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.