How long have you been in business? I’ll celebrate two years in June, 2013!

What percentage of your business is seniors? About 90%. And I love it!

What do you think makes a perfect senior session? I absolutely love a golden sky combined with a confident girl who is comfortable really being herself in front of the camera. While I provide suggestions and guidance, I am shocked (in a great way) with the variety of beautiful expressions my clients come up with all on their own.

What do you love most about photographing seniors? They sit still and do what I ask! Just kidding–but as mama to two toddlers, that is a welcomed change. Honestly, I just really enjoy the shooting process–seeking out beautiful light, capturing who they are right now, and (especially) showing them just how beautiful they are.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in your business? I’m my biggest challenge. As a shy introvert, I can get worn out trying to promote my business–I’m just not that bold! Even having too many shoots or order appointments in a week can really drain me. But this is balanced with a real love for photography and the wonderful, gratifying feeling of helping my clients feel as beautiful as they are. Balancing photography with my other “job” as a mama to two little boys (with a baby girl on the way) is also tough–it’s a lot of work! I try to keep it all balanced by being careful with my schedule, planning down time and working while the kiddos nap. Oh, and I have an amazing husband who helps me keep it all together. 🙂

Describe your photography style? I love fresh, clean, vibrant images. I also love the look of film. My shooting and editing styles combine these ideals. The biggest compliment someone can give my work: you’ve captured the real me! 🙂

What motivates or inspires you in your photography? I’m constantly trying to improve, to get it right in camera, to focus on the individual. I want to be the best that I can be. I’m not satisfied with mediocre! While I’m really inspired by the work of fellow photographers, I try not to focus too much on what others are doing. I really believe, as Theodore Roosevelt said, that “comparison is the thief of joy.”

Twenty Questions Game…Just for fun!

Where are you from/live? I grew up in Mansfield, OH and live in Dublin, OH

Married? Yes, for 5 years, to my best friend, Andy. We balance each other out!

Kids? Two boys, Graham and Rowan (and little Miss “Plum” on the way)

What are their ages? 2.5 years and 17 mos

Nikon or Cannon? Canon

What kind of camera bag do you carry? Kelly Moore Libby in Midnight

Favorite music to edit to? Usually peace and quiet (while the boys nap); occasionally NPR

Favorite Photoshop Action? I don’t use actions much, except for a few that I’ve made myself! But Coffee Shop Blog’s Powder Room 3 is a favorite.

A photographer that inspires you? As a photographer and a mama, I’m in awe of what other working mamas with little kiddos can do. Arden Prucha and Meg Borders are two I watch with amazement. And I adore what Elizabeth Messina does with film.

Favorite Food? Chocolate. No, Cheese. No, chocolate….

Favorite place to shop? Impossible to answer! I love Anthropologie, Garnet Hill, Fossil, JCrew, H&M, Target, Macy’s,… it just depends on my mood!

Favorite drink at Starbucks? Full fat grande latte

Favorite Guilty Pleasure? Long, long naps.

Favorite memory from when you were a senior? Graduation? I wasn’t terribly fond of high school myself!

Favorite Quote or Saying? Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

And Wayne Gretzky: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. What can I say? I am married to a Canadian and I struggle with worry! I try to remember that taking risks can be good and that God has my back!

Favorite Workshop or photography event you have attended? Just before starting my business, I attended Karen Lippowith’s The Focused Photographer workshop. At the time, I was looking for a workshop where I could build my portfolio and get tips from someone whose style I really admired (I do admire Karen’s work). I was a little disappointed to learn that the workshop would focus so much on the business side of being a professional photographer–I just wanted to shoot!–but decided to do it anyway. I am SO glad that I did! I have come to realize that focusing on the business BEFORE getting started was an incredible gift. I felt I had a clear vision of where my business should be, what my goals were, and what I should be charging before I ever had a paying client. I’ve had a lot more shooting practice since then. 🙂 And I’m so relieved to have priced my work where I wanted it to be from the beginning.

Favorite Magazine? Professional Photographer or Real Simple.

Favorite Vacation Spot? Paris! I’m longing to go back in spring or summer–I’ve only ever been in winter!

Favorite Movie? Hmm…tough one! I am a sucker for a good chick flick or romance. Several I’ve watched more times than I can count: Sweet Home Alabama, Sliding Doors, Notting Hill, Steel Magnolias, Pride and Prejudice (BBC), Bridget Jones’ Diary,….