Please welcome Becky Ridlon of Studio Bliss Photography to our blog!
Tell us a little about you and what got you into photography..
Beyond being a photographer and a horse lover, most importantly I am the mother of a truly handsome boy who fills my heart everyday with the warmth of his purity and the thought of him becoming something great and to a stunningly beautiful baby girl that makes me smile and warms my heart every time I look at her. I am the significant to a man I feel I don’t deserve, whom always puts me first. I am a friend to some I have known and trusted as long as I can remember; who have supported and cheered me on each step of the way. I am a daughter, sister and aunt to a family and extended family I love more than words can say.
I wouldn’t say I stumbled upon the love of photography… it is in my blood!! My Father was an artist and a photographer. He had captured many great portraits of us at a young age. I can also attribute some of it to the photography classes in high school I had taken using my dads old Cannon film camera to capture landscapes, horses and local architecture – developing each roll of film and creating my own prints in a dark room. This is still something I would like to get back in to, you know that sort of “hands on photography” like a scene out of one of my favorite movies, Hope Floats!
I too like many asked for a DSLR as a gift for a special occasion, which was my 30th birthday! This day will now not only mark a milestone; but, the day I was able to start an incredible journey of digital portrait photography and turning my then hobby into a business, fruitful for my family and I. It is truly the best job in the world & I wouldn’t have it any other way!!!
What’s your favorite thing to photograph?
I {semi} jokingly say my stunningly beautiful daughter, as she is my favorite client – with her remarkable blue eyes and uber pinch-able cheeks. I am in awe of the images I have been blessed to capture of her. In all honesty though I am still trying to decide my true niche in this industry and narrow my collections to a specific type. If I had to choose just one at this moment it would be Senior Portraits. Seniors are young, flawless, fun, energetic & eager to share. I feel my senior sessions go smoothly and my results are always so rousing.
Which photographer are you most inspired by right now? Who did you stalk this morning?
I Facebook stalk a bunch of my favorite photographers on the regular; however, there are a select few that keep me captivated with their work with every image!
Beth {a} Dilly Photography is a huge fave of mine, her work is so consistent with such a light and airy feel that I just love. For some reason or another this gal’s work inspires me literally everyday!
Crystal Madsen is a local photographer, some might say she’s the competition but I do not view it that way. Her work has taught me so much… I might even say her work was perhaps the reason I decided to create a business here in Spokane, WA. She has a huge client base capturing mostly Senior Portraits but eases into Wedding and Family Portraits impeccably. Her business model made me realize the endless possibilities of this career, even in a smaller city with many portrait photographers. I really look up to her!
A new favorite of mine is Park Road Photography by Sarah Elle if I were ever going to flourish, as a wedding photographer a style similar to this would be it. Country Chic with a Matte finish, all I can say is… Swoon!!!!!
What’s the number one piece of advice to a photographer at any level?
Though I still have just begin my journey and do not feel I have the adequate amount of experience to be offering others advice; I believe editing to be a large hurdle and one of the things that needs serious attention. It can be the biggest strength or the biggest weakness in images. This is more like a pep talk to myself; however, maybe others can learn from my thoughts as well. Cropping, exposure, highlights, warmth, actions, overlays, to matte or not to matte, the list goes on and on. You can spend an exorbitant amount of money on equipment {full frame bodies, lenses, OFC/lighting etc.} but I have learned “business wise” setting your self apart and creating a consistent and finished looking product is key to making you stand out and this is where the editing really comes into play. I am continually striving to produce consistent looking images with my editing to maintain this so called style & professional feel to my product! I encourage others to really hone in on this skill as well – it really is such a fairly inexpensive & easy way to create even more stunning photos.
Thank you Becky! Check back next Wednesday for our next fabulous artist! ~ Ellie
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