Interview With Pastel Photography

Tell us about yourself.

I am a 26 year old portrait photographer who has been blessed beyond what I could have asked for or imagined!

How did you get started in photography?

I definitely did not have the typical beginning! I had a friend-of-a-friend at my church who was expecting her sixth child. Her fourth and fifth children were identical twin boys who were 13 months when her youngest was born. I thought that she could use some extra help so I told her I would come over every day of my summer break (I was in college) to help her take care of all the kids. [What was I thinking?]

At the same time, I randomly applied for and worked for an antique store who needed someone to take photos of their inventory for their website. So, when I wasn’t with the big family, I was taking photos of antiques. I thought my friend’s kids were so cute, that I decided to get a little digital point and shoot camera to photograph their squishy cheeks. I was definitely hooked on photography and capturing faces/relationships from that point on.

I know you photograph a lot of families, children and maternity clients. What is your favorite and why?

Anyone who has been to my blog can probably tell that I love photographing families! Honestly it is almost therapeutic in a way for me. During my childhood, I did not feel loved at all. My home life was an uncomfortable, depressing place with drug & alcohol abuse, and other illegal activities. I would fantasize about having a loving family.
So today, I find myself in a place where these ultra-loving families email me and ask me to photograph them and capture their love. It’s almost like I get to re-create those fantasies I had growing up. I really love being around families (until about sunset when the tantrums start). I am also aware that although the photos I take are enjoyed by many at this present time, they are going to mean so much to the client’s children in 30 years. They will be able to look back and see how much they were loved, and hopefully re-live those feelings in some way.

When is your favorite time of day to shoot?

Definitely about an hour before sunset for most locations!

Most of your shoots are done in fields, do you choose the location or do your clients?

I am only familiar with three fields, believe it or not! Since I have photographed so many photographers in different states, I have been on many “field-hunts” across the country. I think I have always had the final say in location, but nearly everyone opts for a field-type session.

Tell us something fun or unique about you!

I have only been to three concerts in my life, and two of them were Stevie Nicks shows. Some of my favorite television shows are cartoons. I was, without a doubt, the inspiration for the Liz Lemon character!

Head over to the forum to read the rest of my interview with Pastel Photography, and if you haven’t gotten enough eye candy yet, head over to her website!