Hello Idea Room readers!
I have never taken over someone’s blog before—I feel so sneaky! I’m very excited for the opportunity to share some of what I have learned about photography. Thanks for the kind comments and emails you sent me.
I wanted to first share with you a little about my photography background, then I’ll get to some questions. I will tackle one question at a time, so I can be thorough and not bore you with a monstrous post (I already have a tendency to be long winded—you will soon see). Feel free to ask more questions as they come up!
I’ve been married for 10 years and have 4 children. Here is a family picture taken just a few weeks ago:
I love a good party, and it’s a party every day at my house! I enjoy being a stay at home mom for my full time job, but love that I can still be creative and have fun with my photography business part time. I love meeting new people and traveling (Alaska, anyone?) for portrait work from time to time.
Here is an image I took of my best friends’ baby sister back in the 90’s and developed the print myself. I left the wear alone to get that true vintage feel:)
I had to rip it out of my scrapbook (sealed with rubber cement) to scan it. Can I just say that this cutie is now 16 and asking me photography advice on facebook–wow!
I originally planned to study photography in college, but was turned off by my 101 teacher who wanted me to shoot things and I wanted to photograph people….and he wasn’t going to tell me what to do! I should have stretched myself then, but I’m working on that now in seeing the beauty through design, color, and texture. I got my degree in Child Development, and as a mother that has come in QUITE handy!
In 2004 I got the Canon Rebel—the original—no x,s, or i’s added to it. It was a big investment for our family, but everything else I’ve purchased has paid for itself with my business.
From 2004-2006, I found online resources as I took clients for low cost. Looking back, I should have done it differently, but there just wasn’t a big photography community, blogs weren’t popular yet, I was doing this all on my own with few to ask advice. There were many tear filled nights as I struggled to figure it all out. I knew what I wanted, I just wasn’t sure how to get there. I started seeing other photographers’ work and feeling really low that I wasn’t as good. I still shot a bunch in auto and was TERRIFIED to go manual, but when I did, it was the best thing I ever did. Why was I so afraid? I don’t know, but I’m sure many of you feel the same. Do you want to see a peek at my images 5 years ago?
It’s a cute image of my boys, but the lighting is only ok, I shot it on auto. It’s good…but not great. There are some client images I’d like to show, but won’t because I don’t want them to know that I look back and cringe when I view them. They were happy, but the quality of work wasn’t there.
I truly learned through lots of trial and error how my camera worked. That and figuring out photoshop (the hard way—I am a terrible book learner) is what has led me to the art I create today.
Just a few years ago I would have laughed at my current self calling me an “artist” but I have embraced the phrase because art is so subjectively beautiful. I see many great photographers with a style that just isn’t to my liking. So my advice to those of you wanting to be better, do it your own way, and don’t get too discouraged that you bought your Dslr last year and you still aren’t where you want to be. Keep working. It will come…I promise!
For my clients, I love mixing lifestyle candid moments with the cohesive posed shots that each mother really wants. I think many people don’t realize how much they will love those candid moments until they see them. Those are the moments they really want frozen in time.
I think I love photographing families the most. It is challenging getting everyone to cooperate in a family, but as a mother, I realize the importance of documenting that family interaction, the togetherness. I think it makes a statement to children of family love that builds security far more than we can understand.
Here’s an Idea for you (since this is the idea room)… I’ve recently started a photographic series on my blog in encouraging clients and others to decorate their home with portraits. And I’m talking bigger than an 8×10. I will regularly feature how different people display portraits in their homes, to give idea’s to readers on how to decorate your home with images of the people you love most.
To see more, go to the section on my blog, Decorating with Portraits.
To me, being a great photographer entails these 4 things (in no particular order):
1) Engage your subjects— give them something to think or laugh about.
2) Know your camera WELL.
3) Learn Photoshop or Lightroom to bring your well exposed images to life.
4) Think Creativity (so general, isn’t it?)
So there you have it. Feel free to peruse my blog, or leave questions here (email me if you are feeling shy). I’m excited to help others learn, because so many people helped me in my photography journey. I will post on Thursday my first Q&A entry. In the meantime, I have a little giveaway on my blog.
And if you know me, say “hi” in the comments and share how you know me or a funny or random story so others won’t see me as such a stranger. I don’t get embarrassed too easily:)
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Carla G. says
How exciting…I can't wait to check out your blog. I bought a Cannon XSi about a year ago and I haven't gone manual yet…it is scary. And actually today I'm on my way to buy a new lens that I've saved up for.
What a great post! I enjoyed reading it because I am the same. Just starting out, scared to go manual but trying hard to learn things on my own. Thanks for the inspiring post.
I am so happy to see a mom working in the art world. I am currently a photo major in college and loving it. The beginning classes are all manual with black and white film. I totally love it, but I sometimes wonder if I will ever be great at it. Your post gives me hope that practice does make perfect.
Hey Kristen, I do know you. Not only are you a great photographer, but you're a great visiting teacher and friend. You were there for me in my time of need. Thanks for sharing your talent. I was so excited to see you on this blog. :)
Seeing the pictures of your boys totally remind me of my my childhood and spending time with my cousins the Dukes! They look just like their daddy when he was little. Thanks for sharing your talents!
My biggest problem is finding new locations. Do you have any fun locations in Utah that you like going to?
Thanks for sharing your wonderful advice. I have been so surprised to see so many wonderful photographers willing to share what they know. I am 100% blog taught photographer and am indebted to all you generous individuals. I look forward to following your blog, especially the Q&A section! I would love to know more about what lenses you use and love and why.
I am totally excited about your post! I have trying to learn photography on my own and have been looking for something like this for a long time! In a few weeks I am taking 60 preschool portraits (yikes) and to say the least I am extremely nervous. What is the lowest f-stop I can go without losing the detail in their faces? And is there any other advice/tips you would be willing to share for my big event?
I feel like blogland is such a small world sometimes. I found Kristen's blog back in February. She actually lives in my area and one of the little girls in my daughters class gave out her very cute Valentine's.
So fun to see her posting at the Idea Room!
What blogs could you recommend to help a novice photographer, such as myself, get the most out of my dSLR? Looking at some of your photos have inspired me to make more time to take better pictures of my wee ones (3.5, 2, and 7 months) while they are still little. And I like your point about making sure to take pictures of me or their father loving on them. I'm usually the one behind the lens so there are very few pictures of me with the kids!
Thanks so much for coming to the idea room! I am always looking for ways to up my amateur status. I would never call myself a pro either. I'm heading over to your blog now!!
Great post! I loved hearing about how you got started. I love your family pic!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I just bought my first dslr cam, and I wonder if you have any beginners guide you would recommend, on what lenses and other equipment to buy and so on? Thanks – and I'll definitely be following your blog from now on:-)
I loved this post! It was so fun to read all about Kristen and how she started out with photography. I also love how she talked about putting up a lot of family pictures throughout her home—because why not?? Seh loves them! That got me thinking that I could do the same. And now, I am looking for some fun, new ways to do just that (especially since I just repainted our house). I will definitely be checking out her blog for those picture arrangement ideas. Thanks Amy and Kristen!
your boys are so little in that bluebonnet pic! i love the B&W pic from the 90s. darling. i can't wait to get an SLR camera for myself — hopefully soon!
I thought of another question: I much prefer to take pictures of my kids outside, but most of the time, the best candid moments happen inside. Do you have any suggestions for capturing those goofy, impromptu moments with indoor lighting conditions in the day or night? I can't move the subject to be near a window, etc. or the moment is gone. Thanks!
Great advice! I am on my way to look at your blog now! :)
Love this!!!
I've loved photog since I was in high school……I finally got my first dSLR almost a year ago – I'm having fun learning it more by doing a 365 project.
I've done a few photo shoots of my kids, and their friends, and one family (friends)……I'd love to know how to get my subject more relaxed AND myself…..I love the shots where not everyone is looking at the camera , but how do you set that up? – do you say mom I want you looking here, dad her, you two at me, etc????
I've found a few good local locations, but would love to find some more!!
I could talk photog all day!! I'd love to hear/read any advice or tips you have!!
I just love that not only are you one of my favorite photographers but you are self taught AND one of my very best friends in the whole world and I love you! You see, Kristen and I knew each other way back in high school where we dated best friends and used to all sit around together while Kristen and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes…silly boys.
I feel like one of my claims to fame is the fact that Kristen Joy Duke is one of my best friends.
We have known each other for over 15 years!!! And I mean we *know* each other, we helped each other survive high school. And that cute little girl sitting on the mailbox? That's my sister. Kris and I used to sing to her when she cried. She was born when I was a freshman, and Kris was a sophomore in HS. :)
My youth is documented thanks to Kris. Some of my favorite places in my home, and places where I have photos that Kris took. It's been really fun to watch her perfect a talent that she's had as long as I've known her.
She's right, there's a party wherever she is. I love you Kris! Can I sign your yearbook after this? Stay sweet, I'm so glad we got to know each other this year in Math class, you are super cute. ;)
Kristen is my sister-in-law, and I'm pretty lucky that a) we have a photographer in the family and b) she's a dang good one. She has a good eye for the lighting, colors, etc. that will look good in pictures. Love it and love her. :)
Hey you! Look how cute and famous you are! My friend Shannon sent me a link to this article and said, isn't this your friend? Why yes it is! What an awesome article! You're such a great photographer and friend!
I know Kristen from Texas, and even from High School. =) She's an inspiring mom, who creates lots of joy in the lives of her children (I wish I could relax and just LIVE the way she does), and she's an amazing photographer, and very giving. Her Thursday sharing on this blog is just one amazing example….