Meet Rachel Leib . . .

Rachel Leib

"You don't have to be the best, just better than last week"

Location: Fishkill, NY (Yeah, I said FISHKILL)

DOB: 12/28

Children:2, Caitlin 6 in Aug and Julia 3 on the 26th

Husband: Frank

Animals: Dog, Troy

Contact Info:Rachel@Rachelleib.com

Name of Business:  Rachel Leib Photography

Website:  http://www.rachelleib.com/

Blog: I'm a failed blogger

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Rachel-Leib-Photography/359382543949?ref=ts

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Rachel_Leib

Email: Rachel@rachelleib.com


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

Canon 20D

Canon 50D (Technically it's my husbands)

420EX flash

50mm 1.8

24-70 2.8

75-300-5.6

10-22 3.5-4.5

My very 1st lens Sigma 18-200 3.5-6.3

& a reflector I don't yet know how to use yet

What's your favorite editing software?

LIGHTROOM 3!!!!!!!!!!

Favorite Food: Japanesse

Favorite Color:  pinkish/purple

A few of your favorite things:

Coffee, gadgets... I love technology! I Hope to get an ipad but will wait for version 2 or 3, the laugh and smile of my kids!

What or who inspires you?

My kids inspire me because I want to be a good role model. I have two little girls and I want them to see from their mom that they can do anything they want at anytime in their lives. Life just also inspires me, you never know what you're going to see and where and I love when I am able to capture an image that makes me feel something.

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Coffee and my itouch

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.

Talk about making a long story short! I've always been into photography my entire life. Like many people I got my DSLR when I had my first child.  I tried to work with a school sports/studio photographer so I could learn, but that didn't work out because our schedules didn't mesh. So I did a few jobs here and there while teaching myself, but used a program mode or the green box. It wasn't until a few years back I even tried manual and was really intimidated by it so I stayed with my safe modes. I did have a website but never told anyone about it becuase I wasn't confident in my "ablilities" and would never have called myself a photographer!! It wasn't until I found MeRa while googling "manual techniques" that any of it made sense! Her way of explaining things made it click for me and so I tried a little here and there. Even with MeRa's blog I felt I was alone in my efforts and didn't really have anyone to actually talk to and ask questions, so my growth was slow and painful. It wasn't until the SOAR Scholarship that things really turned around. The group of women that I "met" and have gotten to know have literally changed my life! I would not be even close to where I am without them (you). With their guidance and support I have continued to work (and get better) on manual (the only way I shoot now) and have a new website, confidence and I actually call myself a photographer!!!! As I continually learn about technique, I am now also teaching myself about the business side and I know I can always count on my "Soar Sisters" to be there to answer my questions. So that explains the journey into the world of photography....The "why" part is much easier and shorter :) Because I LOVE to take pictures!!!! I love trying to capture moments that can instantly bring you back to that time and evoke some emotion. Video is fun and fine but I prefer photos for my memories. I would get some nice compliments on my pictures so I decided to try and make a small business out of something I love to do :)

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 have a 'Business' (is it a business if you haven't yet turned a profit?). I've been doing mainly portraits of children and families and hope one day to include weddings. The new website and my official coming out as a photographer (see I said it again) has been since Feburary. I've done a lot of freebies to have new photos for my site and a few modestly paid jobs. With the help of a "sisiter" or two I now have collections to offer my clients!!!

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

Well MeRa Koh for the above reason :) I'll check out Jasmine Star and Melissa Jill when I have time but I MAKE the time for MeRa and (ladies that were at MeRa's workshop with me know the next one....so say it with me) Jerry Ghionis!!!! What he does with natural light or a video light is just amazing! He makes ART! My long term goal is to take MeRa's lessons on technique and Jerry's style and take my family portraits to a different place...really find and define my own style. They both really inspire me to do and be better and I thank you both (Not that I ever met Jerry Ghionis).

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

I'm a stay at home mom - my kids and husband are my full-time job and I try to find/make time for my passion which I have gotten better at doing as well. I have done some volunteer work as a photographer, in fact I have a volunteer job coming up on the 23rd with two radio stations doing a charity event for St. Judes.

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

Honestly....this is it! Other than being with my family and friends of course!

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

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

Hum, there are a lot of things I'd like to change but I think first and foremost....I'd like people in general to be nicer and the world safer.

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

Have the finacial freedom to travel more, give my children life experiences/adventures to help mold them into the awesome adults I know they'll be, have a successful career as a photographer.

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Have at least one session a month, a wedding (pereferably small) by the end of the year and to be able to consistently produce sharp images. With that said, I know not all great pictures are tack sharp but I'd like to be able to produce them as it says to me I know how to use my camera.

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

 One my first attempts at shooting on manual a few years back and I think it looks really cool.

Cailtin 1year old (now 6)-I got one of my all time favorite shots with a point and shoot! I think it has an old feel to it and she looks like a doll.

This is from our last vacation to California where I took A LOT of pictures. I shot in manual and had the time to just sit there on the beach and play with my settings as the kids had a good time. When I look at this picture, it reminds me to "slow down!" I also liked catching Caitlin just enjoying the ocean and not knowing I was taking her picture (she gives the 6yr old pouty face a lot now)

We had a family BBQ over the holiday weekend with family I don't get to see often. My cousin wanted a silly picture of him and his new wife but I got this in between. It shows me promise in my efforts in pursuing this dream....still have a long way to go though.

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Thank you Rachel for participating in the Spotlight!  You were one of the very first women I started conversing with during our journey with SOAR and I am so grateful for the friendship we have developed.  I am so excited to watch, learn and grow along with you in this fantastic journey we are on.  I know you will be a very successful photographer.  I really LOVE your spider web image, it's awesome!  Thank you for all that you do, you're an amazing women! 

Meet Nicky Peterson . . .

Nicholle Peterson. {Nickname is Nicky}

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future….”   Jeremiah 29:11

Location: Vacaville , CA

DOB: 7/18

Children: None

Husband: None

Animals: None

Contact Info:

Name of Business:

This is a tough one! No official name. Nicholle Peterson {designer photographer artist} is in my logo.

Website: http://www.nichollepeterson.com/ A work in progress. Always!

Blog: Wordpress address is forwarding to above mentioned domain.

Facebook: facebook.com/nichollepeterson

Twitter: twitter.com/NickyPeterson

Email: Nicholle.peterson@mac.com (working on getting nicky@nichollepeterson.com up and running)

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

Canon 30D

Canon 50mm (Knifty Fifty)

Canon 85mm (not sure but POSITIVE it’s not the 1.2 J

Canon 70 - 200

Sigma 17 – 70

Sigma 70 - 300

Canon 480 ex Flash

Gary Fong – Puffer and Lightsphere

What's your favorite editing software?

Lightroom 2 (waiting for new computer before upgrading to LR3

Favorite Food:

I have a love hate relationship with food. I have pre-diabetes and am ALWAYS trying to lose weight! Unfortunately I really like sugar.

General answer: Italian

Favorite Color:

 Any and all shades of blue! (I HATE pink J )

A few of your favorite things?

Listening to the crashing waves, sand between my toes. Any and all APPLE products! My iPhone, iPad (I won it from The Balancing Act on Facebook), Powerbook G4 which is ALWAYS too full for my next round of photo’s to be uploaded!)

What or who inspires you?

People who are happy in life that have overcome something hard! I have a hard time dealing with sadness. Life is so full of it! I am always looking for ways to cope! Seeing people who have lost loved ones or survived cancer living life with smiles on their faces. I know that the pain is still there but they choose to live life. There are so many things that we can be thankful for even when we are hurting. Having the ability to still live is such an important attribute!

Name something you just have to have everyday:

My iPhone (I hate to admit that)

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 remember being young and always drawn to my moms photo albums. The kind that has “magnetic” pages. Why are they called magnetic? They are STICKY!! I really loved one in particular. She had the grades at the top from K to 12. Each kids school picture was on the pages. You could see each of us at the same age. It was really cool! When I was 10 I would use my mom’s 35mm camera to just go and play! When I was 12 she bought me my first camera! It was a 110! (Oh man! I am getting old!) I took my camera EVERYWHERE! I was really involved in my youth group and took it to summer camp and to school!

In high school I took two years of photography. I has so much fun making a camera out of a bandaid box! I loved the darkroom! I was so amazed at what I could create! I learned so much about b&w photography! Then school got out and I went to college in Denver . I always had a small p&s. 35mm, Advantix, my grandpa’s old SEARS 35mm.

I was always the one in the group with the camera! I could be quite annoying but I loved giving framed prints as gifts. I also loved to scrapbook!

A friend had the Canon Digital Rebel and let me borrow on a trip to Disneyland ! (What a trusting friend) I fell in LOVE!! I decided to start saving! I knew that I really wanted to do something with photography. I am also that person who HATES when something I buy is outdated 2 days later. (I know that technology is EVER changing and I LOVE that. BUT 2 days? 5 months is ok!) I decided I wanted the 20D. While saving up the 30D was introduced. I WAS so happy to have a camera that had just been released!

I love that you can capture a moment and relive that moment over and over! I love that we are leaving behind our legacy for the generations behind us. Pictures we take today are all that our family members are going to have of us. (Besides our old used things.) I love the emotion I see when I look at beautiful pictures. Beautiful locations. I am so thankful that I get to see beautiful sunsets or beautiful beaches from across the world.

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 have a hard time saying I have a business. I have a logo that took me MONTHS to design, a name (kinda), a website that I just finally got up 2 weeks ago.

In February of 2006 I was talking to a friend who needed a photographer for a mother-daughter event she was having. She encouraged me, and asked me to photograph her event! So I bought the camera 2 weeks before her event! I have mostly shot friends and family! I really struggle with the business side of things! Working full-time and being so involved in church keeps me busy!

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

I have so many! I am inspired by Tara Whitney! I love her real-ness! I love her photojournalistic style!

I love Me Ra’s story. The things she has overcome! WOW! Such an inspiration!

Justin and Mary Marantz are amazing! Jasmine Star and her zest for learning and willingness to share is so awesome!

My friend Sharon is truly an inspiration! We used to scrapbook together. We both had advantix camera’s and both loved taking pictures! I have seen her grow so much! She is so smart and learns so quickly! She has attended two of Me Ra’s workshops and just watching her journey is such an inspiration. I love her style! Her personality! Her faith!

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

I work for Meyer Corporation as a Marketing Logistics Coordinator! Meyer makes pots and pans! Anolon, Circulon, Rachael Ray, KitchenAid, Paula Deen, Food Network, Pampered Chef…

I serve (volunteer) at First Christian Church in Suisun City . I have attended for over 24 years!

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

I LOVE crafting! I see something and think “I can do that!”

Beading

Knitting

Scrapbooking / Card Making

Hangin out with friends

Going to the beach

Spending time serving God

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

My graphic design skills. Storyboards. Invitations. Announcements. Christmas Cards. Wall Art. Logos.

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

I would love there to be a cure for all of the horrible diseases out there! Cancer & Lupus to name a few.

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

Go to B&H’s store front in New York ! J I have always wanted to go to New York . A visit to the GIANT superstore will be one of my stops!

Get married

Learn to surf in the warm oceans of Hawaii

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

I would love to lose the first 50 lbs. on my journey to be at a healthy BMI.

Have my branding and website completely done and ready.

Figure out the perfect workflow for me! (Computer, EHD, website and portfolio files, client files, images)

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

This first picture just makes me so happy! This is my best friends son and husband! I love it! It may not be the most technically perfect picture but the fun you see is real!!

This next picture was taken during what San Francisco calls an Indian Summer. October in SF. Clear skies! Unlike summer in SF. Lots of fog in summer months! I love living where I do! So close to the city! I love this bridge and this beach!

I am kinda cheating here with this last one. More then one picture here. I created this collage for a funeral program. My best friend's father-in-law passed away suddenly nine months after we did this photo shoot. It reiterated how important family pictures are to me! During such a sad time I was so thankful that we have these pictures.

The picture of me {top of page} is after climbing the tallest hill I have ever climbed! I ended up hiking 4.5 miles at the end of this day! I went on a photography and wild flower hike at Lynch Canyon and had a GREAT time! I was so nervous going somewhere where I didn’t know anyone and being alone. I really had a great time! I was so proud of myself for not quitting!

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Thank you Nicky for participating in the Spotlight!  It was such a pleasure to read more about you and learn what a beautiful person you are!  I love your photos that you shared with us.  I wish you happiness, peace and the best with EVERYTHING!

Meet Ajira Darch . . .

        photo courtesy:  Jeannie Guzis

Ajira Darch

There are so many wise sayings in the world. It's amazing.  So inspiring to connect with the reality that others have been where you are in some shape or form.  I like to remind myself of that, and of this: 'Wherever you go, go with all your heart. -Confucious'

Location:


El Cerrito, California... we're moving but planning to remain in the San Francisco Bay Area. Wish us luck in finding a house.

DOB:

November 14th. An auspicious date. Why, you ask? Because I was born on it! Ha!!

Children:

So far we have a son. His name is Chésaweh and he lights up our lives.

Husband:

Cameron. We have the ultimate love story. I'll have to blog the whole thing one of these days. I knew two days after meeting him that I was in love. We clicked from the moment we met and haven't stopped since. He's a singer/songwriter and has a day job running his general contracting business. I used to help him in it at the start of our relationship but not anymore. Apparently I was an excellent painter! :D

Animals:

Just the deer that come hang out in our garden, the peacock who visits our neighbourhood on occasion as well as the dogs and cats who live in the homes around us.

Contact Info:

415-425-7543

Name of Business:

ajira darch photography

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Email

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

I am the incredibly lucky person who won a Canon 1D Mark IV from Scott Bourne. He's an amazing artist, and generous as well which is incredibly lucky for all of us! Love reading his blog and tweets. And the camera is incredible. I spend so much less time editing. More and more of the images I want to share are SOOC. I don't know if I'm the only one, but I'm loving the images coming out of our time together so far, which hasn't been long.

My trusty Canon Rebel XSi/450D/Kiss X2 is now my back-up. It came with an 18-55mm IS lens that won't work on my 1D.

I have a 50mm that I adore. It is the lens that's usually on my camera. I shoot everything with it. Portraits, flowers, landscapes, everything. Love it. It works on both cameras!

I also have a 70-300mm that now seems much heavier on this bigger body. Such a great lens! Love the colour and clarity I get with it. Also works with both cameras. :D Good planning there, right?

I would love to have:

EF 35m f/1.4L USM

TS-E 45mm f/2.8

EF 50mm f/1.2L USM

EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

What's your favorite editing software?

Aperture. Hands down it's Aperture. In this last release so much was improved that I now use everything so much less. Photoshop is now rarely opened. Which I love because it makes the whole processing part quicker, simpler and more beautiful.

Favorite Food:

Ice cream! Ha. I love all food. Seriously. SO many memories of family meals and connecting with people. Love it. Lately I've been loving green beans with garlic and olive oil with chicken and a salad. Delicious! Ask me again in a few days and I'll have a different dish, no doubt. My grandmother's cooking is what inspired a love of food and the association of it with loved ones. Her food was the best tasting I've ever had. I wish I'd had more time with her.

Favorite Color:

Brown. Every shade of it. Except maybe one. He he.

A few of your favorite things:

My son's roaring belly laugh. My husband holding my foot. Getting a shot of a tiny expression on someone's face that immediately takes me back to that moment, that moves me. Flowers. Books. Apples. Bananas. Mangoes.

What or who inspires you?

The amazing gift of being a mother to my son inspires me. As does this incredible planet we get to call home. People who wear their hearts on their sleeves and don't apologize for it. Art, movement, love, wonder and curiosity also inspire me.

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Chocolate. Just a taste.

Tea. Preferably two cups of ceylon to start the day off or this lovely green tea that my friend got me from Korea.

A photograph of my son taken that day

A walk

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 remember asking my parents to let me take pictures with their camera when we were on vacation when I was quite young. Eight or so. I just loved taking them, and loved looking at them, wondering about what I could and couldn't see in the frame. Then when I was off to boarding school at sixteen, I decided to get my own camera. It was such an exciting day!! It wasn't until my Aunt Carole suggested it in 2003 that I even considered the idea of doing it professionally. She was so encouraging and I am grateful to her. I love it. I've been shooting almost every day for the last few years and before that shot only a little less!

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 left my day job to pursue a photography business full time in March 2008. After shooting a wedding in Long Beach, three months later I came home to discover that I was pregnant! It was shocking and glorious and life changing. It's been an incredible, challenging and beautiful time. I've been shooting weddings and portraits, then during my pregnancy I found that I could only really handle more portrait work... which I love. Since my son is older, I am starting to get back into shooting weddings.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

There are a lot of photographers that I admire and learn from for reasons as wildly learning more about business and learning more about artistry. From an artistic perspective I think that Image is Found and Jeff Newsom are consistently original and create jaw dropping stuff. I also find that Steve McCurry, Silvana Di Franco, Jonathan Canlas, Sean Flanigan and Sarah Rhoads invariably have work that has me vascillating between utter wonder and a curiosity about how they created the image. There are many more that I follow and pay attention to, but I'm starting to fall asleep now so I'll have to save those for some other time.

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

Caring for my son is my other full time job.

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

Haven't had much time for them lately but I also love arts and crafts- painting, sewing, drawing, knitting etc.

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

Not yet. But I'd love to do more album designing. I want to get people's photographs out of harddrives and into books where people will look at and enjoy them.

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

Compassion. I think more of it would let us all get along better. We'd also be more creative in solving problems because we would consider the impact of our actions not only on the world around us but also the possible future impact.

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

Travel more

Publish a book

Be happy and show/express my love daily to those around me (including myself)

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Get my photographs published in a print/online publication

Eat out a maximum of once every two weeks

Streamline my workflow

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

This is a recent favorite of my son. I photograph him with at least one of my cameras once a day. He is an absolute joy to capture and I am so glad that I have this incredible record of his growth! He's ridiculously gorgeous and ever-changing.

I love portraiture. It's so interesting to look at people and try to put yourself in their shoes whilst imagining what they might be going through. This is my friend Sierra who is fierce, beautiful, authentic and brave!

These were growing beside the pavement (what folks here call sidewalk) and they just took my breath away with their simplicity and glorious beauty. This planet is incredibly gorgeous and there's so much to see and enjoy. It blows my mind. I love this reminder that beauty is something inherent in everywhere, and also that it can occur anywhere. Even beside a street in a huge metropolis!

Finally, here's one of my favorite wedding pictures. This was after the main ceremony and before the reception when the bride and groom were relaxing upstairs and receiving the occasional personal guest. It was just a sweet and restful time before the hubbub of the reception and they were both so relaxed and glowing that it was easy to shoot them!

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Thank you Ajira for this wonderful interview!  It was so great to learn more about you and I was so thrilled and happy for you that you WON that camera!  Your son is absolutely adorable!  I wish you much luck and success with your business.  xoxo

Meet Feuza Reis . . .

Feuza Reis

"Be yourself, everyone else is taken"

Location: South River, NJ

DOB: 11/29

Children: 2 boys, Lucas who is 5 and Joshua who is 3

Husband: Maxwel Tomaz

Name of Business: Feuza Reis Photography

Website: http://www.feuzareis.com/

Blog:  www.feuzareis.com/blog

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/feuza

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/feuza

Email: feuza@feuzareis.com

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

Right now my bag consists of:

Nikon D300 S

Nikon D80

50 mm 1.8

18-135 3.5

SB 600 Flash

SB 400 Flash

and for weddings I usually rent the 24-70 and the 70-200

would love to have a prime 85 1.8 too

What's your favorite editing software?

Lightroom all the way!

Favorite Food: Italian and love salads

Favorite Color: brown

A few of your favorite things:

laughter, a good sense of humor, brazil, my family, traveling, star lit sky, playing with my hair, social media, branding

What or who inspires you?

Jasmine Star, Fast Track Photographers, Dane Sanders, Sarah Rhodes and amazing moms

Name something you just have to have everyday: Joy!

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.

Kind of a long story, well first experience with photography was sophomore class in highs chool and I loved the class but became lazy and actually cheated on my last assignment but confessed I used some one else's film ( sorry Mr. Murphy) then during my senior year, my first job ever in life was as a photographer at J.C Penny photography Studio, crying babies and no pee breaks, was out of there in 6 months, fast forward 12 years later, I had been trying to get into wedding business, tried gift baskets then invitations, but I had been doing slideshows for my church for 2 years already and some folks who were hiring me for invites and slideshows started saying, well I do not have a good picture, can you take one for me, and I took some with regular point and shoot and was like hum, I like this, I can do this, why not get paid for this? But the real magic came when a recent friend who had just started her party decorating business had a client and she called me and said, you could photograph this client and I did not even have a camera, so I looked on line on how to price it, sort of, spoke to client, sent prices and nothing, I did not think she would call back, I bought my first DSLR on the way to my shoot and have not stopped shooting ever since. I did a lot of Maternity, Family, Kids, Events at first and have plunged into weddings the last 6 months. It took me almost 30 years to finally find out what I wanted to be when I grew up.

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...

Answered a bit up top, right now trying to focus more on wedding photography and some life style portrait, would love to have a seniors brand, perhaps in future.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

I have a few, I love Jasmine Star because of her sharp colorful images and amazing way of writing the couples story.  I also am a big fan of Justin and Mary from CT and Gray Photographers from Nashville, these are all genuine people who give back, share and have amazing photography. I recently found

Nick Onken who has some amazing work and understand branding, my favorite topic quite well. Some others who have inspired me include Paula Leme, Brazilian photographer and Sarah Rhodes stuff is so cool too!

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


Full-time Super Hero Mom, also assist in husband's tile installation business, and I have done childrens' ministry at my church for many years.

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


Love topics on branding, love to travel, love to plan things, love to watch funny movies, love to talkkkkk!

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 was trying to do a videography business for my husband, but realized it is two completely different businesses, so I do not think we will go that route.  I do, however, plan to offer some fusion options as I play with the mix of still motion and live.

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

Poverty, because it leads to violence, crime, deaths, ignorance.

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

Have an established wedding photography business

Travel Europe with Hubster

Rebuild my grandmas old house

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Do one more destination wedding

Do a speaking event

Second shoot 10 weddings

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



Hannah Joys picture- this was a month to month baby I did for an year and this was my favorite session especially since her name has Joy in it and as I said Joy is so important to me, God's Joy that I have in my life.

This one is from a destination wedding I did last year.  This was one of my first weddings and has opened up many doors including getting feautured on bridal crate magazine.

This has been my favorite E session and recently used many pictures of it for my website launch and this has been a favorite of many folks.

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Thank you Feuza for participating in the spotlight!  It was a pleasure getting to know you better and I wish you well in your journey!  I love DW too, so maybe someday we can do one together. 

Best wishes for continued success!

Meet Natalia Dotto . . .

Natalia Dotto

Whatever you are be a good one. ~Abraham Lincoln

“I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" -- Piglet.

It's better to fight for something than against something. ~Author Unknown

Location: Seattle, WA

Birthday: October 4th

Children: I have three. Two teenage girls and a sweet, rambunctious red-headed 3 year old.

Husband: an amazing architect, Steve

Animals: Scout, a tri-colored Australian Shepherd, who is much bigger than he should be. And apparently we also have a mouse.

Contact Info:

Name of Business: Natalia Dotto Photography

Website: working on it.

Blog: I started one … but haven’t updated it much. I’m not a great blogger apparently.

Twitter: nataliadotto … but I’m not sure I quite understand twitter yet.

Email: macdotto@comcast.net

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

I am still building my bag. I am updating soon… really soon, but currently I shoot with a Nikon D70, 50mm 1.8, a couple of crap kit lenses, Nikon Speedlight SB600, various flash cards, battery charger, tripod. I am fortunate to have a generous friend who allows me to use his Nikkor 17-55mm 2.8 and Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8 –sweet.

What's your favorite editing software?

I love Lightroom right now. I would really like to find a relatively inexpensive workshop to learn all the ins and outs.

Favorite Food? Indian, Thai, and Cornish Pasties … chocolate and red wine

Favorite Color? Blues/greens … but nothing too light.

A few of your favorite things?

Give me some good bread, cheese, a nice bottle of red wine and good conversation with someone who has a wicked sense of humor.

What or who inspires you?

It sounds cheesy but my husband and my children inspire me. My children inspire me to be a better person, a more patient person (it doesn’t always work out that way though).

I met my husband when we were 21 at the University of Florida (go GATORS). He really is a forward thinker when it comes to sustainable architecture and green building. Sometimes he has these wacky ideas and, despite my better judgment, I often find myself standing right beside him as we blunder forth. We are constantly in a housing renovation or project… and I’m waiting for the day when he decides he wants to live off the land and completely off the grid. I, however, am waiting for the day we can move to a villa in Tuscany. A fixer upper of course.

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Several cups of coffee, smiles, hugs and kisses from my children. Afternoon cups of tea and a good laugh are also daily requirements.

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 fell in love with photography in high school. Processing film and spending time in the dark room was magical. I truly wanted to work for National Geographic. After going through the “J” school at the University of Florida I ended up going into television news instead as a news producer. But I have never lost my love of photography and I’ve always, always been the one behind the camera. I never even thought I could have my own photography business until I got laid off and different things started falling into place. Friends kept encouraging me. Then I heard Me Ra Koh speak last year at a Mama’s with Cameras meeting here in Seattle. And then came SOAR. I still have so much to learn, but that’s what’s making it exciting.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?
I can’t say I have a favorite. There are so many I admire. So many different styles.

Phil Borges is a Seattle area photographer  who has taken stunning photographs of indigenous peoples. His books are beautiful and he has a nonprofit organization that works uses digital storytelling to connect school children around the world. http://www.bridgesweb.org/

Lynette Huffman Johnson took my maternity photographs when I was pregnant with Owen and I admire what she has done with her Soulumination organization.
And of course Me Ra … who has been so generous with her time, knowledge, talent and her heart. I’m always following her work… along with many of our talented SOAR sisters.

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

I was a television news producer up until about two and a half years ago. I worked as a line producer, which meant I produced daily newscasts, but then I had the awesome job of a special projects producer and was able to tell human interest and community interest stories. I loved doing that. I also did a short stint in media relations at a public affairs firm for about a year. But for the last year and a half I have been a stay at home mum. Now I’m seriously looking for more freelance projects in order to finance this biz.

I volunteer with and I am on the communications board of an organization called Teens In Public Service… an orgnization that gives teenagers a paid internship with other nonprofits in the greater Puget Sound area over the summers. The organization teaches kids to be leaders in their community … and teaches the importance of community service.

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

I spend quite a bit of time driving to soccer practices and soccer games every week since my girls play a lot of soccer. So even though I do not drive a minivan I guess I have become a typical soccer mum.

The three year old and I hang out at the park, library, zoo or where ever we can go to run off some of his energy.

I love to read, drink wine and I watch LOST.

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


Goodness that’s a tough one. There are so many issues out there that people struggle with on a daily basis… hunger, poverty, homelessness to fighting awful diseases. But I would love to see an end to discrimination of all types and a world that is more tolerant of others.

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


1.  Make sure that my children grow up to become responsible, caring, considerate citizens of the world who will make a contribution. That they appreciate all that they have and the responsibility that comes with it and that they learn to speak out.

2.  I would love to travel extensively on every continent with camera in hand (okay, maybe just a short stay in Antarctica)

3.  Get photographs published in National Geographic … or dinner with George Clooney … I can’t decide.

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

1.  Get a paying photography client.
2.  Get back on my bicycle and ride, ride, ride.
3.  Start writing that children’s book that is rattling around in my head.

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

I have a really hard time choosing favorites of anything if you haven’t noticed…but here goes…

 This is a photo I took is of my second daughter when she is 9 holding our son when he is only a few days old. It’s not the best photograph, but I think it shows such a tender moment.

 This is our house almost three years ago. I love how it’s tilting to get

around light poles and branches.

 My nephews. They were awfully hard to photograph … they didn’t stop moving and

I didn’t have a very good lens when I took this, but its a sweet few seconds between

the two of them when they did slow down.

This is a recent photograph of my oldest daughter.

I hadn’t planned on taking her photograph that afternoon,

but we happened to walk past these beautiful old trees and the light was lovely.

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Thank you Nataila for participating in the spotlight!  I wish you well in your photography adventure this year!  I love your photos and know you are going to do well!

Meet Marcia Stuhler . . . aka Ms. Classy

Marcia Stuhler

Location: Keller,TX


DOB: 10/10

Children: Tatyana – 13, Garrett- 2 and Wade 2 ½ Months

Husband: Tom

Animals: Absolutely none now, I had to give them away to make room for the baby.

Name of Business: Classy Kids Photography

Website: http://www.clkphotos.com/

Blog: http://www.clkphotosblog.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/clkphotos

Twitter: OMG, I signed up for it a while ago and couldn’t keep up. I couldn’t understand why I needed both Twitter and Facebook. However, I will revisit it when I have a few more clients.

Email: marcia@clkphotos.com

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

Olympus E-510

Sigma 50mm 1.4

Zuiko 14-54mm

Olympus F36

Energizer Battery Charger

Mini Bubble Machine

My Window Shopping List:

I really need a backup camera since I sold my first camera to finance my 50mm purchase. I would also like to acquire a 70-200. I am looking going with a Canon or a Sony and I REALLY would like a full frame camera but I will take something smaller for now.

What's your favorite editing software?

When I first started I was a Photoshop fanatic but as I began to learn the in’s and out’s of Lightroom I do almost everything there.

Favorite Food:

Mexican

Thai

Cuban

Margarita’s -  is that a food?

Favorite Color? Navy Blue, Black

A few of your favorite things:

The Young and the Restless

Perez Hilton

Laughing with my kids

Live music

Entertaining

Really bad reality tv…VH1 is a mecca for that!

What or who inspires you?

What inspires me is to live my life every day to its fullest potential and try not to sweat the small stuff. I am finding that the more I embrace that mentality I have become a much happier person.

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Coffee

The Young and the Restless- I have to watch it when I get home from work it relaxes me.

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.

My love for photography started back in high school because of a good friend of mine. We actually had a dark room in our school and I got a chance to see her develop the film. I thought it was so cool but I thought the process would be too hard for me to learn. My mother also was an avid photographer so there was always a camera around.

What really launched this love into a career was because of my husband. His work schedule has really turned our family life upside down. He is a printing press operator and he works the 3-11 shift. So when he gets home he doesn't see us and misses all the fun things that the kids are doing. In the printing industry, the only way to get a dayshift seems to be when the veteran of thirty something years FINALLY retires. Tom was getting very frustrated and wanted to quit his job and make less money just so he could be home with us. I explained to him that if you have passion for what you do then you should not quit. Since he purchased my first SLR as an anniversary gift, I had started to take pictures of my kids and for friends. I knew the style that I was trying to achieve but didn’t know how to go about it. That’s when I said to my husband that I wanted photography to be our light at the end of the tunnel. I said, if I can make just enough so you can work part time then we would get to see more of you. I figured it is a small price to pay with an amazing reward at the end.

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...

My preference is to do on-location natural light photography but I also have some starter studio equipment. I mainly photograph children ages 0-15 and families because inside I am still a kid so I can relate better.

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

Gosh, that is a really difficult question for me and when I knew I was going to have a spotlight I was really trying to think of what to say.

I would have to say Audrey Woulard and MeRa. I fell in love with Audery’s work and was hell bent on taking part in her Leanfest workshop even if I had to take out a loan to pay for it. When I found out that they were no longer going to offer Learnfest I began a hunt for workshops where the photographer felt a bond during their learning experience. That’s when I found MeRa and then she launched SOAR and I was amazed by her power to move people with simple text on a screen. She is honest, she is real and I feel like I know her already. That is what I hope people will say about me when they are telling their friends to book a session with me. I want to be familiar like your favorite pair of blue jeans. Comfortable and relaxing but makes ya look really good!

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

I am a sales account executive for FedEx Services. I am responsible for working with small to medium sized businesses and getting them to ship FedEx. I have been pretty successful in the short amount of time that I have been here. I was selected this year to be a mentor to the new hires. So I guess they like me and will keep me.  The more I focus on the business side of photography, I am learning that the way I sell express and ground packages should be the way I sell and market to clients. Be honest, be true and it will come back to you tenfold.

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

I am really getting into graphic design. I see the card templates that are sold to photographers and I want to learn how to create my own. I have created a few but I am not crazy about them. So as I learn and get better maybe I can sell them too.

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 hope to get the hang of the design thing this year so I can begin to offer them to photographers.

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

Equality. I understand that everyone is entitled to their views on equal rights but I think that people forget that passing judgment on others is just hurtful. If circumstances were reversed, would they be so judgmental? Every person deserves to find happiness and love. Ohh and in the words of Sandra Bullock in Ms. Congeniality, “World Peace”.

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

Move to Spain, immerse myself in the culture, and learn the language without a book in hand.

Open a karaoke-inspired restaurant

See all three of my kids graduate, get their first “real job”, get married and have grandkids.

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Market…market…market myself. I want to make mistakes this year and figure out what works and what doesn’t work for me in this crazy business of photography.

Become a Senior Account Executive, it comes with a pay raise and my photography wish list I think is at 3 pages now.

Go see Garth Brooks in concert in Vegas!! It’s the ONLY way my husband is going to get me to go to that city.

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

This was my first attempt at being artistic. I think it says a lot with out even one face in the photo.

This was my very first session where I shot 100% manual. When I went to edit the pictures,

 I realized I had finally nailed the eyes and I didn’t have to do much

post processing to get them there.

This last one is merely because I am obsessed with tulips and I somehow managed to take picture of a bee in flight. How did I do it? I have not a clue but it looks darn good!

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Thank you Marcia for participating in the Spotlight! 

It was so great to read all about you and get to know you better ♥

I wish you the best of luck this year as you learn and grow in your photography business. 

I LOVE your tulip photos and especially the one with the bee in flight!  Can't wait to see you in May!

Meet Melissa Jordan . . .

Melissa Jordan

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

Location: Warsaw, IN

DOB: 4.17

Children: Bianca-6, Josiah-4, Adria 2, (Isabel-deceased, would be 3)

Husband: Bobby

Animals: None inside our house, outside we have way too many! 5 cats, 1 dog, 2 guinea cocks, 7 or 8 chickens, 10 Nigerian dwarf goats, 1 horse.

Name of Business: Melissa Jordan Photography

Website: Will be launching my official one soon http://www.melissajordanphotography.com/ right now, that is where I host my client galleries with smugmug.

Blog: http://www.mjphoto-project365.blogspot.com/

Facebook: not for my business yet

Twitter: I signed up but I've forgotten my username already...

Email: melissa@melissajordanphotography.com

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

In- Nikon D90

50mm 1.8

30mm 1.4

85mm 1.8

80-200mm 2.8

sb600 speedlight

Desire- I'm hoping people start selling their D700's once the Nikon upgrades are released this spring, the only way I can afford this equipment right now is used. I would also love a REALLY wide angle lens 12-24 or something close to that.

What's your favorite editing software?

My favorite is PS Elements 7 because I know how to use it. I'm hoping to learn how to use lightroom well enough so that I can make that my new favorite. Honestly though, I really dislike editing, I like to take pictures not fix them.

Favorite Food: 

Mexican style tacos

Crusty french bread

Dark chocolate

Homegrown tomatoes with basil and feta

Favorite Color?   Green

A few of your favorite things:

Giant puffy clouds in a deep blue sky

Trees

Gourmet cupcakes

Sleeping in

Thunderstorms

The feel of my babies faces right after they wake up

Lake Michigan

What or who inspires you?

People who are motivated towards serving others instead of themselves.

Name something you just have to have everyday:

Coffee

Grace of God

Not in that order...

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 has been something that I have loved since junior high. There were two photography classes offered at the college I went to and I took them both but they were mainly about the darkroom. Soon after college a friend of a friend started a photography business and I remember feeling jealous because she didn't have a degree in photography, which I thought was a necessary pre-requisite for people actually hiring you to take pictures of them. Then about two and a half years ago I wrote a list of some goals I had at the time, one was to "get back into photography" (I didn't know how to utilize my point and shoot and I hadn't used my film slr in years). A year after that, I e-mailed a photographer friend and asked him if he knew anyone that was selling a really good digital camera, it just so happened that he was. My husband would only allow me to spend that much money on a camera if I would start a business, so I did it. The first thing I did was offer a day of very inexpensive mini-sessions for Christmas portraits to a mom's group that I'm a part of and I've had a handful of paying clients since then but it's been tough getting my name out there.

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 do on location, natural light portraits. Babies, children, families, graduates, pregnancy. I would like to start shooting weddings, I actually booked my first one for this coming August!

Who is your favorite photographer that you follow and why?

I don't think I can pick just one! I love Me Ra and Jasmine Star.

I have some photographers that I know in real life and I adore their work too.

http://www.millerexpressions.com/ She was my best friend from 7th grade until sometime in college and I love that we have reconnected again through photography.

http://www.lisakaephotography.com/ I went to college with her (the above mentioned that I was jealous of) I love her fun and funky syle!

http://www.jenkrollphotography.com/ We went to the same school growing up but she was a year younger and we didn't know eachother well and we went to college together. I love the natural beauty in her images.

http://www.coastline-studios.com/ I went to college with him too, I love the things he does with off camera flash and he's an amazing videographer.

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

I stay home with my kids, my oldest is in kindergarten this year so she is gone for three hours everyday. I volunteer on the photo team at my church. I lead a discussion group within a larger group of moms that meets twice per month.

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

I love acting, I wish I lived in a city that had more opportunities to audition for shows. I love to cook gourmet meals, cooking everyday meals- not so much. I aspire to become a gourmet cupcake baker. So far, I've only had one success and about 5 fails. I like to have good conversations over coffee, does that count as a hobby?

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

None

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

I had to think long on this one, it's hard to pick just ONE. I'm a Christian though, and the most important thing in my life is my choice to follow Jesus Christ. He desires a relationship with every human being and as his follower I want to love people the way that he loves them. I would want every man, woman and child to accept his gift of salvation and to walk in the fullness of life that only he can offer.

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

Have long term healthy relationships with the people I love.

Live without fear

Travel through Europe

List three goals you would like to accomplish in 2010:

Take my photography business to the next level and maybe the next after that...

Spend more quality time with my husband and kids

Pursue "real" relationships with people around me

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

One of my kids because, well how could I not pick one of them? They are my favorites!

A pregnancy portrait from last summer because I love this time in a woman's life.

I love that she's usually feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious and huge then

she sees the pictures of herself and realizes how beautiful she really looks.

Two little boys at their house from last fall. I love the personality in this picture,

I tend to gravitate towards pictures that show personality all the time, they speak to me.

 

 For some reason I love the pictures I take of newborns and daddy's so

much more than with their mom's. This one just pulls my heartstrings.

 

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Thank you Melissa for participating in theSpotlight.  I wish you the best of luck

with your photography business this year!  You are so sweet and kind and I love your photos!