Interview with.................sweet Melissa Peters

How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

I love all things artistic (DIY projects are my favorite ;)). I am detail oriented, a people pleaser, and genuine. More than anything, I love my family, my friends, and my God.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

As mentioned above, I love creative things and finding beauty in simple places. I will always be the first in my family to say, “Wow, check out that beautiful sunset!” Realizing that I can save these simple moments in time with photography has driven me to learn more and more. I want to remember things just as they are…I want to capture each phase of my family’s life…I want to tell real-life stories with my photos.

What’s in your camera bag?

Nikon d800

50mm 1.8g

85mm 1.8g

Expodisc (which I must learn how to use! J)

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

My first DSLR was a good ol’ Nikon d40. Before that was my precious point and shoot. Can’t remember the brand, but man did I love that thing at the time!! J

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?

Currently, my Nikon 85! I do LOVE that delicious creamy bokeh! (One day I’d love to add a 35 1.4 to my bag-I have a feeling this could become a new favorite for me as I find myself swooning over those awesome wider shots too.)

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

Take it day by day & don’t get too overwhelmed. Just practice lots & learn one concept at a time. (I tend to want to learn it all at once! ;)) Patience is key!

Biggest “Wow, what was I thinking?!” edit fiasco?

Skin tones! This is something I didn’t even think about in my editing before. While I am still learning about this oh so important concept, I feel like I am slowly starting to see it more than used to. I now look at my old photos (ahem…I mean just a few months or weeks old photos?!)and wonder, “Wow, what was I thinking!” Still on this journey!;)

Current Photog crush?

hmmmm….I have so many, but here’s just a few! <3 Jose Villa, Jennifer Blair & KT Merry (wedding photographers). Punch Photographic, Tyler Branch & Molly Flannagan (recently learned about the last 2 via CM) Their real-life lifestyle approach is AMAZING!!

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?

Both of my Grandpa’s…unfortunately I never got to meet either one of them. How amazing it would be to be able to spend time together and take their photos.

Describe your style in 3 words.

I would love for it to be…

Timeless.

Real.

Authentic.

 

Best photography purchase? Worst?

Best: joining CM! (And meeting you all!!!) Seriously, you ladies are the greatest inspiration and motivation ever. And of course all of the amazing learning opportunities CM has to offer. (Tutorials, workshops etc.)

Worst: probably my PTM actions as I haven’t really used them much and they did cost a pretty penny!

Any Photography related Goals for 2013?

Shoot more often & shoot with intention (instead of just shooting and shooting away). I would love to take some of the creativity classes & train my eye to see things in a whole new way…in hopes of developing and refining my “style” J.

What’s your most recent “Ah HA!” moment related to photography?

Learning that my camera actually had a meter!!! I had NO IDEA that the little “ruler” looking thing in my viewfinder even existed AND had a purpose. When I learned this in the BDBC I was blown away! Made getting the right exposure so much easier! J

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

Taking photos in public…and even sometimes when I’m around extended family/friends. I’m afraid of being that “annoying” camera girl! lol I am really trying to get over this and stop worrying about what people think! J

What kind of Camera bag do you rock?

Currently- my purse! Yes, it actually (and thankfully) fits my camera inside! But, a camera bag is definitely on my wish list!!

What do you think your next photography related investment will be?

Planning on taking Intro to Natural Light workshop in October! Anyone else here doing that too?! And of course…the 35mm 1.4 <3

If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs, what would that be?

Vision

What would you say your biggest muse is?

My husband and my family. (I couldn’t have made it through BDBC without my DH; my faithful model & supporter;)) Family is the source of my inspiration.

 

Are you in or plan to be in business?

Not currently! But, you know how they say, “Never say never!” So, who knows what the future may hold. My goal has always been to learn photography so that I can take memorable images of my family’s life. (Especially once we have kids JJ!!)

 

Favorite Color:

Sea-foam blue

Favorite food or recent yummy recipe?

Guacamole!!!

Biggest guilty pleasure:

Spending time on the computer (Specifically Facebook & other photography related sitesJ)

Pet Peeve:

People who don’t use their blinkers

Current favorite song?

I walked down the aisle to “Can’t help falling in love”…that song will always be one of my favorites.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher…as a little girl, I would set up school in our garage and teach my younger brother and sister “just for fun”. I even made them memorize their first book and had them recite it to my mom! I was so proud ;) haha

One thing no one knows about you is:

I am a vegetarian…love me some fruit and veggies. Okay, love me some cheese too!;)

Pc or Mac:

Mac

Lightroom Or Photoshop:

Lightroom

If you could travel anywhere it would be:

Goodness, there are so many places that I’d love to go! But the first one that always pops in my mind is Portugal. This is where my mom’s family is from.  

Favorite photo ever taken

Raw or Jpeg:

Raw

Favorite Quote:

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

Audrey Hepburn

Most valued material possession:

My camera! J

Coffee or Tea:

Coffee

If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?

Will and Kate (Yes Cheryl Furlong, I sometimes secretly wish I was British! ;)) 

***And because I LOVE Inside The Actor’s Studio:

What is your favorite word?

LOVE

What is your least favorite word?

Diarrhea (yuck!)

What turns you on?

My husbands blue eyes

What turns you off?

Bad Breath

What sound do you love?

When my husband says “I love you”

What sound do you hate?

The sound of people chewing when I’m not

What is your favorite curse word?

Not much of a curser

What profession other than yours (and photographer) would you like to attempt?

Being a mommy!! ;) One day, one day!

What profession would you not like to do?

Being the President

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Well done my precious daughter. I am SO glad you are here. Welcome home.

Interview with...........................the awesome Jana O'Flaherty!

How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

This question is tough!  I would say that I am over-sensitive and do my best to avoid conflict, but I am fiercely protective of my husband and children and will not hesitate to stand up for them.  I have an intense desire for things to be neat and orderly (I don't like visual clutter) but my tendency to procrastinate is at odds with that.  I often freeze up on the spot and get embarrassed very easily (thus the difficulty in bringing my camera everywhere with me!) but go to great lengths to ensure my daughter grows up strong and confident as well as kind.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

My dad has always loved photography and we grew up surrounded by slides and photos.  I always had a camera (film) growing up and still love looking at all those pictures.  My husband gave me my first dslr (Nikon D60) the Christmas after our daughter was born.  I shot in auto (of course, didn't we all lol?) for a long time.  After our son was born 6 years later, I upgraded to a D7000, and shot with 'no flash' for a while until shortly before I found CM and started the class we all met in :)

What’s in your camera bag?

My dad loves to give me his old lenses (it would be super great if he gave me some that were actually good lol!) so I have a 50mm1.8 and a Tokina 28-70mm 2.8 macro that I never use, along with my D60 (which hubby uses now) with the kit lens and a 55-200mm, my D7000 that I need to sell, and my new-to-me D600 with an 85mm 1.8 and a 35mm 1.8 (dx).  I do have an expodisk I've yet to try, and an SB800 I need to learn as well.  I also have an old (like older than me) Olympus OM-2 which I am slowly learning again.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

If you don't count my old film cameras (can't tell you what they are lol) it would be my D60 and the 18-55 kit lens.

 

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?

I would have to say my 85mm now that I have the D600, but before that my 35mm lived on my D7000.  I think once I am able to buy the 35mm 1.4 for my new baby I will likely change that to my favourite.  I love the ability to get close when I want to, and to be able to take in more of the scene (especially since we live in a small house, in a city with a long, dark winter).

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

Just because your family and friends rave over you pics doesn't mean they are fantastic.  Step back, be objective and start learning.  Do not compare your work to the work of others; you have your own voice, your own style, your own intentions.  It isn't a race :)  (Wouldn't it be fantabulous if we could take our own advice?)

Biggest “Wow, what was I thinking?!” edit fiasco?

Hmmm, probably anything I edited in Picasa lol!  I look back now and can pick out sooo many flaws (focus?  well something is in focus but not my daughter's eyes!  white balance?  you mean grass doesn't glow green naturally?) but I love that I have all those moments.

Current Photog crush?

This is hard to narrow down.  I love Sarah Lalone and her way of shooting.  I love that she uses a documentary style and finds a place for all the little detail shots I've always taken but had no clue what to do with.  I love the crisp, clean shots that Lisa Tichane takes, and how she captures such amazing connections between her subjects.  Mickie DeVries, Tricia Ebarvia and several more of the cm pros give good eye candy too!

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?

Hands down my Gramma.  She died when I was about 12, and it broke my heart.  I would love the chance to take a picture of her with my kids, and to capture her and remember her for them.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Ugh - I was dreading this question!  I have no clue!   I want my style to be sharp, bright (not to be interpreted as over-processed) and emotive but I also would love to put out some dramatic, gritty, contrasty (is that a word?) b&w's.

Best photography purchase? Worst?

Besides my CM membership, I would say my 35mm 1.8 is my best photography purchase.  As for my worst, I would probably say any preset since I never, ever use them.

Any Photography related Goals for 2013?

Tons!  Hire a mentor, learn my speedlight, work out a more efficient workflow, perfect a clean edit and be satisfied with it, I'm sure I could go on and on lol.

What’s your most recent “Ah HA!” moment related to photography?

This is likely contradictory to what you hear all the time, but gear matters.  I struggled and struggled with my 85 and low light with my D7000, and noticed a huge difference with the D600.  Besides that, the BDBCE course really brought a lot of concepts home for me (white balance, exposure, etc|).

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

Another question that is so hard to answer.  I guess that my work will always be just ok, or snapshots instead of 'photographs.' 

What kind of Camera bag do you rock?

Sadly, none!  Occasionally I will toss it in the diaper bag.

What do you think your next photography related investment will be?

That is a toss up between a mentorship, a 35mm 1.4 and Sarah Lalone's class.  It will come down to timing and money :)

If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs, what would that be?

Patience?  I know for myself I am now finding it so hard to balance my love for other photographers' work, and being patient about my own growth.  I want to be good NOW and have these skills down pat NOW, and it's so hard to wait.

What would you say your biggest muse is?

That is almost as difficult to answer as the question about favourite photographer.  I am inspired by so many people - a lot of the work in our group is inspiring, and so many of the shots I see on CM.  If I had to choose one right now I would pick Sarah Lalone, but if you asked me tomorrow I would likely say someone else :)

Are you in or plan to be in business?

Definitely not in business now, and had no intention of going into business but am now reconsidering.

Favorite Color:

Aqua blue

Favorite food or recent yummy recipe? (Link?)

I love love love food and could never choose 1 favourite but I love sushi, greasy burgers and onion rings, a good lasagna and I can always eat a big bowl of pasta with homemade sauce. I make a killer prime rib and yorkshire pudding too :)

 A couple recipes that have been hits with me are:

http://morganmoore.typepad.com/one_more_moore/2008/08/makin-stuff.html

http://cookinupnorth.blogspot.ca/2011/07/cinnamon-roll-cake.html

http://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/taco-pizza/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/03/my_most_favorite_salad_ever_ever_ever_ever/

Biggest guilty pleasure:

Hmmm, sneaking away with a good book, or more likely the time I spend online.

Pet Peeve:

Arrogance (which leads to selfishness, rudeness, etc)

Current favorite song?

Good to You by Marianas Trench (but it is a few years old - too much kid music going on in my car!)

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher, and then a librarian

One thing no one knows about you is:

I never, ever thought I'd breastfeed after my son turned 1, but here we are and he will be 2 in 2 months and he still gets his 'bubbies' before bed lol.

Pc or Mac:

PC

Lightroom Or Photoshop:

Lightroom although I do have PSE

 If you could travel anywhere it would be:

Europe - Italy first, but also Ireland, Greece, Scotland

Favorite photo ever taken

Raw or Jpeg:

Raw

Favorite Quote:

"At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want." Lao Tzu  (This is something I need to remember more often.)

Most valued material possession:

My photos.

Coffee or Tea:

Coffee!

If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?

One of the Transformers, because my kids would lose their minds!

***And because I LOVE Inside The Actor’s Studio:

What is your favorite word? Mommy (my heart still melts when my kids say it - unless they are whining!)

What is your least favorite word? Vomit - just the word makes me gag

What turns you on? Scents - clean, soapy scents.

What turns you off? long nails on men

What sound do you love? The silence at the end of the day, my children laughing, my husband saying 'I love you'

What sound do you hate? Whining!

What is your favorite curse word?

I don't really have a favourite curse word and I try really hard to keep my language clean around the kids, but if I am really angry and they are not around it would be the 'F' word.

What profession other than yours (and photographer) would you like to attempt?

Librarian

What profession would you not like to do?

Garbage man, I have a super sensitive nose and am terrified of bugs so I wouldn't make it one day.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Hmmm, maybe 'You are a good mom and wife, and I'm proud of you'




Thanks, Jana. you rock.