Posts Tagged ‘boise idaho portrait photographer’

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20 on Tuesday: Shannon Joy Heimsoth

September 14, 2010

My passion for photography began when I wanted to learn to take fantastic pictures of my own family.  I wanted to capture my children “in the moment”.  When I joined Clickinmoms, I “met” Shannon Joy.  She was always quick to comment on my posts with encouragement.  When 2010 began, several of us started a personal photography project, posting a picture a day for a year.  My project stalled mid summer but Shannon’s is still going strong. She even has a “theme”, 365 Simple Joys.  I LOVE it!  It’s one of my favorite 365 blogs to follow.  She is a master at finding the joy in every single day, no matter what.  I’m inspired by her and her wonderful attitude!

Hi Shannon!

Where are you from?  I was born and raised in Marengo, IL… a small town about an hour northwest of Chicago.

Where is home now?  Union, IL… an even smaller town just 5 minutes from my hometown.  It is such a blessing to live so close to a majority of our family.

Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?  I was actually an elementary teacher for 8 years before staying home with our four children. I’ve always said “If I wasn’t a teacher, I would love to be a photographer.” Everything happens for a reason.  Having four children has proven to be a blessing in countless ways… one of them is that it has allowed me to make my dream of becoming a photographer a reality.  Five years ago, I purchased my first DSLR and dove feet first into learning all I could about photography.  I have taken several online workshops, read MANY books, and am a proud member of a few photography forums where I have “met” so many WONDERFUL friends who are caring, encouraging, supportive, and truly inspirational.  So, to answer your question… I’m self-taught :) .

What words would you use to describe your style of photography?  Honest.  Simple.  Joyful.   I want my work to reflect who I am.

Talk to me about personal projects.  Are they important and what have you done lately?  It seems that I always have some sort of project going on.  Whether it is trying to complete a scrapbook album or deciding what color to paint our bedroom.  However, these projects just need to be checked off of my growing “to do” list.  The personal project that I am most proud of and has more significance than any other project is my 365 Simple Joys.

How did you come up with the idea for your 365 Joy project?  I feel that it is important to capture and document life.  I used to scrapbook to do just that.  Scrapbooking was my way to be creative while preserving memories and showcase my pictures.  Who was I kidding?  It would take me a minimum of 2 hours to complete a page!   Heck, I’m STILL working on my wedding album and we have been married for almost 7 years!  LOL!!



I found out about the 365 day project on the forums and decided to try it for 2010.  Little did I know…
It all started with naming my project.  “Joy” is my middle name so I wanted to incorporate that into the title.   To me, documenting life isn’t about capturing just the big events (birthdays, trips to the zoo, Christmas, etc.).  It’s about capturing every day… no matter how simple the day may be.  I wanted to focus on the “joy” of each day that God has given me.  Right now, I have 252 joys.  My simple joys do include sickness and sadness.  I have somehow found joy in those times as well.

My 365 Simple Joys have blessed my life in so many ways.  I am documenting my life as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend.  I am capturing the growth and constant change in my children.  I am practicing and improving my photography skills.  I have met and built great friendships.  I am seeing the positive in my everyday life.

The thing that has surprised me the most about my project is how others have noticed it.  It seems that my daily Simple Joys have inspired others to notice the simple joys in their life as well.

I am about 3 months behind in my 365 project and the guilt is palpable. Do you ever miss a day of your 365 project?  Wendy, you shouldn’t feel guilty at all!  As you are well aware, this project is extremely time consuming.  I follow your blog and know that you are still very committed to capturing your personal life while building a successful photography business.  There are only so many hours in the day!  Lose the guilt :) .

Surprisingly enough, I haven’t missed a day of shooting.  I have missed some days of posting my pictures on my blog and facebook but have somehow always managed to catch up.  There are certainly days where I just don’t feel like shooting or wait until the last minute.  It seems like those are the days when I get a nice email or a comment about a specific picture or my project in general.  How thankful I am for those acts of kindness!  They have kept me going!



 If you could be invisible for one day with your camera… LOVE this one!  Well… I would LOVE to photograph a birth.  I was so fortunate to have had wonderful (for the most part :) ) pregnancies, labor, and deliveries with each of my children.  Our family is complete but I am somewhat sad that I will never experience personally bringing a child into the world again.  I would absolutely love to capture the look of concentration, the intensity, the joy, and the love… all of those miraculous moments of bringing a child into the world.  Maybe someday…



 Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?  Just one???  LOL!!!  A “big name” photographer would REALLY intimidate me.  Plus, I would much rather take a portrait of a fellow photog friend… or Matthew McConaughey!  LOL!!

What’s your best advice for balancing photography and family?  Family will always be #1 priority.  Period.

What’s in your camera bag?  Canon 5dII, 50 1.4, 85 1.8, 100 2.8, gum, lip gloss, candy, and tissues (someone ALWAYS has boogies) in my Crumpler bag.

When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?  Home. With 4 young children… I’m always home.

What’s the first reaction you get from your kids when you pull out your camera?  They run, turn their heads, tell me “no more pictures”, etc.  I’ve been known to bribe with money and treats.

If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?  I am in love with South Haven, Michigan.  The town is adorable.  The people are friendly.  The beach is breathtaking.  (Does this “dream home” come with a winter home?  Winters in the Midwest can be brutal.)



What talent would you most like to have?  I would love be able to sing. That is one of the things that I miss about teaching kindergarten.  I would make up songs and my students thought I was the best singer.  They also thought I was the prettiest, smartest, best artist…

What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?  From his mouth… “creative”, “inspiring” (wasn’t expecting that one), “cranky” (It was a rough morning.  LOL!!).  I think he meant to say “loving” or “giving” or “hot”:).



 Something that is over rated… sleep and technically perfect photos :)

Your favorite movie of all time?  Steel Magnolias You know it’s a good movie if it makes you laugh hard and cry hard.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?  I would have to say Julia Roberts simply for the fact that people have told me that I look like her.  I don’t see it but I’ll take that as a compliment.

Name one blog you stalk regularly I cannot name just one:).  I love Erin Cobb, Jasmine Star, and Pioneer Woman.  I am also inspired daily by several of my forum friends and fellow 365′ers!!!


Go bookmark her 365 Simple Joys HERE.  It will become your new obsession!

Thank you, Shannon!

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Posted in 20 on Tuesday | 18 Comments »

20 on Tuesday {California style}: Jules Trandem

August 10, 2010

Spending the week in California as a “last hurrah” to Summer 2010.  Oh how I’ve missed it here!

In the spirit of our visit, my 20 on Tuesday interview this week is with an extremely talented San Diego area photographer.  I first “met” Jules on a workshop forum we both call home.  Her use of natural light and real lifestyle images inspire me every time I see her work.  I’m not sure what impressed me most about Jules, her amazing photography skills, or the fact that not only is she a successful photographer, but she does it as a single mom and a full-time first grade teacher!  Talk about having it all together!  Prepare to be inspired…

Hi Jules,

Where are you from?

I spent my early childhood in Bakersfield CA before moving to San Luis Obispo CA and ultimately San Diego for college.

Where is home now?

I have been in San Diego now for 16 years.  I LOVE it here!  It’s a photographer’s dream location … year round sun, beautiful beaches, the city, and gorgeous fields.  My family now lives in Santa Barbara CA so I spend lots of vacation time there.  Santa Barbara is also a beautiful place to photograph.

Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?

I’m a self-taught photographer with the help of some amazing workshops that I’ve had the privilege of attending over the past year.  Like so many, my love for photography grew when my son was born.  The poor guy had a camera on him 24/7.  A couple of years ago I made it my mission to learn to shoot in manual.  I spent that summer reading and practicing and reading and practicing!  My camera manual was my best friend.  At that point, I knew I wanted more.  Over the last year, I worked on my style, creativity, business, and marketing through many invaluable workshops.  I wanted to grow and I found some of the best to teach me.  I’ve participated in Bloom Workshops (http://www.bloomworkshops.com/), The Light Workshop (http://thelightworkshop.wordpress.com/), Jay Reilly’s ‘Shoot the Kids’ (http://www.jayreillyworkshops.com/), Marta Locklear Workshop (http://www.martalocklear.com/site2/index2.php), Francypants Academy (http://www.francypantsacademy.com/), and I will wrap it up with a Jinky Workshop in September (http://jinkyart.com.au/blog/).  I’ve LOVED each and every one.  These amazing photographers have helped guide me to where I am today.

What words would you use to describe your style of photography?

I think my style is about light, story telling and connections.

Talk to me about personal projects.  Are they important and what have you done lately?

My personal projects have been about my growth as a photographer.  They are very important to help me become better at what I do.  I’m not yet brave enough to commit to a year long project … I may try out a weekly one or even a monthly one.  Tara Whitney has inspired me to try to be ‘in’ the photos, too.  I would love to start a monthly project that includes a photo of my son and I.

What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?

I LOVE all types of sessions … newborn, seniors, children, families!  I think my favorite kind of session would be a location filled with gorgeous light, a beautifully styled client  and lots of fun and laughter.

How do you stay motivated and your photography current?

I am always motivated by my son, my photog friends, as well as the beautiful light and locations in San Diego.  When I’m ready to try something new, he’s always up for a session.  He’s a cheap model … it usually only costs me a ‘star wars’ toy.

If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…

I’d love to spend a day with Tara Whitney and just soak up her beauty and brilliance.

Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?

I would love to do a portrait with Marta Locklear and her family.  They are beautiful inside and out!

What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?

I have a lot to balance and don’t always do it gracefully.  I’m a single mom (my son Brooks is 5), a first grade teacher, and a photographer.  Trying to find a balance for those three jobs is tough and takes a LOT of Coffee Bean vanilla soy lattes!  My photography business officially started last fall and took off faster than I was prepared to handle.  Starting last January, I have only been scheduling 2-3 clients a month.  I have loved a better balance by having fewer client sessions each month and putting everything I have into them.  I am much better prepared for this fall, but I also don’t plan on taking on as many clients so I will have more time to enjoy my son and friends.  Life’s too short and I don’t want my son to think all I did was work.
What’s in your camera bag?

I’m a Canon girl!  I shoot with the 5D Mark II and I love my 50mm 1.2 and 85mm 1.2 primes.  I think it would be a toss up which lens is my favorite … right now the 85mm is in the lead.  Sad to say, I don’t even have a camera bag, however my new Kelly Moore mustard hobo bag is ordered and I can’t wait for it to arrive.  (Thanks Maureen!)

When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

When we’re not busy with school and sports, my son and I love going on all kinds of adventures at the beach, creek, or park… any place that he can climb, dig in dirt and find sticks.
If not a photographer what would you have been?

I love being a first grade teacher.  I work at an amazing school with wonderful children and families.  First grade is such a special year.  I love being able to give the gift of reading to a child.  That light that glows on the face of a child when they learn to read is priceless.  I treasure my job as a teacher!

If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

My dream home would be built right on the beach in Del Mar CA.  I would love to go to sleep each night listening to the waves roll in.
What talent would you most like to have?

A dancer! If you ask my first graders, they would tell you that I’m already a fabulous dancer … another reason I love first graders.  After watching ‘So you think you can dance’ this summer, I would love to have an ounce of their talent.  It’s just beautiful how they can create so much emotion in a single performance.  (So sad Alex had to leave due to injury… I wanted him to win).

What are the three words your friends would use to describe you?

Funny, motivated, kind.
Something that is over rated…

Jealousy (and competition).  I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by amazing photographers who are open to learn, grow, inspire and help one another out!

Your favorite movie of all time?

This always changes, but this summer my favorite movie is ‘Remember Me’.  Watch it and let me know what you think!
Who would play you in a movie of your life?

I would love Cameron Diaz to play me.  I love that she’s a bit silly and doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Name one blog you stalk regularly

Are you kidding?!  How can it just be one?!  Jinky Art (http://jinkyart.com.au/blog/) might just be the most magical blog I stalk.  I can’t wait to meet her!

You can find Jules HERE.

Thank you, Jules!

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Posted in 20 on Tuesday | 21 Comments »

Fall Mini Sessions! | Boise Idaho photographer

July 23, 2010

Fall mini sessions are here!  Need pictures for your holiday cards?  Gifts to give grandparents and friends?  Updated pictures for your home?  Here’s your chance for a quick 20 minute session.  The location is fabulously rustic and country and perfect for fall pictures!  Come out and join us, but don’t wait long to reserve your spot.  Sessions are limited.  Email me at wendy@wendyvonsosen.com and be sure to include “mini sessions” in the subject line to reserve your spot.  Can’t wait!

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20 on Tuesday: Amii Wroblewski

July 12, 2010

When this crazy passion for photography first started, I joined a few forums.  Among these was a fabulous site called, Clickinmoms.  If you have even the slightest interest in photography and want to join up with other passionate camera fiends, you must check it out!  It has been some of the best money I’ve invested in photography so far.  Among learning a ton, I have met and befriended many other photographers from all over the world.

Among these was a photographer with a name even more difficult to spell than mine, if you can believe it.  Amii Wroblewski and I joined Clickinmoms at around the same time.  We’ve enjoyed bouncing business ideas off each other and well as sharing our latest sessions and favorite shots.  I admire her for her affinity for marketing as well as her amazing portrait work.  I’ve watched her photography grow and her business flourish.    Her passion for people and photography is obvious when you see the beauty and truth in her work with seniors.

Hi Amii,

Where are you from?

Kind of all over but I was born and raised in Arkansas until I was 7 or 8.

Where is home now?
About 30 minutes north of Dallas….I’ve been here for almost 20 years.

Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?
Self-taught but I would LOVE to take some film classes.

What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?
Definitely seniors!  They are so full of life, want their pictures taken and they are just starting to come into their own skin and learning to be comfortable in it.  Their’s something really beautiful in watching them hover somewhere between adolescence and adulthood.

When shooting seniors, how do you form the kind of relationship them that results in such stunning images?
I spend a LOT of time getting to know my clients before the session.  I usually meet them in person before they book a session so they understand my style and what I’m about.  I ask them what their plans are for their future, how their family/friends would describe them, what their favorite music is, etc.  Asking both the senior and the parents what their expectations are from the shoot helps me create images that everyone will love too!

Talk to me about personal projects.  Are they important and what have you done lately?
Personal photography projects?  Um, I wish I had the time!  I have dabbled with film lately and working with film is so rewarding.  I’ve tried to work with a homemade pinhole camera but I have yet to get any decent results yet!

How do you stay motivated and your photography current?
I have a vision for what I want the outcome to be with a session way before I have the session and that alone is motivation enough.  I think the fun thing with senior photography is that you have to be ever-evolving and constantly pushing the limit because seniors love to see previous sessions and say “I want that”.  Of course, I don’t want each session to be the same and that’s both challenging and freeing at the same time.

If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…
Oh I would LOVE to hang out with my son at school…just to see how he interacts with others and to see how he works.

Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?
Chelsey Mach of MachC Photography….hands down.  She has been my business mentor even before I was officially in business and I believe that Chelsey has helped me learn to make smart business decisions that many seasoned professionals are just learning to do.  Plus she is a 4th generation Alaskan and there is something so mysterious and charming about that to me, especially since I’ve never met her and I’ve never been to Alaska!

What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
Make sure to have the world’s most supportive and understanding spouse!  I seriously could not do what I do without my husband’s help.  I also get a ton of help and support from my parents who live down the street from us.

What’s in your camera bag?
I’m a “keep it simple” kind of girl and I have my 5D Mark II, a new 50mm 1.4, an 85mm 1.8 (LOVE) and a grey card.  That’s it!

When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Sad to say but usually at my computer.  I’m constantly trying to make things better for my business and my clients and that translates into lots of computer time.  Other than that, I love to be out by the pool with my family.

If not a photographer what would you have been?
I’ve always been involved with creative things.  I used to teach piano while I was in college, I had a catering business in my late teens/early 20′s and I do a lot of graphic design for my full-time job.  There is just no telling what I would be if I wasn’t a photographer!  A painter?  A circus juggler?  I was always told that the sky is the limit so I’ve always been pushed to follow my dreams…no matter how crazy they have been.

If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?
Definitely not any more north than the Dallas area but I would say somewhere with land (where you can’t see your neighbors)…and near the beach would be pretty cool!

What talent would you most like to have?
Is “super mom” a talent?  If so, that’s the talent I want!  I would love to be fluent in a few languages.  I’ve been dreaming of the day where I get to visit France for the first time and I can carry on conversations with the locals in French.

What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?
Polite, Classy, Confident

Something that is over rated…
Oh gosh…I don’t know.  Schedules?  I’m not a scheduled person at all and find it really restricting to have to be on a schedule, which is why I don’t limit how long my photography sessions run.  I’m so blessed to be able to work at my own pace/schedule.

Your favorite movie of all time?
I don’t know if I have a favorite (I don’t watch many movies or a lot of tv) but I usually love children’s movies.  Tim Burton’s version of Alice in Wonderland is pretty inspiring to me as a photographer….I would love to do a really theatrical session like that for a senior…over the top, glam/costume make-up, etc.

If you could correct one mistake you made while starting your photography business, what would it be?
You know, I don’t know if I have made any Earth-shattering mistakes.  I’ve definitely made small changes along the way based on things that weren’t working but having a business mentor, wonderful support with family/friends, and just taking some risks really made opening a business a no-brainer for me.

Name one blog you stalk regularly
Michelle Moore…I love her fashion editorial-style senior sessions.

Can you share with us some of your favorite images that best represent your work?
See, I told you she was amazing!
Amii’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Amii!

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Posted in 20 on Tuesday | 22 Comments »

July 7, 2010

As much as I adore shooting my clients, personal projects are incredibly important to me.  My creativity is challenged and the sky’s the limit as to what I choose to shoot.  This year I’ve taken on a 365 project.  A picture a day for an entire year.  I will admit that I’m not caught up at the moment and that I experience peaks and valleys when it comes to being productive on my 365.  But I am immensely enjoying it so far.  On top of this challenge I have committed to taking a self portrait once a week.  I started out posting these on Mondays but at this point they are pretty darn sporatic.

During this self portrait project of mine, I’ve discovered something.  I hate to have my own picture taken.

I know.  Weird, since I’m a photographer.

But actually not that uncommon among us photographers.  Many of us would rather be behind the camera than in front of it.  But not only do photographers find themselves behind the camera, but I think most of us moms are perennially missing from pictures.  We are usually too busy taking the pictures or we rarely feel “camera ready”. More often than not we’ve spent the day carpooling or chasing after kids or working on the never-ending laundry or organizing the linen closet.  (Well, that one might be a stretch, at least for me.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately.  As women, we often lose ourselves in our roles as mothers.  Each of us, at some point in our youth, felt beautiful and attractive.  Someone worthy of a catcall from the closest construction worker at least.  And we still are,  but our beauty and attractiveness are hiding behind spit-up and garden dirt,  sleepless nights and teenage worry,  Play-Doh and peanut butter.   I believe we owe it to our spouses, our families, but most especially to ourselves to take the time and the effort to unearth that inner and outer beauty again and SHINE.

I’m working on a new kind of session to do just that.  A session all about YOU.  A chance to shed the mom uniform and let your true beauty shine through.  What woman doesn’t want to get together with friends, enjoy a little pampering and a chance to come away with images that represent the amazing and beautiful YOU?  I know I do!

Keep your eye out for my new Cover Girlz sessions coming soon.

Here’s a sneak peek at a few images from some recent sessions.

Call or email me if you’re interested in getting some girlfriends together for a day/evening of pampering and being your own Cover Girlz!  I promise, you’ve never looked better!

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Posted in Head Shots | 25 Comments »

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