Inspiration Interview - SLG Photography

May 8, 2015

How long have you been shooting and what inspired you to begin with?

I’ve been shooting professionally for 2 years but I originally started shooting with a film camera in 2009 for an introductory photography class I was taking in University. I was majoring in visual art and planned to specialize in painting and drawing. Little did I know that I would take one photography class and be instantly hooked! In that class, we were required to make a flickr account and I just remember seeing all of these stunning photos come up in my flickr feed and thought, “I really hope that one day I can produce imagery that speaks to people the way these images speak to me.”

What is your current favorite image and why?

Oh, that’s so tough! I have a new favorite every week! If I had to choose right now, it would be the one of my 4-year-old cousin holding her stuffed animal next to her nightlight. I call it “Bedtime.” I just love the story that it tells and I’m a sucker for anything cozy.

Describe your work in three or four words.

Modern, Soft, Emotive.

What is in your camera bag and favorite lens to shoot with?

Camera: Canon 5D Mark III Lenses: Canon 50mm 1.4, Canon 85mm 1.8, Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro

My favourite lens is my nifty fifty. It’s so versatile, lightweight and fast! It’s actually on my camera 95% of the time.

How/Where do you find your inspiration and creativity?

It may sound cheesy, but a huge source of my inspiration comes from within me. I have always had a strong desire to create, and that desire is what pushes me forward to challenge myself in new ways. Light and location are also key sources of inspiration since they are so essential to good photographs. (I just can’t resist glowing sunsets in tall grassy fields!) Other photographers are an immense source of inspiration, as well. I have a whole long list of photographer crushes that even my husband can tell you the names of! Of course, there’s also pinterest, which has never failed to get me out of a creative rut!

What are your current goals?

I have a lot of long-term goals! For now though, I just want to continue growing my business and continue capturing the love of families connecting and interacting. I’d also love to grow the commercial side of my business. I occasionally shoot for restaurants, bakeries and clothing stores and would love to do it more often.

One word of wisdom that you would like to offer or encouragement to fellow photographers?

In such a saturated market, I think a lot of photographers struggle with self-doubt. I know I did. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by all the competition and to compare yourself to others. The important thing to remember is to focus on you, what you love to shoot and what you bring to the table. Seriously, I can’t stress that enough. It’s hard to stay motivated to create beautiful photos while running a photography business at the same time. You could have an image that you love but think, “will my clients like it?” “Will it get enough likes on Facebook?” and so on. Put away those self-conscious thoughts; it’s restricting and will only hinder you. Remember that there is something about YOU that is unique and can’t be bought or copied.