Photographer Spotlight: Tina Nitz

Tell us your name. Tina Nitz

Where do you live? St. Augustine, Florida

Please link us to your website. http://www.nitzphotography.com

Describe your area of expertise. Expertise – HA! I don’t consider myself an expert in anything, but I do specialize in maternity, newborns and babies. If I had to pick one of those three I’d say my newborn work is my strongest.

How long have you been a photographer? I’ve been a photographer since I can remember ! Way back in the day, I used to take my mom’s 110 camera and use a whole roll of film on a single flower, bug or whatever else caught my eye. She’d get so upset because I wasted a whole roll on one thing. I looked at it like I was shooting a bunch to get the perfect result. Did I? Probably not – I was like 10.  But you are probably asking more from a professional standpoint.  I’ve officially been a business for almost 6 years now.

What did you do before pursuing photography? Growing up I never said “I want to be a photographer when I grow up.”  It changed frequently depending on what was of interest that year. But, after high school, I made the decision to hit the university for a degree in elementary education. I never quite finished. Along came the birth of my first son… and then a few years later a second son. Never went back and somehow I ended up as a photographer.

How would you describe your style? Simplistic.

Do you prefer to work in the studio, on-location, or both and why? I prefer to work in a studio with my “fake light” mostly because I can control it so much easier. I know it, I’m comfortable with it, and it works for me. Which is why I’m working on learning natural light out on location now – getting out of my little box.

What is your standby pose (the one that everyone tends to want from you)? EVERYONE wants the newborn sound asleep with the little legs/arms hanging over the side of the basket/bucket/chair.  And lately the “fish bowl” shots are quite popular with the toddler moms.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick that always gets a smile from your young subjects? Every child is different and responds to different things. What works for one doesn’t work for another. So I guess I’ll have to say no I don’t really have a favorite trick that works. But I have a whole list of things I try to get those smiles and when I find something that works for that child I play off it for a while. Singing, laughing, talking silly, jokes for older ones, making fun of mom and dad’s “stinky feet” works VERY well for the 4-5 year olds. You just have to take cues from the child and keep working until you catch their attention.. then roll with it!

What gear is in your bag? Nikon…..always Nikon. I currently shoot with a D300 and 90% of the time I have my 85mm lens on.  I’ll sometimes also shoot with my 50mm and then, if I’m feeling crazy, pull out the 105mm macro for some close ups (like those little bits on a newborn).

If you could only use one lens what would it be? 85mm of course

What is your go-to camera shop? I try to buy all my gear locally – and that happens to be at Ritz Camera. I like to keep my business local and support those around me. If they don’t have it B&H Photo here I come.

Which album company do you recommend? My session albums are the Addison Elite slip ins by J. Lee Albums.

What are your favorite props? I’m not big on a lot of props. But I do love me some hats!! And baskets!! My husband thinks I need to go to Hats and Baskets anonymous.

How do you stay motivated? By shooting for ME every once in a while. Whether by working with my own kids and doing something different or just getting in the car and driving around until I see something of interest. Sometimes even just sitting in the yard and snapping shots of the lizards. It’s so important to have time for yourself and to shoot for fun when you are running a business. Otherwise you’ll get burnt out and wanna scream!

What makes your job easy? The resulting images and the smiles on mom and dads faces when they come in to view and order. Makes chasing their toddler during the session or getting peed on by a newborn all worth it!

Do you fully process all the proofs you show to clients or do you show soft-proofs and then finalize once you know which images they will be ordering? Depends on how much editing is required. I pretty much process all proofs before they are shown to the client. Of course, a final once over is done before sending to the lab to get rid of little stray hairs and minor things that bug me but probably were not noticed by the client. For those times when some extensive detail work is needed during editing (such as a newborn with a bad case of baby acne) then I’ll work up a handful of my favorites completely to show clients what will be done before ordering. Then I do the major touch-ups before sending to the lab for them on the images they order.

If you could choose anyone to do a photo session of you and your family, who would your choose? Oh wow…..that’s a loaded question. You know I’m not really sure. I have so many photographers that I know and admire. I’m just not sure if I could choose just one.

If you were not a photographer, then…then my life would be pretty empty because I LOVE what I do.

What does photography mean to you? It means a lot and it always has. I’m a firm believer in capturing memories. Time goes by way too fast and kids grow up even faster.  You never know what the future holds and having special images of the ones you love and hold dear is ever so important.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business? There are 3 major pieces of advice that I give to newcomers to the business:

1. Have knowledge about photography itself. How to achieve proper exposure, white balance, etc. If you don’t know what a shutter speed is, then you might want to take a class or do some research online. LEARN all you can about photography before you go to the next step.
2. Know your camera and how to use it properly.
3. Price yourself fair to the clients and to your fellow photographers. Don’t undercut the established photographers in the area in order to gain business because, in the end, all it does it hurt the entire photography industry – and it doesn’t gain you great clients.  Find your magic happy number and work backwards to find your fees.

Magazine must have? Professional Photographer is my favorite right now.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Reading, actually. I love to read. However I often feel guilty when I do because I know I could be doing other things either with the business or with housework, etc.

My weakness is…I have to have  Dr. Pepper first thing after rolling out of bed in the morning. Sad, but true.

My strength is…Hmmm – I can tell you all about my flaws and issues, but ask me this and I get stuck.

Finish this quote: When it rains……it pours… LOL!

Who do you love? My hubby and my 2 boys.

Blog addiction… Nope – don’t really have one.

Tattoos… Ick.. no. Not on me. But they are fun to photograph on dad’s with newborns!

MAC or PC… PC

80’s Music… Yes!!!

What’s on your iPod? I actually do not own an iPod. Sad, isn’t it?

Morning or night? NIGHT!

On my day off… … and the boys are at school.. I like to curl up with my kitty and read a good book.

Thank you Tina for sharing a bit of yourself with us.  I’m sure our readers will enjoy your work as much as I have.

Photographer Spotlight: Nancy Poole

Tell us your name. Nancy Poole

Where do you live? Broken Arrow, Oklahoma which is a suburb of Tulsa

Please link us to your website. http://www.nancypoole.com

Describe your area of expertise: high school seniors

How long have you been a photographer? 5 years

What made you decide to leave your teaching career to pursue  photography? I actually retired from being an elementary principal after 31 years in education.  After I retired, I decided I wanted to pursue becoming a photographer.  I studied, took classes and workshops, and gathered my equipment for 2 years before I put up my website.

How would you describe your style? Classic, colorful, stylish

Do you prefer to work in the studio, on-location, or both and why? Both!  I love the great lighting for portraits in the studio and like to do traditional to fashion type headshots.  But I also love the variety of ideas that can be drawn from a location shoot.

What is your standby pose (the one that everyone tends to want from you)? I have a pose that I got from a Sarah Jessica Parker perfume ad in a magazine that everyone wants.  They sit on the edge of a chair and lean over on their knees.  Their knees are together and their feet wide apart with their toes pointing inward.  They love the fashion look of the pose.

What gear is in your bag? Canon 5d Mark II, 70-200L Lens, 24-70L lens, 16-35 wide angle lens, fisheye 100-400 Lens, two Canon 580ex flashes, Radio Poppers, op tech hand grip

If you could only use one lens what would it be? 70-200L-2.8—I keep it on my camera almost all the time.

What is your go-to camera shop? I have a local camera shop, B&H, and Dury’s

Which album company do you recommend? I use WHCC for my 10×10 press printed books.

How do you stay motivated? I LOVE what I do.  I love being around the seniors and the session.  I get excited when I’m photoshopping their session.  It’s emotional to watch them see their pictures for the first time.  It’s a thrill when they get the prints in their hands.  Compared to my former job as a principal, it is no stress.  How could anyone not be motivated by a job that has all of that?

Have you attended any workshops that you found to be helpful in your work?  If so, which ones? I may just be the queen of workshops.   I should be better than I am–LOL!  Kirk Voclain–posing and photoshop for Seniors, Brad Veraska–posing and photoshop and lighting for Seniors, Jen Hillenga–posing and photoshop for Seniors, Kevin Jairaj–bridals and couple posing, Julie Klaasmeyer–babies, Lori Nordstrom–babies, Tim Babin–Senior posing and business, Mike Fulton–lighting, to name a few.

Which professional organizations do you belong to? Indian Nations Guild–Tulsa PPA local, Oklahoma Photographers Association

What makes your job easy? No Stress

How do you achieve the rich, vibrant colors in your images? I think a combination between my Canon 5d Mark II and using Lightroom

Do you fully process all the proofs you show to clients or do you show soft-proofs and then finalize once you know which images they will be ordering? I used to fully process all the files before the client would see them, but I’m way too busy now to spend time on a file that they may not purchase, so I fully photoshop about 5 or maybe at least one from different lighting situations.  Then they look at all the others straight out of Lightroom.

What sets you and your work apart from other photographers in your area? We have some amazing photographers in this area.  It seems I’m getting to be known for my white on white high-key look and my location shoots with my off-camera flash, such as my outdoor field pictures.

If you could choose anyone to do a photo session of you and your family, who would your choose? Brad Veraska

If you were not a photographer, then…I’d do something artistically.  I once had a small business where I sewed arts and crafts projects and sold them.

What does photography mean to you? It is such a artistic release for me.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business? Learn the craft, understand business and pricing structures in order to make a profit, before hanging out your shingle and saying you are a professional.

Magazine must have? I love catalogs for poses

What’s your guilty pleasure? Merlot and my black corvette but not together!  LOL!

My weakness is… spreading myself to thin

My strength is… creativity

What do you do when you first wake up? I lay in bed with my laptop and watch the morning shows on tv and try to wake up!

Finish this quote: When it rains…just don’t let it do it on my parade!

Who do you love? My husband David.  We’ve been married for 18 years.  And our 3 children:  Casey-33, Garrett-29, and Aubrey-27

Do you read your horoscope? I read it—but I don’t pay attention to it unless it is a good one!

Tattoos…Nope—and so glad—they would look horrible on my skin at this age

MAC or PC…Desktop Mac and a MacBook Pro Laptop

Music…I love all kinds of music—I just LOVE music, but I mostly listen to Country

What’s on your iPod? Country, and then walking/running music like Justin Timberlake and Madonna—they have a great beat

Morning or night? Definitely night.  I can’t do anything in the morning and start really getting the creative ideas flowing about 3:00pm to 2:00am

My friends say…I’m sweet

Travel dreams…Traveling all the places I’ve never been.  I’ve been to all but Alaska and Wisconsin in the US, several places in Mexico and the Carribean, and I got to take a trip not too long ago to Italy.  We would love to go to more places in Europe and go to Australia.

On my day off… Compared to my education career—I feel like I’m always on a day off.

One of your top 100 to do before you die? I don’t know.  I really believe in living everyday fully.  I’m living many of my dreams right now.  I LOVE my family and job, I get to travel, I have my sports car, and my daughter just got engaged so we are planning her wedding.  Life Is So Good!

What isn’t on your top list? Bungee Jumping—-I’m deathly afraid of heights —those where you look over an edge.

Thanks so much, Nancy, for taking the time to share your inspirational work with us. 

Featured Elements – Labels

This month, as you may already know, our featured products at Pink Ink Studios are none other than Elements. Remember, you can save 10% on all Elements purchases this month! Discount taken after you add items to your cart.

I wanted to show you a few of the labels that you can find in our Elements section of the store. I love labels because I have the ability to be a little more creative with some of our other items. Many times, you can find them blank, but other times you can find them with some words on them.

1. Use them to cover up an element on a template you don’t want to show. Maybe you don’t want it to say “Merry Christmas” but instead want it to say “Happy Holidays” – well here’s a way you can do that!
2. Add them to a storyboard for another feature. For this one, I used Traci’s 10 x 20 storyboard and my Ornamental labels. I highlighted the quote she already had by placing one of the labels behind it. You add some of our papers to the storyboard if you’re feeling really creative.
   
3. Use card templates that are blank, so you can build your own cards. Kim Hill has a few of these blank cards that you can build yourself. Makes it great to let your inner designer come out. Just add some of our papers or labels to them for a real unique touch. For this one, I added her Oval Labels to it.
   

Take a moment to see how you might use some of our labels in the store. Share your stories and pictures with us and maybe we will choose to feature you and give you a gift certificate to the store!

Author: Holly McCaig
Website: Holly McCaig Designs

Monthly Product Feature – Elements!

I am using the Bubble Thought Printouts from Holly McCaig and LOVE them! I had to add them to this picture which the mother thought was hilarious. I plan to use them for my Valentine Day photobooth marathon as printouts too!

Alison Waring Spotlight

Tell us your name: Alison Waring

Where do you live? Central Florida

Your site or blog address: www.alisonwaring.com

Describe your photography subject focus I try and capture a moment.  Something that’ll make your heart smile. A special smirk, toddler snuggling a lovey or the angsty look of a teen.

How would you describe your photography style? Candid with a PoP!

What do you shoot with? Nikon D80 (hopefully a D700 soon)

Your favorite camera equipment…My brand spankin’ new Funky Camera Wristlet

If you could only use one lens what would it be? Def my 50mm 1.8 it never comes off the body.

Does your camera have a name? Oddly no.  I shall have to make one up.

How do you stay motivated? It’s really not hard. Mostly my clients keep me motivated- seeing the joy (and sometimes tears) makes me want to do it over and over again.

How long have you been a photographer? Officially 2 years now.  Unofficially since I was in middle school.

If not a photographer, then….A horse. I’m joking. Something with horses.

Your go-to camera shop? B&H Photo (online of course).

What makes your job easy? I have like the best clients.  They’re fun and have cute kids.

Which album company do you recommend? Finao. Awesome products and a great variety of cover choices. And their album box is to die for!

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose? Cheryl Muhr, she’s so light hearted and gives awesome hugs.

Favorite Pink Ink Studios product? That’s hard I love’em all!  Most helpful I’d say the Portrait Party Package.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business? More than anything have your contracts and packages completely figured out before you start.  There’s no winging it or making it up as you go.

Magazine must have? Photoshop User, Professional Photographer, After Capture and a bazillion more.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Twitter. I’m so addicted.

My weakness is…Spiders *blech*

My strength is… The overwhelming support I get from friends and family.

What do you do when you first wake up? Pee. Then brush my teeth. Is that too intimate?

Finish this quote: When It rains…it’s NAPTIME!!!!!

Who Do You Love? The maker of my Hostess Cupcake lip-gloss. My family of course.

Do you read your horoscope? Nah don’t have time.

Blog addiction… Sadly I don’t have one.  My attention span can only handle Tweets right now.

Tattoos…They look great on other people.

MAC or PC…PC but I so wish Mac.

80’s Music…Horrible hair great music.

What’s on your iPod? A lot of David Gray, massive amount of 1 hit wonders (yes that means Vanilla Ice & SirMixALot) and everything I’ve ever Shazam’d off the TV.

Morning or night? Night.  I hate the morning it’s all early and bright blech!

My friends say…I’m AWESOME!! No really they do. So does Rock Band.

Travel dreams…Fiji

On my day off… Ha ha no such thing! I’m a stay at home mom on my “days off” so it’s family family family when I’m not shooting (which I love and would never change).

One of your top 100 to do before you die? What isn’t?  I’ve never really traveled so I have to do that :0)

New Product Idea – Texture/Overlay

Hello!!!  I used Heather’s large textures for this senior storyboard.  They are great to work with for two reason 1- they are large so you won’t have to resize them too much and 2- they are masculine which is perfect for my “guy” storyboards!

Julie Ranee Spotlight

Tell us your name: Julie Ranee

Where do you live? Plain City, OH

Your site or blog address: julieraneephotography.com

Describe your photography subject focus

I primarily shoot families, but have weddings, seniors and newborns occassionally.

How would you describe your photography style?

Casual, fun, natural

What do you shoot with?

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 35mm f 1.4L, Canon 85mm f 1.2L II

Your favorite camera equipment…

Canon 5D Mark II. It’s iso capability is incredible! Love it!

If you could only use one lens what would it be?

This is such a tough call as I like both my 35mm and my 85mm for different reasons. I probably prefer the 35mm because I like wide, but the 85mm has such incredible bokeh and does not distort close up like the 35mm. I went on vacation recently and shot everything with my 35mm.

Does your camera have a name?

No. Definitely something to keep in mind though.

How do you stay motivated?

I look at websites and magazines, check out books from the library about famous photographers, and take images of my kids when they are involved in a fun activity (photographer’s child syndrome can get ugly).

How long have you been a photographer?

I have officially been in business since October 2007, but did portfolio building for a year and a half prior to that.

If not a photographer, then….

I was a dietitian in my previous career. Not sure I’d go back to that, but I do find nutrition and raw food very interesting.

Your go-to camera shop?

www.calumetphoto.com

What makes your job easy?

Families that can relax and be themselves. I love to capture natural family interactions.

Which album company do you recommend?

WHCC hinged albums are my first choice for quality and price. I have seen a beautiful Dream Album and am considering trying their product.

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

Jinky or Tara Whitney

Favorite Pink Ink Studios product?

http://pinkinkstudios.com/store/product.php?productid=489&cat=56&page=1

Baby Book Frilly – Girl

I used this for an album of my daughter and her best friend. I didn’t use the teddy bear page because they are ages 7 and 8. The book is beautiful! Love the grungy texture to the page designs.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business?

Make sure you put images on your blog and website that showcase your style. Then make sure every client sees your blog and website before you book them. This will help you attract clients that like your style.

Magazine must have?

Mini Boden. I love all the light and action in their images! I get so excited when I get that little catalog in the mail.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate cake with hot fudge . . . YUM.

My weakness is… spending too much time at the Beyond Photography Forum http://www.beyondjustimages.com/

My strength is… my relationship with Jesus.

What do you do when you first wake up? I make a green smoothie for our family . . . this goes back to the nutrition. I make smoothies out of fruit and then add spinach . . . lots of spinach (I promise, you cannot taste it!). My kids usually like them. They better because they have to drink them before they can have anything else. Hey, it’s good for them!

Finish this quote: When It rains… I get grumpy. Sometimes we go for days or a week without seeing the sun come out from behind the clouds.

Who Do You Love? My husband and kids.

Do you read your horoscope? No.

Blog addiction… Tara W., Jinky, etc., etc., etc. I check way too many blogs.

Tattoos… nope . . . too permanent. I change my mind too much.

MAC or PC… PC, but I’d love to switch.

80’s Music… PLEASE DON”T MAKE ME LISTEN TO IT. My husband likes it.

What’s on your iPod? Are you ready for this . . . I don’t have an iPod. I listen to the radio or cds in the car. The kids and I like Frances England. Today we were listening to Relient K’s Christmas album . . . a must have for the Christmas season (or June).

Morning or night? Night

My friends say… I have a bubbly personality and lots of determination.

Travel dreams… Australia & New Zealand

On my day off… I relax, play with the kids, watch movies with my husband.

One of your top 100 to do before you die? Build a tiny house http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

New Product Idea – overlay

I used Holly’s Damask overlay

You simply slide the overlay over your photo, erase where it is on top of the skin using your brushes as an eraser, then flatten. You can change the color and opacity also.

Product Idea

It’s Senior time!! One of my biggest sellers for seniors are graduation/open house announcements. At Pink Ink we have a nice selection of grad cards, moo templates (which they love to hand out) and wallet cards. Check Traci Murphy’s new grad cards:

You can see all of the cards here:

http://www.pinkinkstudios.com/store/home.php?cat=22

During your viewing session have these ready and Mom will not be able to resist.

Designer Focus::MadiLu Designs

What is your favorite product that you have in the store?

Currently it’s my Senior Starter Kit. It’s the season when the new seniors start rolling in and it’s fun to see all of the different styles.

How long have you been designing?
I’ve been designing for about 12 years. Some at the end of college and then ever since I graduated.

Where does the name ‘MadiLu Designs’ come from?
My daughters. I have a Madison and a Lucy and wanted to find something that sounded more “fun” than my regular corporate design business. I also have two boys, but JackSam didn’t really sound that great and I’m pretty sure SamuelJackson would have gotten me into trouble

Messy or clean workspace?
I wish, wish, wish I could say clean, but I usually have so much going that it’s difficult to see the top of my desk. Somehow, I know exactly where everything is.

Why do you love being a designer?
I love being a designer because I do different projects every day. It’s never boring and I enjoy when I get to come up with an idea that will help someone else’s business. It’s great when a piece comes together and even better to get something back from the printer.

Describe your style-
I tend to gravitate to simple, clean and eye-catching. However, I love working with swirls, scrolls and vintage … I also have an addiction to polka dots that I like to incorporate when it’s appropriate.

When you aren’t designing, what else are you usually doing?
Hanging out with my family. Looking forward to the spring and summer weather when we can be outside. Our goal is to plant a pizza garden this summer. We’ll see what happens! Also volunteer at the kids’ school and when possible, try to visit w/friends.

If you had an extra $100, what would you spend it on?
Shoes or a big, chunky ring in a dream world … diapers in reality.

Go here to check out all of Kim’s fabulous designs.

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