Kaitlin Noel Photography | Cape May- Destination Wedding Photographer

I NEVER imagined Fab Friday would take off as much as it did. I feel so blessed and honored to be able to showcase some other amazing;y talented people in this industry. Whether just  starting out, well into the game, or practicing a whole different kind of photography that I do not shoot. This week I am lucky enough to be able to introduce you to one hell of a wedding/galmour photographer all the way from Missouri. Being a professional photographer opens up so many doors to connect with real and raw talent, network with those that inspire you…even if they do not produce the style of work you do. There are so many photographers that I personally follow, Ashley being one of them, that shoot COMPLETELY different than I do. No…not just by camera standards. But by EYE standards. Everyones eye is so unique and to me, thats what makes this job so dang rewarding and special. New talent, exists everywhere. I feel its our job to show off others talents and congratulate them on their defined skill sets and accomplishments. Building each other up is the only way we can build the industry up. Agreed?

So enough of my rambling…here is an interview with the very talented and sweet Ashley Fisher.

 

1.Tell us about your business and how long you have been a professional photographer.

I am a wedding + glamour photographer based in Saint Louis, Missouri. I started my photography business back in early 2012, but I didn’t feel comfortable calling myself a professional photographer until June of 2012. My background is in law (I’m still a licensed attorney in the state of Missouri), and for a few years after law school, I also planned weddings and did some design work. You can read my whole first year story here: http://ashleyfisherphotoblog.com/saint-louis-wedding-glamour-photographer-first-year-in-business-series-part-1/

2. What equipment do you use?

Bodies: Nikon D800 (with a grip) + Nikon D7000 (backup)
Lenses: Nikon 70-200 2.8 VRII, Sigma 35 1.4, Sigma 50 1.4, Nikon 60 2.8 Macro, and Lensbaby Composer Pro
Lens wishlist: Sigma 85 1.4, Nikon 105 2.8 Macro, and Nikon 14-24 2.8
My OCF setup: (1) Nikon SB-910 flash, (2) Vivitar 285 HV flashes, (4) Pocketwizard Flex TT5s, (3) Lightstands, (3) Gary Fong Collapsible Lightspheres
Other miscellaneous gear: neutral expodisc, video lights (I have two small lights, and I’m getting the Ice Light at WPPI)

3. When it comes to lighting…teach us something fun, special and new
Natural light – The tip that employ about 80% of the time comes from Roberto Valenzuela. I love me some backlighting. What I don’t love about backlighting is uneven light on the subject, so Roberto told us at WPPI last year to “stand at the apex of your subject’s shadow” when shooting. Now, you don’t literally have to stand at the apex, but you do need to stand on the shadow’s line so that the light is even. And then you can make it even more dimensional by adding a reflector. I carry two huge reflectors with me on every shoot, and I use them in lots of different ways. The big thing to remember about reflectors is that direction of light is still important. Don’t reflect back up into the face unless you want a scary story around a campfire look! The second tip I have for natural light comes from Jerry Ghionis. Turn the body away from the light and the nose towards the light. This creates dimension and is flattering for all body types.

OCF – If you really want to learn OCF, I highly recommend that you start by watching Zach Arias’ OneLight DVD to learn the technicals, and then take Bob Davis’ What the Flash Udemy Course to learn how actually create beautiful images with OCF.

4. Where would you like to see your business in 5 years? In 10 years?

Whoa that’s a tough question! In five years, I would love to be shooting 30 weddings a year, at least 2 glamour sessions a week, be a resource to other photographers, and be a mom + a great wife. In 10 years, I probably want be shooting more like 15 weddings a year and 4-5 glamour sessions a week, as well as continue to be a resource to other photographers, but keep my family as my biggest priority. I might have a secret goal of being a speaker at WPPI within 10 years…

5. When did you notice you had a passion for photography?

I’ve always loved photography, but I don’t think I discovered that I had a passion for it until November of 2011. And now I can’t get enough of it!

6. Most awkward moment during an event?

Probably the wedding I describe in #7. We had a tornado + a hailstorm after we finished the formal portraits and were on the way to the reception, and when the first hailstone fell on the car, I ducked and screamed, “Oh my god, we’re being shot at!!” I truly lost it.

7. What is the scariest thing that ever happened during a photo shoot?

Definitely my very first wedding (I was second shooting). We had to deal with a tornado AND a hailstorm. On top of that, I dropped my camera (lens down) right before the ceremony, and for a good ten minutes, nothing worked, and I didn’t have a backup with me. Not only did I not have a backup, but I didn’t have insurance, either. Thankfully it started working again, and I purchased insurance two days later. It was terrifying.

8. Best advice you have been given in your photography career?

Don’t focus on what other photographers are doing. The only photographer you should compare yourself to is you. While you’re worrying about what other photographers are doing, they’re out there doing something….and you’re just sitting there doing nothing talking about them.

9. Best advice that you could give someone else that is pursuing a photography career?

Just immerse yourself in it. Learn your craft. Learn the business. Network. Ask questions. Practice. Read. Watch videos. Attend conferences. Practice some more. Dream. Put your entire soul into your photography. It will show in your images. Be yourself. Always. Network some more. Second shoot as much as you can. Specialize. Hire a business consultant. Get your legal ducks in a row before you start accepting money. Have fun and always keep growing.

10. Best moment of your photography career?

Hmm…that’s so tough!! I don’t know if I can pick a best moment, but I did think it was pretty awesome when Sue Bryce + Roberto Valenzuela commented on my photo of Nikki Closser. I was a little star struck and saved screenshots.

Wow, what an interview….right, y’all? To stay up to date with Ashley and follow her success, here are some ways to do so:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyfisherphoto

Email: ashleyfisherphotography@gmail.com

Website: www.ashleyfisherphotography.com

Blog: www.ashleyfisherphotoblog.com

Thanks again for sharing your story and all that advice with me and my readers Ash! You are truly awesome and so so talented!

xoxo,

Kaitlin Noel