure out your style and what you like.  Lighting is something photographers are constantly learning because its never exactly the same for any situation.  Also don’t be afraid to shoot during the day, you can create some beautiful images at any time of day its all about finding open nice shade.  For film avoid shooting directly into the sun to avoid haze.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing maternity?

My biggest challenge shooting maternity is creating a good angle for my clients and creating natural poses with their spouses.  Unlike a couple or engagement session posing can be tricky with a bump.  You want your subjects to feel comfortable and beautiful.  I always suggest shooting them at  45 degree angle and don’t be afraid to ask them what their “good side” is.  Women always appreciate when I ask this because they will hate photos of themselves in which they don’t feel that is their “good side.”  Make sure to ask in a nice way of course you don’t want to offend her!  Also posing the husband is tricky so just make sure to remember you are shooting a couple but their are really 3 subjects, don’t focus too much on the belly because its also about the couple and their relationship.  I always like to have  a variety of close-up, detail and farther away shots.

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

One good lesson I have learned this year is to stop overshooting during my sessions.  Before I would try and come up with every single pose and idea and scenario for a session.  Now I focus on what type of session it is and plan in my head before what kind of shots I want and what sort of feeling I am trying to portray from my subjects.  I also try to minimize my locations to just a variety within a session so that I can really tell a story with my images rather then try and have different poses in different locations.  Its all about the details and the different perspectives of our subjects that really helps to evoke emotion and tell a true story.
If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?

Try Film and use natural light and try something new at every session.  Also practice on your family and friends shoot more personal and fun and creative projects and it will help you in your work.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

What I love most about being a photographer is creating something tangible that my clients and myself can cherish for a lifetime.  I love that I am creating something unique every time my shutter clicks that isn’t an iphone photo or something someone else can create.  No matter what you are always being authentic and creating something true and real that literally stamps a time, place and moment in time that will never happen again.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 Years I dream of still being a digital and film wedding and portrait photographer.  I dream that I will be traveling near and far for weddings and amazing projects, that I will have met some amazing and talented vendors and photographers in my industry that I have learned from and really built a community of people I feel I can learn from and teach as well.  I think that a solid community within your industry is so important for the progression of art, photography, trends and styles as well as business and photography education.  I would love to some day have the opportunity to teach aspiring photographers what I know as well and pass along my experiences….but I really think that would be like 10 years down the road.

About the Artist: Olivia is an Oregon and Destination Wedding and Portrait photographer.  She lives in Jacksonville, Oregon with her husband and they are expecting their first baby this fall.  She enjoys capturing true and genuine moments shooting film and digital formats.  She loves her family, traveling and enjoying the outdoors.  Her work has been publishes on Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, Green Wedding Shoes and many other great publications.

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

We are so thrilled to welcome the wonderful Pasha Belman of Pasha Belman Photography to the Blog.  Take a moment to learn more about Pasha and visit his website.  Thanks so much Pasha for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
It all began during freshman year in college when I travelled with a group of friends to Middle East and Europe. Before the trip, I bought my first film camera to document our adventure, and have not put it down ever since. Of course my equipment has been updated since those early years, but the love for film has always been infusing my photography style.

How would you describe your photography style?
Timeless. Romantic. Organic. Emotional.

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

Everything that I know about photography is self-taught. I have been reading books, watching YouTube videos, attending photography workshops, analyzing work of other artists and continuously shooting. It has been a tremendous journey which can never end for a lifelong learner like me.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

Nikon FM10 was the very first camera that I ever purchased, and have been shooting Nikon ever since. At this time I use Nikon D800, and my favorite lens is Nikon 85mm f1.4G. It’s a phenomenal lens for my portraits. For my film work, I use Contax 645.

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

I am a natural light photographer and work primarily with available light. The light is everywhere, and it’s not about how to find the light, it’s about how to position your subject in relation to the light source to achieve the best colors and details. I prefer backlighting or side lighting my subjects with soft sun light. I also take advantage of natural reflectors to avoid any harsh shadows. When I take a close-up portrait, I ask the person I photograph slowly turn as I look for the best light on their face and sometimes use reflector to make their eyes sparkle.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?

Weddings are uncontrollable events and they are go-go-go-go. It’s a fast pace environment and I have to make sure I take an artistic picture of every important detail, each important person and every single special moment. I realize it is not always possible, but I still set my bar very high every time.

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

Be yourself. Develop your own style. Inspiration is everywhere.

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

Confidence. When you are confident, the people you photograph (in my case couples, families and high school seniors) are a lot more relaxed when they know you take charge. Also, learn how to appreciate your own work, value your time and everyone else will do the same.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

As a portrait and wedding photographer, I have a privilege of working with happy people, share their important milestones with them, and put more smiles on their faces during the shoot and many years after. I love creating everlasting moments that people will have in their homes for the rest of their lives and pass on to the next generations. It’s nice to know that one day, when I’m no longer in this world, my work will stay around for a long time.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In Murrells Inlet, SC with my family. Doing what I love – photography. Learning, teaching, inspiring others, and being inspired by the world.

About the Artist:  Pasha Belman Photography has been featured in Style Me Pretty,  Southern Weddings, 100 Layer Cake, Grey Likes Weddings and Elizabeth Anne Designs. Pasha Belman is a fine art wedding and portrait photographer based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who specializes in wedding photography, family portraits and high school senior pictures.

Visit Pasha at his WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM today

We are so thrilled to welcome the amazingly talented Angie Ochoa to the Blog.  One of Angie’s specialties is pet photography, and if you own a pet you know just how important they are to your family!  Take a moment to learn more about Angie and visit her website Ochoa Photography.  Thanks so much Angie for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
When I was young, my father was a hobby photographer. He would photograph all the events at our church, so I would ALWAYS want to “click the button”. He didnt teach me anything I know, but he did teach me the passion for it.

How would you describe your photography style?
FUN! I really don’t have a really specific editing style, but I know I love to keep my clients happy. I love to have fun with all of them, no matter how “old” or “furry” they are. I love all my clients (especially my furry ones)

Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
“Self taught” aka spent lots and lots of money on Mentoring & workshops with amazing wold renown photographers & photoshop artist.  While I didn’t pay a school for my classes, I paid amazing teachers to teach me what I know now. I do believe I still have lots to learn. Learning makes me happy and inspires me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. I think we always can learn from someone, we just need to have a student heart.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?
I shoot Nikon, and I am totally a Prime lens type of girl. I love the shallow depth of field so much. I mostly use a 50mm 1.4, but I LOVE the 85mm when I can get my hands on it. Animals move so fast, I usually can’t have my lens wide open, but I try test my boundaries sometimes and go the widest I can :).

What is your favorite subject to photograph?
It used to be kids. While I still LOVE kids, after I got my cute little Pommies Chloe & Ted Banda, its defiantly animals, especially dogs. I feel like I never have gotten a grumpy dog. They always great me with the most love, and lets face it, they are too cute!

We just LOVE your pet photography!  Can you share what inspires you to create such unique and beautiful images?
So about 2 years ago my husband and I got our first dog, she is a pomeranian, and we named her Chloe Banda. 1 year ago we rescued pom #2, and we named him Ted Banda. Honestly, I have never ever ever EVER loved any animals (or most humans) the way I love my poms. They inspire me to get my camera out and just photograph their everyday life, like playing fetch, sleeping, and cuddling with daddy. Now my “newborn” photography was inspired after I lost most of “patience” with newborn photography. I was having a conversation with my mentor Rachel Vanoven, and I was telling her that I love newborns, but I get frustrated bc I am not as good as I would like to be, I told her I really want to photograph dogs as newborns, even if they aren’t newborns (because if you are a dog owner, you know your dog will always be your baby). So she said “do it, do what you LOVE to do” So I did, and here I am. Every week I have been photographing dogs & cats, and some have been wrapped like a newborn, some have been fetching for a ball. And while I am still photographing families and kids, I am doing more and more of what I really love… Animals! Plus I truly feel like a dog whisperer sometimes, especially when I hear awesome comments like “How did you get them all to look at the same time?” or “How did you get them to sit still”.

What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Actually since I got married, and fast forward to now my husband and I learned to build our business without debt. I know it has nothing to do with photography, but everything to do with business. Like our favorite financial guru  Dave Ramsey says “Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else”. There are times I want to “upgrade” my camera so bad, or get a new lens. But I always sit down with my hubs and evaluate if I really “NEED” the new camera or new lens, and if we do end up buying it we budget it or save up for it. Being debt free in my business has truly been a blessing. I can do my job and not worry about any financial problems, I get to focus more on being creative, than trying to figure out how many more sessions I need to do to pay the credit card bill.

If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Do what you LOVE. If you love newborns shoot newborns. If you love pets shoot pets. Trust me the once you perfect your craft, and even though there might be no market for it, become extremely good at it that people will go out and adopt a dog just so you can photograph it… speaking from experience!

What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love meeting new people. Aside from my doggie and kitty love I get weekly (since my hubs said no more pets in our house) Meeting their owners have become a blessing in my life. Some have not only become great friends, but they are the reason why my business keeps growing. They refer me like crazy, and I am so blessed to be their pet photographer.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would LOVE to have some kids of my own to see the beautiful bond they will have with my pets. Just seeing my clients babies and doggies bond melts my heart. I long for that feeling. Soon.. very soon! Also I would LOVE to publish my first book of Rescue’d dogs in Dallas… #dallaspaws project is underway

About the Artist: I am a Pet & Family photographer based out of Dallas, Texas. I am married to an extremely handsome & talented man who just graduated from Architecture school, & 2 furry babies named Chloe & Ted. I love chasing the sun, and if I could do a photo shoot every sunset I would. I love capturing animals in their most tender moments. If a shot takes me 5 hours to get, but I get it, those 5 hours were all worth it and I would do it all over again if I had to. I love animals more than most humans, but I think most animals love me more than most humans do too lol!

Visit Angie at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM today!

We are so thrilled to welcome the fabulously talented  Lindsay Alexander to the Blog.  Take a moment to learn more about Lindsay and visit her website. Thanks so much Lindsay for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

I have degrees in vocal performance and communications and after working in the advertising world and singing on the side for years, God opened the door for my photography through the birth of my first son. Yes, I am one of those typical mommy photographers who grabbed a DSLR after her first kid was born, learned to shoot in manual and then BOOM, started a business a year later. The truth is, I have been studying photography and had fascination with the art since I was a young girl but it did take the deep desire to capture my child to bring that love to the forefront. I think as an artist, having a deep connection to your art based on your deep love for someone or something keeps your imagery authentic and true. As a business owner, it certainly keeps you humble. I have never had the desire to “be” some great photographer. I just wanted great images for myself and doors were opened because of that.

 How would you describe your photography style?

Sunkissed, Authentic, and Emotional

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

I like to say it “took a village” to raise up this photographer. While I technically sought out my education myself through online classes, tutorials, seminars, workshops and LOTS and LOTS of studying- I also had an amazing mentor who guided me each step of the way.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

I am a Nikon girl and currently have two D700’s on my hips. When it comes to capturing my favorite images you will find my 85mm f/1.4 on my body. Its my go-to!

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

I try really hard to have consistency in my art. I used to shoot at all times of day to work with my clients schedule and now I will only shoot sunrise or “golden hour” sessions. I love to achieve that golden, sunkissed look to my images and have found that timing is everything. More often than not I backlight my subjects and use a reflector to highlight their face. When the sun is not being my friend, I work with even light or even dramatic shadows to create mood.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing families?

Depending on the age of the kids involved, its keeping everyone happy and in the moment. I tell my clients at the start of each shoot that “kids run the show” and I truly mean that. Having three little ones myself, I can completely relate to what it took to show up to the session. Getting dressed, buckling everyone in the car, driving to the location, the bribes and incentives for good behavior that are thrown out as a final hope and then….voila….they pile out of the car and are expected to be perfect for ONE HOUR! No way!!! I tell my clients that life is not perfectly staged and flawless and their images will not be that either. I want to capture authenticity for my clients- the good, the bad and everything in between. We do a song and dance to keep everyone positive and the momentum moving forward. My reward candy treat bags that I pass out at the end help too:)

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

To keep the main thing the main thing. For me, the main thing is “why I started my business in the first place”- to stay home with my kiddos and have an wonderful creative outlet to grow my art personally. Its so easy to get caught up in the cat and mouse chase of “being the best” at something. I know Who I am doing this for and if I keep that at the forefront, everything else falls into place. This has been a growing year for me and a year full of changes. Faith in the midst of uncertainty has been a powerful thing.

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

To take risks and give something scary a try. You truly never know where it may lead you.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

Honestly, its the look on my clients face when I turn my camera around and let them see what I just captured in the viewfinder. It’s like they are shocked every time. I think as an artist its so much fun to see people differently then they see themselves. To show them beauty they maybe didn’t recognize before. It’s powerful, emotional and why I keep doing what I am doing.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Well I will have been married for thirteen years and will have a eleven year old, a seven year old and a five year old. My world will be wonderfully busy with the things that matter most to me:) With my business I just pray that I am doing exactly what God wants me to do. I wouldnt have thought five years ago that I would be where I am now. His plans are way cooler than my biggest dreams. I am just going to let Him drive this ship.

About the Artist: Born a California girl but raised in the south, Lindsay Alexander now calls Fort Mill, South Carolina home. Lindsay is a singer, aspiring writer, former professional blog owner, wife to her hubby of eight years, and mommy to three. A longtime lover of the creative arts, it was after her first son was born that the passion for photography was ignited. With encouragement from friends and family, Lindsay embarked on a journey to begin a tucked away dream of starting her own photography studio. Now, almost six years later, Lindsay has established a natural light lifestyle photography business specializing in seniors and families. Traveling the Low Country and across the U.S., Lindsay’s art is known for its authentic editorial style imagery wrapped in gorgeous light. When she’s not spending late nights editing or writing, Lindsay can be found playing with her kids, singing at her church, or sipping sweet tea on the porch with her hubby.

Visit Lindsay at her WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER pages today

We are so thrilled to welcome the amazingly talented Sasha Holloway to the Blog.  Take a moment to learn more about Sasha and visit her website BLEULIPS Photography.  Thanks so much Sasha for sharing your work with us today!

Where did your inspiration for photography begin?

My inspiration for photography begin when I was shooting film and street photography. I’ve traveled the world, literally. I’m a military brat that joined the military and so I’ve been to over 30 countries, lived in 7, and seen so much.  One thing I can say is just the anticipation of seeing the images come back developed is what excited me the most.  I’m a huge fan of street photography so that’s where it all started for me.  I’ve only been shooting people for going on 5 years.

How would you describe your photography style?

I feel that hands down I’m an editorial style photographer with a vintage edge. I’ve always shot film, I didn’t start my career with a DSLR so the matte/film look has always been my style, just different levels of it.  Now that I’ve become attached to the rich, deep, film look in my work it’s just grown from there.

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

I’m self taught baby.  I invested and STILL invest in a lot of time teaching myself, attending workshops, and just making sure I understand my gear, and light.

Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?

I’m a Nikonite baby!  Don’t get me wrong I want to make the switch, Canon seems to just feel like butter between my fingertips, LOL.  My favorite lens hmm would have to be the 35 1.4, but the 85mm is on my body just the same.  They both fit my style of shooting.

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

I use light in so many ways when I’m on an on-location shoot.  I’m not going to give you a scientific equation or tell you to stand to the north of the mountain top, learn to shoot in ALL types of lighting hands down. Stop being afraid to get your booty cheeks outside in the sun.  Sometimes the sun can really be an amazing tool if used right, but you won’t know that will you unless you get out there and PRACTICE.  Do not wait until you have a paid client to do so.

I will purposely shoot in full sun if I want depending on what mood I’m going for based on how my subject is styled.  My favorite light to look for when I shoot in alleys, lined streets, is the light that’s peeking down from above and almost giving like a “leak” effect over the body. I’m used to shooting coming from the UK in that soft-box, moody, and creamy lighting. So it’s a huge 360 shooting in GA where the sun is high for most of the day (unless I go out at 0700 or 1900 hours), before the sun sets.

What is the most challenging thing about photographing tweens and teens?

I think the only thing that might be considered challenging is making sure they are comfortable and let’s face it 10-19 year olds have so many issues they are battling through either silently, or acting out at times.  That’s why I love this age group so much, because I know what it’s like to be that child and that’s probably why I find it pretty easy to work with them, or connect with them on their level.  I get them.

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

I’ve learned that it was a great idea to forward market, and I’m so glad that I did. I had to move my very successful and thriving business across the world, and that was really no easy feat to accomplish (regardless of how prepared I was).  It was a huge wake-up call for me to learn how to sit down, settle, prepare mentally, and then push forward.  I didn’t fully give myself time to prepare, because once we closed on our home I was out there in the school marketing, looking for clients, and rushing to get started again. I felt like I needed to get a jump on things.  Instead things still took some time, I was networking as usual but it just wasn’t at the pace I was used too.   So I think one thing I had to learn was PATIENCE this past year, something I don’t have a lot of.  It will save you a lot of heartache and money.

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

I would encourage them to take chances, and to network.  Too many photographers are so caught up trying to replicate what others do behind the scenes, or throw on their snob hat and act as though they are “too good” to grab a cup of coffee. You’re telling me that you can private message me on Facebook, accept my help in groups, but you can’t hang out with me in person?  I don’t get that what so ever. Photographers need to learn how to network, they need to learn that we are ALL here for the same reason and that is to have a successful, thriving business, and to build a loyal clientele.  Nobody has time to worry about what is going on behind their backs, but in this undercutting time in the world that’s really all there is out there it seems.

So new business owners NETWORK your booty cheeks off, and don’t let anyone make you feel like your ideas, and what you bring to the table are not good enough, it’s GREAT enough for you to start right?  We can all learn something new by talking to different people, so don’t be afraid to reach out, and if someone reaches out to you, don’t be a snob and act like there is NOTHING a person can do for you, because sometimes it’s great to have a cup of joe and talk shop, or just vent about life in general.  I have friends all over the world, because I learned how to network early on in my business and I’m grateful for it.

What do you love most about being a photographer?

I love changing young lives, I love making a grown woman cry and feel beautiful again, I love how it makes me feel as a woman and changes how I view myself at times, I need to learn to listen to the advice I give to these young people.  I just love doing what I do, no sappy crap going on over here, no politically correct response. I just FREAKING love it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Well the way that I grind, I have NO idea. I’m hoping to be further along in my career than where I am now, in 5 years it will be my 10th birthday for BLEULIPS so I’m hoping that I will be in W magazine like I dream, but more so importantly I hope my business is still thriving.

About Sasha:I am weird, funny, outgoing, opinionated, and very loving.  Okay cut the crap, I’m just a regular chick that rocked film, traveling the world, combat boots, paper, and now a digital camera.  I’m a USAF veteran, I’ve lived and traveled all over the world, and my love of photography really began as street photographer many, many years ago.  I was born and raised mostly overseas, I can speak multiple languages, and I have a very sassy mouth.  The love from my two beautiful boys, handsome hubby, and newly rescued pit-bull keeps me smiling and also on the edge of wanting to toss each one of them in a dumpster.  If I want to really stay sane I’ll just crochet, color, listen to some music, or create more ideas that I’ll probably never accomplish.

Visit Sasha at her WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | FLICKR pages here