Interview By The Image Salon
Super huge thank you to The Image Salon for Interviewing me for this article! If you are looking into outsourcing your editing, definitely check them out. Not only are they great at what they do, they are such a genuine group of people who actually care about their clients and their art.
First things first. What are you currently listening to right now? Any songs you blasting on repeat?
I always say music is my love language! I have a very eclectic taste but my top songs on repeat lately are:
Night Drive - Ari Lennox
Realla - TOKiMONSTA w/ Anderson .Paak
New Cassette Tape - Angel Olsen
Hazel - Roy Blair
A lot of photographers seem to strive for perfection but your work almost seems to be a celebration of the beautiful imperfections. What is it about the messiness of life that you find so inspiring?
When I am hit with inspiration it is never inspired by perfect moments of a curated life. When I am moved to feel, it is from seeing emotion in another. The thing about emotion is its the most raw honest display of what it means to be human. Laughter, tears, body language it all inspires me to photograph connection between two people, not perfectly decorated homes or styled shoots. I celebrate it and share about it so that it brings awareness in an age where perfection and an ideallic lifestyle is held up high on a pedestal of “if only I can attain that level, then I will be happy, then I will be filled.” When in reality, the most treasured moments I have shared with another human is an embrace after a long hard day that feels so tight you feel like you’re one. It’s in the moments where your child is so excited to tell you something that they are bursting at the seams and you can’t help but smile ear to ear and high five them. Its a subtle hand on someones knee when you are at a party saying without words that “ I am so happy you are mine.” Its sharing the human experience with your people, which is often times messy and imperfect, that is what I gravitate toward in my work.
It's common for emerging photographers to try to be all things for all clients. How do you manage to be so unapologetically yourself?
It’s a choice every single day you wake up where you ask yourself “who am I living this day for because it could be my last.” Mediocrity happens in the crevices of mundane zombie like oblivion, where you are just simply going through the motions of life. I’ve heard this kind of apathetic style of thinking as “Sliding not deciding.” I want to go through life with intention and thought where I can look back and go “YES. That was mine. I am proud of that.” For me, being unapologetically myself means: loving hard, wearing my heart on my sleeve, having deep meaningful connections and reaching my goals. Once you fully embrace yourself and who you are as a person and artist it will start becoming easier to refer out clients that are not a good fit for you. The more honest you are in your own work, the more you will start attracting people who appreciate that.
The people in your photos seem to be so natural and relaxed. Can you tell me a little bit about your philosophy around posing?
like to facilitate a space where I am the directer and whoever i am photographing our the actors. My favorite quote EVER is by Kevin Bacon “ A good director creates an environment, which gives the actor the encouragement to fly..” I direct and coach my clients every step of the way. People hate to feel like they don’t how to do something or especially if they feel like they might look stupid. My philosophy around posing is to place them in the light I want, have a loose idea or shape I want to create with their body language and then talk with them and prompt them to get emotion. I tell people to respond to the others touch. We are not robots waiting for another to tell us what to do exactly.
What was the moment you realized photography could be your full-time gig?
When I used to be married and my ex husband was in the military, I started my business as a means to make extra money and supplement his income. I had always worked in photography and it felt natural to open up my own business. I kept it pretty part time until about 5 years ago. I realized that I loved what I did and that by pricing myself well and taking on clients that were a good fit I could do what I love every day and never have to go into an office ever again. Now as a single mom I am very thankful that I have built up my business to the point where I can support my children and I on my art.
What are your thoughts on doing shoots for free to build up your portfolio?
I am a huge fan of this! I feel like “play” is very important to exercising our creative muscle. The more I photograph for fun the more I start to loosen up and take more risks in my client work. Ultimately, your clients are hiring you because they like your voice as an artist.
You do a lot of mentoring sessions, I'm curious, how has mentoring other photographers affected you as an artist?
I am so unbelievably honored to be able to mentor other photographers and help them on their journey. What I didn’t realize is how much these would affect me. Instead of draining my energy or making me feel too spread out they are life giving! I feel so inspired leaving them and always connect so much with the mentee that I feel like I have gained a friend.
How do you decide what parts of your business can be outsourced?
If you are dreading something consistently, procrastinating consistently on specific tasks or it is taking away from your photography and art… it’s time to outsource that! Your creative energy as an artist is sacred. When you have more clarity and don’t feel bogged down by tasks you are going to show up to shoots with more room in your head for creativity!