Meet Mariana Herrera Mosli . . .

Mariana Herrera Mosli

An artist's eye, patience and skill are what make an image and not their tools.

 Ansel once said "The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it."

Cameras don't take pictures, photographers do. Cameras are just another artist's tool.

Location: Tampa, Fl

DOB: June 24

Children: Karina, daughter, 10 years old & Jared, son, 7 years old

Husband: Khaled Mosli

Contact Info:

Name of Business: Kismis Ink Photography

Website: http://www.kismisink.com/

Blog: http://kismisink.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kismisink

Twitter: @marianahmosli or @kismisink

Email: mariana@kismisink.com

What's in your bag? (if you are building your bag, what do you desire for your bag?)

My bag is currently being updated!

Nikon D60 (my first camera *sniff) currently upgrading to the Nikon D700

Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash

AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G

AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G

AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1:1.4G

I would like to also add these lenses:

135mm f/2 DC AF and maybe a macro and tele zoom lens ;-)

What's your favorite editing software?

I have used lightroom and loved it! But, I have to say my fav is Photoshop! I love using textures and getting creative and photoshop is a great tool for that! I currently use CS3 but on occasion use CS4.

Favorite Food?

Buffalo chicken wrap from Great Wraps, yummy! I am also addicted to Arabic food!

Favorite Color?

Black! It’s funny how we are always attracted to colors, but tend to forget how powerful black truly is. One of the main reasons every woman should own a little black dress! ;-)

A few of your favorite things?

God
My children and husband!
Music! I cannot function without it.
Facebook
Education, I can never get enough.
Magazines, Google Reader, Driving, this may sound silly but the feeling I get after cleaning my house!
Nikon
Everything related to art and humanity

What or who inspires you? God, my family, anything visual (magazines, internet, books, etc…)

Name something you just have to have every day: Facebook (hahaha!)

Tell us all about your journey into the world of photography. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do and why.

I have always had a special place in my heart for photography and growing up all my friends called me paparazzi because everywhere I went, I brought my little yellow disposable camera! I think I must have purchased enough of those to fill up an entire state! But after a while, I got busy with “work” and put my passions to the side for years! When I met my husband, I met my soul mate. He was so creative and he helped me bring back my creativity and integrate it into our daily lives. He showed me that you don’t have to see creativity as a distraction. He loves photography just as much as I do. When he graduated with his Master’s degree I got him his first DSLR (the Nikon D60). Little did I know that it would be parked in a corner for months because now he was too busy with “work” to play with it. Seeing the camera so lonely, I decided to take it out to play. That’s it! I was hooked and I knew that whatever I decided to do in life, it would be with a camera by my side.

If you already have photography business please tell us about it, type of photography you do, how long you have been doing it, etc...

My husband works full time at a university and I am a full time student at another university and with our two children we thought we would never be able to open a business for our photography passion. But late last year, we jumped in with our sleeves rolled up and I am so thankful to God we did. This journey is just starting, but it has been an amazing experience so far and we look forward to all of God’s blessings and wonderful surprises he has in store for us!!

We do lifestyle and journalistic style photography that includes weddings, portraits, birthdays, boudoir, events, and any other category that we can experiment with! If there is a face, we are on it! J My favorite part of photography is catching those unexpected expressions!

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

I have so many favs, this is the hardest question on here! But I truly love Mark Eric’s work. I love the uniqueness, colors, ideas, and I can keep on going!!  He is a huge source of inspiration!


Besides photography, what else do you do, i.e. work, domestic engineer, volunteer?

I am a full time mom, wife, and student at the University of Tampa. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s in Communication with a minor in journalism. I plan to merge that with my passion for photography and travel the world! ;)

What are some of your other hobbies and/or things that you like to do besides photography?

I love reading books and bike riding but I must admit that with my schedule and responsibilities I don’t have time to do either as much as I would like.

I love retouching images and if I wasn’t a photographer I think I could be a full time retoucher very easily!  It really relaxes me when I edit images. The computer screen is my canvas and I am creating my art!

I love networking, meeting new people, making friends and enjoying our time together!

Do you have any other businesses that you are incorporating and/or combining in your photography business or that is separate other than photography?

Nope, when I graduate though, I do plan to merge what I studied with photography and follow a career path in that manner. I can’t wait to see how our business will evolve over time and to look back and see where and how we started!

If there is one thing in the world that you would like to change, what would that be and why?

I have two bad combos that I would LOVE to change! I am impatient at times and procrastinate (especially with school work)! I rather be taking pictures or editing and I need to tell myself about 50 billion times a day that I must focus and stay on track! 

Name three things you would like to do before you die?

Visit Jerusalem

Live my life in a way that when I die, I will be remembered as making some awesome changes for humanity (or at least trying) ;)

Do something completely WILD (along the lines of running in the middle of NY completely naked at the age of 90) haha! Yep, I want to live a long time! ;-)

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Document a wedding in Dubai!!!

For our work to be featured in a magazine, ahhhh that would be dreamy!

Master the art of time management!! Ha! Find time to do everything! ;-)

Please tell us about the photos you are submitting and why they are your favorites.

If there is any other information you would like to add? 

A big thank you to Marla, all the SOAR! Sisters, and everyone reading this! Thanks for the support and for allowing me the opportunity to share a part of who I am, what I do, and my personal and professional goals.

God Bless!
__________________________________________________________________________________
 

Thank you Mariana for participating in the SOAR Sister Spotlight!  It was so great to learn all about you and I have to say that I am a BIG fan of your work!  Your images have such a chic tone to them and are very distinguished in style.  I always love visiting your blog and website and seeing what project you are working on next!  Good luck to you in the coming year and with school.  Maybe we can travel the world together someday! :-) 

Meet Rhonda Kane . . .

Rhonda Kane

"Do I have eyes audacious enough to see beauty, courage to declare the lovely in days that wail of the ugly, the boldness to fill the hollowed out places with surprising grace?" 

~Ann Voscamp

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby."

~Ruth E. Renkel

“I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.

And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”

~Edward Everett Hale

Location: Hanford, CA

DOB: June 24

Children: Merritt - 9, Mason - 6, Molly - 2 1/2

Husband: Bruce - the most amazingly creative and talented (seriously, I married the male version of Martha Stewart), wise, God fearing man I know. I am truly blessed!

Animals: A standard poodle - Moses

Contact Info:

Name of Business: Exposing Grace

Website: I don't have one yet.

Blog: http://exposinggrace.blogspot.com

http://lovemy3ms.blogspot.com

http://www.throughthtelensofworship.com


Facebook: Rhonda Kane

(http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=1560050977)

Twitter:@epicrhonda

Skype:exposinggrace

Email:epic.rhonda@gmail.com

What's in your bag? (if you are building your bag, what do you desire for your bag?)

Canon EOS digital rebel XSi

Canon 24-105mm f/4

Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro

(and I often borrow my husband's Canon 50mm f/1.8 or 70-200 f/2.8)

Canon 430ex speedlight

8gb SD card; 16gb SD card

AA batteries (for my flash)

extra camera battery & battery charger

sunglasses, chapstick & gum : )

What I'm saving up for:

A camera with a full frame sensor

(I'm not sure which way to go on this right now. I'm pretty deep into Canon, but I don't absolutely love what Canon has to offer. I wonder if I should get a Sony, but then - I'm pretty deep into Canon. When I'm closer to having to make that decision, I think I will have to rent some equipment and see what works best for me. Or maybe by then Canon will have another option that is perfect? One can dream, can't they?)

50mm f/1.4

and a great wide-angle lens, just not settled on which one yet.

What's your favorite editing software?

Photoshop CS4 is the only software I have - and I love it.

Favorite Food?

Filet Mignon, artichokes & sweet potatoes (I know that's 3, but this is hard because I LOVE good food!)

Favorite Color? Green

A few of your favorite things?

Mint chip ice cream; Starbucks decaf skinny vanilla latte or peppermint mocha frappucino light (depending on the weather); MAC lipstick; Lost (the TV show); a date with my husband; cuddling and playing with my kids; walks on the beach on overcast days; reading a good book; Jazz; Uninterrupted time to spend worshipping my God

What or who inspires you?

music, my husband, time in prayer, my kids

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Alone time with God, hugs and kisses from my family, lately I need sleep, the sound of my kids laughing

Tell us all about your journey into the world of photography. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do and why.

Photography was a hobby of my dad's (who died when I was 7), but I always looked through his Time Life books on photography as a child.  Photography was a hobby for one of my best friends in high school and

we'd often spend time on a weekend with my being a model for my friend who was trying to learn and hone photography as an art.  And then it was a hobby for my husband before I ever met him.  My life has been surrounded by photography since a very young age. And although I always loved taking pictures (I got my first 110 camera in elementary school), I never took it seriously until about 5 years ago.

My husband was given an anonymous gift of a Canon digital rebel XTi and I wanted to learn how to use it. I was afraid of manual settings, but loved learning composition. Then about 3 years ago I struck up a

friendship with someone who was starting her own photography business, who convinced me that shooting in manual wasn't as scary as it seemed.  She showed me the basics and I was hooked.

I bought some books, was given my current camera for my birthday (my husband was grateful to get his camera back) and couldn't get enough.  Then, in the summer of last year I read a book called Crazy Love. It

challenged me on so many levels, but mainly on how I use my resources for God instead of just myself. And I realized that, honestly we don't have any margin in our budget for God (beyond what is already written

in the budget.) I mean, if my neighbor lost her job and couldn't put groceries on the table, I wouldn't be in a position to help very much.

I prayed about how that could change for my family and Exposing Grace is one of the answers to that prayer. I use at least 1/2 of everything I make (and as we replace my husband's income from his 2nd job it will be exponentially more than 1/2) to help others. My focus is on the poor, orphans and single moms, but I will use it for whatever God asks me to use for. I am just in the beginning steps of this venture and am

incredibly intimidated by everything there is to do, but I am excited to see what God has in store for it as I follow Him.

If you already have a photography business please tell us about it, type of photography you do, how long you have been doing it, etc...

I had my first paying job in September - 2 boudoir shoots. I love photographing people, but the process of "Portraiture" is very intimidating to me. I don't feel like I'm very creative in that aspect. If I could just follow a family around for the day and capture them living and loving, that would be ideal for me. I am really finding a love for infant photography too and I have had the opportunity to take lots of newborn pictures lately. I did several family portraits at Christmas and designed Christmas cards for those families. I've photographed 2 weddings for friends. I've also done some event style photography for First 5 of Kings County - photographing their classes and making some promotional DVD slide shows for them, which has been SOOOO much fun; and also for the WISH Foundation, who provides clean water, food and health supplies to people in third world countries.

I'm really at the place of learning still and know NOTHING about marketing. And since I'm following God in this, I take what He brings me and try to learn from it and be my best so He'll bring more. There is a verse in the Bible (Luke 16:10) that says, "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities." Right now, I'm just trying to be faithful with the little things.

If you are dreaming of starting your business, what are you learning and/or doing to move you towards your goal?

My business is officially started, but I'm dreaming about growing it. I'm continuing to hone my skill by reading books and practicing what I learn so that I will help be more instinctual behind my camera. I take LOTS of pictures. And now I'm researching some of the business stuff.  I think I need to file to get not-for-profit status for Exposing Grace, so I'm working on figuring that out. I'm also working on getting business cards. Nope, I haven't even done that yet. Thanks to Meghan (www.meghansenkelphotography) though, I have a discount for Moo cards, which I plan on ordering the first week of March.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

I love the works of Cliff Mautner  (how he sees light is amazing); Kamee June  (she has such a fun laid back style); Nate & Jaclyn Kaiser (they push the bar and are never satisfied with not learning and growing and challenging themselves - and that encourages me). The thing is, there are lots of great photographers out there. But not a whole lot of MeRa Kohs, which is why she is my absolute FAVORITE. Yes, she is an amazing photographer, but more importantly to me, she is an INCREDIBLE human being with an AMAZING gift (and I believe calling) to encourage and help others. If I can impact just a small fraction of the amount of people she has been given the gift of impacting, I will consider myself successful.

Besides photography, what else do you do , i.e. work, domestic engineer, volunteer?

I am the worship leader at my church. On occasion, I have to opportunity to sing at different events. I used to sing with a swing band on a regular basis - oh how I miss that. The best job I ever had was singing for the Disney Company on board the Queen Mary as a part of their regular atmosphere entertainment during their "Voyage to 1939".

What are some of your other hobbies and/or things that you like to do besides photography?

I love to read and sew, and play my guitar. I also love to play with my kids and be their biggest fan as they play baseball (or soccer, or basketball).  AND I can occasionally be found playing a mean game of Phase 10 with my friends. I know it's not a typical hobby, but I love just hanging out with a good friend over a great cup of coffee having an amazing time catching up on each other's lives.

Do you have any other businesses that you are incorporating and/or combining in your photography business or that is separate other than photography?

I just started a photography worship community called Through the Lens of Worship. I envision one day being able to sell images that come from the community and giving 100% of the profits to charities that help the poor, orphans, or single moms.

If there is one thing in the world that you would like to change, what would that be and why?

I would love to be able to stop social injustice. My heart breaks for those who are victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.

Name three things you would like to do before you die?

1. Record a worship album

2. Start an adoption fund to help couples defray the cost of adoption.

3. Go to Greece

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

1. Grow the community at Through The Lens of Worship

2. Take care of the legalities involved with being a not-for-profit business

3. Launch a website for Exposing Grace

Please tell us about the photos you are submitting and why they are your favorites.

I struggled with how to go about this, but in the end I chose pictures of my kids because, although they aren't the "best" pictures I have taken, they are the ones I look at all the time, thus my FAVORITE.  These are the pictures of my kids that capture the essence of who they are.

This is my oldest son, taken after baseball practice - his favorite thing to do.

I love the raw emotion of this image. It wasn't posed. He didn't even know I was taking it because

I was not near him and was using the zoom lens.

My middle child. He is such a joy in our lives and I believe this picture accurately portrays

his fun-loving spirit.

This image is of my daughter, who is already - at the age of 2 -

independent and sassy, yet loving and sensitive.

 What I love most about this image is what was captured in the blurry background.

I love the expression on my daughter's face. She LOVES her big brother and didn't care that he was squeezing her head and covering her eyes - she was getting kisses!

__________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you Rhonda for participating in the Spotlight.  It was great to hear about your work with Exposing Grace and your committment to your community through your newly formed group.  I hope all works out well for you and your business thrives in the coming year.  Your dedication and trust in the Lord will carry you along on your amazing journey and bring you continued success!

Meet Raine Klover . . .

Raine Klover

"Through images we enter the imagination, a doorway to the divine."

 - Susan Goldsmith Wooldbridge

Location:  Albuquerque, NM

DOB: July 19th

Children: William (6) & Katie (3)

Husband: Chris

Animals: Rocky the Cat

Contact Info:

Name of Business: Raineworks

Website: http://www.raineworks.com/

Blog: same

Facebook: www.facebook.com/raine.klover

Twitter: www.twitter.com/raineworks

Flickr: www.flickr.com/rainek

Email: raineklover@gmail.com

What's in your bag? (if you are building your bag, what do you desire for your bag?)

Rebel xti with kit lens, my next purchase is a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens and I want to get some lighting equipment

What's your favorite editing software? Photoshop!!

Favorite Food? Favorite Color? Zodiac Sign? Anything italian, purple, cancer-girl

A few of your favorite things?

My kids, my husband, creating

What inspires you?

Living in New Mexico

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Love and art

Tell us all about your journey into the world of photography. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do and why.

I came to photography is a rather roundabout way. Back is 2000 I was living in Seattle and getting divorced. I was also preparing to move to Dallas to get a fresh start. My husband (a graphic designer) gave me a disk with Photoshop on it and said "You should play with this." I was not an artist, not a photographer, not a crafter. I sometimes made weird collages for myself and friends and family. My whole studio apartment was one big collage of vintage clothes, magazine cutouts, and fairy lights. I was always being mistaken for an artist (I dressed weird) - but was most definitely NOT one. I didn't even own a camera at the time.

So when I made the move to Dallas I bought a camera, a Photoshop book, and started shooting and editing photos. Those first few images are still some of my favorites. I mostly used my highly photoshopped images in mixed media pieces - I sold work on Ebay and had some success with that. A whole lot of life happened between 2000 and 2006. I moved from Seattle to Dallas to New Orleans to Dayton, OH to Princeton, WV to Albuquerque. I went from being a career freight operations manager to being a graphic designer. I went from divorced to married to divorced to married again. And I became a mother. Let's just say art and photography were put on the backburner for several years.

In 2006 I participated in a yearlong project with a group of local artists. We each created one piece a week for the entire year. We met and checked in with each other once a month. For my part I decided to give myself the additional challenge of working in one theme or medium each month. December of 2006 I decided to create 4 new photographic images - no mixed media - just the images themselves. And through that experience I decided to focus on photography. We had a gallery show displaying our work from the project in March 2007. And I bought my Rebel xti that same month.

What I love about the art of photography - to me photography is not about capturing a moment – it is about capturing emotions and creating visual allegories. I believe that is why I’m drawn to photo collage as it allows me to assemble and edit images to create a story. I love sitting at my computer and layering disparate images on top of each other – until something leaps out of the screen at me – and I recognize the story these images are trying to tell me. Also, looking over the images that I love and speak to me the most I seem to hover on the darker side of life. I love things that simultaneously break my heart with their emotional context and lift me up with their unmistakable beauty. And when I see those things I point my camera and shoot.

If you already have a photography business please tell us about it, type of photography you do, how long you have been doing it, etc...

I don't have a photography business, per se. I sell my work in the gallery I own and have shown and sold my work is several venues around Albuquerque. This is this year I am going to work on creating a serious portrait and commercial portfolio and begin a commercial business.

If you are dreaming of starting your business, what are you learning and/or doing to move you towards your goal?

I am actively seeking out people and families to shoot to build up a commercial portfolio, and I looking to buy more equipment this year. I also plan to get a portfolio website up within the month.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

I have several photographers I admire - my faves being Jack Delano who shot for the Farm Service Administration and Silvia Plachy, whose book Signs and Relics is a continuous source of inspiration. My favorite active photographer is David DuChemin.

Besides photography, what else do you do , i.e. work, domestic engineer, volunteer?

I'm a graphic designer/production person at a local sign shop and I co-own an art gallery - The Wooden Cow Gallery and Art Space. This year I have also started a website to support New Mexico artists - http://www.nmartistconnection.com/. And I started and run an artist trading cards group in Albuquerque.

What are some of your other hobbies and/or things that you like to do besides photography?

I love music - I used to book bands for a club in Seattle back in the 90s. I love my kids and my husband and we love to go on roadtrips and explore New Mexco. And I love to read - mostly biographies - truth is stranger and more interesting than fiction.

Do you have any other businesses that you are incorporating and/or combining in your photography business or that is separate other than photography?

I also do freelance design work.

If there is one thing in the world that you would like to change, what would that be and why?

Everyone in the world would have access to adequate healthcare for free. Healthcare is a basic human right.

Name three things you would like to do before you die?

Live in Spain, watch my children grow up and prosper in their chosen avocations, own an art gallery (check that one off the list!)

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Get paid to do a commercial shoot.

Get published

Jury into some fine art shows

Please tell us about the photos you are submitting and why they are your favorites.

Reflecting Pool

This image is of the abandoned ATSF railyards in downtown Albuquerque. I love the railyards for their architecture, their innate dignity, and their history. Albuquerque was a small town on the way to Santa Fe before ATSF decided to build their regional mechanics shops here in 1880. The building in the photograph was built in 1920. This was a huge boon to the local economy - at one point 1/4 of the Albuquerque workforce was employed by ATSF. If they had not made their decision to locate the shops here - Albuquerque as we know it would not exist today. The other part of this photograph that I love is the digital "reflection" that makes it look like water is rising inside the buildings. I added that because I fear if nothing is done to preserve this buildings soon they will be swallowed up in decay and I wanted to show that without being too literal.

Love Letters

Love letters is a composite of several images taken of a row of mailboxes in Galisteo, NM.

I love it's dreamlike quality.

Beauty

Captured at a Dia de Los Muertos parade this year,

"Beauty" celebrates the amazing culture of New Mexico and the beauty of it's people.

Silent Songs

This image is one of a large series I have done melding glass negatives from 1910-1920 with my photography. I own over 300 of these negatives and they are all from one studio that operated in downtown Albuquerque during that time. I bought these through a local artist who had no idea of their origin. Through research I feel I have identified the studio that took them and found that the owner was a woman, Mrs. Eddie (Edwina) Ross Cobb. Her father, Edmund G. Ross, was a Territorial Governor of NM, and was one of the people profiled in JFK's Profiles in Courage. Her husband, William Cobb, was a photographer and surveyor who came out to NM while working for the ATSF. When he died she took over the photography business. These photographs are an obsession of mine. Some of them have names written on them and I have actually tracked down descendants of some of the people in them. They have added a layer of "connectedness" to my life and to my love of New Mexico. 

Most of the glass negatives have some level of water damage to them, apparently they were stored in a shed for several years. The one in "Silent Songs" was so damaged that most of the image was wiped away, leaving only the woman's eyes and top of her head. But her eyes spoke volumes to me, so I overlaid and image of a lock around her and she became "Silent Songs". I also wrote a poem about the image.

you cannot silence me



not with your sneer



not with your force



definitely not with your wit



cover my mouth



I will scratch out my missives to the world



bind my hands



my eyes can still sing my story



you cannot silence me

--

Raine Klover

Owner

The Wooden Cow Gallery and Art Space

Owner

Raineworks

Owner & Editor

http://www.nmartistconnection.com/

__________________________________________________________________________________
 
Thank you Raine, for shaing your story.  I am so impressed with your ambition and creativity!  Congrats to you for all you do, it is really great!  I wish you the best of luck as you continue your journey in the photograpy world.  I am captivated by your last photo, Silent Songs, and love the history behind that amazing find. 

Meet Jenessa Evans . . .

Jenessa Evans

"Only passions can elevate the soul to a higher place"

"That which doesn't kill us, leaves us to wake up with a really really terrible hangover. all i really know for sure is knowing doesn't mean so much."

Location: Katy, Texas (suburb of Houston)

DOB:  September 10th

Children: AJ

Husband: Jeremiah

Animals: Lucy


Name of Business: Don't Blink Photography

Website: http://www.dontblinkphotoz.com/

Blog: http://www.dontblinkphotoz.blogspot.com/

Facebook: jenessa.evans

Twitter: @dontblinkphotoz

Skype: jenessa.j.evans

Email: jenessa@dontblinkphotoz.com

What's in your bag? (if you are building your bag, what do you desire for your bag?)

Canon Xsi 50mm f/1.4 & speedlite 430exII

Dreaming if an 85mm f/1.2 and Canon 5d Mark II

What's your favorite editing software?

Lightroom, Photoshop with TRA actions

Favorite Food? Gyro from Niko Niko's So yummy

Favorite Color? Teal and Black

Zodiac Sign? Virgo

A few of your favorite things?

My iPhone, Second Life (I know I'm a nerd) and reality TV.

What inspires you?

Abandoned homes, Dying fields, a rusted barn. I find that once I am behind the lens my emotions start to kick in and I just go for what comes from within.

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Coffee, Facebook, and Diet Dr. Pepper. and makeup... I have a huge collection and even if it's just
mascara I have to have it!

Tell us all about your journey into the world of photography. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do and why.

I have been shooting for about 7 months with my business, I bought my first camera about 2 years ago and was asked by tons of friends if I would shoot them. It went from there. I am trying to go back to being the photographer I love being and just shooting and trying not to think too much on the business accepts. I am a certified bookkeeper by day and help run a family business, I work for my sister; but photography allows me to let out my creativity and emotions I try to express.

If you already have a photography business please tell us about it, type of photography you do, how long you have been doing it, etc...

7 months with a name... just having a name alone isn't the only thing I need, (just realizing this) I love shooting teens and adults. I like to incorporate drama along with a vintage feel i.e. rusted barn or railroad tracks. I find getting a name out there is much harder if you are like me with limited funds. I have been redoing my portfolio after finding what I really love to capture... DRAMA!

If you are dreaming of starting your business, what are you learning and/or doing to move you towards your goal?

Marketing, Marketing. Reading about other photogs and how easy it was for them to just succeed from the get go is gut wrenching when I do my best to grab the attention of those I aspireto shoot!

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

Gina Kolsrud her work is filled with drama and love the mood she sets in them. If you haven't checked her out she's one photog I wish to be like when I grow up :P

Besides photography, what else do you do , i.e. work, domestic engineer,volunteer?

Work full time as a bookkeeper and mommy. I love going out to dinner with my family. I mean the whole family.

What are some of your other hobbies and/or things that you like to do besides photography?

Tons of crafty things at home to keep me busy when I can't shoot, I crochet, make t-shirts, rhinestone flip flops pretty much anything crafty I am all about.

Do you have any other businesses that you are incorporating and/or combining in your photography business or that is separate other than photography?

I also started a freelance makeup artist company 3 years ago which never really launched. In most of my recent work I have done everything from makeup to hair and selecting the wardrobe. I really love putting on a shoot! Glamor is where my heart melts!

If there is one thing in the world that you would like to change, what would that be and why?

I wish the US economy was better and many people weren't without a home or on the verge of losing a home. It has to turn around right?

Name three things you would like to do before you die?

Visit Europe, watch my daughter go to college, and renew my 50th wedding vows with my husband.

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Gain tons of exposure and would love to be known in the industry.

Please tell us about the photos you are submitting and why they are your favorites.

XOXO Jenessa
__________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you Jenessa for participating in the spotlight!  It was so great to get to know you better.  I love your images as they have a certain style to them that is very intriguing.  Good luck with your business this year and always! 

Happy Valentine's Day

No Spotlight Today, look for a new sister on Wednesday!

Meet Kim Perea . . .

Kim Perea

 "Don't quack like a duck, soar like an eagle" -Kenneth Blanchard

Name: Kim Perea (although on March 27,  I am getting married and will be Kim Chodorowski!!!)

Location:  Brunswick, GA
DOB: February 8, 1980 - I celebrated my 30th birthday this month!!
Children: Adrian is 5 and Julian is 3
Husband: Derek will be my hubby in just one month!!!
Animals: We have a 100 lb. golden retriever named Dakota, a black lab named Georgia (she's my running buddy), and an orange cat named Morris

Contact Info: email me at lifesstories@gmail.com

Name of Business: Life's Stories Photography

Website: http://www.lifesstories.net

Blog: http://blog.lifesstories.net

Facebook: kapereasd

Twitter: not that cool :(

Skype: gachowders

Email: lifesstories@gmail.com

What's in your bag? (if you are building your bag, what do you desire for your bag?)

I have a Canon 50d body and the following lenses: 18-200 f/2.8 (I LOVE this one!!), a 50mm f/1.8, a 17-70mm macro, and a 70-300mm which I love for photographing my sons' sporting events. I also have a bunch of little extras like polarizing filters, extra cards and batteries, external flashes, a battery grip...the accessories are fun and neverending!! I would really love a nice ball head tripod though....

Favorite Food?

I grew up in New Mexico so I love my Northern New Mexican food...anything with red or green chile will make me drool but I especially love Chile Works burritos and stuffed sopaipillas. And I believe everything tastes better with avocado and/or Sadie's Salsa

Favorite Color? pink

Zodiac Sign? aquarius

A few of your favorite things?

my body. putting on warm clothes straight from the dryer...cleaning my ears with q-tips (I know weird, huh? but I love it!!), massages, sharpies, notebooks (Office Depot is my candy store)

What or who inspires you?

My mom. She grew up in less than ideal circumstances, and rather than fall into the same pattern and make excuses for her shortcomings, she worked hard and succeeded and became the most tremendous person. I see that she achieved so much after coming from so little and this inspires me to be the best that I can be also.

Name something you just have to have everyday: coffee!!

Tell us all about your journey into the world of photography. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do and why.

I had a friend who had all of these amazing photos of her daughter. I had lots of pictures of my boys also, but they didn't compare. I wanted great ones too. So I went out completely blind to what I was doing and bought a DSLR. I also bought the book Understanding Exposure. I self taught myself how to take better photos and was on my way. Through this process I discovered that I don't really love posing my boys - I would much rather capture them in the moment. There are so many moments in their lives that I am afraid I will forget...the little things like facial expressions or how they interacted with certain toys. I made it my mission to capture these moments on 'film' and then went from there...and couldn't stop!!

If you already have a photography business please tell us about it, type of photography you do, how long you have been doing it, etc...

I am just getting started!! I am in the process of building up Life's Stories Photography. I am right now specializing in families and children and have a partnership with a friend where we are hoping to shoot

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

Obviously, Me Ra...she is such an inspiration both in her photography and outside of it. I love how she empowers women and encourages us to have confidence and be the best that we can do - how she pushes us to step outside the box. Without all of this, I would have never had the courage to take off.

I also LOVE Teresa Earnest from Memories 'n' More Photography in Savannah, Ga. She will be my wedding photographer in March and is terrific! I love her eye for capturing the special moments. Teresa did a photo session for my fiance, my sons, and me back in October and she was so fun to work with. She made our experience so much fun - the boys loved her!!. This is what I strive to make my photography like - fun!!

Besides photography, what else do you do , i.e. work, domestic engineer, volunteer?

I am a special education teacher for middle school students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. I work at an alternative school that serves these students and students with autism from grades K-12. It is challenging, but I love it!!

What are some of your other hobbies and/or things that you like to do besides photography?

I am an avid runner. I have run several half marathons and am training for my first marathon (by the time I am 'spotlighted' I should have finished it!!). I also love to read. Chick lit is my favorite but I enjoy all genres.

If there is one thing in the world that you would like to change, what would that be and why?

I see too many of my students who have terrible home lives. They have witnessed things that I cannot even begin to imagine...yet it is a reality for them. They suffer terribly for it. I believe that every child deserves a fighting chance - an environment where they can thrive and achieve their highest potential. I wish so much that no child had to endure these hardships and that all could be blessed to have the loving family that I had growing up.

Name three things you would like to do before you die?

1. visit Macchu Picchu

2. run a marathon (although by the time this is published, I should have done this - so make it a triathlon!!)

3. see my sons grow up to be successful and happy

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

1. shoot my first wedding

2. take time to enjoy my first year of marriage

3. make it to the end of the year with no credit card debt!!!

Please tell us about the photos you are submitting and why they are your favorites.

This is my son, Julian. He is 3 years old and is still a thumb sucker. We decided that

we needed to get him to stop sucking his thumb by his 4th birthday. I know it is not a

healthy habit for him, yet I find it irresistible. I want to treasure this sweetness

before it goes away.

Adrian is a little guy. He is the smallest kid in his class and was the smallest guy

on his soccer team. I love how this never stops him. He shows such strength and aggression

on the field and I love how this photograph captures this.

I went to my uncle's house for Thanksgiving last year. After running a 4K together, the family went outside in the courtyard and did yoga (you gotta love Florida weather in November!!).

I love the pose and the look in Elena's face as she does Warrior pose.

Her facial expression is just perfect zen for the yoga!

Driftwood Beach is my favorite place to go. I go there with the boys to play around and also by myself when I need time to unwind. One night I headed out there and I was the only person aside from this family who was out crabbing. I love the silhouettes of this picture in front of the vibrant sunset. I don't know why this photo grabs at me so much, but it does. I just love it.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Kim, Thank you for sharing with us!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOO! 

I wish you well with your photography business in the coming year, your marathon and your upcoming marriage at the end of March.  You certainly are a busy woman!  I hope all your dreams come true and your business flourishes this year! 

Please note:  Kim's spotlight was moved from it's original date and so she has not ran in the marathon yet.  Good luck Kim!

Meet Kelli Kalish. . .

Kelli Kalish & Sam

"Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and

especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent" Jung

Location:  Highland Park , Illinois

 DOB:  April 16

Children:  4 Boys..Sam (5) Max (4) Wyatt(1) Tucker(1)

Husband:  Jeff

Animals:  Chloe (dog) Juno(Bird) 2 frogs

Contact Info:

Name of Business:  Day In Your Life

Website:  http://www.kellikalish.com/

Blog:  http://www.kellikalish.com/blog/

Facebook:  Kelli Leader-Kalish

Twitter:  kalish1671

Linked In:  Kelli Kalish

Email:  kellikalish@hotmail.com

What's in your bag? (if you are building your bag, what do you desire for your bag?)

Nikon D700 (thank you Jeff)

Nikkor 24-70 2.8

Nikkor 70-200 2.8

Nikkor 50mm Portrait

SB-800 External Flash

Quantum Turbo External Battery Pack

Extra San Disk Cards

AA Baterries

Lens Cloth

Biz Cards

What's your favorite editing software?

Photoshop..I started with it and I do have Lightroom but I always go back to Photoshop

Favorite Food? Pasta   Favorite Color? Green   Zodiac Sign? Aries

A few of your favorite things?

Roaring Fires..Sushi..Great Wine..Great Movies..Photography

What or who inspires you?

My Children..Nature..

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Coffee

Tell us all about your journey into the world of photography. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do and why.

Like many others..my husband bought me my first digital SLR after the birth of our second child. I fell in love with taking photos of them..everything. Instead of taking classes I read and read and read..everything! And I shot and shot and shot many pictures. I read my manual several times...It was instinctual and after that I knew that I wanted to pursue this as something more.

If you already have a photography business please tell us about it, type of photography you do, how long you have been doing it, etc...

A Day In Your Life is my photography business.  I consider myself a modern lifestyle photographer.   Mainly children and families..maternity..newborn..I second shot a few weddings last year and am really focusing on that this year. I always say I am still in the process of launching it because it is a never-ending process.  And with 4 little ones at home the process can be slow going.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

I happened upon Mera's site at the beginning of my journey and I have to say that as a mentor she is amazing! Her style I love as well..mostly natural light..photojournalistic feel..not alot of post-processing

Besides photography, what else do you do , i.e. work, domestic engineer, volunteer?

I am a stay at home mom to a 5, 4 and two 1 year old boys. Any extra time is devoted to photography..

What are some of your other hobbies and/or things that you like to do besides photography?

Running..reading..travelling..I have to laugh because there is really not alot of extra time for any of those!

If there is one thing in the world that you would like to change, what would that be and why?

Poverty and everything that goes along with it..it is an unfortunate thing that money makes alot of the world go round. I hate the fact that people are not afforded the same opportunities as others because of the dollars they do not have in their bank accounts.

Name three things you would like to do before you die?

Get published! Somewhere..anywhere

Travel more..alot

Have a successful photography business

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Marketing! Getting my name out there..

Weddings. I would love to book more weddings..so I need to focus on that in terms of marketing

Blogging..alot! I really slacked last year..Really making my blog a part of my marketing plan

Please tell us about the photos you are submitting and why they are your favorites.

Last year between giving birth to twins..two boys starting school..training for a marathon..I felt like I was totally neglecting my two oldest Sam and Max. Before the twins arrived I would have Sam and Max out and about with me constantly (camera in hand!). This trip to the beach was the first time after the twins arrived that we had some quality alone time..and I just love how these photos turned out!

_______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you Kelli for participating in the Spotlight!  It was a pleasure to learn more about you.  Wow, FOUR kids. . . whew, I am tired just thinking about it!  I don't know how you even manage any extra time to have a photography business!!  You must be one organized lady!  They are so adorable!

Good luck Kelli, I hope you meet all your goals this year and more!

Meet Beryl Young . . .

Beryl Young

“Love is everything. It is the key to life, and its influences are those that move the world.”

~Ralph Waldo Trine

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. ~Ansel Adams

Location:  Aldie, VA

DOB: February 21

Husband: Brendan

Animals: 2 fur children. Ebony - our spoiled black baby and Vincent - our laid back tabby boy

Contact Info: BeYoungPhotography@gmail.com

Name of Business:

My business is currently going through an overhaul. Formerly Bella Rose Photography, I've decided to change my name to fall in line with my mission and brand a bit more and the launch of my new BeYoung Photography site should be up and running by the time this feature is published!

Website (s):

http://www.bellarose-photography.com/

http://www.beyoungphotography.com/

Blog: check out my older work and blog postings at www.bellarose-photography.com. By late February I should have a new blog over at the BeYoung site.

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/anna.e.purdy?v=feed&story_fbid=274779488980#/pages/BeYoung-Photography/259903224175?ref=ts

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/BeYoungPhoto

Linked In:  I am on linked in, search Beryl Young and you should find me!

Email: beyoungphotography@gmail.com

What's in your bag? (if you are building your bag, what do you desire for your bag?)

First of all I absolutely adore my Wicked Stitch Designs customizable bag.  In my bag I currently have:

Nikon d90 dslr

18-105mm 3.5 - 5.6 lens

35mm 1.8 lens (my favorite! Its almost always on my camera)

Lensbaby composer lens with double glass optic kit

wireless remote

tripod

On my wish list right now is:

Nikon d700 dslr body

28-70mm 2.8 lens

50mm 1.8 lens

Epiphanie Ginger camera bag

What's your favorite editing software?

I use both Lightroom 2 and Photoshop CS4 and love both for different reasons. I know Photoshop a bit better so right now it edges out Lightroom by just a hair.

Favorite Food:   Favorite Color:   Zodiac Sign:

Food - Mexican Food!!  Color - Green   Zodiac Sign - Pisces

A few of your favorite things:

family. friends. cats. cameras. coffee. starbucks. good conversation. yoga. warm weather. moments of inspiration.

What inspires you?

I love taking ordinary and making it extraordinary. Raw everyday emotion and every day things really inspire me. I love being able to capture the simplest moment in time and then take that moment and transform it into art.

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Coffee. Just one cup, but it's the only way to start my morning right.

Tell us all about your journey into the world of photography. When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do and why.

I used to HATE taking pictures. Yep, you heard me right - I hated it! Then last year a friend inspired me to start a project called 365 where you take a photo a day for an entire year and post each of them daily to share. I wanted to learn to love my camera more, especially since my husband and I were planning on starting a family. I wanted awesome picture of our child-to-be. So I started 365 and it was addicting. There was a whole community on the flickr.com site just waiting to encourage and inspire me. It was amazing! Fast forward a bit and I got pregnant, became terribly ill with morning sickness and couldn't bear to take photos. So 365 ended but I left the project knowing I'd be inspired to shoot again once our baby arrived.

Unfortunately 4 months into the pregnancy we got some terrible news. Our baby was extremely ill and she didn't even make it to 20wks. She was born sleeping when I was 20 weeks pregnant and it turned our life upside down. I turned to my camera for comfort and my blog "Bella Rose Photography" was born. After 2 months of blogging friends were inspired and moved by my images. I was absolutely flattered to be asked to capture photos for the upcoming holiday season. I quickly whipped up some early pricing options and October - December I booked close to 8 sessions of friends, couples, kids, and newborns.

I think losing our Bella made me realize how important capturing moments is to a family. I love turning ordinary moments in to art, and I love that Bella showed me how something so tragic for our family was able to be turned around into a blessing.

If you already have a photography business please tell us about it, type of photography you do, how long you have been doing it, etc...

I am in the early stages of building my photography business. I imagine starting the business as primarily a family event and portraiture business, but weddings might be somewhere in my future as well. This past fall I started by listing some basic portfolio building sessions, but in 2010 I really want to take things to the next level.

If you are dreaming of starting your business, what are you learning and/or doing to move you towards your goal?

Right now I am just taking classes when I can, networking, and shooting shooting shooting! I think the only way to get better and really perfect my craft is to just get out there and shoot.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

It may seem silly but I follow my wedding photographers pretty religiously (http://worthington-photography.com/blog/). They are a husband and wife team and we've always appreciated their laid back personalities and natural candid style. Even though I am not shooting weddings yet I really find that their style falls in line with where I want to go and what I want to attain as a photographer.

Besides photography, what else do you do , i.e. work, domestic engineer, volunteer?

My day job is as a Technology Resource Teacher. I work in a K-5 elementary school teaching students and teachers the best way to utilize technology and incorporate it into 21st century learning. I get to play with computers, laptops, interactive whiteboards, cameras, and other multimedia all day!

What are some of your other hobbies and/or things that you like to do besides photography?

My husband and I are very community minded so we can often be found doing various service work in and around town.

Do you have any other businesses that you are incorporating and/or combining in your photography business or that is separate other than photography?

Nope. Just pursuing the photography for now.

If there is one thing in the world that you would like to change, what would that be and why?

What a BIG question. So many things are swimming around in my mind to change with our world. But the first thing that comes to mind is an end to childhood hunger. I've seen first hand what the implications are when a child goes hungry and I feel strongly that this is something we all need to work to end. I've done work with this organization before (http://strength.org/) and really love their mission.

Name three things you would like to do before you die?

1) Go on a transatlantic cruise through Europe

2) Write and publish a book

3) Develop and teach an online photography e-course

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

1) Book and shoot at least 15 photo sessions

2) Develop and teach at least one local photography workshop

3) Start an etsy shop offering some of my work as prints or artistic notecards.

Favorite Shots:

F U R b a b i e s

B A B I E S  & f a m i l y

A R T

________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you Beryl for sharing with us!  It was great getting to know you a little better. 

Your images offer a great simplicity and romantic feel that leaves the viewer wanting more. 

Best wishes with your growing business!