Last week's 'showing motion' challenge winner is the talented Jamie of Photography by JW. She has shared a bit about her life with us, and of course some more eye candy!
1. Please tell us about yourself...
I am 35 years old and a former elementary teacher. I'm married & have two girls, ages 2 and 4. I quit my job as a teacher when I found out I was pregnant with my youngest and began my photography business to earn some money here and there. I live in Heber Springs, Arkansas and enjoy spending time in the beautiful outdoors. Arkansas has the most beautiful scenery, particularly in the fall. I've been an artist most of my life. I paint, sculpt, and enjoy working with a variety of media.
2. Can you describe your style in 3 words? Why those words?
emotional, artistic, & evolving.
emotional- I am always looking for an emotion. I love to focus on things that will evoke emotion... particularly the eyes. I also love to back away and create emotion through scale. Particularly with children. I love to see this tiny person standing next to something large...like a tree that's been around for hundreds of years. It's a beautiful mix of the old and the new that stirs something inside of our humanity.
artistic- I never have as much time as I would like to further develop my artistic style in photography. As an artist, however, I take great pleasure in taking what is real and we wish were real and melting them into one reality. I love the fact that imagination has no limit and I can bring that freedom to my photos.
evolving- in the grand scheme of things, I am very new at this photography thing. I've been taking photos since I was a young teen but I've only recently learned about the technical side of everything. As with any artist (or human being for that matter) I am always learning and always discovering new things that will make me better. I think my "style" is not locked into any one category. I'm sort of all over the map and frankly, I like it that way. I want to be versatile and never afraid to try new and scary things.
3. What sparked your passion for photography?
My father. He had an old canon camera that he used to take pictures when I was a child and he loved to experiment with composition. He was never a professional photographer, but he certainly had a natural "eye" for what would make a great photo. When I was a young girl, I got my first camera for Christmas and couldn't stop taking pictures. When my father passed away, I inherited his camera. Since then, I've done quite a bit of upgrading but my Dad's old 35mm Canon will always be my most prized piece of equipment.
4. What's in your camera bag right now?
My (new and improved) Canon, of course. I also have my 85mm fixed lens, my "nifty fifty" 50mm, and 75-300mm zoom lens. I also carry extra cards, extra batteries, business cards, and what photographer doesn't carry bubbles and lollypops in their bag?! ;P
5. What is your dream shoot or project?
I would love to do a big styled fantasy shoot. One where I could have a huge wardrobe to choose from and be able to create fantastic art pieces from the photos. I'm a big fan of Jessica Drossin and her artistic photo creations. Oh what fun!
6. What are some of the misconceptions you had about photography and photographers at the beginning of your photography journey? Have they changed, and how?
My biggest misconception was concerning pricing. I thought photographers made an exorbitant amount of money based on my experiences with professional photos. It seemed so expensive and I couldn't see why. Now I certainly do! I have noticed how quickly things add up, how quickly you can lose profit, and how much time it can take to complete the entire process.
7. What advice would you give to newbie photographers? What advice do you wish you'd been given at the very beginning?
I really don't feel qualified to give anyone advice. Lol. The biggest thing I've learned is accept constructive criticism with grace. Look at the work of others and pick out what it is you like about it. Experiment. Take risks. And don't do it for the money. Do it for the art.
Way to go Jamie...Good Stuff!!!
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