Frequently asked photo questions

I got this blog entry idea from one of my photo friends Rebekah. I have been getting tons of emails for the past several months from people just starting out in photography and wanting to know certain things about how I work, what camera I use, etc. I am most of the time too busy to answer all the emails so I think it would be a good idea to have a blog entry answering all the questions I've been asked. So here goes!

What got you into photography?
Well, I've always loved photography but never thought seriously about it as a career since artists don't make a lot of money and its not very reliable. I studied nursing for about a year after High School. Even though I loved it, I felt it just wasn't what I was supposed to do. So I bought a camera(Nikon D70) and a VERY nice lens(70-200 2.8 Nikkor. Very good lens to start with!) and just starting shooting...anything and every day. I took pictures of my dogs, my apartment, my husband, trees and all sorts of things. I eventually did my first wedding and had a blast!

Did you go to school for photography?
Nope! I learn best when I just go out and shoot something, everyday. I'm not saying photography college is a waist of time and money but it just wasn't for me. I also bought a ton of books on wedding and portrait photography and second shot with other professionals like Adilfa Ford and Dustin Izatt. I am very grateful that they let me tag along to some of their weddings so I could learn what I could. I learned a lot!

What kind of camera do you use?
I shoot with a Fuji S5 and 2 Nikon D70's. I have a love/hate relationship with the Fuji so I use it as much as my D70. I LOVE my D70. Even though its not on the market anymore and considered kindof old, I just love it. I was born to have that camera. Also, never judge an artist by their camera! Just because a camera costs a couple thousand $$ doesn't mean you will take good pictures. You need to have a good sense of composition, lighting and so many other things to make a photo great!

What kind of lenses do you use?
I have a bag full of lenses that I use, but my favorites would be the 28-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8 and the 50 1.4.

What editing software do you use?
I mostly use Adobe Photoshop CS2 and just recently purchased Adobe Lightroom. I use both for different things but I mostly use CS2.

Do you shoot RAW of JPG?
I shoot everything RAW. I tried shooting JPG quite a few times and noticed the photos looked like they were missing something. I can't quite put my finger on it but when I shoot RAW, the photos just look better. I know of quite a few GREAT photographers that shoot JPG though so it just depends on the photographer and what is best for them.

What actions do you use?
I use Kubota's Actions and occasionally Totally Rad Actions. I have made some of my own actions as well.

Do you shoot with one or two eyes open?
This is an interesting question! When I shoot portraits, I shoot with one eye open. When I'm shooting candids and need to be aware of whats going on around me I shoot with two eyes open.

Are you a natural light or flash photographer?
I mostly shoot natural light. When I feel flash is needed I will use it. I use flash about 95% of the time at receptions or places where its dark. I like to experiment with 2 flashes at once to get a cool effect.

Can I second shoot with you to get experience?
Yes, but not right now. I have been busier than ever recently but around the New Year I will be able to let some of you tag along to some weddings. Of course I can't accomodate everyone since I get a lot of requests but I will do my best. If you have emailed me about this, email me again next year and we can figure out when you can come along.