This is my third interview with Chris Marquardt on the topic of People Photography. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed discussing a broad range of topics with Chris.

In this video I speak about a few of my images and the story behind each one. I also elaborate on the powerful role that patience and persistence play in capturing the best images. Plus, I share my secret to selecting my best images by calling on the opinion of close friends. Finally, Chris and I discuss the power of lighting and I hint at my exploration with new lighting techniques -- if you are interested in learning more about my exciting experience with lighting, you can check out my lighting journey blog series.  

Check out  the first two Chris Marquardt interviews here. Enjoy!

Image by Parker Pfister

My first year at WPPI I found myself roaming the conference floor, thoroughly excited by the ample learning opportunities. Instantly the outstanding and well crafted images of Parker Pfister caught my eye, drawing me toward the booth of this fine artist.  

What I learned from Parker extends beyond his skill as a photographer and a man well versed in enhancing images. He taught me the importance of putting soul into your work. Parker emphasized staying true to your style and most importantly to yourself as an artist. A photographer must create from her heart, from her innate source of inspiration. He helped me realize that changing your style for a client never helps anyone. Rather, shooting for clients who seek your style and embrace your niche results in the best quality work and a fulfilled, lasting relationship with clients.  

Learning this from Parker only increased my appreciation of his work. Inspired by his imagery, I am looking forward to applying his high quality actions to my workflow producing a vintage look for a 1940's style shoot I am currently retouching.  Products of choice?   His PJDDRV2 and the Edgewash. 

I look forward to sharing the resulting imagery with you shortly.

Next Thursday, May 25th, I am excited to be a speaker for PDN's Focus on Wedding and Portrait Photography Virtual Event. The two-day virtual event for photographers is designed to be very interactive, informative, and inspirational. This expo is full of excellent speakers, very well versed in the world of promotion, marketing, and what it takes to be a successful photographer. 

Even better, by being a virtual event, PDN's Focus on Wedding and Portrait Photography is accessible to anyone logging in from any location. I really like the idea of creating an online space to provide free and informative content to a large and deserving audience. The webinars, virtual booths, and speakers really provide a well rounded and truly exceptional event requiring literally nothing but a desire to learn and improve your approach to photography. 

I am looking forward to sharing my business and marketing philosophy about building relationships with clients, branding, and niche marketing. I am also really excited to learn some great tips from the impressive array of professionals that will be speaking. I hope you check out the expo and even stop by my virtual booth for a chat. 

Beautiful view from the bedroom of my Villa 

Me with extraordinary host Virgil Napier (he could write a book on it!)

A gentle breeze blew a lock of hair across my face as I stepped onto our villa patio to gaze at the sparkling turquoise water. I breathed in deeply, enjoying the fresh scent of an ocean mist lingering in the air. My mind, being in perma-photography mode, instantly honed in on the stunning blue hue of the water. I thought- "wow whoever photoshopped the water did a great job!" I laughed, catching myself at my own mind game. True this setting embodied every notion of art, a snapshot of a far off tropical island resort, but it was also the reality in which I was currently residing.

 

Nothing prepared me for the phenomenal Viceroy Anguilla resort. My host, Virgil Napier, insisted on many occasions, "I can't describe it. You won't understand until you come."  He was beyond correct. Despite traveling to many places in the world I was still absolutely stunned by the gorgeous scenery and skillfully designed resort.

 

The beaches and tropical island setting are unrivaled. Stunning views of crystal clear water and long stretches of white sand beaches are hard to beat. But more than anything, the resort itself defines ultimate luxury. The design is innovative, so detailed and truly artistic beyond just great architecture.  No expense was spared, no corner left untouched with tasteful decor. The resort flows into the landscape flawlessly and enticingly luxurious.

 

The resort truly captures every desire. There is ample space for enjoyable social mingling in the exquisite restaurants and bars. Days can be filled with bike rides, kayaking, and beach lounging. Viceory Anguilla also perfectly capitalizes on the luxury of seclusion. The spacious villas embody the ultimate private retreat. They boast personal pools, plush rooms, and are stocked full of amenities.

 

Even more, the customer service is impeccable. Virgil Napier is the most hospitable host I have ever been taken care of by. Every guest is met with an intimate experience catering to his or her individual needs and desires. This attentiveness and kindness defines the Viceroy Anguilla as a top of the line destination resort located in a tropical paradise. 

So many people think that I am insane about the amount of time I invest in retouching. But I am such a detail oriented perfectionist that I feel like I have to do it for my myself and most of all to provide my clients with the best quality work I can produce. I admit I was beginning to think maybe I focus on the details a little too much.

 

But, then today for the first time I saw the iphone calculator for the beautiful detailed piece of work it is. Ok, maybe I am praising a phone calculator a little too much but it really is amazing! The calculator keys are designed to give them depth and texture, like real keys. I know you think I am insane right now but just look at one and you will believe me (I hope).

 

This little factor made me understand that it really is all about the details. Subconsciously little details like texture on calculator keys on a screen have a profound affect on the person using it. Even if we don't consciously note the existence of such details, these details do have an impact on our experience.

 

So I stand by my point. Details do matter. And taking a little extra time to make images look nice, just like adding texture to the keys is a good thing.  Not only has the Apple iphone calculator reinforced my detail-oriented behavior but it has also made me appreciate the creative genius behind Apple products that much more.

There are times in our lives when we need a little reassurance and then it suddenly appears at just the right moment.

Sitting on a bench, nervously contemplating one of my first speaking engagements at a major convention, I was beginning to doubt myself. Rather than hyping myself up, all I focused on was whether I was ready to be doing this. Was I qualified or even skilled enough to give other professionals tips? I was scared and had no idea what to expect when I stood in front of a huge crowd of people. Would I panic or would everything go by smoothly and effortlessly?

At the culmination of my self-induced panic, along came Tony. At the time I didn't know Tony but sensing my distraught feelings he took the time to sit and talk with me. Tony helped me gain the confidence that carried me through the event and many years of speaking engagements afterwards. All it took was someone to believe in me for me to believe in myself. Experiences like this remind me how important it is to surround yourself with supportive people that bring out the best in you. Making a conscious choice like this will enhance your business and personal fulfillment in many ways. Those who believe in you will always help boost your confidence.