ARTIST SPOTLIGHT // Desra Ramey Photography

 I can already tell that May is going to be a blast! And to start your month off to a great start I encourage you to read the sweet wisdom of the very talented Desra Ramey of Desra Ramey Photography she is our Artist Spotlight for May! And will be guest judging this month!

It wasn't long ago when I discovered her work, but as soon as I saw it, I fell in love. Desra captures detail like no other!  Her moody, rich edits make every image feel cozy and delightful, as if you were right there in the moment. 

I am always re-inspired & touched by every photo she shares.  The simplicity of them.. the emotion and the reality of life they portray. Amazing what a photograph can do huh?  the artist behind it! I love your passion & determination Desra! Keep inspiring. ♥

what does being a photographer mean to you?

It means more to me probably than anyone can imagine. When I started, my intentions were to take tons and tons of pictures of my girls. At the time we only had 3 girls, (now we have 4), and I thought from the beginning, what an amazing thing. I can capture my girls every single day if I'd like. Not really fully understanding that this would be my calling, my career, my passion. Photography means much more to me than images, or frames hanging, though that is my goal with my clients, It's a passion that comes from within my soul, deep down...

how does your photography effect you?

In many ways actually. It fills my heart up so much that sometimes I want to explode. I love getting feed back from clients. It always will be the most humbling part of my job. knowing they are satisfied and had a great time with me makes me super happy!

when did you first find your love for it?

The moment I stepped into the store to buy my first Nikon, I was hooked. This has been 3 1/2 years ago now. wow, time flies!!!!

what matters most to you in your journey in photography?

My clients are what matters to me. They come first. 2nd would be the moments  that didn't expect me to gather. My style is very much about details and moments. I want clients to cherish the images for many years to come and pass them down to their kids and grandkids.  I strongly believe in documenting life and all the "mess" that comes with it. I adore a big smile "look at me" image, but in my eyes it's nothing compared to a mother holding her child tight and kissing his forehead.

what is your favorite camera equipment to use?

I'm a Nikon gal. always have been, always will be. currently I shoot with d7000, and I've had many people ask me, "why don't I upgrade"? My answer is this... If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm super comfy with my camera body. I love it. I know it inside and out. It works best for me and what I love to capture. I may upgrade one day, but I'm fine right now :)

I also use a 35 1.4/ that's on my body 99% of the time.

Favorite time of the day to shoot is?

Morning and evenings. Evenings are my 1st choice, but I'll do mornings if clients will agree to my time. (sometimes it's a little to early for some).

if you were to give another photographer advise, what would it be?

My advise would be to NOT give up. keep pushing. Don't compare yourself to ANYONE. Always be you. Be kind, Be humble. Study and practice until you are comfy. Don't second guess your work. Own it and be proud!

Have you had a past time struggle that our fellow artists could learn from?

I can remember when I first started out reading and studying and staying up all hours of the night, crying even trying to figure things out. How to do this, or that...

My first piece of advise would be to practice. Learn your camera, inside and out. Another piece of advise would be to not worry with what others are doing. Find yourself. Take your time and enjoy it!

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 this Weeks Guest Judge // Stacie Huddleston Photography

♦ March 12, 2015 ♦

Good Afternoon,

Pearls and Roses is proud to present our second guest judge! Woohoo!

I introduce to you, Stacie of Stacie Huddleston Photography

She has been a supporter on this page for awhile! She is kind, caring and very, very talented.

Her images contain lots of smiles and laughter, they're real, emotive and sweet to the core!

You will be inspired and in smiles by the time you reach the end of this introduction! :)

 When did you start to pursue photography and why?

         Like most mommas, I have always loved taking photographs of my children.  I started with a 35mm film camera & then a nice point and shoot while my two sons were little.  Of coarse I cherished the photos I had taken with my other cameras, but I knew I wanted something more.  I bought my very first DSLR (Nikon D5100) in early 2013, while I was pregnant with my little girl.  I wanted to achieve the beautifully blurred backgrounds and  have the stunning newborn photos I would drool over when I seen them on the web.  Sadly, my shiny new DSLR camera was stuck on Auto mode the entire time I owned it.  My daughter was born in September 2013 and I decided it was time to really get serious this time.  I upgraded my camera and by April 2014, I started my never looking back journey into Manuel mode photography and building my portfolio.

  Why do you love what you do? 

         I am a HUGE family history buff.  Taking photographs is a way to hold onto our memories and pass them down for generations to come.  One of my favorite quote's is from Joe McNally~ 

"Our pictures are our footprints, it's the best way to tell someone we were here." 

 I want that same priceless gift for myself and all my clients.

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

       

         This is a tough one.  I guess I'd have to say to keep learning and growing and above all have fun doing it.  The art of photography has so many creative levels to keep me learning and growing.  And if I don't enjoy it with every ounce of my being then the passion and fun will quickly diminish.

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

       

         Well, my down to earth personality and {sometimes failed} goofy attempts to get children to smile is always my #1 go to when shooting.  My Nikon D7100 camera does help too ;)  I almost always have my Nikon 35mm 1.8G attached to it.  My 5 in 1 reflector comes in handy as well.  But my newest love is my Yongnuo 568EX speedlight that I'm still getting used to. 

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

       

          Who doesn't love the beautiful tones during the 'Golden Hour'?  I do, but I also love the moody shots you can get with low lighting and I really enjoy capturing photographs of the moon.  I really don't have a favorite time... anytime is a great time to capture memories. <<< {I admit, that last sentence may have sounded corny} :)

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

         

           Please, please, please don't get stuck in Auto mode like I did.  There are so many wonderful tools on the web to help you get started in Manuel.  I promise that I 100% understand it seems intimidating and confusing, it can still be a challenge at times for me now.  But the sense of accomplishment & pride that you will gain are priceless.  P.S~ Your inner creativity will thank you!

♦-♦-♦

I hope you enjoyed this introduction! And thank you Stacie for taking to time to share your honest answers with our readers here at P&R, you truly are an inspiration to our community. ♥

Hope everyone has a wonderful week, and don't forget to share your 

"Make Believe"

images to our FB wall.

xoxo

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 Photographer - Act Naturally Photography | February 3, 2015

Hello There,

Today we bring you Natalie of Act Naturally Photography to the blog! I'm so excited to share her work with you.  She was last weeks weekly winner for "Winter Magic", and if you haven't seen her winning image, please go do it! You will be glad.  

Her photos are rich, raw and real.

Every photo I see is stunning and beautiful in its own way. I am honored and excited to add her to my list of featured photographers because she is amazing.  

After she had been picked I decided to check out her page, my mind was blown.

This woman is out of this world talented.

Here are some questions I listed in the form, her answers are not only inspiring but can be used to learn! Please take a moment to view the feature and learn a little bit about her and her photography journey.

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

Like many others, there was a shift in my interest in photography after my first child was born. I wanted to document her;  her smiles, her hands and feet, her eyes,  and what her days were like. I felt compelled to try to photograph the intangible. It made me feel better somehow, like I was stopping time from moving too fast.

2. Why do you love what you do?

My photography is, in many ways, an expression of my love.  It's how I communicate when words or other mediums fail. Creating memories that last a lifetime by way of photograph is important and priceless.

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

I am much more concerned with getting the right clients, than a lot of clients. My niche is Lifestyle photography, that's my happy place and where I do my best work.  Sometimes I get inquires to do more traditional shoots, and I'm just not the right photographer to do those types of sessions. And I am 100% ok with that now.

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

• Sigma 35mm f/1.4
• Canon 5D Mark ii
• Lensbaby sweet 35
• Canon 24-105 f/4.0

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

Well....there is no replacement for the deliciousness of the golden hour. The light during that time of day inspires me most.

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

Photography is best approached as a life long journey.  Continue to learn and push yourself, connect with other artists, seek inspiration from myriad places, and shoot often. If you do those things, I think you will find you will be a very happy photographer.

                                                          

If you would like to check out her work further please check out the links below! <3 Hope you enjoyed this feature!! have a great week.

• Website www.actnaturallyphotography.com
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• Blog  https://actnaturallyphotography.com/blog2/
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• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Act-Naturally-Photography/149530258482528
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• Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NatalieWheelerActNaturallyPhotography/posts
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• Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/natalieannewheeler