Dear Sweet Readers,

May I be cheesy for a moment and say I miss you? It’s true. I love blogging and I love my readers - the secret and non-secret ones. ; ) The reason I’ve gone missing is because a few weeks ago I was sitting in a coffee shop here in town working. My neck was aching me because I’ve been stuck in a computer day in, day out for three. months. straight. so I looked up to stretch it out a bit and I noticed something really amazing and wonderful and sad all at the same time.

It’s summer.

Like full-blown summer. The time of year where people wear flip-flops and bathing suits under their dresses, and ride their bikes around town and go to coffee shops just to sip on a iced Chai and read a good book.

To me it was still winter. Because winter was the last time I knew what month it was.

So, I dug my heels in deep and finished up the last bits to kick off the kids’ workshops and get through week 2 of the adults’ workshop (always the hardest week for everyone) and then shoot a full-day wedding out of town and then I took a deep breath and started to enjoy summer.

I’ve been spending more of my time planting flowers and sewing, shopping and dreaming, sitting on the back porch with cold beer and going on lazy walks with the husband and dog in company. These are the things I love to do in the warmer months and the things I had not done at all since winter bid us adieu!

Things are busy around here, even with the lazy activities we love so much. I have been to Knoxville 4 times this month for different reasons (1 being for my best friend’s weddings which was the most fun weekend of the summer!) and we have all sorts of things unfolding in our family. I will write more about it very soon, but for now I am saying hello and that I am alive and that I miss you and that I love Ben and Mindy so very much.

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Here’s what seems to happen way too often. Photographer decides to be a professional. Photographer makes pretty photographs and a bit of money. Photographer gets big head and thinks they’re too cool for school.

I see it all the time.

Then, there are those types (every single type I’ve ever had the blessing of interviewing) who never get too big for their britches. The type that remain humble and down-to-earth and well, just cool. Those are the types I want to know. Those are the people I want to learn from and grow from and get to know just a bit. Even if it’s via a Friday interview.

So, I’d like to introduce you to another set of photographers whom I just adore. They’re humble and down-to-earth (you can see it in their work) and well, just cool.

Ben and Mindy Peterson from STUDIO 6.23.

Welcome, Cool Cats!

First things first. 6.23. Tell us about it.

BEN:  some people ask if 6.23 is a bible verse.  First time we heard that, we chuckled and thought, “huh, we never thought of that!”  but it’s actually our anniversary, and our subtle little way of saying we’re a husband wife team.  10 years this year!

MINDY:  yes, and we just celebrated our 10 year anniversary!!  WOOHOO! ben is so HOT!!

How would you describe your style?

BEN:  we’re a bit  ‘untidy,’ colorful, fun, and we’re always looking for a fresh perspective.  that’s how we live so it has a way of expressing itself in our pictures too.

MINDY:  we are tad BOLD and love to push the edge just a bit.  i’d say our style is similar to the way we decorate and design….. mid-century modern meets anthropologie.  aaahh…. what  a love story.  : ) others have described us as urban with a flair of modern vintage or retro.  we are happy with any of these associations!

It seems everyone has a journey to discovering their “own style.” Tell us about yours.

BEN:  I married mindy…haha!!  no joke.  10 years ago I was known for sweater vests, feathered hair and my franklin covey planner : )  mindy was known for being the life of the party and running late.  So together, we try and push the limits of order (composition, lines, lights, etc…) and fun (angles, laughing, locations, color…).  In 10 years, we’ve just started to figure out who we are together…and that has a way of creeping into our pictures.

MINDY:  owning and knowing your style is so important!!!  color, design, fabrics, cities, locations, magazines and most importantly people have all played a huge part in discovering our style.  it probably took about a year and a half before we were confidently ready to own our style UNAPOLOGETICALLY.  this means not catering to everyone and every style.  it even means not taking every client (even referring them to other photogs) and it’s the best thing for EVERYONE involved!!  if the client truly loves your style, that means that you will have a creative freedom to engage them with your uniqueness and in the end, rock out a super-fly product!

We’ve all done them - a few business mistakes you’ve made:

BEN:  playing it safe with a “day job” for too long….safe is boring!  I should’ve joined mindy full time much earlier.

MINDY:  i’d have to say…. AGAIN : ) not fully engaging our style earlier.  Oh and not hiring an accountant and tax peep earlier!!  a big shout-out to the type A, super organized, number-people in our lives….. we need you!! : )  and it’s possible that I use smiley-faces too much.  : )  but I don’t care…… it means i’m happy. : )

Ultimately, we’re all brilliant – a few of the best business decisions ever made:

BEN:  rebranding our business (to STUDIO 6.23) when I came in full time.

MINDY: I concur.  (didn’t I sound super official just now?) : )  rebranding and putting systems in place that allow us to run our business like a smooth operator.  (p.s.- thanks to ben!  My nickname for him is “taskmaster”, but he’s truly genius when it comes to our branding, systems and marketing!!)

Canon or Nikon?

BEN:  Nikon’s good and all.  But nope… Canon.

MINDY:  they BOTH have their strengths, but we all know Canon is cooler. : )

What is the one lens you couldn’t live without?

BEN:  pattern would suggest that it’s whatever lens I want to buy next!!  currently eyeing the 24.

MINDY: hmmmm….. it depends on what i’m shooting.  I’d say the 35 1.4L for portraits and for weddings (photojournalism parts) my 70-200 2.8L.

What keeps you inspired to do what you do with passion?

BEN:  I want to be proud of everything I do and I always want to be excited to do  it.  So I pretty much always have to be trying new things.  That’s where the adventure is.

MINDY:  ben, you are such an over-achiever.  no really….. he is….. true story. : )

I am convinced that when God created me, he filled me with ralph lauren paint swatches, fabrics, textured walls, fabulous furniture and a great love for people.  since i adore people (i’m often found talking with complete strangers…. or possibly walls if no people are available.) and design, to be able to create art with both is a gift.  staying inspired is simply looking around me.

What other artists inspire you?

BEN:  photogs…nate and jaclyn kaiser and sean flanigan.  But big picture, i’m always the most inspired by the artist that tries something new.  And it’s the courage and innovation that inspires me more than the art.

MINDY:  different artists move me in different ways.

inventively brilliant + clever= nate + jaclyn kaiser (the image is found) and max wanger.

stylish + bold= justin + amelia lyon (amelia lyon photography), mark + candice brooke (mark brooke photography) and poser.

awesome swank + super-fly fun= bobbi + mike and laurel mcconnell.

stunning + authentic= jose villa and sean flanigan.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out with his/her photography business?

BEN:  discover your style and let that alone govern everything else (branding, lens selection, locations…).  Lots of people have lots of opinions but it’s most important to know what you think first.

MINDY: yeah, what he said. : ) make sure you know what it takes to run a good business.  you may love photography (and even be really fantastic!), but that is only half of it!  take plenty of time to second shoot at weddings if you are aspiring to be a wedding photographer.  if you jump right in (and call yourself professional photographer) without the proper equipment and experience, you may burn your reputation before you begin.  weddings are a whole new ball-game…. and not one that you can do over.  : ) after you feel established, organized and confident……. rock on with your bad self!!

Do you have a favorite genre to photograph (weddings, newborns, families, etc.)?

BEN:  weddings hands down.  I love having to figure out how to get the great shot when you hardly have time to take it.  And I love being social and keeping people first even when the taskmaster in me is going nuts.  The pace forces me to be better.

MINDY:  weddings win for me, too!  The people, the emotions, the beauty and overall fabulousness is my favorite!  Engagements and families run a close second.  : )

When you’re setting out for a photo shoot how do you prepare beforehand?

BEN:  we always know the locations we’re going to and how the light is going to be when we get there.  And then we’re ok with changing everything up once we start shooting.

MINDY:  we love to scout ahead of time and also help coach families or couples on outfits, if possible.  the people absolutely make the photos what they are…… but let’s be honest, awesome locations and stylish outfits don’t hurt.  : )

How much post-processing work do you do to your images?

BEN:  none.  Mindy does that : )

MINDY:  we….. wait, correction, I do raw edits in LR and the some creative edits in photoshop.  and actually ben does help…. he weeds through and crops for me.  then I work my rad action magic (thank you spectacular, boutwells!)

Do you ever use artificial light?

BEN:  as little as possible…i’d rather find a different spot to shoot with better light.  But we’re pretty much always shooting bees during family portraits at the wedding.  And i’m addicted to off-camera on the dance floor.

MINDY: i love on the natural light most of the time, if possible.  however, i’m becoming a big fan of off-camera for dancing and crazy night pictures.

Have you ever attended any workshops you would recommend? What about books, training DVDs, etc?

BEN:  I do know the workshop I want to attend… the one where a group of us get together to discover more fun ways to shoot the less exciting reception shots (party intros, toasts, etc…) and the more exciting ones that are harder to get (dancing).  I’m there.

MINDY: WPPI is a kick-booty place to meet other cool people that like to take pictures with lots of resources and workshops for everyone.  workshops that are hands-on and geared toward your style or genre rock.  Rumor has it that image is found puts on quite the gig, as well as amelia lyon photography.  good stuff.

{ Note from Jessica: I’ve been to Nate & Jaclyn’s workshop and the rumors are true. It’s awesome, two thumbs up! }

How would you like to see your business evolve in the next 5-10 years?

BEN:  I want to feel that my first shots of every year are totally better than the year before.  I want to be more and more about connecting with people.   But most of all … it’s got to be keeping our marriage fun and making it stronger.

MINDY: as time goes on, things run more smoothly.  I would love to get to the point where we are super-duper efficient, but never complacent!  And I always want to step it up a notch…. each year inventing more creative ways to stand apart….. in a good way.  : )

The million-dollar question: how do you guys (assuming you do, feel free to be honest) stay balanced with running a business and growing a family?

BEN:  the philosopher in me wants the floor first… i’m pretty sure that balance is something that has to be found, and it’s not something to start with.  It’s hide and seek where finding it is half the fun.  practically speaking…work while the kids are sleeping and have a “family night” every week…no exceptions!

MINDY:  3 incredibly flexible, fun and amazing kids, 1 over-achieving, super supportive, brilliant and fabulous husband, awesome friends + family, spectacular clients (many now friends), adventurous spirits and a splash of ritalin.  we embrace the chaos….. that’s just how we roll.  : )

And, just for fun …

From the music on your website it sounds like you have good taste. Who are a few artists you’re listening to nowadays?

BEN:  i’m pretty sure I was raised in the best decade of music…the 80’s.  I’ve rediscovered my love for the Def Leppard channel on pandora.  But i’ve got to say that i’m strangely intriqued by the indian dance music we heard at our last wedding!!

MINDY: yes, beat me to the punch again…. I love 80’s music!!  and 90’s….  and really anything that makes me want to cut a rug.  i REALLY love to dance!!  U2 has always been my favorite overall band…. just saw them in concert.  it was the bomb.

If you could no longer be photographers what would you all do to pay the bills?

BEN:  get our kids a good job.

MINDY: I have always wanted to be a ROCKSTAR!!!  still holding onto the dream.

BEN:  don’t quit your day job mindy : )

Something even your most avid readers might know about you both:

BEN:  mindy says i’m a really good kisser, I used to be a worship leader, I have 1 ½ graduate degrees, and I could eat pizza for every meal.

MINDY:  ben is a really good kisser…… but, i’m pretty sure i taught him that skill. : )  I played soccer in college (and after) and I miss those days.  I was in france when they won the world cup in 1998….. what a party!!  I have a compassionate heart for ophans, the homeless and anyone who is hurting.  I am very passionate about my family, friends and you, if we ever meet.  : )  I am blessed way beyond what i’ll ever deserve.  My faith is extremely important to me and i love Jesus.  I have some hot pink hair and a small butterfly tattoo (that ben found out I got via a fb status update!) I am a grape martini kind of girl and really love gas station cappuccinos.  I absolutely ADORE my husband and our kiddos….. they are amazing.  decorating is one of my favorite things to do and I obsess over paint swatches, fabrics and am constantly re-designing spaces in our house.  I have traveled some, but not enough.  I have a list of places still left to visit and things i’d like to do.  you can stop over to the peterson home any time…. visitors always welcome.  : )  (i think i went a bit long for this question…..) : )

*short version for ADD readers: i love Jesus, my husband, our kiddos, traveling, grape martinis, good design, new adventures, soccer, people.

Your favorite thing about being a mother/father:

BEN:  seeing the life in the kids’ eyes when they figure out how to do something they couldn’t do before.

MINDY:  when they are kind and giving without a material reward or they put someone else before themselves.  makes my heart so happy and proud. : )

Your bags are packed, your kids taken care of, airplane tickets being handed over. Where would you long for them to say your destination is?

BEN:  right now, a disney cruise with the family.  With this being our 10 year anniversary, we’ve talked hawaii, europe, etc…. but what we really want is more great time with the kids.

MINDY: if we have not been away from our kids, and they are well taken care of….. let’s go to europe with some friends.  i have been twice, but before I met ben.  time for us to go together!

You guys are on my favorites list forever! Thanks for being so cool.

Make sure to link up with Ben & Mindy on their website, blog, twitter or facebook!

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For past Photography Fridays click and enjoy!

Jasmine Star,  Jesh de Rox, Jose Villa, Cheryl Muhr, Becky Earl, Sheye Rosemeyer, Michael Wilson, Kristie Serra, Tara Whitney, Max Wanger and Shannon Sewell

Hi Lovelies,

I’ve been lying low for awhile now, but I’m alive and kicking. : ) Sometimes I just need a break from all things media. It helps me refresh.

Now, on to June’s installment of Photography Friday with the ever so lovely, Shannon Sewell.

I am so happy to have found Shannon. I didn’t share this in my first post, but I have to tell you guys about the way I “found” her. She wrote me to sign  her son up for my summer workshops for kids. She didn’t mention being a photographer herself, but I noticed her website name in her email address and decided to take a look. Ten minutes later I had to all but slap myself to snap out of the trance I was in. I quickly wrote her back and told her how much I had enjoyed perusing her work. Hopefully you all have checked it out by now and are excited at having some of your questions answered. I know I am! : )

Shannon, thank you for your willingness to share a bit of yourself. Before we get started tell us a bit about where you are. What’s around you? What state of mind are you in?

I’m sitting in my quiet office in do mode.  That always comes at the end of the day when errands are done and kids are in bed.  Lots of late nights around here ;  )

For a little background …

When did you learn you loved photography?

I’ve always appreciated it but it wasn’t until I had a subject (my son) that I was passionate about and realized that I could use all my creative energy to be my memory keeper AND make something beautiful in the process.

When did you launch as a professional photographer?

I started my business in 2005.

Now, on to a few readers’ questions …

Miel asked: I’d love to know how to go about submitting editorial work to magazines and publications. How did you get started with that? And just because … what is your favorite word? Favorite color?

A lot of publications have submission guidelines on their website/ the editor’s page of the magazine.   You can simply email the editor with a link to your work as well.  I have done that and also been very lucky to have some editors come across my blog and ask to use my work.  Favorite word… lovely.  Favorite color… does white count as a color?

Yvonne asked: When you launched as a professional was it at the urging of family/ friends or more of an internal personal calling? How did you go about building your portfolio and clientele? I ask because I’m trying to break away from photographing my own kids and attempting to move to non-family members to photograph. I’m very shy and I’m not sure if I have the ‘correct’ personality to pursue this hobby as a career option, but I so love photography.

Completely the urging of friends.  I was scared to death! My business has always been built on word of mouth… I have fantastic friends that supported me and said very nice things to their friends.  I am also really shy… as long as you can connect to your clients one on one, they will spread the word for you.  No self promotion necessary ; )

Sharon asked: What camera do you use? What is your favorite lens when shooting your clients? What post-processing work do you do to your final images? Where do you get your inspiration from for your shoots?

I shoot with the Canon 5DmkII & I love the 85 1.2L.  I also rely mostly on Nichole V’s actions.  My inspiration comes from EVERYWHERE… magazines, blogs, movies, a prop I find shopping & on & on…

(note from Jessica … Nichole has some fabulous actions for Elements. They are what I used when I was first getting started.)

Kim asked: OK, so I’m probably the only one asking non-professional questions, but I want to know what is the best lens to use for a mom who wants to take really, really good pictures of her kids and family. I do not have a full frame camera, just the nikon d60 and a 35mm 1.8. Also, is Photoshop Elements all I need to make a picture look good as far as exposure, white balance, black and whites, etc.?

I love prime lenses… the sharpness, the bokeh… I love the 85 but have also used the 50 & 35 as well. They are all great portrait lenses!  I have never used Elements but as long as you have a way to adjust curves/levels & sharpen your images, you have all the basic elements you need.

Carol asked: I am also just a mom photographer! When you are on a shoot how do you set your white balance? Some people talk constantly about these cards and then others never mention them. Also, I’m curious if there is a set of basic steps you go through in Photoshop for every picture you edit.

I almost always use AWB… in studio I will use a gray card since lighting doesn’t change.  I just don’t trust myself to remember to change my white balance as light changes outside! I do run the same basic steps on every image… sharpen, nichole’s action, levels… & that’s about it. : )

Hope asked: What is the best way to really learn the art? Any books or workshops you recommend?

Get out there and play and practice and experiment and then do it all over again.  I’ve only done a handful of workshops and each has been very specific in an area I felt like I needed to work on (One Light Workshop, Jesh de Rox- both FANTASTIC).

Sherrie asked: How do you stay so creative and come up with your prop ideas? They are all so awesome and interesting - I love love love your work and truly admire your gift. Was photography a natural talent/gift or was it a process of learning and developing your skill. Also do you have your go to tried and true lenses or have several depending on the setup?

I am constantly looking for new concepts to shoot- whether it be a place or a prop or something as simple as a color.  I have always been creative… before photography I threw myself into interior design (probably where a lot of my themed set inspiration comes from) & I think photography has just lent itself to being my creative outlet.  I primarily shoot the 85 1.2L and 35 1.4L lenses.

(note from Jessica … the 85 and 35 are the 2 lenses I mainly use, too. : )

Lauren: It looks as though you spend a lot of time and money on props and client’s clothing accessories. Do you buy props often? Do you buy accessories for your clients or do you ask them to buy certain items? How often are your shoots planned around what the client is wearing? Do you ask your clients to bring their own props? Where are your favorite places to buy props, backgrounds, and floors?

I do spend a lot of time on those things.  I am always looking & picking things up so I have it stockpiled for current and future shoots. If I have something that I think will fit a client’s personality or style I will incorporate it in their session.  I will definitely look for inspiration in a client’s home or clothing & will use anything unique as a jumping off point for ideas for their shoot.  I don’t have any go to places for buying things… always on the hunt for something new : )

Annie asked: I want to know how long it took you to define your style and when it started to reflect in your branding, blog, site, and marketing. You can definitely distinguish your photos from other photographers’.

Being a creative professional, I want to always push the envelope, but it is hard for me to narrow down a distinct style! It definitely took a couple years.  I went through trying to appease clients and do what everyone else was doing in the beginning.  It was a pretty quick process in narrowing in on my style once I decided that I wanted to do it though.  Only putting what I loved on my site and making sure I shot certain shots during a session just for me let me showcase my style and attract clients that were after that. And shoot for yourself… passion projects are perfect doorways to passion work.

(note from Jessica … for more on this topic check out the article I wrote for MCP Actions)
…

Thank you for your kindness! Sooooo glad we connected. : )

Thank you!!!

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for past Photography Fridays check out …

Jasmine Star |    Jesh de Rox |     Jose Villa |      Cheryl Muhr |      Becky Earl |      Sheye Rosemeyer |       Michael Wilson |    Kristie Serra |    Tara Whitney |    Max Wanger

Hello, : )

I am finally back to the grindstone. The past 5 days of traveling has left me with a sore butt. Literally. I’m not sure I’ve ever known butt soreness like this. I feel like I need to go running for 3 days straight but it’s raining and is supposed to all week. So, for now it’s me, my laptop and some delicious chewy Sprees.

For July’s Photography Friday I’m doing things a little differently. I think you’re gonna like it. : ) Instead of interviewing a rock star photographer I’m going to have  you do it! Her name is Shannon Sewell and her work is incredible. It’s just so fun, creative and fresh. I love, love, love the ways she uses props and how it’s obvious that each of her sessions take some serious planning. You have to click on over - you’re going to fall in love.

So, it’s you and Shannon and some delicious coffee. What would you like to ask? It can be about gear, props, lighting, creativity and inspiration, business stuff, pricing or clients. It’s totally up to you. All I ask is that you seize the moment!

Leave a comment with your question this week and I’ll compile a list for her to answer next week. The final interview will then be posted here the first Friday of July.

Anxious and excited to read what questions you guys have for her!

xo,

jc

p.s. a little sneak peek into Shannon’s work …