If you have so much as wiggled your baby toe into the world of children and family photography, then you have probably heard of, seen, and/or drooled over photographer Leah Zawadzki's work, better known as Lilyblue. She is an amazing photographer with a knack for making every photo she takes feel like an instant classic! And her actions and presets are the things dreams are made of! We are so grateful to have had a chance to talk with her about her style, what inspires her, and how you too can find your signature look.
MT: Can you start by sharing a little bit about yourself? How did you get started in photography, and how long have you been at it?
I am a wife and mother to three beautiful children living in southern california. When i was younger I studied interior design at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After working in the design industry for over ten years i had my first baby, four years after that i had boy girl twins. When the twins were in their first year i picked up the camera. I was inspired by photography sites such as flickr and found myself obsessed with getting just the right shots of my kids. In the beginning I was frustrated, because I would see other people do such beautiful things with their photography--i wanted that too. I didn't understand why i couldn't do it with the camera set to auto and the editing program that came with my camera. So I started asking lots of questions-- to others and myself. I began looking at EXIF data, examining camera settings and studying the lighting in photographs i saw. I bought photoshop, I took a class at a local camera store, and then i just started taking photos, a LOT of photos, that was about four years ago.
MT: One of the most distinct qualities of your work is your amazing post processing. How did that style emerge? How did it develop over time to the signature look you're known for now? What would you say to our momtographers who are struggling to find their own unique voice in their photography?
Thank you for your sweet words about my photography and processing. This is a very tough question to answer because to tell you the truth I don't really know, what I can tell you is that I have taken and still do take a lot of photos. In the beginning I would use other people's actions and presets and take hours editing one photo. I would look at the same shot forever trying to decide what it needed--what it needed to tell the story that I thought needed to be told. Style is something that comes from within you, it isn't something that can be defined or created out of a box or with the push of a button. I think the best way to find style is to stop looking and just be. Do what you love, edit to what you think looks good to your eye, and your style will emerge from there.
We've followed Photographer David Bean for some time - both on twitter and on his Pro Corner group on Flikr for Semi-Professional and Professional Photographers. We're big fans of not only his stunning images of celebrities and his commercial work, but his truly approachable and open desire to help other photographers along the way. A few months ago, I was talking to a fashion-world friend of mine about stand out photographers who would offer something valuable to our moms - and David's name made the short list. We leaped at the opportunity to connect -and a phone interview (with SIX DISCONNECTS!) he was every bit the wealth of experience and graciousness we thought he'd be!
MT: David - I'd like to start with something I saw on the bio of your webpage. It says "Art is not my life… Life is my art." That's something that resonates so strongly with us and with our moms because of what the nature of a Momtographer is. How did you get there?
Basically, I'm not an artsy-fartsy person at all - I don't like artsy fartsy people… someone who takes themselves way too seriously, like what they do is so important that without them the world would be this tragic place. I really appreciate arts and I appreciate the craft of photography, but it's not saving the world - I don't have any grand illusions that I'm saving anyone's life!
When it comes to black and whites, how do you go from murky to stunning? In this Adobe Lightroom tutorial, photographer Marc Javier shares with us his approach to getting stunning black and white conversions with true visual appeal!
Pull out the live bunnies - or just the bunny ears - with these great tips on taking your own Easter portraits! We're showcasing two different professional Momtographer's approaches to getting great Easter-themed pics. Whether you've ironed the heirloom gowns, or opt for the more casual cottontail, these portraits are certain to inspire a spring fling of your own!
This month, our favorite resident pop-tographer, San Francisco photographer and designer Marc Javier, re-launched a great new webiste at MarcJavier.com. We were smitten by his artistry and, shall we say, the sense of urban wonder in his images for both his clients and his family. So, what else could we do but put Marc in the hot seat - and he delivered! For the record... this Poptographer rocks!
Oh Karen Walrond, how do we love thee... let us count the ways. You're a former attorney turned mom, turned writer, turned photographer, turned Oprah guest. You started a blog to help readers see that thier ordinary lives are, in fact, extraordinary... and then you named that site Chookooloonks (explanation here). Everything you touch oozes of inspiration, from your collaboration over at Shutter Sisters to your upcoming book, The Beauty of Different. Yes, Karen, we love you, but now more than ever because you are Helping A Momtographer Out!
When we think of Rockin' Momtographers, few rise to the top of our coffee cup as quickly as Allison of Snippets From Suburbia. Krista first stumbled across her work a couple of years ago and started following her 365 project on Flickr. All she could say was "WHOA!" This mother of two had some serious skill behind the camera! And Adrienne appreciates anyone who's not afraid to take themseles a little less than seriously - the humor in some of her work is just plain refreshing.
We were tickled when she agreed to be our February feature for "This Momtographer Rocks!" And we promise... if you don't giggle, smile and gasp once or twice while surfing her portfolio, we'll return your money, no questions asked (after you tell us where you put the money). Enjoy, and we'll just go ahead and say "Told ya so!" now!
Excited is an understatement when it comes to introducing this month's edition of "Help A Momtographer Out". NYC children's fashion photographer, Rosanna Wolff, was kind enough to set aside some time to share with us the secrets behind her bright, airy, and oh so fun style! Her images are not only flawless, they're the perfect blend of commercial and emotional appeal - equally at home in the folds of a magazine, or in a leather-bound frame.
I had no idea what I was doing.
My daughter was twelve hours old, my new camera had barely been out of the box that long, and my legs were still iffy from the epidural. But in the quiet of the evening with all visitors gone and my husband snoozing in the hospital recliner that only comes in that odd shade of mauve vinyl, we were finally alone - just she and I. Me and my baby girl.
So we're gonna come clean here. Lindsay is one of our favorite momtographers. Not just because her photographs are beautiful, but because of the way she's captured the rip-roaring details of her little boy's life over the last three years. They're always ripe with attention to the little things in "B's" life. That should have tipped us off to what was coming next - but when these photos of her second pregnancy started coming our way week-by-week, we were BLOWN AWAY.
Seriously? What's not to be inspired by? This gorgeous mama has a belly to DIE for! But beauty awards aside, what really inspires us is that she DID it. All by herself. In her living room. For all the world to see. And now, she has these memories forever.
We asked Lindsay to sum up her experience in hopes that it'll light a fire for the rest of us "belly challenged" to document such an amazing time in our lives.
We couldn't be prouder in our premier edition of "Help A Momtographer Out!" to introduce you to Los Angeles Photographer, Christa Meola. In fact, left on it's surface, describing Christa with just the term photographer is a little misleading. Treat yourself to a few minutes going through her portfolio, and you'll understand what we mean. She's an artist that truly captures the spirit of family with her unique voice - life, sung in the key of happy. Every image radiates a joy and warmth, clearly infused with her sunny perspective.
So before we go trying to change her business cards to something like "Purveyor of Photographic Sunshine", let's ask her a few questions:
She's a mother. A wife. A career woman. A small business-owner. A photographic ninja. Basically she's a modern-day super heroine. We can't wait for you to meet Vanessa Segars!
One of our Goals here is to create a community where everyone can learn from everyone around them. We hope that over time you build a camaraderie with fellow momtographers and cheer each other on along the journey. And we hope that when you make it to the top of the mountain you will extend your rope and help the others up as well!
This Momtographer Rocks is a section meant to highlight momtographers who have made it to the top (which doesn't mean they have stopped learning) and are ready to help others get there too! We are thrilled with our very first spotlight - Vanessa Segars! Not only is Vanessa a rockin' momtographer, but she is also funny, generous and willing and ready to share her secrets! Enjoy, and please join us in giving Vanessa a huge "Thank You" for her time and effort on this project!
