Photographers Garden » Blog

Sorry for the lack of updates here lately! Busy summer means a lot of shooting and less time for posting here ;(

Anyways, I am SO EXCITED about this feature because Sarah Cornish has become such a great inspiration to me over the year (and to many others). I have yet to meet her, but I can honestly say she is the nicest person I have had the pleasure of knowing through flickr and facebook. Enjoy her post!

1. How did you first become interested in photography?
I think I have been intersted in photography since I was old enough to pick up a camera lol. I remember for my 9th birthday wanting nothing but a Polaroid camera. That was all that I wanted. I remeber going around my room taking photos of miscellaneous things such as my dolls, stuff animals etc and thinking they were the best things in the world lol! When I was about 15 or so I got to take a trip around the country with a camera and my awesome aunt who is a film photographer and from that point on I knew some day that is what I aspired to do and to be.My love and obsession I suppose you can call it has only grown!

2.How do you make your clients feel comfortable in front of the camera?
I talk their ear off lol! No really. I don’t know i Love people so I guess I just try to be myself. I try to ask a ton of questions to get an idea of who they are so I can convey that hopefully in their photos! I usually give them a bit of a warm up opportunity too before I start shoving my camera in their face lol!

3.How would you best describe your style of photography?
That is tough. “Me” I guess lol!! Everyone always says I have my own style which is hopefully a good thing lol! Whimsical I think would be a good word.

4.A fun fact about you that people may be surprised to know?
I have Four little ones and want more!! And of course you are thinking duh her name IS My Four Hens Photography but many really dont lol! My last name is Cornish hence the name. One thing I didn’t know was hens are female and I have 2 boys and 2 girls but I am sure my boys will forgive me. Hopefully they wont catch on before they are to traumatized lol!! If we were in fact to have anymore hens I would still be my Four Hens. I guess its indicative of our journey. I did have four hens when I started my business. We can always just add a plus one on there somewhere lol!!

5. Tips for photographers who want to learn how to photograph manually?
Practice!! And don’t get frustrated! Okay do cause its normal but try not to give up or beat yourself up. When I bought my first dslr I went kind of hardcore and put it on m and never took it off. I made myself learn. I don’t of course recommend that for everyone but it worked for me. I am a all or nothing kind of gal so I would have never learned if I tried it any other way.

6. What is your “go to” lens?
My 85mm 1.8 no questions. I LOVE it. It seriously hardly leaves my camera. I am saving up for the L version as I type this!

7.Any embarrassing moments on a shoot? Haha!
LOL!! More then I care to mention. but I tend to fall allll the time! I usually warn my clients a head of time. “I fall alot” LOL! They look at me like I’m crazy but at least they aren’t surprised when it actually happens lol!

8. What photographer inspires you?
Wow that is tough! Cause I honestly am inspired by so many! I would have to say you Miss Maggie!! Your eye is incredible and you are such a creative soul! You can tell you are an amazing person too because it just radiates from your work!! I want to get remarried just so you can do my wedding lol!! I also love Claire Alyse. She is a HUGE inspiration to me. Love her personality too. She seems like a ton of fun!

9. Post processing secrets besides actions you use?
Shadow/Highlight! I love it!! I also shoot in raw! So important for me because i go against the grain and love to shoot on sunny days so it gives me a bit of wiggle room!!

10. How do your promote your business?
Facebook facebook facebook! I LOVE Facebook. And word of mouth! I have the most amazing clients ever so they seriously help me put the word out!!

11. Any tips for aspiring photographers?
Learn your camera! Learn it inside and out till you know what every setting, every button, every mode does and then learn it again!! Don’t give up and don’t get discouraged and value your work and your time!! These things don’t happen over night but when they do and when it is right you will amaze yourself!!

Meet Emily Wakin. She is a aspiring photographer and flickr friend of mine, whom I have the honor of featuring on my newest site for photographers to gain inspiration.

I am going to try and feature a photographer every weekDon’t forget to become a fan!

How did you first become interested in photography?
I’ve always loved taking pictures. i was never good at keeping up with a journal so i visually documented everything with some kind of camera. i bought my first dslr in December of 2007and it’s been love ever since.

How do you make your clients feel comfortable in front of the camera?
I have a really goofy personality, so i try my best to make my clients laugh (laughing makes everyone feel comfortable, plus they make for really cute shots!). i always try to keep a conversation going between posing and even while i shoot.
(your morning burst action with the morning burst layer at 55% and the tone down layer at 8% then i used florabella’s sharpen & defog.)

How would you best describe your style of photography?
i always describe my style as very classic with a modern twist. i love classic pictures that can be hung in a house for years to come, i love bright colors and textures too, i hate boring!

A fun fact about you?
fun fact? man that’s hard.
I really, really, really love music. no matter what i’m doing on a daily basis i always have some kind of music around me. i have a million favorite songs and make the best mix “tapes” ever!

Are you self taught?
I am completely 100% self taught. i think i learn something new about post processing or my camera everyday. I love it!

What is your “go to” lens?
My “go to” lens would have to be my 50mm. It does everything I need it to!!
(your urban action, grouped all layers and reduced to 80% then ran your s curve action at 40%)

Any embarrassing moments on a shoot?
I trip, a lot!! Luckily my clients don’t mind!

What photographer inspires you?
Man, there are so many. I love flickr because there are so many inspiring photographers out there, it’s hard to name just one! I really love Beth Armsheimer’s work and Kelly Beach too.

Post processing secrets?
If I use actions, I always make sure to run them last! I also mix different actions and experiment too!

How do your promote your business? Any tips for aspiring photographers?
I live in a small town, and word of mouth has been pretty good to me. people like it when you treat them to the best of your ability. I’ve also discovered having some type of website where people can view an online portfolio and check out recent work is advertising in itself!
(your lime soda action, grouped and reduced to 33%, your mustard action at 35% and then your s curve action at 80%)

Tips for aspiring photographers?
I still feel like i am an aspiring photographer sometimes. I’ve learned to always keep my head held high. if photography is really your passion in life you will make it happen.