Capture it! - Andrea Marie Photography Interview.

Andrea Marie Photography recently moved into the area. She is amazing and I am delighted to say she will be photographing my family this Spring. (YEAH!) I am so excited to have our relationship captured. Even though being in front of the camera is not my favorite place to be. That's another post in itself. Here is a little interview with Andrea and some of her work. Enjoy reading and looking--I am sure you will.

What do you shoot with?  I shoot with a Nikon D700

What’s in your bag?  My D700, my D80 as back-up, Nikon 50mm f/1.4, Nikon 85mm f/1.4, and Nikon SB-800

What would you like to be in your bag? A set of pocket wizards so I don’t always have to rent them for weddings!

How long you have been shooting? Since I was in high school…I was Photo Club President & a yearbook photographer

How long you have been in business? 6 years

What inspires you? Love, Beauty, Relationships, Happiness, and of course…my family!

How long do your sessions last? From 1 ½ hrs for a portrait or family session to 3 hrs for newborns

What pre-planning do you do with your clients?  We talk about what they should expect from the session, I offer styling and location suggestions based on what type of portraits they would like, and I get to know a little bit about them so I can do my best to capture their true personalities.

Any lighting besides natural light? I use a reflector sometimes, and for weddings I use on and off camera lighting

Do you use Photoshop? Lightroom? Yes, both!

How did you learn to photography? I was taught film photography when I was in high school and learned digital photography on my own. I also had the opportunity to work for some amazing studios in D.C. that taught me a lot, especially about weddings.

Any new dream locations you are dying to bring clients to? Yes! I want to do a session(s) on some beautiful fields or meadows, at a farm, and at an orchard!
(My note: Andrea, we are happy to make any/all of those dream locations with you at our session!;))

How would you describe your style? Contemporary portraiture. I always want my clients to look relaxed in their photos, like they were unaware that I was even there capturing the moment...to allow true emotions and relationships to be expressed. I also love getting those “money shots” of my clients looking their best, relaxed, in the best light, in their best outfits, and smiling right at the camera.

When you aren’t taking pictures, or editing, what are you doing? I am spending time with my two daughters or crafting! (My note: Her daughters are STUNNING!)

What was the turning point that made you want to want to “do this.”? I was working in Corporate Finance after college and felt I needed to bring some creativity into my “grey cubicle” life. I decided it was time to take the plunge!

Can you share a story about your funniest photography shoot?  Recently I was photographing some friends in Arizona and I was too much “in the zone” to realize I had backed into a cactus.  I thought they had gotten all the “pokies” off my back-side until I sat down on one when I got into the car!  It hurt, but it was worth the shot. : )

What advice do you have for parents who are looking for a professional child photographer? Look for a style you like, someone you know you can trust, someone who is good with kids, and someone who is willing to sell you the negatives. (My note: Those are just some of the very reasons that we picked her to photograph us!)

Anything else you’d like to share with us?  Don’t let the “golden photo ages” of your kids pass you by!  The newborn stage when they are sleepy for all their pictures goes by so quickly, and when they can sit up but can’t crawl or walk (around 7 months) is another one that are AMAZING times for a professional session. (My note: We have waited too long to get our whole family photographed. You all know that I photograph Little Man a TON! But, my relationship with him was not always captured. Our family realtionship has not been captured enough. So, even though this spring he will be missing teeth in the photographs, we are still capturing us as a family. Because missing teeth is part of growing up and well he's cute anyway! I just think, when his teeth come in, it will be time to capture us again.)

Here is some samples of her work:

 Because I know you want to see more. Check her out at andreamariephoto.com
Thanks, Andrea and looking forward to working with you! :)