Dawn Potter Photography

Hello all!

Please say Hi to Dawn of Dawn Potter Photography!

Tell us a little about you and what got you into photography Dawn..

I’m a stay at home mom to four children.  Oddly enough, staying at home makes me busier than I ever was when I was working full time out of the house.  The best part of raising my kids is the ability to pursue a passion of mine while being actively involved in their lives.  I was given my first DSLR camera just a little over two years ago.  And for about a year, I only used it for personal things.  I took photos of my nieces when they were born, and while there were a million things I did wrong, I knew immediately that I loved doing it. I spent months studying and learning the art and safety of newborn photography.  I studied the business side of things and made plans to open my own newborn photography business.  I converted a room in my home into a newborn photography studio. And when I was ready to get started, I took the necessary steps to establish my business legally.  I have been in business just over a year now and I have to admit, I feel like I have found my calling in life;  I have never been happier than I am now.

What is your favourite thing to photograph?

 Newborns. Newborns. Newborns.  Head and shoulders above everything else, I absolutely adore photographing babies in their first 2 weeks of life.  I could literally cry just talking about it.  There is something unbelievably special about having the ability to capture those memories for their families.  They grow so fast, and their appearance changes so quickly.  When a mom and dad select me to photograph their baby, I feel honored and privileged that they are trusting me with the most important thing in the world. It is truly such a gift.

Which photographer are you most inspired by right now? Who did you stalk this morning?

I have several photographer crushes, but a couple who I completely admire and look up to for different reasons.  One is Kelly Brown of Little Pieces Photography.  The way that she is with babies and parents is one thing that I really love about her.  Her work, of course is breathtaking as well.  The natural newborn look and the organic feel to her images speaks for itself.  The other photographer whom I admire is Julia Kelleher.  That woman is so freaking smart when it comes to business and thriving in a competitive market.  She is an amazing teacher and mentor and I’ve learned so much from her.  She has been a huge positive influence in my business and it’s success. Another really great thing about Julia is that she has an entire store of business tools that she offers to photographers to help them succeed as well.

What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer at any level?

 My number one piece of advice to other photographers: Work your ass off.  I am still so new in this industry and I’m constantly learning and tweaking my business to make it better.  If you’re not growing, you’re dying!  It takes a lot of hard work; blood, sweat and tears.  I have worked my butt off to get where I am today and I will continue to work my butt off because I am determined to be successful.  I’m pursuing my life’s greatest passion and my dedication is what is going to move me closer to my goals.

Thank you so much Dawn! Check back next week for our next IMIB Friends feature! ~ Ellie

Soul Threading

Please welcome Stacey of Soul Threading!

Stacey is an incredibly talented lady with an eye for capturing the beauty in everything around here.

Tell us a little about you…

I love our church, God is numero uno. I love observing the changes and wonder in our children. I love coffee, dark chocolate, tacos, cashews, fresh strawberries, crackers and brie and apples, summer rolls, food… I LOVE FOOD. Sewing, laughing with friends and going on dates with the hubs, playing guitar and singing out, praying and soaking in quiet time. Being Still. Then again, I LOVE to travel. I yearn to learn more of my surroundings and when opportunities arise to gain wisdom and awareness, I usually jump on it.

Chicago is my hometown, so I’m still very much a city girl. I miss the scene a ton. That’s where my side of the family lives, so it’s great when we can grab gigs up there. We… my husband and two kiddos + two pups, have now been living in Gainesville, FL. for going on about 4 years now. We really love it here, it’s a pretty big change from up north, yet the melting pot of people that live here reminds me of it often.

While the hub is at work, I stay at home with the kids, one is 8 months old and the other is {now} 7 years old. Our daughter is being homeschooled, so I am really grateful that I can spend time with both of them during the day, while also getting client work done and pursuing a photography career.

Is there an avenue/style or subject you would like to take your photography down that you don’t currently do? 

 I’d love to learn studio lights more. Thinking about renting out a space, it’s all in the beginning thought processes though.

Are there days where you don’t feel like picking your camera up? If so, how do you get out of that funk? 

 Oh yes, definitely. Most of the time, it is just finding that sweet light. The morning or evening light, finding a subject with texture to photograph, and voila… there it is. That love starts stirring up all over again. Sometimes that isn’t available or the funk has you paralyzed, so if the process seems stressful, I stop and peruse the web for inspirational artists. This community has so many encouraging minds, it would be hard not to find a pick me up.

Canon or Nikon? 

I shoot with a Canon mark II. Not sure if I can say that I prefer it more than Nikon though, because I have never used Nikon. 😉

What is top of your photography wish list? 

 Canon mark III // there are quite a few features on the mark III, that i wish i had on the mark II.

 

Do you have a favourite photographer? If so, who? 

 Annie Leibovitz

Where do you see yourself and your work in 5 or 10 years time?

 Well, this is a good exercise that I should work on…. I am not quite sure. Studio space, assistants, traveling, oldest child graduating high school {AH! ok im done thinking that far ahead haha}

Are you a Photoshop or Lightroom girl? 

 Photoshop was ALWAYS my go to, now it is pretty evenly spread. Lightroom is really great for the quick edits, and photoshop is great for further edits.

 

Show us one of your favourite photo’s and tell us why it is so…

my grams. this was right before she passed, so that in itself makes it special. the light is so peaceful here, and her expression is perfect…. she was a wise woman so her eyes being closed {mid-blink} presents her personality very well.

 

What is your favourite ‘go to’ lens? 

 85 or 28. really depends on what im shooting.

 

How would you describe your photography style? 

 Raw and genuine. Or at least that is what I am typically attracted to and what I want to portray.

What is your most valued piece of advice for a new photographer?

 Once you stop comparing yourself to others, is when you’ll really start to bloom. Embracing and focusing on your style is where it’s at. The 365 project really helped me here. I am actually not posting that project anymore, but the 365 is still very much apart of my routine. It was just too much for me to keep up with as far as posting. When things aren’t effortless, I tend to find a different route if it is available.

 Also, if there is someone you really look up to. Tell them! Find a mentor even, get over the hump and ask them questions. The worst that can happen is that they’re not available, but most of the time it is a gift in itself to serve another person when they need some help. So if you want to grow, find those that you admire and pick their brain. This has helped me many times. I still do it.

Thank you so much Stacey!

Allyson Wasmund Photography

Today we say Hi to Ally of Allyson Wasmund Photography!

Tell us a little about you and what got you into photography.
I am a wife and mother of two living in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I currently stay home with the kiddos and have a part-time family photography business. I love being outside, preferably barefoot. My favourite time of year is autumn and I am a huge coffee lover. I got into photography when I received my first camera around the age of 10. There was just something about snapping memories that had me hooked. I remember spending countless hours as a child looking through my photograph collection that I kept in a shoe box.

What’s your favourite thing to photograph?
Right now my favourite thing is connection. And if I can capture connection in pretty light, it totally makes me smile.

Which photographer are you most inspired by right now.. who did you stalk this morning?
I do my share of artist stalking for sure. There is so much talent out there right now! My favourite at the moment is Megan Hassold. Not only does she create beautiful images {with crazy beautiful light}, she is also one of the most supportive photographers in our community right now. She’s amazing.

What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer or any level?
Find a support system within the Facebook photography community. It can be a very lonely place but when you have people there to encourage you and have your back, it makes the journey so much more worthwhile.

Lindsey Bramlett Photography

Please welcome Lindsey of Lindsey Bramlett Photography to our blog!

Tell us a little about you and what got you into photography..

I started to love photography a young age. For me, its all about memories. I love being able to capture those little moments that will never happen again. I started out carrying a small point and shoot when I was about 14 and my love just grew from there.

What’s your favourite thing to photograph?

I love to photograph nature. There is always something beautiful out there if you just look around and see what’s there.

 

Which photographer are you most inspired by right now.. who did you stalk this morning?

I have SO many that I am inspired by. But I love seeing posts by Holly Awwad of Holly Nicole Photography. I love how she captures her daughters and how she uses colour and black and white. Her pictures are always amazing!

What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer or any level?

Take your time and learn at your own pace. I have been self taught and learning for so many years now. Its always nice to be able to look back at your old pictures and be able to notice how much you have grown and gotten better over time with what you have been able to learn.

Krissy Breece Photography

Please welcome Krissy Breece of Krissy Breece Photography to our blog!

Tell us a little about you and what got you into photography…

I am a mom to two crazy kids & a wife to an amazing husband that believes in me more than I do sometimes.

I have always been attracted to all kinds of art, but it wasn’t until college that I found photography (thank goodness because I was failing miserably as a business major!)  I had big plans to graduate and work for a magazine, but that all changed when my precious baby girl, Makaila arrived. Up until that point I was an assistant manager in a generic portrait studio in a local mall and while I loved going to work each day, I have never felt so creatively blocked in my life. I was lucky enough to not have to return to work after my future muse arrived and slowly began capturing Miss Makaila’s daily accomplishments. Like a lot of mothers turned photographers, my inspiration came from my baby girl’s curiosity for the world and excitement for life. I graduated college & realized that my priorities and goals had changed. I slowly had more and more friends & family ask me to take some pictures for them. It wasn’t until about two years ago when my husband’s job relocated us from New Jersey to New England that I decided to make a career out of my passion. I bounced the idea off my husband (with a lot of hesitation) & was relieved that he was nothing but supportive.

Two cameras and another child later here I am, living my dream. I love capturing family dynamics & children in their own element. I crave bright, natural light & colors. I have learned that I tend to like my pictures a bit overexposed and soft, mostly because I think it gives a magical feel to them. My main goal is to keep improving. I know I have come a long way in the last two years and an even a longer way since college. I tend to learn more about myself each time I take out my camera. Luckily as mother there are always going to be moments to capture & memories to make so I will always be practicing & improving. I am just so blessed I found the one thing (other than being a mother & wife) that makes me truly happy & fulfilled.

What’s your favorite thing to photograph?

That would absolutely be my children, but any children at that. They have such natural expressions… whether it is happy or sad- you can’t fake their emotions. I love everything about a child in their own element, doing their own thing.

Which photographer are you most inspired by right now.. who did you stalk this morning?

My new inspiration is Kimberly Walla Photography.  I absolutely LOVE her images. They are beautiful, heartfelt & totally have that light & airy style I strive for and love.

What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer or any level?

To be true to yourself and your art. Photography is a huge community and there are a lot of trendy techniques to try and experiment with, but you want your art to represent you. I tell myself this every day because it is so easy to get wrapped up into what other photographers are doing. A great picture doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to make you feel something. And for me as a photographer, that will always be enough!

Krissy Breece Photography / http://www.krissybreecephotography.com

Thank you so much Krissy! ~ Ellie

 

DMX Photography

Please welcome Deanndra to the blog!

Tell us a little about you and what got you into photography..
Hello I am DMX! Photographer by day, rapper by night. Haha no, but in all seriousness, I totally didn’t realize there was a rapper with my name. I just happened to have really awesome initials and it leaves no imagination for a cool photography name. I don’t have a way with words, all my “talking skills” go into my pictures. Or at least I hope so ;). What really jump started my passion for photography would be the film class I took in high school with my strong desire to be a national geographic photographer! I didn’t want to photograph families or functions. Funny how things change.

What’s your favourite thing to photograph?
Families are my all time favourite! It’s what I am known for! I love the unexpected, chaotic fun that each session brings to the table! Am I going to get a super happy child? Or am I going to get a kiddo(s) who has me Jumping up and down making funny noises and faces?! Family sessions are always an adventure…and a good workout too!

Which photographer are you most inspired by right now.. who did you stalk this morning?
There are soooo many photographers who inspire me. But the one I stalk often (this morning) and made me realize how my pictures can be so much more would be Annie from Paint the Moon. Talk about major inspiration. It would be a dream come true to meet her in real life. Future goals in the making here!

What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer or any level?
Do the impossible! Never let anyone dull your sparkle!!! Never let a client, person or another photographer determine your worth. If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough! Recently I made a huge change in my business by switching to in person sales (IPS). Everyone told me I couldn’t do it. They said I wouldn’t book because I was too expensive, and guess what? I booked! Yup, and I am already almost completely booked for the WHOLE ENTIRE YEAR. I am the most expensive photographer in my area and I provide a luxurious and unique experience to all my clients that they absolutely love! My clients have been amazing! Over and over again I keep getting compliments and letters of appreciation like this https://www.facebook.com/DmxPhotography/posts/838129936261104 To keep hearing over and over that I am worth it, is an unbelievable and amazing feeling! Don’t let your area scare you either! There are more photographers than I can count here and I am rocking it! This is my first year making a profit and actually providing for my family! Know what you want out of your photography. Set goals and do whatever it takes to reach them and go beyond them!

Tracy Botica Photography

Please welcome Tracy of Tracy Botica Photography to our blog!

Please tell us a little about you and what got you into photography..

I first got into photography doing conceptual self portraits as I loved the idea that you could create and tell a story within your images.  Since having my two little boys I have shifted into children’s portraits which I absolutely love.  There is nothing quite like the world through a child’s eyes.

What is your favourite thing to photograph?

My favourite things to photography are my two little boys! They give me endless inspiration.  I do look forward to growing my business though and capturing special moments for lots of little people and their families!

Which photographer are you most inspired by right now…who did you stalk this morning?

One of my favourite photographers at the moment is Elena Shumilova Photography.  Her images are just so beautiful and I love her processing!

What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer at any level?

My number one piece of advice to all photographers would  probably be just to always look for the beauty in the most ordinary of things/places because it is always there waiting to be found.

 Ever get into a photo funk? What brings you out of it if so?

I definitely have times of doubting myself and feeling like I’m not improving or growing as fast as I want to. I have found that forcing myself to do things I would normally shy away from like shooting at midday in full sun (aaagh lol) or experimenting with different lenses helps bring back the excitement.

What is top of your photography wish list?

It is my aim to one day earn a full time living from my photography. I am a big dreamer and have dreams of one day having an image appear on a book cover, and there are so many photographers I love that I would love to one day meet! In terms of equipment I would looove to get a nice camera bag one day, and I would love to try a lensbaby!

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years time?

Still loving my photography, making a living and striving to be better every single day…and having lots of family photography trips with my husband and two boys who have the photography bug too

Photoshop or lightroom?

Photoshop. I’ve actually never tried Lightroom. There is so much to learn, I don’t think I will ever discover all the amazing things it’s capable of.

www.tracyboticaphotography.com

Thank you Tracy! Pop back next week for our next featured artist! ~ Ellie

Show us YOU!

“Show us you!” A mini challenge for Friends of IMIB!

We asked some friends of IMIB to play along in a fun little challenge to create some eye candy for you all!

We asked them all to create a ‘profile/portrait’ if you will, of themselves! BUT NO SELFIES were allowed! We asked them to produce an image of A collection of Items that show what they are all about! That show us their personality, their likes… what fills their time… We asked them to “Be creative.. and as always think outside the box!”

The idea stemmed from lovely Cindy Of Charming Hearts Photography (and one of the boss ladies from Inspire me ,Inspired be) who had captured this of her sons belongings.. We thought it was a perfect example to express what we wanted from our friends even thought it wasn’t about Cindy herself.

 I took this picture of all the stuff that was at the time spread out in a mess all over the kitchen. To me it is like a portrait of my 7 yr old and what he is all about without him actually being in the picture. This is him, his legos, pokemon cards, minecraft, comics, and Captain Underpants books.

They of course did us proud.. Check out their images below….

Andrew Porter Images
RJN Photography Lindsey Bramlett photography Shannon Kathleen Photograpy Carrie Purdham Photography StudioBliss Photography 2B Seen Photgraphy Rene Hermosillo Photography Life by Danie

Joanna Szymanska

Lacey Newman Photography

Jen Dzen Photography

Charming Hearts Photography

DaMariposa Photography

Crystal Raynard Photography

This was a just for fun game but if its something you feel inspired by to try out for yourselves, feel free to post your creation to our Facebook wall so we can leave you some love!

Enjoy! ~ Ellie

Fotografie Chantal van den Dool

Please say Hi to the lovely Chantal of Fotografie by Chantal van den Dool, 

Chantal is a girl after my own heart with her passion for lensbaby and macro photography!

Tell us a little about you and what got you into photography..

I’m 34 years old, married and live in a little town in the Netherlands. I’m a dog trainer and boarding kennel owner and started photography a few years back with the thought that I wanted to be a dog photographer. I bought my first DSLR camera in 2010, a Nikon D3000, and started with a workshop to learn how to use it. That helped me a bit and than I saw on Facebook “Click it up a Notch”. Never heard of it and I was new on FB. They started a 365 project and I joined the group and started my first 365 project on the 1st of November 2013. Since that day I ‘m shooting every single day and I’m now doing my second 365. In 2013 I bought my second camera, A Nikon D7000.

I’m still searching for my own style and learning new things every day.. And dogs and horses… yes sometimes they are in front of my lens and I love it, but the main thing that I do now is macro photography. I had never thought that this kind of photography gives me so much pleasure. I really love to bring these little details big on my screen and see the gorgeous things that no one saw before. I love to capture flowers and nature in a different way.

Lensbaby is my passion, I barely use the other lenses. Lensbaby gives me a lot of creativity and options.

What’s your favourite thing to photograph?

This is a hard one… I love to photograph dogs, horses, kids and flowers. I don’t want to choose… Photographing dogs, horses and kids is fun, you always get different things and it’s really nice to see that they have their own mind and that I have to do everything for this one and only perfect shot. Flowers and Nature give me peace and creativity.

Which photographer are you most inspired by right now.. who did you stalk this morning?

There are a lot of artist that I really like and I’m looking forward every day to see new photos on Facebook of them. Kelly Elliot from Salty Air Creactions is one of them.  She has such a  beautiful style and I love her use of light and her moods in the livestock photos.

Another one is Christine Kapuschinsky Johnson from Kapuschinsky Photography. The use of light and shadows are amazing and I love the B&W photos. And of course I can’t forget her… Justyna Butler from Justyna E Butler Photography… look at her page… do I need to say more? I just love her Lensbaby Photos!

What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer or any level?

Don’t compare yourself to others, stay and be yourself, do what you like, not what other people like, be awesome in what you do and learn from it every single moment!

http://www.fotografie-chantal.com

Love Chantal van den Dool from Fotografie Chantal van den Dool.

Thanks for sharing with us Chantal! ~ Ellie

RJN Photography

Please welcome Rebecca Newell to the blog!

Tell us a little about you and what got you into photography..

Hi, my name is Beck, from RJN Photography.  I am a thirty-five year old wife and stay at home mum of four (13, 11, 6 & 1), living in Adelaide, South Australia.  I’m a self-confessed Facebook addict, I love people, and I love putting together awesome parties for my kids.  I have a keen eye for detail, and I’m an absolute perfectionist!  I also suffer from Fibromyalgia, so life is definitely full of ups and downs.

My love for photography was born when my mother gave me a 35mm point and shoot film camera, when I went on a holiday to stay with my grand aunt when I was eight.  Since then, I don’t think I’ve ever been without a camera of some kind, be it film, disc, or digital.  My grand aunt had a huge impact on my love for photography.  That same visit, she showed me lots of her amazing travel slides, and taught me that your subject doesn’t have to be looking at the camera saying “cheese”!  A photograph can be far more interesting, if your subject is actually DOING something!

I first discovered the beautiful depth of field that can only come from an SLR camera, when I borrowed my father’s film SLR when I was fifteen.  It was LOVE!  I don’t quite know why I waited so long, but I FINALLY bought my very own DSLR camera in September last year!  Two months later I was taking portraits of friends of friends, and since then I have started a small Facebook photography business.

What’s your favourite thing to photograph?

People!  Portrait, lifestyle, documentary…in every stage of life.  I love capturing the connection between human beings – and between human beings and the world around them.  Whether it be my own children, or clients at a shoot, I love to find the heart of what is happening and try to capture that.  The good moments, and the bad.

Which photographer are you most inspired by right now.. who did you stalk this morning? (Please add a link for said artist)

I’m taking part in Erin Hensley’s “finding the light” 365, and I just find her work so inspiring.  She is so gifted when it comes to photographing in different kinds of light, and her images are so powerful (her free-lensing is swoon-worthy!)  She photographs the day-to-day in a way that really tells a story and captures the emotion so beautifully.

I really want to do more newborn photography, and I’ve been watching a lot of You Tube videos by Kelly Brown.  She is so amazing, not only in her technique with little ones, but with how generous she is with what she shares with the internet community (for free).  My own newborn photography is going to be more documentary-style, but I am learning A LOT from watching her.  

What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer or any level?

Take a risk!  Jump in!  I was taking photos of people I’d never met before two months after I purchased my first DSLR!  I just backed myself and went for it!  You are better than you think you are!  Submit your photos on Facebook.  Throw yourself into a 365 or 52, and POST your photos.  Be brave enough to ask for constructive criticism.  Launch that business you’ve been thinking of starting.  Extend yourself to that new technique you’ve been thinking of exploring.  Find the type of photography that really brings out your passion, shoot every day, share with others, and just go for it!