Joanna and I had the pleasure of meeting at the June 2011 Momtographie class. We realized very quickly that we have A LOT in common. We both work full time for Loudoun County Public schools (with a focus in technology support!), we live less than a mile from each other, we both have daughters born almost exactly 2 months apart, and we both have a passion for photography. I am so excited to share her love for her family and for photos with you today. (P.S. If you look closely you might even spot a cameo from my little Easter Bunny modeling for this aspiring photographer too!)
Name:
Joanna Wright
Camera:
Canon 60D (Canon 50mm 1.8, Tamron 17-50mm 2.8, 35mm 2.0)
How many kiddos?
Two children: my son Brody, who turns 4 this April, and my spitfire, Campbell, who turns 2 in July.
Tell us a little about what makes your kiddo tick. Their interests, hobbies, favorites. What makes them unique?
Brody—what can I say about Brody? He was a slow-to-speak child (for well over 2 years…he never said Mama until 2.5) who now spouts off things like “I would like to bring ALL my cars with me, and my truck, as well!”. He used to love monkeys and apes, but is now into Superheroes, but the generic kind that fly around and save people, not Spiderman or the like. He loves to eat sweets and loves to talk, and will admittedly tell you so!
Campbell is my non-girly girl, who we put in dresses anyway. She loves to emulate her brother, loves hats, sunglasses, and to put on other people’s shoes and walk around the house. She is independent, stubborn, and loving all at the same time. She understands more than we give her credit for, and she loves to play with her brother’s toys—especially his cars. She feeds her stuffed animals and shares her water and milk with them. Oh, and she LOVES to eat…and her favorite word? “NO!”
Tell us what you love most about being a mom?
I love being the person who is there to mold my children into good, giving, caring people, the person who will be there when there is a boo-boo, and to cheer them on with each of their accomplishments. I love being there to see the firsts, and the lasts (like giving up bottles at 10 months and potty training with success—buh-bye, diapers!) I love being called “mommy” and I love teaching my children about the world, even when it’s to explain the tough stuff (like when someone dies). I love making memories during holidays, being goofy, and making my children laugh.
What was your biggest frustration(s) with your photos pre-Momtographie?
My biggest frustration was getting out of Auto mode on my DSLR. I thought my photos were always missing that “something” that I saw in other people’s images of their children. I was missing depth, emotion, and the ability to say “this is a GREAT image”. I was frustrated because I wanted my photos to look “professional” and I wasn’t achieving this in Auto mode. I wanted my photos to show what I was feeling at the time.
What was the best tip or trick you learned from Momtographie class that you were able to use right away?
The absolute most valuable tip I learned from Momtographie was how to use Aperture Priority mode. Yes to decent light–without a flash!. Yes to nicely blurred backgrounds! Yes to proper exposure! And most importantly, I didn’t feel overloaded with too many different modes and was able to apply this tip immediately (I actually went home and took 300 photos that day).
What is the BEST moment you’ve captured of your kids or family ever on camera. Anything special come to mind?
This spring, I was attempting a photo shoot with my family—my husband Mike, Brody, and Campbell. I knew by now that photographing children is not all about saying “cheese” for the camera. We went to a grove of trees and took some photos, and then walked across the road to a field. Good ol’ stubborn Campbell took off running and I called for her to stop before she entered the field. She turned and gave me the sweetest (and possibly defiant—depends on your point of view) look prior to entering the field. I was able to get down on her level and take a shot I will never forget.
I hear that Momtographie class may have sparked you to take your hobby to the next level. Can you tell us a bit about your future goals with photography?
After stating to several friends that I really only wanted a DSLR to photograph family and friends, I found that my passion for photography went well beyond that. Even though I am fairly new to the photography realm, I have spent countless hours online reading everything I can about photography, begging families of newborns and children that they allow me to practice on them, and gaining confidence and skills with my camera. I took a 17 hour online course on editing, as well. A short time ago, I started Clover Creek Photography and had my first clients this month. I love having my little business on the side, but love having my camera in hand when it really counts even more.
Why should other local moms consider attending a Momtographie class?
If you own a DLSR (or even a point and shoot) and you want to take better, brighter, and more meaningful and inspirational images of your children and family, Momtographie can do that for you. This class will leave you bitten by the photography bug—be prepared! Beryl is inviting, warm, and her story of how she began her journey into photography will touch your heart. And maybe—just maybe—you will find your passion behind the lens.
You can get all the details and register for the upcoming May 6th, 2012 Momtographie class HERE.
