A few days ago, I featured Rachel Brenke on the blog with an announcement about a special giveaway of my newest textures set, FOLLOW. Rachel was kind enough to test them and I am so thrilled that she loves them as much as I do! She wanted to give a set away and offer a discount to her fans and so we did! Today, she has joined me here for my very first "Photog Love" feature. Now, for those that have been following her, you know how open and willing she is to help fellow photographers. She is an asset to the photography community, and if you aren't following her already, head on over to her facebook page and hit "like". You'll thank me! She has freebies, advice, inspiration and is known to frequently offer discounts on products and services for photographers (like the discount on my products, using the code BRENKE30, good until midnight tonight!) Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter and get a free downloadable copy of "The Legal Lens" (trust me, YOU WANT IT!). SEE??? She really is an asset to the photography community! So, lets get to know her a little better!
(Following this interview, we will announce the winner of the textures giveaway. )
Getting to Know You:
Homebody or Busybody?
Um both? I'm busy at home! Does that count?
Favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Hanging out with the family watching movies or going to the park!
Last song that played on your iPod?
Call me maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen
Let's say have $500 dollars that you must spend on YOU. What's on your wishlist?
135mm. I am DYING for this lens!
Things you can't resist?
Dunkin donuts coffee, diet dr pepper and green orbit gum!
Pet peeves?
Not being considered a real business by people outside of the photography industry. I work my butt off like any other person. Just because I work from home doesn't make it any less of a job. In fact, I think it's harder. As I type there's two little ones running around.
About the Biz:
Nikon or Canon?
Nikon!
Zoom or Prime?
Prime. All. The. Way. 85mm. to be exact!
So, what's in your bag (and what bag is it in!)?
That is a loaded question!
(umm...does anyone else have a case of "lens envy" after reading that?!)
Lightroom or Photoshop?
Photoshop. I started out on graphics design and editing in Paint Shop Pro. It was an easy transition to Photoshop!
How did your photography journey begin?
Like most now-a-days. Got a DSLR for christmas. My husband calls it the worst (and best) present he's ever given me. I never pictured myself artistic by any means. In fact, my dress styling and home decorating skills are lacking.
How did you learn photography?
Endless nights online, endless free shoots learning, and continual education. Never ends. I'd make this question present and future tense. Education should never end.
How much direction do you give your clients before and during a session?
My client guide gives them some idea what to expect, I do a pre-session consultation on styling and location. I try to guide and educate them as much as possible but allow them to make the ultimate decisions on some things.
Does posing come natural to you?'
Heck no! This is one area that I wish did!
What do you think is your strongest point where photography is concerned?
Being open to learn. I'm restless. I always have to be doing something. That serves me well with photography. I'm always looking for something to push the boundaries. I'm just now getting the confidence to get out of my box and push these boundaries.
Is there a particular aspect of your business you feel like you struggle with?
Balancing family and work life. I'm essentially running two businesses (photography and consulting) so it takes alot of time. I'm putting into place more time-saving methods so I can spend more time with family...and sleep more...at all. LOL
What is one thing you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
Oh man! Just ONE?! I have a friend who did tell me most everything I needed to hear. She is the reason I'm on this path. Without her I would've given up. So... maybe it would be to listen those that are more seasoned. They aren't trying to get at you. They are trying to help you.
What photography-related purchase led you to the most buyers' remorse?
HA! Good question. Ummm..probably my newest speedlite. The thing keeps overheating, had I looked at reviews I would've known.
And your best purchase?
85mm. HANDS DOWN. The 1.8 AND 1.4. I miss my 1.8 because that was the first lens that gave me confidence. It's been passed around (sold) in a facebook group - it's kinda like sisterhood of the traveling lens. I love knowing who has it and see the art they create with it.
How do you balance the consulting business with the photography business?I do consulting through the week. Shooting on weekends. I work long hours to balance both. I also restrict the number of sessions for each that I take so that I can give ample amount of time to the clients I do have on both sides.
If you had to choose between shooting or teaching, which would be most tempting?
I'll never give up shooting. I started out as a consultant when I got my MBA - working with a variety of industries. I saw a need in the photography industry for more of a legal influenced business consulting perspective. I could never give that up either. I didn't really answer your question LOL - but if I HAD to choose.... okay I can't.
If you could shoot any location in the world, where would it be?
Australia. Fiji. Thailand. Umm..just one?
If you could photograph any celebrity, who would it be?
JASMINE STAR
If you could spend a day with any photographer (dead or alive), who would it be?
Ansel Adams. Hands down.
Any words or wisdom?
Ignore the naysayers. People are bullies when they are insecure with themselves or feel threatened by you. Don't take it personally. Pull up your big girl/man britches and march on. Just like not every client is for you, not every photographer is going to like and support you. You do you. Don't worry about anyone else.
Rachel, your work is beautiful. Your help and inspiration to others is priceless. Thank you for all you do!
AND NOW FOR THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY:
CONGRATULATIONS!
email me at swoonthemoon@gmail.com to claim your textures!
Don't forget, the code BRENKE30 (for 30%off!) is good through midnight tonight. Check out the actions and textures HERE
Thanks to everyone that entered and look for a special weekend of goodies up for grabs and limited discount codes to be announced every 2 hours this weekend (Friday noon - Sunday midnight) in celebration of 2K facebook fans!
And a very special THANK YOU to Rachel Brenke!!!
