I thought it would be fun to post this interview I did with Lauren Heen. I photographed Lauren’s senior pictures about two months ago (that is Lauren above). Lauren is interested in photography so she is doing her senior project on it and she needed an interview with someone in the field. I’m honored she chose me!
Interview with Linda Hamilton- October 20, 2010
1. How and why did you get started in photography?
About 12 years ago, a local photographer approached me and asked if I was interested in styling for her. This was my first exposure to professional photography. After working for her for a year, I knew I was hooked! I started training under her and reading everything I could about composition, lighting and the basics of photography. I took classes at the collage and traveled to study and learn at photography seminars. I started shooting seconds at weddings and picking up my own clients on my days off. After apprenticing for 6 years, I bought her business when she retired in 2004. My first year in business, I shot film and then converted the whole studio to digital.
2. What makes an amazing picture?
From a technical standpoint, lighting and artistic element are very important. From an emotional standpoint, it’s the connection with the subject; the story they tell with their eyes, smile and their body language.
3. What makes your photography different from others?
I think it’s the fashion element. They are full of color and movement. Also, every image that leaves my studio is retouched and enhanced. I spend a lot of time in post processing to give my images a soft but contrasty look that makes them jump off the page.
4. What techniques do you use to capture a good picture?
Basically lighting is everything! Without light you won’t have an image. You can light the same subject 5 different ways and evoke 5 different feelings from the viewer. You can make the same person look scary or warm and inviting or powerful all with different lighting setups. I’ve studied very hard to understand lighting techniques and ratios.
5. How did you adapt to working with all kinds of clients?
That is sort of an on-the-job thing. You learn as you go, but if you’re not good with people then portrait work isn’t for you. You have to be good with people and make them feel comfortable and good about themselves so they open up and trust you.
6. How did you become an outgoing photographer and coax people to get the pictures you want?
I’m not necessarily a super outgoing person but I am by nature a “people” person. I genuinely like people and I understand that everyone is different. I respect these differences because I believe that this is what makes us unique individuals. I feel my clients sense this so they tend to trust me and I can get the shots that reflect their personality. I’m also so passionate about creating beautiful and unique images that I become completely focused and excited about what I’m doing. This excitement is usually contagious with my client and they relax and have fun.
7. What kind of education or training would you recommend to become a professional photographer?
There are many ways you can go about this. I believe there is never one right answer for everyone. It depends on how you learn and your financial situation. I apprenticed under a very talented photographer so I received paid training but I also took collage courses and photography classes. I’ve always been a member of Professional Photographers of America and also Senior Portrait Artists and I’ve taught myself by continually reading and practicing. I do advocate education either at a collage or through the organizations I listed above when you’re first starting. It’s important to learn proper photography skills before you start charging clients for your services.
8. How many photo sessions do you do in a year? What is fun? Stressful?
I photograph about 200 sessions per year. I’m a low volume boutique business so I focus on quality verse quantity. My goal is to give my clients the best possible experience and beautiful custom images that will become part of their family heirlooms. I love being creative and working with people; that is the fun part. The stressful part for me would be the bookkeeping. I really dislike paperwork.
9. What would you recommend to be a good camera?
I’m not good at recommending point and shoot cameras because I don’t own one. But for a professional photographer, I’d highly recommend my current camera, the Nikon D700. It’s full frame so you get the whole image without the cropping factor. A high quality fast lens is just as important as a good camera. For someone looking to start a photography business they can expect to spend a minimum of $5000 for their camera, lens and one flash head.
10. What other topics do you photograph?
I live in a small town so I do a little of everything but my specialty is senior pictures and fashion. I also photograph families, babies, maternity, weddings, real estate, business portraits, commercial jobs and events.
11. Is photography in your family history?
No. My mother is an amazing seamstress so I grew up sewing. My major in collage was fashion design. I designed elaborate wedding dresses and even won several competitions. But fashion felt somewhat shallow to me. Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion but I just wasn’t sure I wanted to live and breathe it. Fashion is in one day and out the next. Photography on the other hand feels rewarding. I provide my clients with a family heirloom that they will hand down from generation to generation. This makes me very happy! I also get to make people feel beautiful. What more can I ask for in a job!
12. What is the whole technical process of getting an amazing photo?
Once I get a properly exposed image in camera, I download it onto the computer. Then I open all the images in Lightroom and pick out my favorites. I color correct, crop and add a vignette. I export them and run an action that adds contrast and softens the skin. These images will then be projected as a slide show for the client. Once they pick their favorites and place their order, I open the ordered images in Adobe Photoshop and I fix blemishes, stray hairs, and enhance the eyes. Sometimes I slim away bra bumps and take the yellow off their teeth. I’ll burn and dodge to draw attention to the subject. I try to keep the client looking as natural as possible but in a “wow, I look really good” way. It takes a lot of time and I think that’s what makes my images look different from other photographers.
13. Do you recommend digital over film?
I recommend digital for the kind of work I do but there are still purists around that make amazing photos on B&W film. The digital era has created a whole new artistic medium. It’s not only the image that is captured in camera but it’s the computer work afterward that enhance or change the image. In the last five years, I’ve seen incredible photographs being created by skilled photographers and post process enhancement! On the flip side, I’m also seeing a decline in the quality of photography in the portrait business. Now with the digital camera, there is a flood of amateurs calling themselves professionals with little or no training. I think the standards for professional photography have dropped because mediocre work is flooding the market.