August newsletter2013(3) by Alice Park

napcp

N EWSL ETT ER AUGUST 2013

featuring

the wonderful Kasia Czarczynska of Peek A Boo Photography

Plus

The Latest News & Announcements, Workshops, Updates and much more!

Inside

a special look at all of our 2013 Best New Emerging Child Photographer Finalists

Hello friends!

If you have children in school – no matter what age – you don’t need us to remind you

that back-to-school season has arrived. From the hustle and bustle of tax-free shopping to first-day school outfits and endless amounts of school supplies, we’re watching our little ones (and yours!) grow up – one photograph at a time. Whether it’s the look of anticipation at the bus stop or the wide-eyed grin at the end of the day, these are the proud moments that make it all worth it.

We always had a feeling (okay, we knew) that our community is filled with the best tal-

ent. And when we say that, we do mean the best. After going through hundreds (maybe thousands) of nominations that poured in for the 2013 Best New Emerging Child Photographer Contest, we have announced our top five finalists. We wish we didn’t have to pick just one – or even the top five, for that matter – because you’re all stars in our eyes. But since the contest insists on a single winner, a big congratulations is in order for Kasia Czarczynska of Peek A Boo Photography! Kasia received the highest number of votes from NAPCP members, earning the title of Best New Emerging Child Photographer of 2013.

We would like to give a huge shout out to our amazing sponsors and judges – we couldn’t

have done it without you! Thank you to Tamara Lackey, Sarah Hebenstreit, Gabrielle Blair, Kara May, Garrett Nudd, and Laura Winslow for helping us select our top five finalists. Many thanks as well to Big Folio, Jane Johnson Photography and Branding Design, Artsy Couture, Nations Photo Lab, Fotostrap, Moo.com, and Artifact Uprising for your tremendous support.

Did you know that NAPCP publishes editorial blog posts that keep our parent readers

engaged? The NAPCP blog connects the world’s most talented child photographers with parents yearning for high-quality family artwork created with a personal touch. If you are interested in being featured on NAPCP, we invite you to submit your ideas! Our NAPCP International Image Competition is still underway! If you haven’t already, please submit your image by August 22. Not a member? This is the perfect time to join our community! We wish all of you have a wonderful month. Take pleasure in these busy days and capture every beautiful moment.

Sincerely

The NAPCP Team

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TA BLE O F CON TE N TS Pg. 3 ......................................Last Call for Images Pg. 4 ................................News & Announcements

Pg. 5.....Featured Photographer: Kasia Czarczynska

Pg. 15 ...............................BNECP Contest Finalists Pg. 31 ..........................................BNECP Sponsors Pg. 33 ............................................Video Resources Pg. 28 ................................. Apply For Membership

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LAST CALL FOR IMAGES

The July 2013 NAPCP International Image Competition will be closing on August 22nd at 11:59PM EST. The purpose of NAPCPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Image Competitions is to recognize the accomplishments and creative excellence of our members, rewarding their talent with medallions, priority listing on our directory, vendor endorsements, member points, titles and professional recognition. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on a chance to be recognized for your talent and dedication.

Submit your images here! 03 | NAPCP

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N E W S & ANN OU N CE ME N TS Facebook Community We hope that everyone will continue to partake in our NAPCP Facebook Community page! Join now and get involved with the latest discussions, trending topics, news and updates, and much more! Click here to request to join today!

Vendor Download Page Several of our amazing vendors have contributed FREE downloads exclusively for NAPCP members. These downloads include template designs, educational videos, and much more! We will be adding new downloads every month so make sure to check it out periodically! To view all of our fabulour downloads simply click on the "Resources" tab and select "Vendor Downloads."

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FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER KASIA CZARCZYNSKA

Images by Kasia Czarczynska of Peek A Boo Photography

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ased in the United Kingdom, Kasia Czarczynska of

Peek A Boo Photography is an on location and studio photographer serving North and West Yorkshire. Kasia was recently crowned the NAPCP's 2013 Best New Emerging Child Photographer after receiving the highest number of votes from NAPCP members. We cannot wait to see what the future has in store for this star on the rise!

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How did you get started with photography and what inspired you to go into business? I have a few friends who are photographers and back when I was 20 years old they taught me some basics. Then I was gifted with an old cannon DSLR and practiced composition, the rule of thirds, the exposure triangle, camera settings etc. but still did not know how to take good photographs. Then, after some time I met my husband who used to be into photography and who taught me a lot of technical aspects of using my camera. However, my strongest drive to get better in what I am doing was when I had my first, very own little "subject" to photograph and that was three years ago. I was practicing on my older son and my friend's children for about two years and then I decided to go into business in January last year.

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Where do you see yourself in 2 years? In 5? In two years time I would like to be a full time photographer and have my calendar filled with sessions; and perhaps have some holiday time with my family. Since I invested not only my time but also all my money into the photography business, our family have not had a chance to go on a proper holiday for the past few years. I am hoping we will have an opportunity to do so in the nearest future. In five years time I would love to expand and have my own beautiful studio where I'd welcome all my clients for consultations, studio sessions and viewings. That's my goal!

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Who have been your biggest inspirations in the industry and outside? My biggest inspirations from inside of the industry are three well talented photographers. I adore their work and learn from it every day. My first inspiration is Henri Cartier-Bressonn whose photographs teach me about his concept of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Decisive Momentâ&#x20AC;?. I do believe we can use this concept in portrait photography. It's the way how the model is looking at your camera, this special sparkle in his/her eyes that gives the portraits a spirit. Monika Koclajda Monique - another great photographer who teaches me that the best things to photograph are around us in our environment. I love her simplicity, creativity and perfectionism. The Red Balloon Photography teaches me that sometimes imperfection can be a perfection and it is good to break the rules and try new things. My biggest inspiration from outside of the industry are my kids, my two little boys Szymon and Franek, their childhood and our everyday life. 11 | NAPCP

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What advice can you give to those starting out? Dream big, work hard, don't be afraid to try new things and most of all enjoy your photography journey. If you stop to enjoy it, take some rest. What are some of the biggest challenges you face now with your business? The most I struggle with is the side of business. It may seem so but I am actually not a very organized person and keeping up with all the paper work is really hard for me. In addition, I am not a sales person and I am finding difficult to market my business. I always thought that being a photographer meant just to do the work of art for people to fall in love with and the clients would book a session with me purely on seeing my creative work. However, in reality it is so much more, you also need to think about marketing and putting yourself out there so that everybody does find out about your beautiful work. It is also hard to accept the fact that not NAPCP

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every client is your client; people have different tastes and not everyone will like your work. Newly named our 2013 Best New Emerging Child Photographer, what do you hope to do within the NAPCP Community this year? I would be very happy to meet all the photographers from NAPCP community; and to share our knowledge and learn from each other. I am hoping to improve every day and it is the best way to learn from other photographerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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experiences. I am also open to give advice to all new photographers in starting their journey either as a hobbyist or a professional photographer. I would definitely like to encourage all those beautiful talents out there to follow their dreams! To see more of Kasia's work, please visit her site here!

Thank you so much Kasia! NAPCP

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Finalist

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How did you get started with photography and what inspired you to go into business? The first camera I picked up was a Nikon D50, Erin's (my wife) and just started shooting. I read the manual to understand all of the buttons and photographed my nephew's 1st birthday. I was hired to capture a friend's party and the rest is history. Where do you see yourself in 2 years? In 5? Photographing life. I started this business to do just that. Putting memories on paper for families, is something that I cherish and feel honored to be apart of. Who have been your biggest inspirations in the industry and outside? Outside: Sue Bryce, Stacey Woods, and Chris & Sarah Rhoads (We Are The Rhoads). Inside: My wife and my son. Just by being around them, has taught me to always have a camera in an arm's reach. You know the saying, "The best camera is the one you have on you". What advice can you give to those starting out? Get to know your camera. Being able to change settings swiftly will allow you just enough time to not miss a memorable shot. Also, don't be afraid of getting close; feel invisible and most importantly be patient. What are some of the biggest challenges you face now with your business? Whew. Understanding that you can plan for a shoot to go one way, but it is best to have a plan "B" or "C" and sometimes "D". I find that some of the best sessions come from not preparing at all. Just be there to watch life.

To see more of Jared's work, please visit his site here!

Thank you so much Jared!

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Finalist

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How did you get started with photography and what inspired you to go into business? My son. Giving birth to him was a transformation for me. All of my I can'ts became I cans. Where do you see yourself in 2 years? In 5? Mummy, wife and shooting work that i love, personally and professionally. Who have been your biggest inspirations in the industry and outside? The Parsons, the Art and Heart workshop, Christine Pobke and my mama. What advice can you give to those starting out? Shoot personal work and a lot of it, the shh nobodys watching (http://www. shhnobodyswatching.com) project for me has seen my work grow tremendously. And this amazing quote by Seth Godin 'You don't need to have all your ducks in a row, sometimes all you need is that duck.' What are some of the biggest challenges you face now with your business? Multi tasking!! I am full time mummy to a 3.5 year old and a 3 month old. Some days I wish I was an octopus.

To see more of Marina's work, please visit her site here!

Thank you so much Marina!

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Finalist

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How did you get started with photography and what inspired you to go into business? I got my first DSLR as a hand-me-down from my dad in December 2010 and immediately flipped it to manual and never looked back. I went into business because, like many, I figured I might as well make some money doing what I love. Looking back, I jumped in too soon and should have waited longer to really get a handle on the business of photography before leaping in. But, I learned quickly! Where do you see yourself in 2 years? In 5? I hope to continue growing and developing my business. I have a wish list a mile long of thinks I want to learn or do, but really, if I have built a sustainable business that helps provide for my family and that I still love to do, my main goal will have been met. Who have been your biggest inspirations in the industry and outside? Jenny Cruger, Danielle Stahl, and Ashley Skjaveland are all a constant source of inspiration for me. Outside of the photography world, people like Ina May Gaskin and Joel Salatin really inspire me for their beliefs in simplicity and allowing nature to take its course. Those are the themes that drive my work. What advice can you give to those starting out? The best advice I can give, and one that I wish I had listened to, is not to be in a hurry. Take plenty of time to develop your voice and style as an artist. New photography businesses are popping up everywhere and in order to succeed, you need to have something that makes you special. Figure out what that is and how to incorporate it into your business before you start. What are some of the biggest challenges you face now with your business? I think figuring out the work/life balance is always hard. I have a 2 year old and a new baby due in just a few weeks, on top of leaving my full-time job to focus on my family and growing business. Its a crazy time in my life with so many new adjustments and finding the way to make it all work together will be a challenge. To see more of Leigh's work, please visit her site here!

Thank you so much Leigh! NAPCP

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Finalist

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How did you get started with photography and what inspired you to go into business? I began photography my sophomore year of high school, and there, was encourage by my teacher, Mr. Kerr, to continue my photographic education in college. I was inspired to go into business as a child and family portrait photographer, while I was living with a family in Vermont. I began photographing their 3 year old son, then his friends, and realized how much I enjoyed having children and their families as my subjects. Where do you see yourself in 2 years? In 5? In 2 years I see myself (dream for myself) having a loyal and growing client base, and also specializing in long term, "Day In A Life" photo sessions. In 5 years, I'd like to still be photographing everyday families, but also collaborating, and involved in editorial work. Maybe even starting a magazine of my own for families! Who have been your biggest inspirations in the industry and outside? Oh wow, this was a tough question! I get lost in the art & photo section of bookstores and the black hole of the internet all the time. Some photographers, artists, publications, etc. that I pull inspiration from (in no particular order): Hellen Van Meene, Alec Soth, Anna Moller, Sarah Hebenstreit of Modern Kids Co., Erika Verginelli, the illustrator Moonassi, Papier Mache Magazine, La Petite Magazine, Kinfolk Magazine, and all the faces and gestures I see every day when walking. I swear, sometimes I see a child making a face or sitting/standing a certain way that really moves me, and I think, wow, how can I bring that rawness and emotion of childhood into a session with a family. What advice can you give to those starting out? The best advice I can give is to be kind to yourself, try not to be intimidated or scared, and understand that it takes time. Everything is going to change and growâ&#x20AC;Ś your photos, your pricing, the direction you want to take your business and work, so just be open. Also, to just go for it. It's amazing how you feel when you reach out to the clients and businesses you want to work with, even if they say no or don't respond. It's liberating to put yourself out there. Best wishes to you! What are some of the biggest challenges you face now with your business? Starting a business has been a whole new world for me, but I would say marketing myself and putting a value to my work, specifically have been the biggest challenges so far. To see more of Eva's work, please visit her site here!

Thank you so much Eva!

BE ST N E W E ME RG I NG CHI L D PHOTO G R A P H E R