Today’s Directory Member Share comes from Renee Bowen of Renee Bowen Photography located in Los Angeles, California.  Renee shares all about her photographer business, what she loves about seniors and answers 20 questions about herself below!  Be sure to check out Renee’s work and like her on Facebook!!

How long have you been in business?  I’ve been shooting for about 13; officially in business for 8; shooting seniors for 3.

What percentage of your biz is seniors?  About 80%

What do you think makes a perfect senior session?  I try my best to create a relaxed, fun environment (wherever we happen to be shooting that day) for my clients;  I’m really big on taking my time and making sure I get the shots I want….which  can only really be done with the client is comfortable and having fun.  When they’re in that happy place and the light/makeup/hair/wind/clothing stars align, it’s magic 😉

What do you love most about photographing seniors?  Honestly, the fact that they’re pretty much up for anything.  I love the creative control I have when photographing seniors because they trust me and I can be my most creative during the shooting and editing processes.  I also just love being around them…..they energize me 😉

What would you say is the biggest challenge in your business?  I’d have to say that the biggest, most frustrating parts for me are:  the constant need to stay “ahead” of the curve;  being innovative when there’s so much competition around, and to manage my time and not get lost in editing world….

Describe your photography style?  Modern, contemporary fashion/glamour with an artistic flair.   I like clean, fresh images and try not to over photoshop anyone; my pet peeve is seeing girls who look like plastic dolls.

What motivates or inspires you in your photography?  I try not to look at too many other photographer’s work (at least not a lot).  I find most of my inspiration from trends in fashion, art in general –  and pinterest is amazing for gathering inspirational tidbits!

Twenty questions game – just for fun!

Where are you from/live?  Born and raised in White Castle, Louisiana (super small town outside of Baton Rouge); currently living in Santa Clarita, CA  – just outside of Los Angeles

Married?  Yep, married for 13 years to an actor/writer (Andrew Bowen) who makes me laugh every single day of my life.  And he’s not bad to look at either ;o

Kids?  Yes, which explains my haggard, “I need coffee” look!

What are their ages?  13 year old son with Asperger’s (and yes, I’m also a guru on all things Autism related).  A beautiful, amazing kid with more knowledge for computers & tech than most adults.

11 year old boy/girl twins who are also in the acting biz like my husband.  I may not have enough room left in the house for all these egos!   It’s fun, but I never, ever stop moving….

Nikon or Canon?  Nikon all the way – started shooting film with Nikon way back and stuck with it 😉

What kind of camera bag do you carry?  I have two Kelly Moore Bags – a Magenta Classic Bag I take mainly for personal shoots, like at the kids’ school events, etc.  and a Blue Libby Bag that fits all my gear & laptop and iPad.

I also have a Shootsac lens bag that I use for events.

Favorite music to edit to?  Thank God for Pandora, right?!!  My favorite stations to edit to are (depending on my mood):  Kings of Leon, Bon Iver, Jonsi, Iron and Wine, Civil Wars, Massive Attack, Better than Ezra or Deadmau5…. yeah, I’m all over the place musically.

I adore and very much NEED music in my life every day.

Favorite Photoshop Action?  I don’t use them – I did for awhile, but I mainly edit in Lightroom (for the past 3 years now).  I use VSCO film presets, Pretty Presets,  and some of my own that I created.  I only open photoshop when I have to do major retouching or create layouts, etc.

A photographer that inspires you? Jeremy Cowart…. he has an unending amount of creativity & is insanely talented.  And he’s a pretty great human being.

Favorite Food?  Does wine count as food?  😉  Kidding…. sort of.  I’d have to say anything made of chocolate.  Or steak.

Favorite place to shop?  I rarely venture into the world of actual stores…. shop online a lot.  But I’m a Free People fangirl for sure, and love H&M, especially for my kids.

Favorite drink at Starbucks?  Grande upside down, 4 pump, skinny caramel macchiato.  I’m high maintenance, I know.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure?  I’m a sucker for any ridiculous comedy like Talledega Nights, Anchorman, I Love You Man, Blades of Glory, The Hangover, etc.

Favorite memory from when you were a senior?  Well, it was SOOOO long ago, I can barely remember 😉   I’d have to say our senior trip to Florida…… the thought that our parents let a bunch of 17/18 year olds spend a week together on the beach in Florida is horrifying to me now that I have kids who are almost teenagers!  Yikes!

Favorite quote or saying?  “I believe life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life’s greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve.  This level of resolve can move mountains, but it must be constant and consistent.  As simplistic as this may sound, it is still the common denominator separating those who live their dreams from those who live in regret.”  I love me some Anthony Robbins!!!

Favorite Workshop or photography event you have attended?  I’ve never attended any workshops in person; although I would have loved to see Jeremy Cowart on his Lifefinder tour…. just couldn’t make the dates work out.  I would also LOVE to attend one with Sue Bryce; her Creative Live workshop was amazing.

Favorite magazine?  I’m a geek – MacLife, MacWorld,  Scientific American or Discovery

Favorite vacation spot?  Hard to choose one; for the past 3 years, we’ve road tripped all over the country with the kids (we did 26 states in 23 days in 2009) in our minivan 😉  But any beach, anywhere is awesome!

Favorite movie?  Of all time?!!  Would have to be Wizard of Oz.