I am excited to share Holly Long Photography's work with you. I got to meet her at one of my shootout's last year and she is amazing. She creates magical and enchanting images by the light she sees. I love the mood of her images and the creative element she adds to her subjects. I am sure you will be inspired by her images and you can follow her work below.
How long have you been shooting and what inspired you to begin with?
I have been shooting for only two years now but have wanted to start so much sooner. I was a full time Registered Nurse prior to becoming a stay at home mom and could never find the time beforehand. With the pending birth of my last baby and finally being at home with my four ( soon to be five) children I knew that this was the time to seize the opportunity so, when she was born I started taking classes and shooting daily.
What is your favorite movie?
I have so many movies that I love but when asked this questions the movie "A beautiful Mind" always is the first to pop in my head.
What is your current favorite image and why?
My current favorite image would usually be one of my own children but at the moment it is one of my friends child. Her name is Lily. She has red hair and freckles and the prettiest green eyes. She has no idea how beautiful she is. I know that she has a hard time at school with other children and dealing with bullies. So, just that fact that she can be proud and feel beautiful in that moment and looking back on it in a photograph makes my heart happy for both she and her mom.
Describe your work in three or four words.
My work in three to four words? That was hard for me. Can I admit I asked other photographer friends to help me with this? My feed back was Rich,soulful,magical,and bright.
What is in your camera bag and favorite lens to shoot with?
So, in my camera bag I usually have my 70-200 2.8 (Nikon) attached to my camera however, I recently bought a Sigma Art 35 1.4 and it has been living there for the past week and a half. I also have a 85 1.8 and my first lens a 50 1.8. I recently rented the 105 1.4 (Nikon) fell in love, and it will permanently be there next...hopefully soon! I love that lens! Did I say I love it? lol. Right now however, my fav lens to shoot with is a toss up between the 35 and 70-200.
How/Where do you find your inspiration and creativity?
I usually find my greatest inspiration through my children. My five year old daughter especially. She is always so enthusiastic about my ideas and a willing participant. Often times I will find a object and base a whole shoot off that one object or idea. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the thoughts that have been swirling around in your mind come to life through photography. Sometimes though the vision you had in mind ends up turning into something else completely different and thats okay too. With children I have come to expect it and actually embrace it.
What are your current goals - short term and long term?
A current goal of mine is to experiment with more Lifestyle photography. This was sparked in me since the start of my 365. I have always admired it from a far and want to try my hand at it now. I would also love to document a birth. Long term I would like to really get a handle on studio lighting but that will be down the road a ways. I am a digital retouch artist volunteer for NILMDTS, so at the very minimum I need to learn some lighting so that I can eventually volunteer as a photographer for them. That is a very important goal of mine.
One word of wisdom that you would like to offer or encouragement to fellow photographers?
Words of wisdom to other photographers. Trust yourself. There will be people along the way that don't want you to succeed, don't listen to the noise and trust your gut. You will find your community, the one that supports you and they will be your anchor. You will know it in your heart and soul.
4 comments
Truly beautiful and inspiring!
I am Macro & landscapes now I will have grandchild so begin to learn with you guy . You (Jackie and you …) are so good I am the following.Thank you .
What a great interview- a great person and photographer! Congratulations Holly!! <3