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I thought I’d be a little different this month a feature one of our designers this month who also happens to be a photographer (with a kick butt new product too!)

Stats

Name: Heather Green

Site: www.heathergreenphoto.com

Blog: www.heathergreenblog.com

Location: southwest Florida (between Clewiston and Ft. Myers)

How long have you been a photographer? I’ve had a camera in my hand since I can remember, but I guess I’ve considered myself a photographer for at least the last five years.

What do you photograph? (ie babies, weddings, travel…) I do portraits (on location and in studio), and as a hobby I LOVE wildlife photography.

Describe your style: I started out all over the place and never really had a style, I’ve settled down now with clean, classic images without a lot of processing for portrait shoots.

Business

Your Camera and gear… Canon 50D, Canon 50mm 1.4, Canon 50mm 1.8, Canon 18-55mm, Canon 100-400mm f4/5.6 USM IS L and I have an Xti as a backup or for a second shooter.

If you could only use one lens what would it be? The 50mm 1.4 for sure!  That lens is so versitile! From outdoor portraits to using it in the studio, I just love what I get when I use it.

What camera bag do you use? I have the Jill-e medium bag.

Do you use an assistant or 2nd shooter? Only when I do weddings.  I don’t bill myself as a wedding photographer..but I do have special circumstances when I’ll shoot them.

If yes, what do you look for in an assistant or 2nd shooter? Someone with a good eye who knows when to get the right shots and knows their DSLR very well, someone who is friendly and outgoing who can get the job done but have FUN at the same time.

Which album company do you recommend? I really like WHCC and all of the products they offer.

What lab do you use? Usually Miller’s but occasionally I’ll use colorinc, whcc, etc.

Mac or PC? PC

Your go-to camera shop? B&H for sure!

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)? Honestly, I hear ‘make me look skinny’ quite  a bit! Lol  I try to have everyone pose as naturally as possible and as flattering as possible to their own unique figures.

What makes your job so much easier? Being able to have fun and enjoy working with people, it’s so much easier when you can laugh and joke and have fun with every single person you work with.

What is the most important thing you have learned since becoming a photographer? Don’t be afraid to ask other photographers questions.  I’ve learned so much that way!  Of course there’s some out there that won’t give you the time of day, but the ones that do are a goldmine and have really helped me out a lot.

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose? I love Jasmine Star’s style…. classic and clean, I love her compositions and her posing!

Favorite Andie Smith Designs product? Probably the storyboards…love those.  They’re so quick and easy to put together, clients love them!

Any funny stories from the trenches you would like to share? I was doing a shoot in the studio for a friend.  She has three dogs and one of them is ill and she wanted to get photos done with them right away.  She’s a vegetarian but brought along her dogs’ favorite liver treats to get their attention during the shoot.  She wanted one of them to kiss her so she was putting the liver in her mouth…she’d gag when she’d do it, but she kept on doing it…it was pretty funny!

Fun

Music on iPod: oh gosh, I just loaded it up with the soundtrack from the movie Mama Mia!

Magazine Must Have (photo and non-photo): Rangefinder and Entertainment Weekly!

One of your top 100 to do: Visit Italy

Favorite homemade meal: Ropa Vieja (cuban meat stew)

My weakness is: food!

My strength is: my personality

My friends say: I’m creative

On my day off: I’m out photographing wildlife or hanging with my husband

What blogs do you stalk:

www.paperieboutique.com
www.thepioneerwoman.com
ASD!
www.jasminestarblog.com

One thing you may not know about me: I’m an actual Florida native!  Born and raised in Hollywood, Florida and I’m married to a 6th generation Florida native.

Remember how I told you she has a cool product out??  BACKDROPS!!

The Drop Shoppe (thedropshoppe.com) sells thick, matte, high quality vinyl backdrops in large sizes that are affordable for photographers. You can use these with studio lighting or natural light. Each image is created in Photoshop or Illustrator to be the absolute sharpest possible when it’s printed in large format. Currently we sell two sizes; 5 feet by 8 feet and 10 feet by 8 feet. The 5′x8′ drops are $90.00 and the 10′x8′ drops are $150.00 All prices include free shipping to the continental United States. If you are out of the country you do have to pay shipping, but we work hard to find you the fastest and most affordable shipping solution. Each backdrop has an extra 1/2″ white border around the outside, which is perfect for you to clamp to your backdrop stand. This way you’re not clamping directly onto the backdrop image.
There’s a variety of ways to hang these backdrops. You can just clamp them to your horizontal pole on your backdrop stand (with large clamps you can purchase at a hardware store), or you can hang hooks on your wall with a pole and clamp to that. We used the hooks/wall method in our small office since we couldn’t fit my larger backdrop stand in there. A quick Google search will also turn up quite a few do it yourself backdrop stands that you’re able to make at home for very little cash.
We have all sorts of patterns and styles for you to choose from. There’s plenty of grunge, messy paint, realistic background photos, wallpaper, doors, floors and much more. The possibilities for these backdrops are endless. Use them in your studio, use one for the popular ‘photo booth’ set ups at weddings, even hang them outside for big parties or family get togethers. The backdrops arrive in a shipping tube, which we ask you to keep so that you can store your backdrop in it when not in use. The best ways to store these are either rolled up, hanging or laying flat. If you should wrinkle them, usually laying them flat in a hot room or outside in the shade will remove the wrinkles. These also wipe clean with mild soap and water. No worries about that baby or toddler making a mess, just wipe it up!
Everything we sell is designed for accuracy, and realistic sizing. Our clients boast about the realism and the clean designs – no overblown images that leave you seeing fuzzy! And, our backdrops are the thickest and most durable vinyl available. Backdrops that look as if you’re really there. For the best photos you can present to your clients.

Check out the facebook page

But wait there is more!

Heather is giving you $5 off if you use the code asd when you check out!!!

and last but not least…

Heather’s choice for the “We Can Help” section is the Frames:10×10 and the proceeds will go to The Humane Society of Broward County

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Stats

Name: Tracy Allyn Croysdale    — Tracy Allyn Photography

Site: www.tracyallyn.com

Blog: http://tracyallyn.squarespace.com/

Location: Dallas, TX

How long have you been a photographer? I’ve been shooting professionally for the past 4 years.   It has been a longtime love… I have been shooting since I was 15 years old, so for 25 years.  I just told you my age!

What do you photograph? (ie babies, weddings, travel…) I photograph every stage of life from maternity, newborns & babies, toddlers, children, families,  and high school seniors.   I also do a few select weddings each year.

Describe your style:
My style has changed in the past several years.   I started out loving black and white but  I have evolved to love color!   Bold color just lends itself to playful images… which I adore!   I love anything with textures and color that will help me achieve this look.   My shooting style falls between relaxed or playful candids and posed images.

Business

Your Camera and gear…
My main camera is a Nikon D700.   I love shooting with prime lenses… my favorite go-to lens is my 85mm 1.4 followed by my 50mm 1.4.   Other primes I own are 24mm 2.8,  135mm DC, and the 25mm 2.0.  I hate to admit that I have an arsenal of other pro Nikkor lenses that I hardly touch including the 24-70, 60mm micro 2.8, and 14-24, but I just can’t help but grab my faves!    I play around with the Lensbaby Composer with the telephoto, wide, and macro accessories.   I prefer to shoot natural light but occasionally use one of my SB800s with softbox or umbrella.

If you could only use one lens what would it be?
My Nikon 85mm 1.4… hands down!

What camera bag do you use? Oh… another weakness.   I am a girl who loves her bags!   Currently my fave is my Kelly Moore Bag in gray.   I have the Kelly Moore Hobo in Mustard on order!   Can’t wait… it should be in this summer!!!

Do you use an assistant or 2nd shooter?
For the most part it is just me.  But I am always up for partnering up for weddings!

Which album company do you recommend?
I like Kiss books for wedding albums.   For family portrait sessions I also like to use the hardcover books from AdoramaPix… the quality is great and very affordable!

What lab do you use? BWC… I just love them!   I’ve used them for about 18 years!

Mac or PC? Mac, baby!

Your go-to camera shop? Online I use Adorama and B&H.   Locally Competitive Cameras.

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)?
Close ups with the client looking down a wall.   My clients and I both love the shallow depth of field and how the eyes just pierce.

What makes your job so much easier?
Starting off my edits with a few great actions in Photoshop.  I like Andie’s actions, MCP actions, and Boutwell’s Totally Rad Actions.

What is the most important thing you have learned since becoming a photographer?
To believe in yourself!   Nothing can lead to success more than when you have the confidence to go for it!

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose?
Oh wow… that’s a tough one.   I love Jules Bianchi’s and Brianna Graham’s work!

Favorite Andie Smith Designs product?
LOOOOOOVE Andie’s “Awesome Eyes”   —   couldn’t live without it!

Any funny stories from the trenches you would like to share?
I was shooting a session of a 4 year old boy and we were down in a creek for some fun wading shots when he had to go to the bathroom.    I made sure to stand upstream!

Fun

Music on iPod: I’m a huge Wilco fan!   I love Blindpilot, The Avett Brothers, Old 97s, The Shins, Death Cab for Cutie.  I’ll stop there or I may be listing all day!

Magazine Must Have (photo and non-photo):
Professional Photographer and Dwell (or other modern home décor magazines)

One of your top 100 to do:
Travel to Paris!

Favorite homemade meal:
Lasagna!    Has been since I was a kid!

My weakness is: Shopping!   Although I am working very hard to change this!

My strength is: I get over things very easily… I have a life is too short kind of attitude!

My friends say: They are proud of me for following my dream!  (oh, and they also say I’m a bit of a goof!)

On my day off: I like to read, have a great glass of wine with friends, and sometimes just sit!

What blogs do you stalk: I like reading The Savvy Photographer, Jules Café, cease cows, life is short!,  Photofocus, Going Pro 2010.

One thing you may not know about me:
I have an addiction to film cameras but I don’t always get around to shooting with them!!!

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Stats

Name: Kristi Crosson

Site: www.kristicrosson.com

Blog: www.kristicrosson.wordpress.com

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

How long have you been a photographer? Professionally? 2 years and a couple of months. I have however been taking pictures since I was about 8, and I have always loved creating and capturing images.

What do you photograph? Mostly Weddings and engagements, however, I am starting to add in some family and senior portraiture.

Describe your style: Semi-photojournalistic, I think I borrow elements from many different styles to create images that reflect me and my clients.

Business

Your Camera and gear…
Canon. I shoot with a 40D and a rebel, and have a variety of lenses. I have a 580exII flash, and I rent some “L” lenses for the weddings I shoot.

If you could only use one lens what would it be? Canon 24-70L…even though I don’t own it yet.

What camera bag do you use? I have a canon backpack camera bag and a KATA bag.

Do you use an assistant or 2nd shooter? Sometimes.

If yes, what do you look for in an assistant or 2nd shooter? Someone who knows how to take direction well, and won’t get upset if I ask them to do something.

Which album company do you recommend? There are so many! The three I use are Graphistudio, Asukabooks, and Loktah now has some BEAUTIFUL albums as well.

What lab do you use?
I use WHCC and Color Incorporated Pro Labs

Mac or PC?
PC

Your go-to camera shop?
Right now its mostly online because we don’t have any good ones in town. I do enjoy Mike’s Camera in Denver, CO when I am in that area.

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)?
Things that are fun, typically I capture the subjects in the right side of the frame either laughing, making fun faces at me or each other, etc.

What makes your job so much easier?
Having clients who let me do my thing, and trust that the images will be great!

What is the most important thing you have learned since becoming a photographer?
To keep on learning. No matter how experienced I get, I need to have a humble heart that is ready and willing to learn no matter what the situation.

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose?
Jesh de Rox

Favorite Andie Smith Designs product?
Lightroom prints.They have made blogging images a snap!!!

Fun

Music on iPod:
I know this may sound nuts, but my iPOD is a “mini” and the battery dies after a few minutes. I rarely listen to it. I typically put on “Pandora Radio” and listen to one of my stations.

Magazine Must Have (photo and non-photo):
Runnersworld, Rangefinder

One of your top 100 to do:
Venice. I have always dreamed of going there.

Favorite homemade meal:
Right now I would enjoy a grilled steak and grilled veggies.

My weakness is:
sugar. I eat too much of it.

My strength is:
My ability to see what needs to be done and do it.

My friends say:
I am a giver.

On my day off:
I am supposed to have one of those? I enjoy time with my husband either going hiking, exploring, or just sitting and watching a movie.

What blogs do you stalk:Right now I am really liking Clayton Austin. He has such a way of writing that is serene and thought provoking.

One thing you may not know about me:
I love the rain in Colorado. The smell, the feel, the way it changes the air when it is done. But especially the smell.

Kristi has chosen Storyboard: 15×30 Andrea sales to go to Within His Love Ministries

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STATS

Name: Jennie Gaskins

Site: www.jenniegaskins.com

Blog: www.jgcollection.blogspot.com

Location: Minneapolis, MN

How long have you been a photographer? 5 years

What do you photograph? Mainly Newborns but also families, and kids

Describe your style: vintage, traditional, shabby chic

BUSINESS

Your Camera and gear… mainly my 50mm and Canon 5D mrk II

If you could only use one lens what would it be? 50mm of course

What camera bag do you use? I’m on the hunt for the perfect bag still….any suggestions??

Do you use an assistant or 2nd shooter? No…I no longer do weddings so no need at this time.

Which album company do you recommend? Asuka, Millers, ACI, and WHCC

What lab do you use? ACI

Mac or PC? Mac

Your go-to camera shop? West Photo…they are a rental place but know EVERYTHING about any type of equipment!!

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)? UMMM…most of my clients like certain backdrops like down by the Mississippi River or this Old Run Down Barn near my home studio!

What makes your job so much easier? My clients…they are ALL amazing!!

What is the most important thing you have learned since becoming a photographer? Self confidence…this business can be hard on that and I’m kind of a quite person so not only has it given me confidence but helped me out of my shell!

If you could choose anyone to do a photo shoot of you/your family, who would your choose? Celebrate Life by Amanda K.

Favorite Andie Smith Designs product?
I’m new to Andie Smith Designs and would have to say I’m interested in his templates for sure!

Any funny stories from the trenches you would like to share? Ummm…just lot’s and lot’s of peeing and pooping stories from my newborn sessions…those crack me up all the time!!

FUN

Music on iPod: Don’t own an ipod…sorry I’m old fashion and listen to the radio and watch old movies!!

Magazine Must Have (photo and non-photo): Midwest Living and Country Living…LOVE all the décor ideas!!

One of your top 100 to do: Sky Dive!!! And go shopping for a wedding dress with my daughter some day!!

Favorite homemade meal: We eat home A LOT so I pretty much like anything made at home!!  Especially if it’s been grilled!!

My weakness is: not wanting to say NO

My strength is: interacting with kids…I was a nanny for 10 years before I started this business so that helped a lot!

My friends say: That I’m amazing because I don’t know that I’m amazing….someday I’ll see it!!

On my day off: I LOVE doing crafty projects around the house or going for a bike ride with my daughter and husband!

What blogs do you stalk: Baby As Art, Kelley Ryden, Peekaboo, Celebratelife, Tara Whitney, and some local friends that are also photographers

One thing you may not know about me: I’m originally from NY

For her “We Can Help” product Jennie has chosen the 20×20-Chriselda storyboard and the sales will go to http://www.littlestheroesproject.org/

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Stats

Name: Ursula Page

Site: www.ursulapagephotography.com

Blog: http://www.ursulapagephotography.com/blog

Location: Thomasville, GA

How long have you been a photographer? 3 years professional and a LOT of practice before that

What do you photograph? (ie babies, weddings, travel…) I am most popular with the 5 & under set but I also  do a lot of family sessions with a few seniors, weddings and some commercial work here and there.

Describe your style: My style is bright, colorful, crisp and modern. I love capturing my clients having a great time at their session and not just sitting there throwing out the fake smile. The fake smiles usually comes out in the beginning of a session but after 20 minutes or so they are replaced with real smiles and that is what I love to capture! 

Business

Your Camera and gear… Canon 5D mark ii and the original Canon 5D and lots of L lenses

If you could only use one lens what would it be? The 85mm 1.2. I truly LOVE it and I mean lllloooooovvvveeee……  (ohhh me too…this lens is butter!)

What camera bag do you use? The Crumpler 6 Million in the periwinkle/orange combo. I just wish it was a little bigger.

Do you use an assistant or 2nd shooter? Only at weddings

If yes, what do you look for in an assistant or 2nd shooter? Sharp pictures that are exposed correctly. I edit all my own wedding pictures so if they are sharp and the exposure is correct, I can make them flow well with what I have taken.

Which album company do you recommend? None. My clients just aren’t interested in the more expensive albums. They do like hardbound books though.

What lab do you use? WHCC is my main lab but I do digress for certain products.

Mac or PC? PC

Your go-to camera shop? I live in a small town so everything I buy is online. I like B&H Photo and Beach Camera for hardware.

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)? The kids in focus out front with mom and dad blurry in the back, kissing away.

What makes your job so much easier? Happy kids and when the Dad is happy for family sessions. When Dad is relaxed, the kids just seem to have more fun. Nothing is worse than a Dad that just doesn’t want to be there.

What is the most important thing you have learned since becoming a photographer? Patience, patience, and more patience. Shooting babies and preschoolers every week has given me a patience I never had before. Sometimes it will take thirty minutes to get the shot I want, but when it happens, I am in love!

If you could choose anyone to do a photo shoot of you/your family, who would your choose? I adore Audrey Woulard and after hearing her speak at WPPI last year, I like her even more. My newest favorite (Audrey will always be my classic favorite) is Patty Schmidt who is not as well know, but her pictures are amazing. She somehow gets the creamiest skin tones every time!

Favorite Andie Smith Designs product? Storyboards – they are gorgeous! I sell a lot of storyboards and if I have time I will create a few and put them in the clients gallery and they are always a hit. I love anything that makes my life easier and Andie’s storyboards are perfect for that! (I think we all love the storyboards!)

Any funny stories from the trenches you would like to share? I have stepped in ants twice, been hoisted above a hospital for a landscape shot, climbed on top of my van for a new angle, and recently I spent an hour running backward shooting cyclists for a Southern Living article. I have found that life as a photographer is NEVER boring!

Fun

Music on iPod: I have a mix of pop, 80’s, kids music (not for me), country, and every song that Peter Cincotti has ever recorded

Magazine Must Have (photo and non-photo): Rangefinder and Southern Living (although I am a total People fan  – It us a must have for any trip or vacation)

One of your top 100 to do: Visit Europe again. We hope to do so this summer…France this time!

Favorite homemade meal: I make a mean shrimp pizza. Homemade crust (well, Publix dough), lots of plum tomatoes, a few onions, fresh shrimp, fresh herbs and some salty mozzarella. YUM! (yumm…what time is dinner???)

My weakness is: Salty snacks. Cinnamon bears. Oh, and organization.

My strength is: Creativity and putting people at ease.

My friends say: I’m fun and I love to go out to lunch. Hmmm…that doesn’t sound very interesting. Maybe I need to email and ask them. (lunch!??!   Pei Wei on me!)

On my day off: I love to watch movies, have a date night or take off for a weekend adventure with my family.

What blogs do you stalk: My Google Reader is SO full. Besides the photography blogs, I love cooking blogs. Pioneer Woman. Annie’s Eats. Sunday Baker. Bakerella. The list goes on and on. (love Bakerella… so want to try the smores on a stick!)

One thing you may not know about me: I used to drive a pink Jeep in college. My sister won it from Candies Shoes and after driving it for a few years, I got it. My college nickname became Barbie (Sorry girl… this had me giggling for a while!)

From March 22 to April 22 any sales of Storyboard 20×20 #2 will go to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.