One of my favorite parts of my business is getting to know my clients.  I also love, love, love meeting other photographers and sharing ideas or even just friendships in what can be a very difficult business. So as my business has grown, I get asked a lot of questions.  Many of them repeat, so I thought it would be fun to do a Q and A blog post.  So here we go~

1. Did you always want to be a photographer?

Yes, actually.  I got my first camera when I was six.  I would spend hours lining my dolls up and posing Barbie just so to get the perfect shot.  But did I ever imagine that I would actually make a living doing it? Never in my wildest dreams. I turned to photography when my career in sales hit an all time low due to the economy and feel so truly blessed for the off-the-beaten path that led me to my business!

2. Where did you get your boots?

I almost always wear my boots to sessions because they are super comfy, protect me from snakes in those tall fields I like to shoot in and (in my mind) make a regular outfit look kinda artsy and adorable. The cowboy boots I wear are cheapies from Kohls, the Candies brand. The riding boots I wear are even-cheaper-cheapies from Target.  Shh… don’t tell anyone.

3. Is your degree in photography?

Nope. I went to school to be a teacher.  However, I do regularly attend classes and workshops to learn new skills, improve the ones that I have and to make sure that I am always growing and bettering as a photographer.  If you look at my work in six month increments, the growth is very obvious.

4. What do you shoot with?

I use a Canon 5d and a 70-200 2.8 lens typically.  I also use Alien Bees lighting (AB 400s with softboxes) and pocket wizard triggers.

5. How do you juggle five kids and your work?

I always wanted to have five kids.  And I always loved photography.  So, every day feels like a gift.  That doesn’t mean that I don’t get stressed, frazzled and mean.  But… when you love what you do, it makes the rough patches kinda easier and the great time AMAZING.

6. What is your dream shoot?

Something powerful that brings awareness to a cause.  I haven’t figured out the cause yet… there are so many dear to me.  Or… quadruplet newborns 🙂

7. Who are your favorite vendors?

I love authentic vintage, not faux vintage.  So I really love visiting the local antique shops for fun props.  I also love etsy because I enjoy working with similar small businesses.  I have a few favorite vendors that work with refashioned items only, so I love the excitement of getting something one of a kind.  I love photo prop floors and backdrops for my backdrops. And Adorama for camera equipment, Paul C Buff for lighting.

8. What do you want to learn next?

To really master studio lighting.  This is new to me (2012) and I have been devoting a tremendous amount of business hours to growing this skill.  It is challenging for me, so I am looking forward to mastering it.

9. What is your favorite wine?

Ahahahhaa! Well… I do talk about my nightly glass of vino a lot on facebook.  I love Sauvignon Blanc. Cupcake brand is cutely packaged, cheap and yummy, so that is what I usually grab.

10. Will any of your kids be photographers?

A couple have interest. My daughter, Emma, took the picture above and did a pretty good job.  Who knows? Maybe one day it will be McFarland and daughter photography!