MEET THIS WEEKS GUEST JUDGE / Dana of Performer Photography

Dana submits her photos to P&R for our themes often.  She has been in a couple top tens and last week won the weekly theme "rain" ( first image shown below)

I have been following her work but never "looked" like I should have! I mean wow. Not only is the sweetest but she is really talented! Her images are amazing and show the beauty of life. ♥

I always love interviewing all the amazing photographers out there. And although the questions are the same the answers aren't! ♥ I just enjoy the fresh inspiration every week! without it none of us would move anywhere! 

Hope you enjoy this amazing lady's work and words!

XO

-Rose

-♦-

1. When did you start to pursue photography and why? 

I've had a love for photography ever since I was a little girl. I was the one always with the camera at school, events, and family parties. A friend once told me when I was in college that I seemed to document my life through photo's, and that really stuck with me! I never really thought about it before then, but he was right. I began to take it more seriously when I had my daughter a year and a half ago, and opened up my studio last summer. My daughter is without a doubt, my muse.

2. Why do you love what you do? 

I love being able to capture a moment of time to cherish forever. For my clients, and personally. Now, it's so fun with my daughter and watching her learn and explore new things. It's so much better through her eyes. 

3. What is the most important thing that matters to you in your business? 

Customer service to my clients, and delivering a beautiful memory for them to keep. I also like to keep learning, learning, learning so I can continue to provide quality photo's and to keep the creative juices flowing!

4. What is some of your favorite photographic equipment to use on your shoots? 

Well, I have just upgraded to some really fun new gear! I have a Canon 6D and am about to upgrade as well to the Sigma Art 35mm Lens now that I am full frame. My trusty go-to lenses are my 40mm Pancake for everyday shooting, my 50mm 1.2 and my 85mm 1.4 for portraits. 

5. What's your favorite time of day to shoot in? 

Well, for studio shoots, it doesn't really matter too much. I of course prefer as much natural light as possible, but I do well with continuous lighting if needed. For personal work, I like to shoot in either the soft morning light in my home of my daughter, or late afternoon, early evening if we are outside. 

6. If you were to give another photographer a piece of advice, what would it be? 

Please don't let self doubt eat away at you. As artists, having some self doubt comes with the territory from time to time. Stay true to your work, and NEVER stop learning. I learn so much everyday just from the beautiful images that are shared amongst the online photography community, and I love taking workshops and trying new things. Knowledge is power. Don't let anyone intimidate you.

7. What does being a photographer mean to you? 

If I am able to immortalize big moments in life, or what otherwise would have been a fleeting moment, then that means everything! Being able to express my perspective and add a little beauty into the world at the same time is amazing. I cherish every moment!

WEEKLY FEATURE // Lens & Beauty

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015

Good morning,

Today on the blog I want to share with you a sweet photographer and a very talented one at that! 

So I had posted something on the Facebook page stating I was looking for 2 artists to feature on the blog.  I had told them to tag someone who inspired them. And so it began. I was not expecting so much engagement on that one post! It reached 105 comments total! Wow.  The fun part was choosing TWO photographers out of 65. How can I do that??? I went through all of them. I loved them all! How could I choose two??? So I got my handy random generator going. I told it to choose two out of 65.  Janielle was one of them. *Other artist will be revealed this coming week ;)*

So I started going through her page. Guys. This woman! Her photos are extraordinary! 

They are so rich, so full of emotion. ♥

Well I contacted her and here she is! The amazing Janielle of Lens & Beauty!!

She was getting all her answers and photos ready for the feature. When she sent them to me I was just as amazed about her words as her photos! This lady has wisdom. You can learn a lot from her.  Her answers really touched me. And I hope to do so to you too! ♥

Enjoy!! Have a great week!

XOXO

~Rose

Janielle,

Thank you for taking the time to share with us your inspiring words and photos! I am honored to have you as a featured artist on the P&R blog! Also excited to see more of your work in the future!

-♦-

What does being a photographer mean to you?

To me, being a photographer is having the ability to see the beauty in the everyday, in

the simple. It is to have a special sensibility to all that is around us. A sensibility that lets us know

that this is all borrowed, and that compels us to immortalize it. It is also having the ability to

dream, to imagine, to really SEE, visualize, process and interpret in our own unique way.

When did you start pursuing photography and why?

I had a fascination with photographs ever since I was a kid. Since I got my very own

Polaroid as a gift from my mom. I realize now she was probably my biggest inspiration. I could not

get enough of her photo albums, of us. Not only looking back at moments, but being able to touch

them, physically AND emotionally feel them, was just enthralling to me. I carried a point and shoot

with me everywhere, all my life. But I never really thought of photography as art. I only discovered

that by accident I would say? After my first son was born, I needed a faster camera. One that

would allow me to shoot in burst mode, so I wouldn't end up with all these blurry pictures I was

getting that were driving me bananas ha! So I got my first DSLR in 2009, and in learning how to

use it and get better, well, I fell in love and never looked back. Nor do I intend to.

Why do you love what you do?

Well I never thought I had an artsy cell in my body. Not even an atom. No, I am a

veterinarian by profession. I am methodical, precise, calculated, and by the book. But. I am also

an introvert and an empath. I feel to the extremes, though I keep that all to myself. Like I said

earlier, I am hypnotized by memories that I can touch. After having my boys, once motherhood

changed me, I feel even deeper. I am painfully aware that life goes on, that the time is now, but

only for the blink of an eye. And at the risk of sounding depressing and overdramatic, I love what

I do because plain and simple, it stops time.

What is the most important thing that matters to you in your business?

I am not in business. This is purely for me. For my family. The most important thing that

matters to me in this journey is keeping a record of their life, for them. Not just for the fact of

record keeping. But hopefully through my photographs they will get a sense of what is truly

important in life. They will be able to look back and see and feel happiness, elation, connections

and yes, even sorrow (I am not above photographing my children when they're sad). The most

important thing to me is having them be able to, if ever going through the tough tribulations of

adulthood, look back and remember....ah...yes... love. Love is all that matters. Family is all that

matters. Our bond as brothers is all that matters. That peace is found in the little seemingly

unsignificant moments in life.

What is some of your favorite photographic equipment to use in your shoots?

Definitely my raggedy, second­hand, taped over, ugly, hacked 50mm 1.8 that I use for

freelensing. No questions asked. I love that thing.

What's your favorite time of day to shoot in?

Sunset. Because it comes in through my boys' bedroom creating a magical world that

soothes me. My favorite room in the house.

If you were to give another photographer a piece of advice, what would it be?

One I need to give myself time and again...do NOT compare yourself to others. Draw

inspiration from them, learn what it is that draws you to them. But remember you are YOU. And

nobody sees the way you do. And you should never give up. If you fail, if you're in a slump, that's

ok...just don't dwell there. Get back up and keep on trying.

Did you have a struggle that you overcame in the past that would help another photographer?

Geez, I have struggles every day. This thing we love can be hard on us! Every day I wish

I was better. And I am, I am better than I was 6 years ago, that's for sure. The main struggle was

to learn my camera, to learn the basics. I overcame by reading, researching, breathing and

digesting it. By practicing. And for the struggles of today, I am confident these tools will be my

friends once and forever again.

FRIDAY FEATURE // Melinda Snyder Photography

Good Afternoon Friends,

To celebrate Spring and 600 fans, Pearls and Roses is having a giveaway and reopening the blog again! Yep. I have a fresh new look! And I'm in love with the simplicity of it!

And to make it more enjoyable, why not have a Friday Feature?

Please welcome Melinda, of Melinda Snyder Photography!

Her work is both inspirational and beautiful. 

I almost squealed when I saw her page and I had to check out more of her images. I am just in awe of her art! 

Take a moment to read this small questionnaire.  She really gave some amazing answers!

Have a great Friday!

XOXO

~Rose

 -♦-

When did you start to pursue photography and why? 

I've loved taking pictures since I was a kid and I appreciated the stories that came from old family photos. Photos are my best friend because I have the worst memory known to mankind. I

THE LOVELY MELINDA

forget things easily and I can't stand it when I am unable to recall something, let alone something really important. When I had my first child, I didn't want to FORGET anything. I think I took a picture of him every day. I started a blog for him in place of a scrapbook. My goal was to provide him his own history book of tangible memories that would blow his socks off! (Did you know you can print your blog??)  When my daughter was born I took it to the next level. I ditched the point and shoot camera and got my first DSLR. I knew nothing about my new camera, so I researched, asked others for help, and practiced taking photos of my kids ALL the time. Looking back there were so many things I got wrong. So many aspects I didn't understand. But as my knowledge grew and my pictures got better, photography became a huge PASSION for me; my creative outlet. I wanted to share this burst of enthusiasm with others so with major support from my husband, I decided to move forward with photography as a part-time job rather instead of a full-time hobby. I made a logo, started a blog, invested in equipment and set out on a mission. None of this however wouldn't have been possible without the help of my friend Katie. She was the catalyst for the start of my business. To gain an initial client base I offered about 14 free sessions and she kindly offered to promote me on social media. What resulted is something that I never thought was possible. I'm an LLC,  I've been in business for several years, and have amazing clients! I'm even hosting my own DSLR workshop in June!

-♦-

 Why do you love what you do? 

I love being in the photography business because it truly makes me happy. I find myself filled with joy when I am able to tell my client's story with images that speak to their emotions and take their breath away. Being a photographer also allows me to capture my family so that our time together will always be remembered.

 What is the most important thing that matters to you in your business? 

Hands down, client satisfaction. When my clients send me the "OMG!!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!! You totally captured us in such a beautiful way!" texts, I want to jump up and down with delight! I'm so elated that I literally want to pop open a bottle of champagne and celebrate. When they are happy, I am beyond ecstatic!

-♦-

What is some of your favorite photographic equipment to use on your shoots? 

I use my Nikon D700 99.9% of the time along with my Nikon 50 mm 1.4. In tight spaces I'll break out my Tamron 24-70 mm 2.8. I recently bought a Nikon F100 because my next goal is to really get a grip on film photography. I've got a Sigma 85 mm 1.4 on that. Oooo, the bokeh! For weddings I'll slap on my 70-200 mm 2.8. It's a monster but it sure does give you great biceps!

-♦-

What's your favorite time of day to shoot in? 

Anything during the golden hour rocks, but I actually prefer early morning. I am bright-eyed and bushy tailed and ready to conquer anything. In the summer, the temps are cooler in the AM and my clients are nice and comfy. No sweat! 

-♦-

 If you were to give another photographer a piece of advice, what would it be? 

Be kind and considerate. Network with other like-minded people. Never stop learning and growing. Your ultimate goal is to provide your clients with the best experience possible, yielding the most fabulous images because your clients DESERVE that. Always strive to be better than you are today.

-♦-

Website - http://melindasnyderphotography.com

Blog - http://melindasnyderphotography.com/blog

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Melinda-Snyder-Photography-LLC/383039608436708

  

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MelindaSnyderPh

  

Meet : Crystal Kary- Photographer | February 16, 2015

Hello,

I am so excited to show you the work of a very talented photographer!

Last week our theme was "Faces"

Crystal submitted her photo and it was just stunning. It was filled with reality and the wonderful things life gives.

I wanted to check her out a bit more, I was scrolling through her page and was just amazed by all of the creativity she has, she turns the everyday into memories that will last forever. She definitely has an eye for photography! 

I asked her if she would like to be P&Rs guest judge for a week! She accepted and I was SO thrilled! so, she chose

"Real Life" 

as our theme this week!

Below is a small questionnaire so you can learn a little bit more about her and her journey!

Thank you Crystal for taking the time to do this! You have inspired many and will inspire many more in the years to come! 

I hope you all enjoy this feature! Have a wonderful Monday and stay warm! ;)

~Rose

Crystals Website - CLICK HERE!

Crystals Blog - CLICK HERE!

Crystals Facebook Page - CLICK HERE!

Featured Artist: Alison Bridges Photography

Monday, December 29, 2014

Hello there,

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas this year! And to wave goodbye to 2014

the year of much learning, so many opened doors and achievements, we have our last feature!! And what a great feature you're in for! ;) Read on... 

This week our featured artist is the very talented, Alison, from Alison Bridges Photography!!

Alison told me that she was new in the business... I did NOT know that at all! Looking at her pictures looks like she has been in the business for at least 3 to 4 years. I was blown away when she told me that she was only 10 months in and only just started this year.

I am so excited to feature her! She has amazing images and is definitely a natural with photography!

I was skimming through her facebook page and all that I noticed was smiles, laughter and just pure happiness from each subject she photographed.  I just have no words... 10 months?! Really?

Alison,

You're super duper uber good at what you do! Keep up the beautiful photos and putting smiles on those faces! You will go far.. very, very far. :)

Have a great week!

~Rose

1. When did your love for photography begin?

 I fell into my of love for photography at 16. I took a position as a photographer's assistant for a Youth Sports Photography company. I quickly fell in love. Within a few months, I became a photographer and then eventually a manager. The owner of the company taught me everything he knew about photography, which I am forever grateful. I went through the transition from film to digital with that company. Shortly after, I had my first baby and my love really took off. I was able to be more creative and capture more natural moments. 

2. What is the most important thing you've learned as a photographer?

the most important thing I've learned, honestly, is editing. That's neck and neck with shooting manual. When I look back at my earliest work, I think it was good...but it could have been phenomenal with the right editing. 

3. What it is inside your camera bag?

 I'm still shooting on a crop frame. Hoping to upgrade soon! So I have my Nikon D7000, a 50mm 1.8 and my Tamron 24-70 (my love child)

4. Why do you love what you do?

 I am absolutely obsessed with capturing genuine moments of families. I love capturing the moment that, as a mom, you see in your head as it's unfolding, but are never able to freeze. I love freezing those moments in time. 

5. What is your favorite time of day to shoot in?

I love to shoot in the golden hour. I'm not quite enough of a morning person to appreciate sunrise. But, I love shooting into the sun, backlit images, sun flare and haze. 

6. What is the most important thing that matters to you in your business?

Most importantly, I want to shoot what I love. What moves me. I want to move others as well. Making money isn't the top of my list. Being "famous" in the photography world isn't the top of my list. But capturing that raw, genuine emotion most certainly is!

7. If you were to give another photographer advice, what would it be?

this is tough! I don't consider myself professional enough to give advice. But, if I had to pick something...it'd be to let go of inhibitions and be you. I'm a shy person by nature. It has been, and still is hard, sometimes, to not worry about what people think of you. Especially in the moment of a shoot. I'm sometimes afraid to make suggestions of things that might seem perceived as "weird" or not normal. But in the end, it always makes for the best photos. So, balls to the walls and just go for it! You have NOTHING to lose and everything to gain! And HAVE FUN!!!

Surprise Inspiration Featuring: Olive Gray Photography... Get ready to be inspired!

| Friday, November 14, 2014 |

Hello All,

Okay, so first I am 'bout to explode with excitement while writing this post.

Today we are giving you some surprise inspiration for your Friday. The incredible, amazing, magical, very inspiring work of Olive Gray Photography!

So here's how I found her,  I had liked her page a few weeks back and I kept seeing posts that were SO beautiful I was not aware of who it was.   Other pages were making her guest judges and I went into some serious digging.   Well, I found that this girl has the most gorgeous photos and that I had to feature her because of the all the inspiration it would bring to others and also to me being a photographer.

I had asked her if she would join us with her all time favorite images and if there were stories behind the image do tell! haha

 Meshea,

 your photos are beyond amazing! They're out of this world!  They show true emotion, beauty and love in every single one.  Thank you for joining me and allowing me to share your inspiring art with the community of Pearls and Roses and the world. <3

You and your work has really touched me.

~Rose

You may check out more of her work on her FB page HERE

Her Website  HERE

Below is her work she chose to share with us today.  A few have sweet stories behind them.

| "This image is one of my very favorites! Its not that often I get to be in images with my daughter, so I cherish this so much. I knew I wanted to do something in the water, so I made up our flower crowns, and headed to a beautiful part of the bay where the sunset is right behind us. I cant thank my husband enough for snapping this image!" |

| "If I could sum up my style in one image, this would be it. I had just bought the vintage ladder from a thrift store and wanted a clever way to use it, so I called up one of my photog friends, and asked if I could borrow her gorgeous little girl, and we headed to the beach. I knew I wanted to incorporate stars (I have a slight obsession with using stars) and I wanted her reaching and placing the stars in the sky. So we came up with this. I just adore it, and is truly one of my favorite images" |

| "Gah... this image, I love it for so many reasons. This was shot during one of my maternity sessions, I love shooting maternity because they is something that is so magical and ethereal of pregnancy. And I knew as soon as she showed up in the gorgeous gown I needed to create a gorgeous, flowy image. I was a windy day, so the dress was blowing so beautiful in the wind." |

*side note*  Meshea told me that this is a SOOC! Can you believe that? <3  

| "This is one of my most favorite images of my daughter. I wanted to do something with butterflys, so I created her butterfly halo, and found a beautiful dress. And headed out to our location to shoot, I was actually really bummed during the shoot, because she wasn't really in a good and was not cooperating, so I wasn't even sure I had captured anything. But I was so happy when I uploaded to find this image." |

I truly hope you were inspired by Meshea's work.  I can tell you I am and always will be because we grow an learn and always become better than before! Have a awesome Friday!

~P&R

Featured on the Blog: { The Dainty Miss } Prop Week

Hello There,

Today we bring to you Ashlee, from " The Dainty Miss ". Ashlee makes props,  very very beautiful props!  I asked her a few questions and you will see her amazing answers and some samples of her work.  

I love her work because of its natural feel.  The colors she chooses to pair up together go like an elephant with a peanut and just make you want to put them on! lol!    But it's so beautiful, heartwarming, earthy and just plain darling. <3

I was very surprised with her answers, they were so truthful and full of great advice!  Take a moment to view each question.   You can check out her work HERE.  Say hello and maybe even buy a couple things, I KNOW I would. :) <3

Thank you for your time Ashlee! I have enjoyed featuring you and just die over your items! <3

~Rose



 And here is Ashlee's beautiful family!!  

Photo by : Ashley Mae Scott Photography

How did you find your love for creating props? 

I have a bit of an obsession for creating. I see something and automatically my mind goes to- how can I make that? I love it. As a photographer as well I would have something in my mind of what I wanted and instead of searching all over for it, it's so nice to be able to create exactly what I am looking for and then share it with others. 


What are your favorite materials to work with?

I LOVE texture- mixing textures and chalky/dusty shades of colors is my favorite. 

Photo by : Allie Marie Photography

--

Why did you choose "The Dainty Miss" as your business name? does it hold a special meaning?

It doesn't necessarily hold anything special, I just wanted something that was girly. I'm not a knitter or a sewer (wish I was) so I knew I probably wouldn't be making anything for little boys. As a newborn photographer, no matter how many babies come into the studio, I always find myself greeting the babies and thinking- they are sooooo small! I love to create with small little dainty and delicate objects so it just felt like it went well together. 

Photo by : Ashley Mae Scott Photography

How did you find your love for creating props? 

I have a bit of an obsession for creating. I see something and automatically my mind goes to- how can I make that? I love it. As a photographer as well I would have something in my mind of what I wanted and instead of searching all over for it, it's so nice to be able to create exactly what I am looking for and then share it with others. 

Photo by : Emily Anne Photography

How much time goes into making your props?

I spend a lot of time in my "crafting room" I quote that because it's also a movie room, office, playroom, and spare bedroom. Haha. Because I spend so much time in there, I love that my 3 year old son can go in there (or the hubby) and hang out with me as I work. Family time is so important to me and I try to squeeze it in as much as possible 

Photo by : Ashley Mae Scott Photography

What do you think your customers love about your work the most?

I get a lot of comments about the natural elements to my work. I definitely have my own favorite look when I purchase props, but I try to be open minded when creating. 

Photo by : Allie Marie Photography

What advice would you give another prop seller about running this type of business?

My advice would be to introduce yourself to other vendors. Like I said before, I am a photographer so I have been buying for a while now. I have my favorite vendors I buy from. For some weird reason when I started selling, I was so intimidated by these vendors because I was worried they would think I would be stepping on their toes. The truth is- they are all sooooooo nice! I still have my favorites to buy from, but now I have a new list of favorites to chat with! Don't be afraid to talk to others in the industry- they are human as well and we all like to make new friends 

Photo by : Allie Marie Photography

Featured Artist > Ilona Karpenko Photography

Monday, September 15, 2014

Hello Friends,

Our feature fun was another success last week! Today Ilona, from Ilona Karpenko Photography shared her time with us and answered a few questions.

Sit back and read on. You might learn a few things from her answers. :)

Ilona has beautiful dark tones in her photos,  they look as if they were from a movie.

This is why I love her photos, they caught my eye because the dramatic color tones, artistic features and emotion are in every one!  She is super talented. 

---

Here are a few questions we asked followed by a few photos of hers, and I tell ya, she has some awesome answers!

Photo Courtesy of IIona Karpenko Photography

*DO NOT STEAL OR USE THESE PHOTOS IN ANY WAY*

---

When did you start to pursue photography and why? --There is no short answer to this question, especially to it's latter part. I am in love with photography as long as I remember myself. Being a child, I always liked that magic in a dark room. Not much because of the alchemy (it is rather for boys , but more because of the outcome, the memory been persisted. I believe my passion to photography has started then.

Why do you love what you do?

--I like to make people happier . I love their emotions when they get pictures from me. I love to meet new people. I try to understand who they are, catch and show their emotions on my pictures. When they likes results, I feel so happy. I also like to play with editing pictures.

What is the most important thing that matters to you in your business? --To give my clients memories about the moment and show how beautiful they are.

What is some your favorite photographic equipment to use on your shoots? --When I was at a university, I took a photography course. The teacher was a great and famous photographer. He said there is no much difference what is your camera, what does matter is whether you take it with you. He was right, I have seen thousands of incredible pictures taken by a phone. I mostly shoot with Sony A77, typically paired with 35mm f/1.8 prime. I love that lens!

What's your favorite time of day to shoot in? --I like to shoot at the morning hours. The light is good, and people are not tired yet. It is especially good for children. And it is always nice to know you have a half a day after photoshoot, because I always want to see new pictures as soon as possible, before my inspiration is gone.

If you were to give another photographer a piece of advice, what would it be? --Learn your camera as well as you can, shoot as much as possible, look for inspiration from others (every day, I look a bunch of pictures and web-sites). And please, show your pictures, do not let them lose on your computer.

---

We want to thank Ilona for taking the time to answer these questions and share a but of her work with us today. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Check out the FB page this Friday for the next feature fun! Have a good week!

~P&R

To view more of Ilona's work, check out her FB page here.