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!

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!

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!

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?

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!

Not only has she become my friend in real life, but Jasmine Johnson continues to inspire me with her family and child photography.  She has a knack for capturing families in their element doing the things together that they love.  Her pictures are real and modern and fun.  Take a look for yourself!

Hi Jasmine,

Where are you from? Ventura, California
Where is home now? A few hours north of my hometown in Arroyo Grande.  It’s halfway between L.A. and San Francisco on the coast.
Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography? Self-taught.  My grandpa was a portrait photographer and I grew up in photo labs watching my mom work, but I never listened to her tips about focus and exposure… so I’ve worked on it myself.
What words would you use to describe your style of photography? fun, personal, modern & clean
Talk to me about personal projects.  Are they important and what have you done lately? I absolutely think personal projects are important… but I sort of have a love/hate relationship with my camera.  I started a 52 week project this year and only made it about 8 weeks.  I don’t pick up my camera for weeks at a time.  So currently, personal projects are more about home improvements and spending time with my two daughters
What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why? My most recent session is always my favorite.  I just photographed my first set of newborns and I’m just in love with them!  When my schedule gets busy, I have to force myself to edit sessions in chronological order, otherwise I’ll only focus on the most recent set.
How do you stay motivated and your photography current? My clients motivate me.  I didn’t previously consider myself a people person, but I love the interaction with my clients in a photo shoot.  I especially thrive on getting my ‘non-photogenic’ clients to look and feel fabulous.  Keeping my work current?  I do follow a lot of photography blogs, but have found that trying to copy another artist’s work never turns out to be an image I like or am proud of.  It’s all about people and their genuine reactions and emotions.
If you could be invisible for one day with your camera… I’d photograph births.  I know you don’t have to be invisible to do this, but it’s an area of photography I haven’t yet pursued but would love to.
Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of Other photographers tend to intimidate me.  I’m not sure I’d be comfortable taking a portrait of someone I highly admire.  I’ll say YOU, Wendy… we’d have fun!  (Not that I don’t admire your work, but we’ve met and you aren’t scary!)
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family? Have an amazing husband who’s understanding and supportive of your artistic aspirations, and who is a great dad, cook and housekeeper!
What’s in your camera bag? Nikon D700, 50/1.4, 20-35/2.8, my iPhone, some chapstick, and gummy snacks for the kids I shoot.
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you? At the park, beach or children’s museum with my kiddos.
If not a photographer what would you have been? My first profession is teaching.  7th and 8th grade math… and I love it, but photography was a bigger pull at this point in my life.
If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home? I waver between being a small-town beach girl and craving big-city life.  So, either somewhere on the California coast, or New York City.
What talent would you most like to have? I wish I had better interior decorating skills.
What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you? (I asked… and wouldn’t have guessed these 3:) beautiful, intelligent and unselfish
Something that is over rated… Photoshop actions (maybe only because I don’t use any though!)
Your favorite movie of all time? Good Will Hunting
Who would play you in a movie of your life? Jennifer Garner
Name one blog you stalk regularly Smitten Kitchen… every recipe I’ve tried has been awesome!

Would you share some of your favorite images that best represent your work?

Jasmine’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Jasmine!

Hi Julie,

1    Where are you from?
Born in Virginia, but have lived my whole life (minus about 9 months?) here in San Diego, CA.

2    Where is home now?
San Diego, CA

3    Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?
Self-taught.

4    What words would you use to describe your style of photography?
Fun. Happy. Different.

5    What inspires you as a photographer?
I’m inspired by my own family and friends. I get inspired to shoot certain things by thinking about what I would love someone else to capture for me.

6    What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?
Hmmm….that’s a tough one because I love so many. One of my favorites is urban sessions, because I love the various colors, backgrounds, etc to work with. It’s easy to change up the look of things just by going from one spot to the other.

7    How do you stay motivated and your photography current?
I just shoot what I love and want. I try and think outside of the box a bit and try new things. Sometimes they turn out awesome….sometimes…not so much

8    If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…
I would follow around each person that I love and take photos of them…. just being them.

9    Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?
Tara Whitney and her family….because they are super cute

10    What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
Family always comes first. One big part of me taking the leap to leave my “day job” to start my own business was so that I could spend more time with PJ (our daughter). The past 2-3 years in business have been a little crazy for me to balance, which is why starting this year and next, i’m taking on less shoots. Sure, I could be booking 20 shoots a month or something crazy….but then that would defeat my main purpose of starting Lot116…..which is having more time with my family.

11    What’s in your camera bag?
Canon 5DMKII,  24-70L, 50 1.2L, 70-200L, 50 1.4 (although I don’t bring all of those with me to each shoot – usually it’s just 1 or 2)….some business cards/postcards,  gum, a little pack of tissues and a pen.

12    When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Usually with PJ at The New Children’s Museum, Sea World, Disneyland, running errands, etc.

13    If not a photographer what would you have been?
Hmmm….most likely I probably still would have been working at DC Shoes. If not, then most likely a stay at home mom with some sort of part time job.

14    If you could live anywhere in this amazing world where would you build your dream home?
Ooh, that’s tough. I LOVE San Diego, but a part of me would love to live in New York.

15    What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to sew. I would make my daughter the raddest things

16    What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?
Funny. SuperMom (yes, i’m counting that as one). Nag? hahaha

17    Something that is over rated…
The Snuggie. Good idea, but really ugly and terrible fabric choice.

18    Your favorite movie of all time?
Acck! Way too hard. How about 3?
The Joy Luck Club (if you’ve seen it, my mom is totally Waverly’s mom hahaha)
Up (hilarious and I still tear up every time I watch it)
Meet The Robinson’s (again, funny and I tear up every time)

19    Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Well obviously Angelina Jolie or Jessica Alba!
Oh wait, that would be a dream.
Most likely someone who can be goofy, like Drew Barrymore.

20    Name one blog you stalk regularly.

www.theblogisfound.com

They are super creative, I love their work….and their kids are adorable

Can you show us a few of your favorite images that best represent your work?

Julie’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Julie!

(And her answer to #15 tells me we could be BFFs.)

Hi Gretchen,

1    Where are you from?

I’m from Hardy, a lovely small town in northeast Arkansas. I spent the first 18 years of my life there and greatly under appreciated how beautiful and simple life can be there. This time of year it’s beautiful, green and growing. In a small area there’s a river, lakes and lots of friendly, sweet people. I don’t get back to visit very often, but I love being there when I do.

2    Where is home now?
I haven’t gone far! My husband, I and our two boys live in Little Rock, Arkansas which is right in the middle of the state and only about 2.5 hours from where I grew up. We love it here and feel blessed to be so happy. It might not be our forever home, but it’s wonderful and perfect for right now.

3    Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?
I’m self taught. My first SLR was a Canon xti with the kit lens. I was so excited about photography after my oldest son was born and wanted to pretend that photography was purely about the fun, creative parts. I tried to ignore the dials and such on my camera as much as possible at first, so the learning was slow to start.  Once I quit fighting that I’d have to learn how to shoot in manual, a whole new world opened up to me. I scoured the internet for info, checked out any books I could find and studied photographers whose worked I loved. Numbers and logical thinking are not my strengths and I needed to read, practice, read, practice to get it all to click together. I still love learning about photography and am still doing the read, practice routine every time I find new information. I recently went through the Bloom workshop with Brenda Acuncius and Kristy Lane and I loved it. I am definitely looking forward to doing an in-person workshop one day!

4    What words would you use to describe your  style of photography?
This is a great question! It’s really making me think about the words I would use for how I feel when I’m shooting. I’d like to think that my work is a little bit quirky, clean, fun, relaxed, natural and most of all…real.

5    What inspires you as a photographer?
Okay, I could probably write a whole page just on this. There are certain things that just make me want to go and grab my camera, so I’m just listing them here as these things have been moments when I immediately thought – camera.    Sunny days. Unexpected moments, like when toddlers suddenly hug their friends.  My boys playing on the floor with their train sets. The last light of the day on the grass in our front yard. Neighborhood streets with trees that arch, like my sister’s street.  Hair blowing in the wind. Families that make each other laugh.  A place with lots of lines. Negative space.  The colors navy, purple, cream, olive, teal, gold and warm grey. (For right now anyway) And red. I know, random, right? Freckled noses. Children who wear glasses. Chubby little hands and feet.  Runners. Women who play the air trombone at a stoplight.  Big belly laughs.  The light and paint colors in my Mom’s new kitchen.  The way my husband smells, but not his feet.  Negative space.  Newborns with no hair, newborns with lots of hair.  Tiny little hair bows.  Missing teeth, real smiles from children.  Vintage fabrics, weathered wood. Clean sheets on the bed.  These beautiful places we have in Arkansas that are impossibly rich in color and a little wild growing right now. Colored glass.  The last light of the day, the last light of the day, the last light of the day, the last light of the day.  Also, the last light of the day. My loving, powerful, personal, creative Creator.

6    What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?
My favorite type of session seems to be an ebb and flow depending on the time of year. Right now, I love family sessions! I love working with families and playing along with them. I like to hear about what their kids are like and who they are. I like it when I can hear how the parents met and what they love about each other. Lately, I’ve tried to spend more time on that part of the session and it makes me so excited to go and meet that family on their scheduled date! My other favorite sessions are newborn sessions. The newness, the smells, the tiny baby things, all the extra love floating around in their home, it’s just magical. I feel very honored to photograph newborns. When a family chooses me to photograph their precious, brand new baby, they are sharing their joy with me!  Its important to me and I’m grateful for each one. I’m looking forward to doing more high school senior sessions and those start to be my favorite when they come around.

7    How do you stay motivated and your photography current?
I stay motivated by doing my best to keep a reasonable schedule. When I have enough time to plan each session and chat on the phone or over email with my clients, I enjoy my work so much more. I’ve also learned to keep a notebook with ideas as they come to me for times that I just can’t think of the right thing, or need a place to get started. As far as staying current, I love following other photographers’ blogs and watching as others develop creatively and I think that helps me stay current when you can kind of see what’s new in photography. I am amazed at how many incredibly talented photographers there are!  I’ve also applied to the National Association of Professional Child Photographers and am excited about joining a professional organization and think that will help me stay current.

8    If you could be invisible for one day with your  camera…
This is a hard question. I think I’d like to be invisible with my camera every time I use it, and sometimes I think it does make me invisible and I love that.  Especially with families though, that would be really handy.

9    Name a photographer you would like to take a  portrait of?
I think in real life, close to me, there are several. My friend Mitzi Penick needs new family photos and I love her family, she’s a friend so that would be first on my list  And also, I liked to add on there any other photographer who has not had family portraits recently or ever. Its hard to get in front of the camera when you are always holding it,  and apparently, most of us Mama’s have issues with our on camera appearance. (I’m guilty too) Be with the people you love. Make a beautiful day of memories and have the photographic proof!

10    What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
Be organized. Ha! Those who know me well know this is not my strength. But, it is important to me to try to keep a good balance. Right now, while my children are young, I just can’t pursue every idea that pops into my head. There’s places I would like to take my photography or ideas I would like to plan out, but for now, some of those things need to be on the back burner.  More than anything, I love my family and I love being with them. I want my boys to have memories of me playing dinosaurs with and doing things they think are fun. I try to keep my shooting schedule reasonable and limit how many sessions I schedule in a months time. I also think its good to have a plan for me to look at my week at the beginning so I can see when I can maybe work at night while the kids are asleep and when I can take a night off and watch the season finale of LOST with my husband.

11    What’s in your camera bag?
My Canon 5d, a 50d for backup. 85mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4, 35 mm 2.0, 24mm 2.8. The 35 and 24 get no love. There’s also other random things in there, some camera related and some not.

12    When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Right now, the boys and I seem to be loving the Little Rock zoo, but mostly likely you’ll find me at home, playing in our yard, taming laundry, chasing small boys and just enjoying my life.  Also, I like Target.

13    If not a photographer what would you have been?
If I wasn’t a photographer, I would be a nurse. I have my Bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for several years before pursuing photography. I loved working there and there are so many amazing babies that will forever be in my heart that I met there. The people  I worked along side were some of the kindest, most compassionate people. They truly love what they do and its an amazing place. I think that’s definitely where I would be if I wasn’t here.

14    If you could live anywhere in this amazing world where would you build your dream home?
I’m not sure. Anywhere warm most of the year and near my family. No snow.

15    What talent would you most like to have?
Fabulous organizational skills. The ability to be the kind of writer that makes you stay up all night to finish a book. This is more of a super power, but I’d like the ability to never have to go to the grocery store. Just a fully stocked fridge and pantry all the time. I guess that would be farming, which in my opinion is a super power.

16    What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?
Spontaneous, caring, beautiful

17    Something that is over rated…
It seems lately I think sleep is over rated. I think I may be lying to myself.

18    Your favorite movie of all time?
This seems to change every time I watch a movie. Right now, its The Lovely Bones. I love the colors in that movie. I also watched UP with my kids a few days ago and like it too. I like that little grape bottle cap pin and wish I had one.

19    Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Sandra Bullock. Not because we look alike, I just like her.

20    Name one blog you stalk regularly

Amanda Burse’s Labellavitablog.

Will you share with us some of your work that best reflect your style?

Gretchen’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Gretchen!

As I started getting serious about photography, I started looking around at other photographers and their work.  I became instantly intrigued and captivated and (you guessed it) inspired.  As my own photography has evolved and continues to evolve, I have had the opportunity to talk with many of the photographers whose work inspired me to pursue photography.  Some of these photographers are well known while many of them are not.  Yet.  They all have their own unique style whether it be lifestyle, traditional, whimsical, or moody.

I decided to create a weekly feature spotlighting many of these artists.  Every Tuesday I’ll interview a different photographer that I admire.   I’ve been inspired, and I hope you will be inspired too.

This week I’m talking with Rebecca Mitchell from Fresh From God Photography.  She and I “met” on a forum we frequent.  Her stunning newborn photography caught my eye right away.  She has an incredible gift for finding and using light in her images.  Her boudoir photography is beautiful as well. I was thrilled when I actually met her this past winter in Las Vegas when we attended WPPI and met up for brunch.  She is sweet and sincere and a truly gifted photographer.

Hi Rebecca!

Where are you from?
I grew up in a small mountain community just outside of Lancaster, CA  called Lake Hughes – My family moved a few times and there were major life changes in between but it never failed that I always returned “home”.
My Grandparents lived there for 40 years and I still get that warm fuzzy feeling once I hit the edge of town on my way in. There’s nothing like that old familiar feeling.
Where is home now?
I am now in Big Bear Lake, CA – another mountain community but much larger…and a little prettier….sorry hometown!!
Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?

I am self taught. I have plugged into a lot of online resources and I Googled A LOT. It all started with a D40 and an online free Hewlitt-Packard class my Mother in law sent me an email for. That was the last time I thought about anything else..well except for maybe my kids and my husband..and my dogs.

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

Oh goodness, this question is so simple yet so hard! I think that I’m carefree and like to convey “natural” or at least that’s what I want to be. I also relate to the days of old and love vintage and retro sessions.  I also want my photography to speak something. Love or wonder, joy, beauty, passion, just speak. I love to incorporate the surroundings into my work a lot also.
What inspires you as a photographer?
Wow, another great question. I could be so long winded on this one! I am inspired by the beauty around me of course. Newborns! I get inspired by aperture too. it sounds a little weird I know but I love the amazing “paint brush” that f-stops can be. The simple decision about aperture can totally change a photograph. I’m inspired by love too, I’ve got this new found passion to photograph love…e-sessions and weddings…so fun! Photographs just ooze love on those sessions. Did I mention Newborns yet?
What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?
Newborns! I love them! First a little history…when I was little I was the girl who would ignore the cousins at family reunions so that I could hold the newest family baby for hours. I would rock them and feed them and literally disappear into Heaven with them. I have a deep love for babies. I have been a foster parent to infants since I was 20 so babies are so natural to me. I’ve also been married for 12 years and have never been able to conceive my own (but have been so blessed by 2 adoptions) so when I get my hands on a baby I am just in my own little world.They are magic to me and I love to capture every special little thing about them.

How do you stay motivated and your photography current?
I am constantly daydreaming. I’m always thinking of fun things to do and then even sometimes trying to find a friend to be my experiment. I also leave some room for creative inspiration at the locations. A lot of times I’ll show up and let the place speak up a little and then go from there. I don’t limit myself to “locations” either..by that I mean that it’s good to keep your eyes open for any little place with a pocket of light and some potential. I’ll pull over on the side of the road and use a tiny little patch of weed flowers that can be made to look like a whole field of flowersjust by getting the right angle. And of course I visit some of my favorite blogs for inspiration when I’m feeling a little dry.
If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…
I would follow my daughter around. She is 2.5 years old, a tiny little thing at only 22lbs and she is just really starting to talk. She’ll go into her room and talk to her toys and say the funniest things! She also scrunches up her nose and makes the funniest expressions and it tickles my heart so much! She’s so fun to spy on!
Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?
This question is so thought provoking that I had to leave it and come back and I have to say it would be my new friend Janet. The reason is because I’ve gotten to know her a little. Her kindness and warmth are so radiating and you feel so welcomed just by being with her. The portrait would mean more then just a portait since I know that about her. I would be able to look at it and feel her spirit.  I hope that makes sense. And she is a photographer.
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
Can I give advice before I’ve learned to follow it?? Ack! this is such a struggle. My kids see me sitting at the computer so much and they constantly bring me books to read them and tug at my arms and I have to send them away often times. There is so much guilt involved with working at home but I have to remind myself that 1) they are with me and that’s the most important. 2.) this is work and it’s necessary for giving them a decent life and 3) it’s important to stop every once in a while and read that darn Dr. Seuss book that I just can’t stand to read one. more. time. and it’s good to take 10 minutes and draw with chalk on the patio or push my chair away from the desk and spin in circles with them in my lap for a few minutes. With all that said I think it’s best to try and not look at the big old guilt monster but rather look at the tiny investment throughout the day that you can do to show them love. It’s hard to pull away from intense editing or whatever I’m working on and I’ve not perfected it but I hope to get better at it. Oh and my Hubs…well he works at home a lot too so we sit just a few feet from each other most of the time. I make him read me books
once in a while too!
What’s in your camera bag?
Ahhhhhhh, deep sigh of love. I have a Nikon D700, a Nikkor 50mm 1.4, Nikkor 85mm 1.4, Nikkor 105mm 2.8, a grip and an SB600. The 105 is my new love! Oh goodness it’s a beauty!
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Aside from at the editing chair you could find me in the backyard now that Spring has finally “sort of” introduced itself! The kids and I have been gardening and making homemade bird feeders out of pine cones, peanut butter and bird seed. So fun!
If not a photographer what would you have been?
I have done so many things in life before finding this passion so I know what I wouldn’t be!  But what’s really important to me is being a good mom and wife first and then I think I would have done a children’s boutique. I always wanted my own baby boutique. That would be fun!
If you could live anywhere in this amazing world where would you build your dream home?
Oooh fun!! New Zealand or Greece..right on the cliff side in those cool stone houses…..or in a huge victorian plantation home on lots of gorgeous land where you could just smell the history of the people before you. I love imagining the history of an old house or farm.
What talent would you most like to have?
I would like to play the piano like a natural. I have taken self-taught lessons and I’m just not natural. I have to work really hard and it stinks! I think I remember a comment about just how UN-natural I look when “trying” to play. I must look like a big ol’ mess!
What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?
I just asked him and he said “passionate, impatient, (I told him to hurry up and he called me impatient!!!! haha!) and focused”.

Something that is over rated…
Disneyland. I cringe saying that because I know so many people love it but I just don’t. I think it has to do with the “impatient” thing my husband mentioned. *bag over my head*
Your favorite movie of all time?
I can’t just pick one…so Ever After, Eragon, The Princess Bride, Lord of the Rings and Avatar
Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Reese Witherspoon
Name one blog you stalk regularly
I love Simply Bloom Photography – I admire their work and where they’ve taken their business and they just inspire me in so many ways.
http://simplybloomphotography.com/blog/

Would you share some of your favorite images with us?

I couldn’t pass up the chance to enter this week’s i heart faces photo contest.

This was taken in downtown Boise in the Linen District.  We went on a walking field trip with several other photographers in the northwest.  I brought along my daughter as a model.  She loved the opportunity to pose for us all day and now has several new profile pics for Facebook!

I’m excited to meet other local photographers for the i heart faces Photo Walk in Boise in two weeks!

Stop by tomorrow for my first  post where I feature an interview with different photographer that inspires me every week!