Shutter Sisters

the six questions featuring Deb Schwedhelm

By

image copyright Deb Schwedhelm

Deb Schwedhelm is my source of inspiration. A beacon in terms of discovering my authentic self, cultivating passion in my photography journey and leading a life that benefits and enriches others. I can’t tell you how much her images and words, both overflowing with generosity and unique beauty, encourage me every day to learn, grow and embrace myself as a photographer, and an artist.

Despite a recent move and a busy schedule, Deb kindly accepted to answer our SS interview, and I couldn’t be happier to share it with you here today.

1. What’s the story behind this photo?

To be honest, it was after the formal part of a commissioned portrait session.  When I shoot at the beach, I always encourage the parents to bring swimsuits for the kids.  If time allows, and I’ve gotten everything I need | want, I then ask the parents if they’d let the kids get in swimsuits, to play for a bit.  Many times, it’s then, when I get my favorite photographs from the session.  Both parents and children are relaxed, having fun and simply being themselves.  So the above photograph was a shot taken of the brother and sister playing in the waves.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

To be honest, it was an opportunity.  In 2005, we had gotten into an unfortunate military housing situation, where we ended up getting $5000 back in returned rent.  I shared with my husband that I thought this money was a gift (although we endured five of the most terrible months ever for it) and what did he think about me using the money to purchase camera equipment and hard core pursue photography – my long time dream.  He said, “Go for it!”  So in Jan 2006, I purchased a Canon 20D, began studying, learning and practicing — and never looked back.

For me, my aha moment came when I attended a Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai‘s workshop.  I had participated in a couple forums when first starting out and felt that I never fit in.  I thought my work was different (and not in a good way) and wondered if I’d ever be successful.  In August 2006, Cheryl reviewed my portfolio and told me that I was doing great and sent me home with a few things to work on.  She assured me that it’s okay to be different and to keep doing exactly what I was doing, that’s what being a photographer and artist is all about.  I left there encouraged and inspired to continue to learn, grow and just be me – and that’s exactly what I did.

If you haven’t read CJ’s “What Every Aspiring Photographer Should Know” please take a moment to do so.  I promise you won’t be sorry!  I have her advice printed and read often.

3. What’s your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?

My basic philosophy is to just be honest with yourself throughout every aspect of your photography journey.  You are you!  Don’t try to be (or shoot or edit like) anyone else. 

And yes, I definitely think it reflects my philosophy in life — my philosophy stems around being an honest, heartfelt, good person.  I think one of the most magical things about photography is that once you allow yourself to just be, you realize how your photographs share so much of who you are and the things that have influenced your life’s journey.

4. What would you say is one of your ‘signature’ editing tricks, themes or style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?

I think one of my “signature” editing tricks is to feel out every image.  Yes, it takes more time, but it’s truly what I do.  My editing fluctuates from day to day.  If I start a session one day and go back to it a few days later, my editing may be totally different between those two days.  But if that happens, I always make sure the entire session flows (I won’t change editing between a series of images within a session).  So much of my editing depends on my mood.

I also try and preach that actions are NOT just the click of a button.  To use an action right, you should consider turning layers off and tweaking other layers – adjusting the action to suit you!  I think this is where a lot of photographers go wrong with actions. 

Wow – what do I think makes my images recognizable and uniquely mine?  I’m not sure I can really answer that question.  I’m flattered that you think that but it’s hard for me to realize.  I once had a photographer share that she could pick out a Deb Schwedhelm photo anywhere and I was pretty blown away.  I love that and am so, so grateful!!

I guess I could say that I think the fact that I’m honest with my photography, from beginning to end, is what allows my images to be uniquely mine.

5. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?

I’m constantly working on growth.  I don’t ever want to stop growing with my photography.  I’m always looking to try new things and challenge myself.  This is one career where the learning and growing never ends.

6. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why?

I dream of visiting Maggie Doyne in Nepal, to volunteer in any way I can and photograph her school and the surrounding communities.  I actually would love to volunteer as a family (with my husband and three kids) and maybe in the next couple years, we can do that.  Why would I want to visit Maggie – read her story here.  She is beyond inspirational!! One day I WILL visit Maggie – hopefully sooner versus later.

We are also planning to live on a sailboat and sail the Americas, once my husband is retired from the Navy (7 1/2 years to go).  It is not only going to be an incredible life adventure for my family, but also a magical photographic adventure.  I so can’t wait for that ultimate freedom to just live and be. 

7. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?

Oh yes, two women in particular – Leah Zawadzski and Steph Beaty.  They both are two of the most amazing women I have ever met. 

Leah Zawadzki is not only my friend, but also my partner-in-crime.  We are so similar, yet so different.  We talk 5-10 times every day and share pretty much anything and everything.  She is such a beautiful woman through and through.  Together, we founded the Wallflower Friends Workshop Retreat and have such a phenomenal time sharing with others.

I dream to be as fabulous as Steph Beaty. She is one of the most honest, beautiful, intelligent women I have ever met.  She has the soul of an angel and I am so blessed to call her one of my best friends.  And… Steph just happens to be one of my very first photography clients, back in 2006. 

Without both Leah and Steph’s friendship, encouragement and support, I would not be where I am today.  I’m not sure how I got so lucky to have such incredible shutter sisters.

thank you so much Deb! 

You can see more of Deb’s wonderful images on her website and blog.

the six questions featuring Irene Suchocki

By

I am in constant awe of Irene Suchoki‘s images. The “when I’m big I want to be her” kind of admiration that encourages me to experiment, see things differently and propels me forward in my own personal journey as a photographer.

Irene has that wonderful ability that I yearn for to transcend the moments she captures, breathe life into them and create what I can only refer to as pure magic.

Irene kindly accepted to answer our Six Questions interview, and I am most happy today to share her answers with you.

1. What’s the story behind this photo?

This photograph was taken in Paris, in a little alley way in the St. Germain des Prés neighborhood. Prior to my trip, I had conceived of a series of photographs that I wanted to take that would express my love of Paris as well as convey the idea of Paris as the world’s capital of love. I mostly planned on taking photographs of relatively famous landmarks, but this little string of lights in this perfect little street ended up being my favorite in the series. It was taken with a Lensbaby using a heart-shaped aperture disc, which you drop into the lens itself. Such a fun little lens to play with.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

It was a particular photograph I took after I bought my first film camera. I was photographing a flower in the garden. I was really just fiddling around with the camera in order to learn what the various knobs, buttons and settings did. When I got the film back from the lab, I was overjoyed with the result. I was shooting with black and white film and the areas that had been in shade were almost completely black and the flower was lit perfectly to stand out against this simple background. That was the first time I experienced for myself the creative possibilities of photography and it gave me such a rush that I was hooked.

3. What’s your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy? 

My favorite quotation sums up my photography and life philosophy. And it is this: “Follow your bliss. Find where it is, and don’t be afraid to follow it. If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living.” (Joseph Campbell)

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

I am inspired by nature and light. That beautiful glowy light of the golden hour can make me positively weak in the knees. I am also inspired a great deal by other art forms: film, music, literature. A lyric in a song or a line in a novel can conjure up an image in my head that I then want to recreate.  I have pages and pages filled with such ideas. If only I had enough time to follow up on all of them.

5. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?

It’s quite simply to slow down. When I get excited by what I’m shooting, I feel like a kid in a candy store and I want to gobble everything up with a million clicks of the shutter. Digital technology, alas, makes this all too easy. I struggle to remind myself to take a deep breath, slow down, and be patient. Perhaps I should get a large format view camera. LOL.

6. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why?

For the longest time, I’ve dreamed of going to Africa. I am completely in love with the photography of Nick Brandt right now, who shoots the most incredibly beautiful images of African wildlife, and it is adding fuel to this desire of mine. I am not a wildlife photographer at all, but his photographs have such a haunting and spiritual quality about them that amplifies the emotional tug I have felt for years. Perhaps it is a very basic desire of going back to the source. There is something mythical about this place.

Thank you so much Irene!

You can see more of Irene’s amazing work on her website, blog and Flickr pool.

summer today

By

For some of us, summer today is bringing a long evening walk, vanilla ice cream with homemade strawberry jam, grass under our feet, perfect Polaroid weather, new books and a lingering sense of quietness.

For others, summer today is about exploring a new culture, challenging your beliefs, being playful and starting over.

And I know that for most of us, summer today is bringing parades, barbecues, picnics and fireworks and celebrating what I believe is the very essence of the American spirit.

Wherever you are at this moment, tell us. What is summer bringing into your life today?

And Happy 4th of July!

my best friend from kindergarden

By

“She’s the one I call to whine about the extra fat around my waist, update my portfolio, or when I am faced with the decision of whether or not to let my boys meet my long estranged father. The one I’ve been through puberty, hair disasters, and the breastmilk vs. formula debate with. After nearly 30 years she’s still the one I like to embarrass in public places, disagree with on many things yet very few important matters, and whose couch I love to fall asleep in.

She’s my running partner, the wind beneath my wings, my best friend from kindergarten.”

Today, show us the ones who wholeheartedly laugh at your silly jokes, always give a hand, and listen quietly. The ones who “get” you, shake their heads in disagreement, let you borrow shoes and faith, love you for who you are and somehow make you a better person. Today, share with us images of your friends.

—-

And remember, submit your best Daddy shots before midnight PST over in our OWP Flickr pool and on this post for a chance to win a canvas from Hello Canvas. And Happy Father’s Day!

signs

By

I love signs. I love the little splashes of color they bring into my everyday life. I love how versatile they are, the imagery they evoke, and the many stories they inspire.

And I was pleasantly surprised while browsing our Shutter Sisters Flickr Pool to find out that I’m not the only one! Check this Neat Vintage Shell Shop Sign, this beautiful sign, the great composition of this one, this one is a classic and this one makes me squeal with delight.

What about you? Do you love photographing signs? If yes, please do share your thoughts and images in the comment section below.

sunrise, sunrise

By

I woke up too early, again. But I couldn’t help it. We’d just flown from Seoul, South Korea where we were visiting family during school vacation to Tokyo, Japan for the weekend as an early 10-year anniversary celebration, and there was not going to be enough hours in the next two days. 

So I jumped out of bed, and started packing film, water bottles and maps for the day when a sense of warmth and comfort pressed gently against my cheek and blinded me for a few seconds.

Now, you have to understand that I never get to see or witness the beauty of a sunrise where I live.

My heart gasped and paused in deep respect and gratitude.

And then I compulsively loaded my Polaroid camera with film and took this shot.

What about you? Do you enjoy watching (and shooting) the sunrise? Please share your images today in the comment section below.

………..

To celebrate Giveaway May leave your comment (by Monday night at midnight PST) to be entered for a chance to win a 8″x12″ print of this photo of the Eiffel Tower.

the six questions featuring Nicolle Null

By

I am truly happy to introduce you to one of my most recent blog crushes, talented photographer Nicolle Null who keeps an inspiring site called Sacred Lotus where she shares daily links to beautiful design, illustration and photography, and whose film and Polaroid images are the perfect, delightful combination of great composition, style, emotion and a deep reverence for nature.

Nicolle kindly accepted to answer our Shutter Sisters interview. Here are her answers:

1. What’s the story behind this photo?

This photo is a self portrait polaroid that I took last year while doing a little shoot to celebrate polaroid week on flickr. It incorporates my love for flowers, the outdoors, and film photography. It also symbolizes the act of gathering and giving.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

I have always loved photography ever since I was little. My grandmother introduced me to the work of Ansel Adams when I was around 5 years old. His black and white film work was so dreamy to me when I was a child and still is to this day. I think though the big thing that really lit my spark was the birth of my son and our move from California to Oregon. I had a little Nikon point and shoot that I took everywhere with me and was constantly shooting him and all the beautiful nature that Oregon has to offer. Over the years I did a lot of reading about photography and taught myself the basics and then made the jump to a Nikon D40 DSLR. That camera was awesome and taught me a lot. Then after I got used to that one I upgraded again to a Nikon D300, it’s the main camera I use now and I have to say I love it!

3. Where do you look for inspiration?

Everywhere! That might sound silly but it’s just so true. Life inspires me, people inspire me, music, nature, the little details… there is just so much I find fascinating about this world we live in. I’m a very visual person so I often find myself spending way to much time looking at flickr and soaking up all the amazing images you can find there. 


4. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?

Shooting people is something I really want to focus on this year. Learning to give models direction is another thing that I want to improve. I’m not good at telling people what I what from them when I’m behind the camera. That’s why I use myself as a model a lot in my photography. I’m easy to work with. 😉

5. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why?

Oh that’s an easy one. Japan! It’s an amazing place filled with so much beauty and history. It’s a dream of mine to go and photograph the blooming cherry trees, geisha girls, and the magnificent temples.

6. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?

Wow this is going to be a hard one because there are so many, this interview could go on for a very long time!

Ok let me start with just a few people that have given me encouragement and have inspired me in many ways over the years. First would be the lovely Lori Andrews. I have been friends with Lori for years now and she always has such lovely things to say about my photography and has inspired me to try new things and to think outside the box.

Next would be my good friend Bree Walk. Whenever I wanna geek out about photography or just hit the road to find some old abandon run down building to shoot in. I can always count on Bree to be there with her trusty camera in hand. She is defiantly one of my shutter sisters for life.

Another amazing lady that I admire is Whitney Johnson. I like to call her the queen of polaroid portraits. That girl knows how to take amazing polaroids, plus she is super fun to be around!

All the girls from PDX Photo Adventures have a special place in my heart too. Last but not least is another one of my favorite creative people, miss Jenny Vorwaller. Jenny is a wife, mother, photo taker, jewelry maker, artist, and world traveler who always has something beautiful to share. Her film photography work is just beautiful and inspires me so much. I feel very lucky to know so many amazing talented women!

Thank you so much Nicolle!

You can find out more about Nicolle’s work on her Flickr Pool and blog.

the six questions featuring Amanda Gilligan

By

There’s something endearing and authentic about photographer Amanda Gilligan‘s dreamy images that makes me want to drop whatever I’m doing and dwell in every corner of her little world. But what I love most about Amanda is her beautiful spirit of giving. She shares tips, insights, tutorials and inspiration on her blog Mocking Bird with kindness and sheer enthusiasm, reminding me every day that one of the most wonderful things about photography is the ongoing conversation between passionate people, and the joy we experience by sharing what we love.

Amanda was kind enough to answer 7 of our 8 questions. Here are her answers:

What’s the story behind this photo?

This Polaroid is my little sister and my muse. I’ve been photographing her since she was a baby and have been so lucky to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman. The Polaroid was taken on a special trip away with our mother, just the three of us spending a special time together. She picked up the dandelion and I noticed the beautiful flickerings of the light in the trees behind her. As soon as I grabbed my camera, she knew what to do. She’s my perfect model and my muse.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

From a young age I always loved creating stories and was always encouraged to be creative. I was given my first camera at the age of 8 but remember really wanting to find the art in photography after being given a book of black and white portraits by an Australian photographer. I loved the photojournalistic style of the portraits and it felt like something I could do. The portraits seemed to be taken from quiet places. I tend to be the one sitting in a corner at parties and observing life- those photographs seemed like something I would shoot and it inspired me to buy my first SLR camera. I haven’t looked back since.

3. What’s your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?

My photo philosophy definitely reflects my life. I believe in shooting from the heart and shooting things that are important to you. I never try to be something I’m not, it doesn’t work. My life is quiet, inquisitive, peaceful, full of light and emotion. I would hope to think my photographs convey that too. I believe that shooting photographs is about seeing the truth and being authentic.

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

I look for it everywhere! I’m inspired by my family, friends, music, art, books, my home, food, nature, the landscapes of my homeland Australia and my new home in Vancouver, Canada. I think we need to notice and be aware of the beauty around us. I love the films of Sofia Coppola, Michel Gondry, Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Pedro Almodóvar and the music of Sigur Rós, Radiohead and Bjork. I love attention to detail and it’s the little details in the big picture that I look for. The colours of the pebbles in the sand at the beach, the textures of the fruit at the local market, the softness of the brush strokes in your favourite painting…details are my constant inspiration.

5. What would you say is one of your ‘signature’ editing tricks, themes or style?

Soft light, low saturated colour and attention to detail. I shoot mostly film so I hope I capture that in my Polaroids and 35mm work.

6. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why?

Paris without a doubt. I have been aching to get there for so many years. I dream about wandering the hilly streets of Montmartre with my Polaroid camera, stopping in for a coffee and a baguette, hanging out in the quiet alleys and searching for the Parisian light that I’ve heard so much about. I will wear a scarf tied around my neck and pretend I am Amélie.

7. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?

Oh so many! First and foremost my actual sister, Kelly. She is not only my muse and model but loves shooting with me. I love that she has followed in my footsteps with a love of photography. Myla Kent has always been a power of strength and inspiration to me. She is so supportive and a wonderful photographer. I adore my Polaroid girls Jenifer Altman and Susannah Conway. We are sharing a special secret journey together at the moment and they inspire me to be better on a daily basis. I know I can always turn to them for support and when the three of us get together there is going to be some serious Polaroid damage!

Thank you Amanda!

You can see more of Amanda’s work on her blog and Flickr Pool.

inspiration from the Shutter Sisters Flickr Pool

By

1. *, 2. Untitled, 3. happy almost spring, 4. over the years, we will know., 5. 40 – kitchen conversations, 6. strike, 7. cherry blossoms in the light, 8. eat cake

I’ve been looking after my sick kids for almost two weeks now, feeling exhausted from staying up all night on the bathroom floor cleaning up vomit and yet so very grateful for those small moments of clarity that difficult situations usually provide me with. But words fail me today, as they have been for the past few weeks, and while I am well aware that being uninspired is part of the creative life, an opportunity for me to reaffirm that “I am enough” and look for new sources where my feelings of worthiness and gratitude stem from, it is always an uncomfortable and frustrating place to be at.

The images above from the amazing Shutter Sisters Flickr Pool (have you joined us yet?) have brought warmth and simple beauty back into my life, kindling inspiration and quietly feeding my creative spirit. I can’t thank you enough for making this community such an encouraging, inspiring and authentic place for me to retreat to when I most need it. So today I invite you to pause, make yourself a cup of tea and do something just for you, and share the images (taken by you or others) that have been inspiring you lately.

the six questions featuring Jenny Vorwaller

By

As promised earlier this month, today I introduce you to another talented Jennifer. Jenny Vorwaller stole my heart the minute I came across her lovely blog True Nature where she shares insights and inspiration on photography, fashion, art, travel and motherhood. Not only is Jenny one of the kindest souls and most beautiful women I’ve seen, she is also a talented photographer, painter, jewelry designer and dedicated wife and mother. Her approach to life, creating and finding beauty wherever she is, is delightful and inspiring.

Jenny kindly accepted to answer all 8 questions of our Shutter Sisters interview. Here are her answers:

1. What’s the story behind this photo?

My best friend from Buenos Aires was visiting me in Seattle, and we had been walking around Alki Beach that day. I remember walking by this adorable little girl and struck up a conversation with her mother. We were collectively admiring her shoes, her pull toy, her doll-like appearance. Before I knew it I was asking permission to take some Polaroids of Sally. She was really hard to resist and I just wanted to remember that moment.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

It’s always been there… I think it’s been with me so long that I don’t remember one marked incidence or first camera. Tracing back to those first moments learning in the darkroom is sort of like remembering my first kiss. Sparks! And there was this one time when I was a kid… I remember taking pictures with a cheap disposable camera out the window of our family van while the van was moving, I was always aiming at everything. My brothers had fun with that. “Look Jenny! It’s a field! Take a picture! Look Jenny! It’s a cow, take a picture!” We were awesome. And the more I think of my childhood photography skills, the more I see I haven’t changed all that much.

3. What’s your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?

I’m all intuition: in my art, in my life.

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

Outside. Magazines. Music. Fashion. My boys.

5. What would you say is one of your “signature” editing tricks, themes or style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?

I’m not sure how to define it – but looking through the viewfinder, I would recognize it if I saw it. My husband would say, “if it moves… (brief pause) or not.” So true!

6. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?

Developing my film. It sits around for ages before I get those pictures printed out from the rolls. But it doesn’t slow me down from shooting, and if we’re being honest, I think I subconsciously let them pile up because then it’s all a surprise once I see the photos and I love that! It’s like opening a present that you always wanted but didn’t suspect anyone would ever get for you.

7. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why?

Morocco. Seychelles. Santa Fe! Right now I am so determined to go somewhere sunny that I’m looking at locales with sandy beaches and summery colors. We might even be booking a flight tonight: this is what Seattle February does to a girl. I have this dream of bringing an air stream trailer full of my beautiful friends (they are all so beautiful) and I would pack with us lots of bright colored, neon frocks and drive into the desert. I’m dying to see that contrast of the landscape against flowing dresses and scarves… It will be done!

8. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?

I’m so used to being the one in my circle with the camera that people usually rely on me to be taking all the pictures, which I secretly love. When there is an opportunity to meet up with friends who are obsessed with photography as I am, we have a blast! Taking pictures with my younger sister is always a pleasure – we can have gooey beauty facemasks on, I’ll bring props into a photo booth with her, trade big hats on the beach… I love that feeling when you are at ease enough with a person to want to take hundreds of photos together and still want more.

Thank you Jenny!

You can see more of Jenny’s beautiful work on her blog and Flickr pool.