Sunday, August 4, 2013

Interview with the stupendous, Seija Kenn!!

TODAY, WE HAVE THE PLEASURE OF LEARNING MORE ABOUT MISS SEIJA KENN!! 

How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

I am very easy going, up-for-anything, genuine, self confident person.  I'm a pretty straight shooter, but tries not to be offensive in leaving out the sugar coating on my words.  I'm also extremely practical, a bit thrifty (okay, just plain cheap) and very logical lady.  


What sparked your passion for Photography?

Truth be told, I need to be extensively involved in both things academic and creative to be balanced in life.  About 2 years ago, after having my daughter, I realized I needed to buy a 'real' camera.  I needed to document these years of our life better.  I needed a new creative outlet.  And heavens knows I needed another expensive hobby.  (hehehe)  I had taken B&W photography in college and knew I'd love getting into it, but was pretty hesitant, because I knew I'd get way into it.  I did clickin mom trial week (free) twice before I plunged because I know I'd spend way to much time on that website if I joined and want to spend way too much money.  I was right, but I don't regret it.  


What’s in your camera bag?

Nikon D7000.  I have 35mm 1.8G and 85mm 1.8G lenses.  I also have two old sigma lens from my film camera in college- the equivalent of the kit lens and kit tele zoom (70-300) but really only use these for the macro feature every once in a while.  They just don't compare in quality to my Nikon primes.


What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

Nikon D5100 with the kit lens.  I just sold that to a coworker to upgrade to my D7000.  I'd love to go FF someday, but it'll be a bit until I can justify that purchase.


If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?
Hands down my 85.  I love that lens.  I want a FF camera so I can have a little more space with it, but it's still my favorite.  


What advice would you give your “just starting out self”?

I feel like I am still my 'just starting out self' but I would say to invest in education before equipment.  It takes a little knowledge to know what you need/want and I think makes you grow faster when you know a little something before buying really expensive equipment. 

Biggest “Wow, what was I thinking?!” edit fiasco?
I've never been much into tons of editing, so I think my biggest editing fiasco is not editing at all!  

Current Photog crush?
I actually don't spend a lot of time looking at other people's work aside from what I see posted from you ladies so I'm not sure I like when photography looks effortless.  I like people who do that.  :)  

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?
um...I don't really know...

Describe your style in 3 words.
Clean. Genuine. Natural. at least that's what I want it to be. :)

Best photography purchase? Worst?

Best: Clickin mom membership and classes.  
Worst: I tend to over-reasearch purchases, so most of my regret is from not buying earlier.  I bought a camera bag off etsy though.  I don't love it.  It's just not me- too cute and not practical enough.  It barely holds my stuff and it uncomfortable to tote around.   

Any Photography related Goals for 2013?

I really want to take my photos from 'mom with camera takes snapshots around the house' to intentional shots that are frameworthy.  I'm on my way, but realized I really have a lot more to learn.  I feel like I'm just starting to have a vision of a shot and be able to execute it, rather than shoot a like mad and say a prayer.  I hope by New Years I'll be totally done with the shoot like mad stage. 








What’s your most recent “Ah HA!” moment related to photography?
I was reading something about the quality and direction of light when I realized, that's what I'm missing!  I don't always see this until after I take the photo, I'm not sure how to learn to see this either... Ah ha- i must take a class.  :)


Biggest Photography related insecurity?
Trying to do creative edits.  No clue as to what I'm doing or why if I try one.  

What kind of Camera bag do you rock?
That dumb Etsy one.  I'm thinking of a Crumpler one (used, because I'm cheap, remember?)  Not cute, but I think more practical.  

What do you think your next photography related investment will be?
Can I give you a list?  :)  I'm planning on taking more classes, starting with Intro to Natural Light in September.  I'd like to take another class or two after that, but I'm not sure what the best fit will be yet.  I'd also really like to try an ultrawide lens.  I think I could really get into landscape photography and would like to give it a try.  I also want a new camera bag...sigh, the list goes on.  

If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs, what would that be?
A reason to want to take pictures.  That's it. Well, probably a camera too. :)


What would you say your biggest muse is?
probably my daughter.  I love toddler-hood and want to preserve it best I can while still encouraging her to grow.  I'm sure my son will be next up as my muse, but he's a little small yet.

Are you in or plan to be in business?
nope, no plans either.  

Favorite Color: 
green

Favorite food or recent yummy recipe? (Link?) 
I love to eat.  Cookies are good.  As is fruit.  I'm pretty much just into anything with high sugar content- refined or natural.  

Biggest guilty pleasure:
facebook with you ladies and surfing CM

Pet Peeve:
people with feelings of entitlement

Current favorite song?
all i listen to is kids music, i swear...  not sure

What did you want to be when you grew up?
this changed weekly but an author or artist was usually pretty high on the list































One thing no one knows about you is:
I throw pottery.  I actually have a full pottery studio in my garage, wheel, kiln, glazes, the works.  I had multiple miscarriages before our daughter was born, this was my therapy.  I sold my pottery at local shows and fairs.  I love doing it, but it's a lot of time, so I look forward to returning to that when my kids are a little bigger.  (told you I don't need more expensive hobbies) (photo from long ago...)
Maple Leaf Dripping Green Mug

Pc or Mac:
MAC

Lightroom Or Photoshop:
lightroom.  I don't have photoshop... :(

If you could travel anywhere it would be:
Finland.  It's where my dad's family is from.  

Favorite photo ever taken

Raw or Jpeg:
Raw.  I need the ability to fix everything I mess up after I click the shutter!

Favorite Quote:
....er....um....

Most valued material possession:
my photos? 

Coffee or Tea:
coffee 

If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?
The newest little prince- I'd take a crappy picture and still sell it for millions.



***And because I LOVE Inside The Actor’s Studio:
What is your favorite word?
inspire

What is your least favorite word?
...???...

What turns you on?
brown eyes and loose curls

What turns you off?
bad attitude

What sound do you love?
my daughters laughter

What sound do you hate?
nails on chalkboard

What is your favorite curse word?
shit

What profession other than yours (and photographer) would you like to attempt?
hum...blogger- is that even a profession?

What profession would you not like to do?
deal with stock market- yuck

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
welcome.  you did good kid, you did good.

1 comment:

  1. Loved reading about you Seija! As a former art major who failed miserably in Ceramics class (could not throw a good pot to save my life), I think it is really great that you are able to do that!

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