I hope you’ve all taken the time to check out Propbaby shop to see what great finds Carrie has to offer. Now I want to introduce you to the photog behind those sweet creations!
As an added bonus, Carrie has offered to give everyone 15% off anything in her store. Just use the code atb at checkout before Wednesday, May 25
So if you haven’t checked her out yet, here are her places
http://www.propbaby.com/
http://www.emaphotography.com/
http://www.newbornphotographer.com/
When did you become a photographer?
In 2004. I have a degree in teaching, but I worked part-time in a pharmaceutical company. I was dabbling in photography on the side because I enjoyed it. I would take pictures of my kids and the neighbors’ kids. It got to the point that my photography started looking like portraits, so a neighbor suggested that I start my own business. So I walked into my job one day, which I hated, and told my boss I was quitting. He asked if I was giving 2 weeks notice and I told him “No, I’m leaving in 10 minutes”. And I never looked back. That day, I registered my business with the state. My neighbors started referring me, and by the second week, I already had a booked schedule for the holidays!
How did you come up with the name?
It’s the first letters of my three daughters’ names. When I realized that I needed a name for my business, I couldn’t think of a name for the life of me and had to decide that day. I always figured I could change it down the road. Soon I became known for it and even went and secured the trademark on it. Then, when I had my son, I realized I couldn’t add the “J” initial to the company name. I’m sure one day he’ll be in therapy.
Do you enjoy the business side?
No. Honestly, it sucks the fun out of this career. From the outside, it looks like a fun, cool job. People see that I take pictures of really beautiful babies. I get to dress them up and put cute little hats on them. What they don’t see that I’m up until 1:00 am editing, or putting together orders, etc. I could shoot every day but the reality is that it’s such a small part of the business. Shooting is only a small part of the business.
So many people starting their own photography business undercharge because they are afraid to charge what they think they’re worth, can you relate?
I did the same thing myself when I started. I wasn’t confident in my skills and I didn’t have a client base. I based my prices on what the local Portrait People chain was charging. After awhile, I burned out, because I was exhausted from so much shooting. And when I calculated the costs, I wasn’t even making minimum wage. I realized that I was really busy and my prices were really low, so I raised my prices to get higher-paying clients. Now, I have a schedule that suits my life much better.
Why did you become a photographer?
With a teaching degree I think I was just destined to work with children. I’m extremely patient by nature and truly enjoy being around them. I always had a camera in hand for as long as I can remember. As soon as I would take them I couldn’t wait to get the film developed (by film I’m talking the days before digital). When I got my first digital it was the same way. I became obsessed with all things photography and lighting. Couple that with the love of working with children and it was a perfect match.
What kind of photography do you mainly shoot?
Newborns, Babies and Children.
What do you like about baby images?
They grow so fast, so cliche but its so true. I find the newborn stage to be one of the most important to capture because in only a few short months they look completely different.
Are you a studio or natural light photographer?
Studio
Why?
I like the consistency of studio lights, I want my lighting to be the last thing I have to worry about at a session. With studio lights I’ve been doing it so long that I know the settings, position etc.. so that all I have to do is focus on the babies and their families.
When you see a picture, what is the first thing you notice?
Thanks to some great photography friends I notice the details in newborn images, making sure the blankets are smooth, hands are nice and relaxed etc..
What do you try to capture in your baby images?
Just the naturalness of being a baby, the curiosity of a 6 month old, the rolls of a newborn..
What has been your favourite moment as a photographer?
So many but I would say being on TLC’s “A Baby Story”, Being featured in Celebrity Parents Magazine and of course being asked to be featured here
What has been your greatest learning experience?
That owning a photography business is really 10% about the actual shooting.
How are you different from other photographers?
I’m not exactly sure as I try not to worry too much on what others are doing. There are a bazillion photographers out there (or I think a bazillion and ten, the last time I checked!) I would say what makes me successful is my relationship with my clients. There are a lot of good photographers out there, but you have to be able to run a business. You can have pretty subjects and be technically great, but if you can’t work with people, forget it. And if you’re not a people person, you’re going to run your business into the ground. I’m so blessed because I have clients who came to me 6 years ago who are still with me today — that’s through 20 price increases!
Favorite movie?
Sixteen Candles, Fools Rush In, Animal House
What was your best vacation ever?
We recently did the Disney Cruise a few months ago. It was so relaxing (if you can imagine that with 4 under 10 it would be).
Favorite TV show?
Greys Anatomy, American Idol, What not to wear (my daughter loves watching it with me)
What songs are on your playlist?
Unfortunately Disney Radio rules this household (not by choice) although I’m embarrassed to admit I know the words to many of the songs.
What’s your facebook game addiction?
NONE, in fact they drive me nuts when they show up on my feed
Nikon or Canon?
Canon
What is in your camera bag?
You are supposed to have a camera bag? lol
Do you have a favorite lens?
My 50mm 1.2 is always on my camera
Any tricks for fussy babies?
Heat, full bellies, and rocking
What is one thing all new photographers should do or know?
Practice, practice, practice. Don’t think that if you get a great camera, that’s all you need. Get a lower-model camera, and just work it until you know it. Practice on your kids until they’re sick of you. Don’t charge a dime until you know everything technically that you need to know. And remember to register your business with the state, and get a tax ID number. You owe it to your potential client. It’s not just your time but your clients’, too.
Do you remember your first session? What was it like?
YES… I had a cheat sheet. I had poses, props and set ups I wanted to do written on a piece of paper. I had it hidden as I didn’t want the client to think I didn’t know what I was doing.
What are your favorite props?
Mom and Dad
How do you get away from photography, what is your escape?
HA! I don’t escape it ever I feel like!!!!
What is the latest book you’ve read (not about photography)?
LOL reading? What is that?
How does your family support you?
My husband (who I didn’t mention in the last article I did and he felt slighted..lol) is wonderful with the kids and can cook, clean and do homework on days when I need more work time.
Any unusual favorite foods?
I am the cheapest eater ever. I could live on Ramen noodles with butter. I also love Salteens with cream cheese.
Who is your favorite etsy seller?
I work with so many doing photography trades that I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out right now
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