B Y NA P C P JUNE 2017
Featuring First Half 2017 Image Competition Winners
The
LATEST INSIDE
Our 25 Semifinalists for the 2017 Best New Emerging Child Photographer!
Snapshot Travel Guide, Spring Gathering Imagery and More!
Hello friends!
Summer solstice time is here, which means we’re gearing up for busy season,
raising our energy (and maybe looking for some good stress relievers). Summer is a wonderful time for a photographer to rejuvenate and NAPCP is abloom with ways for you to bring your craft and your spirit alive this season. Brew an iced tea, scoop an ice cream cone or sit outside, and relax with this June edition of Inspired.
Explore the pages to follow, featuring interviews with the winning
photographers of our 2017 First Half International Image Competition. Fall in love with their work, their words, then take a walk with your own camera and water the flowers of creativity!
Speaking of the International Image Competition, the 2017 Second Half
International Image Competition opens next month. Are you thinking about your entries? We encourage you to dive into your work, whether you shoot something fresh or have a particular image from this year that makes you light up with pride. Remember, Image Competition is the primary qualifier for the coveted Photographer of the Year title!
If you want to take it easy as you consider your images, browse through the
2017 Best New Emerging Child Photographer semifinalists. We’ll be announcing the six finalists this week! We would love for you to encourage these new-to-the-scene photographers, and boost their confidence with uplifting words.
For those of you planning parties and family vacations, we have some happy
printables and NAPCP Store goodies to assist you with style and sensational fun! In the pages ahead you’ll find a fully styled (and gender neutral) birthday party, and a Snapshot Travel Guide sure to bring a warm new dynamic to your next trip.
We hope what’s inside makes you feel a zest for life and work. Have a splashing
good time this summer!
Brightly,
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TA BL E O F CO NTE N TS Pg. 4 ............June Printable Calendar & Menu Pg. 5 .........................News & Announcements Pg. 6....................Image Competition Winners
Pg. 23 .........................Summer Birthday Pack Pg. 24.........Best New Emerging Photographer Pg. 26..........................Snapshot Travel Guide
Pg. 28................................Image Competition Pg. 30..............NAPCP Gatherings Round-Up Pg. 31...............................Marketing Mondays Pg. 32....................Video Series: Anne Simone Pg. 33................................Articles You’ll Love Pg. 34...............................#NAPCPInstaFaves Pg. 35.............................Membership Benefits
J U N E P R I N TA B L E S NEW
C L I C K H E R E T O G E T Y O U R S T O D AY !
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N E WS & A N N OU N CE MEN T S
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!
Napcp Store Visit the NAPCP Store for the latest and greatest products! Download the bold yet classic Birthday Party Pack and let us (practically) plan your child’s next party for you, or snag the Snapshot Travel Guide to accompany you on your vacation. Summer fun!
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Image by Clarice Hendel, "Sheer Beauty" (Maternity, Januar y 2017)
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FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS IMAGE COMPETITION WINNERS
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SPOTLIGHT WINNER
EMILY WILLIAMS | The Prayer | FIRST PLACE, Toddlers Will you share a piece of advice for someone who wants to begin portrait photography? Practice! I know we’ve all heard it before, but I think it is the number one thing in growing as a photographer. The more you shoot the more you will understand what works (and what doesn’t) in portrait photography. Watch and read editing tutorials, learn the tools of Lightroom & Photoshop, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
What’s next for you this year? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? I am so blessed to be able to do what I love, and have had an amazing year so far meeting new clients and new photographers. I have a few photography projects this year that I am hoping to complete ... most include my favorite subjects - my children. In 5 years I hope I will still be continuing to grow as a photographer (never stop learning!) and hope to inspire others in some way through my photography ... whatever that platform may be!
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SPOTLIGHT WINNER
EMILY WILLIAMS | Little Pixie | FIRST PLACE, Children Your images always exude the most beautiful light. Does a photographer need a lot of equipment to create such stunning imagery? What were your light setups for your winning images? For me, lighting is one of the number one factors in capturing a beautiful image. I do not believe you need a lot of expensive equipment to create stunning photographs. It’s all about knowing your equipment and also knowing how to best use the light you have available, whether natural or artificial. For my winning toddler photo I used a flash unit positioned on the right side of the boy. This helped create a beautiful soft light falling on him. For my winning child photo I used only natural light. There was no reflector used. Being aware of where the natural light is falling on your subject can create all of the difference when capturing a portrait. It took me awhile to learn how to really look at every detail in the scene I was capturing before pressing the shutter button.
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Above: Sandy Summers Russell, T he Young Shepherds. Heather Stockett, Simplicity..
SPOTLIGHT WINNER
HEATHER STOCKETT | Twin Love | FIRST PLACE, Siblings The connections in your work are always evident, especially between your two boys. Will you tell us more about how you draw this out of your subjects? Yes, these two rascals are my twins. They share this amazing bond, something more unique than brotherhood alone. Sometimes I encourage them play in a certain area of our backyard and work from there. I like to put a bit of distance between them and me, on the off chance that these guys might get camera shy. I’ll watch them play (or play with them!) and ask if they’ll hug, run, jump,etc. When they’re together, they’re (mostly) giggling.
Please tell us a little more about yourself and how you got started in professional photography. When I was a young child, my dad would bring home his Polaroid from work, with extra film. I would photograph my stuffed animals lined up in row. It might not sound like much of a studio, but that’s how my curiosity of “how this works” and love of photography began.
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SPOTLIGHT WINNER
MEGAN DRANE | Alone in the Lead | FIRST PLACE, Seniors Will you tell us a little bit about your photography journey? I fell into photography quite by accident. I consider myself a visual storyteller. Stories have always been a part of me. I have a Master’s of Fine Art in Creative Writing but didn’t make my mark in that world. My photography started because of my first child. This was back before Facebook, so I used to email my friends and family pictures of him, and then friends asked me to take pictures of their children; it grew from there. Five and a half years ago, I opened a studio, and things have continued to get better and better.
We are in love with the movement captured in this winning image. What are your tips and tricks for achieving that? I definitely have a niche in photographing senior athletes. I love challenging myself to create unique pieces. For this image, I knew I wanted to photograph her doing butterfly. Now, since I like to do something different, I knew I didn’t want to do the typical shot from the front that is usually done. I had the idea of doing it slightly below water level. This was all done in studio. Obviously, we had to get creative. She was actually standing with large strip lights in front of her. Then we worked on the stroke and getting the pose just right. I created the water separately. I like creating my own reality.
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Above: Elizabeth Seliga, My Best Friend. Candice Kaushagen, Untitled.
SPOTLIGHT WINNER
BRENDA OLIE | Waiting | FIRST PLACE, Maternity Is there any one person who has influenced you artistically? Is there another photographer you’d love to shoot with someday? Well, I do not think that one person influenced me, but a whole bunch of great photographers like Jinkyart, Kelly Brown, Sue Bryce, and Twig and Olive. I think is very important to educate yourself and keep working on your own work. Every year, I give myself a big workshop somewhere in the world from a photographer that I love. I went to Australia in 2015 to attend a Jinkyart workshop, follow Erin Elizabeth, and attend the Baby Summit. It was the trip of my life! To get inspired and stay fresh. This month I will go to Dublin for Twig and Olive. Can’t wait. I think it is important to do. That’s why I organize Newbornplaza in the Netherlands. It’s a small newborn, baby and maternity event with very big names from our industry like Kath V, Amy McDaniel, Natalie Leech, and Stéphanie Lemmens. It is so important to get to know each other and learn from each other. 1 4 | N A P C P I n s p i r e d M a g a z i n e Ju n e 2 0 1 7
Above: Candice Kaushagen, Sundown. Cristin More, The Joy of Motherhood.
SPOTLIGHT WINNER
MARENA RUDY | Saturday Snuggles | FIRST PLACE, Family Will you give us some background on how family photography became your niche? I always knew I wanted to photograph children. Even before having my own, I had a connection to the little ones and built my portfolio around them. I photographed my niece and nephew a lot, as well as neighborhood kids. I then extended my learning into family and newborns. I took a lot of classes to learn technique, and tips on connecting with families. Dabbling in weddings or engagement sessions, it’s nice to work with subjects that listen and stand still, but it doesn’t fulfill me in the same way as family photography. I like the raw and unexpected moments. At this point, I’ve found my jam!
What is your favorite thing about an in-home session? I’ve unexpectedly fallen in love with in-home sessions. In the beginning, I didn’t have a studio so I was at the mercy of the homes’ of my clients. 90% of Above (left) : Marena Rudy, Fountain Faces.
SPOTLIGHT WINNER
the time they had poor light and very unimpressive cookie cutter Chicago apartments. My palms would sweat when I walked in. Now that I have a studio as a backup option; I am able to talk with each client before our session at learn about their home, what they love about it, what rooms make them feel happy and define what they will remember about their house. People put a LOT of thought and investment into where they live and to be able to showcase who they are and what makes their space unique is pretty special. I can use their decor, which leaves no two sessions looking alike and keeps me inspired session after session. It also makes the client fall in love with their imagery when they can see that special family heirloom in the background. I also recently purchased a small soft box I can travel with to brighten up even the darkest room. I don’t use it often, but when I need it, it is key! N A P C P I n s p i r e d M a g a z i n e Ju n e 2 0 1 7 | 1 7
Above (top to bottom) : Rya Duncklee, Old Meets New. Maryann Koh, Petal Shower. Emily Smith, This Little Piggie.
Above: Tracy Sweeney, On Pointe. Clare Ahalt, Joy.
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SPOTLIGHT WINNER
ASHLEY BERRIE | Raise Your Hand If You’re New Here | FIRST PLACE, Newborns Your winning image makes us feel as if we’re right in the room with this sweet duo. Can you share a tip or two on how you achieve such dynamic images? These two are so sweet aren’t they!? This image was actually taken in the dad’s whiskey room, not a room I would have naturally thought to photograph a newborn. He really wanted a picture in this room, so instead of seeing it as a challenge, I saw it as a creative opportunity. Some of my favorite images come from situations or locations I wouldn’t have originally sought out to photograph. Always keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to shoot something differently, you never know where your next favorite image may come from!
How do you achieve balance between being a photographer, and also a wife and mother? Balance is not easy; it’s something I have to consciously strive for. Mainly, I try not to wear all 3 of those hats at once.
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SPOTLIGHT WINNER
ASHLEY BERRIE | Beach Baby | FIRST PLACE, Babies If I try to fulfill all of those roles at every moment of the day, I feel stressed and overwhelmed. I wake up early every morning to focus on my photography. In a dark home, while everyone is asleep, I am able to be creative and take that time for myself and my work. Life doesn’t always work out where we can wear only one hat at a time, but I try to be completely present in whichever role needs me the most.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would we find you? Professionally, where would your dream session location be? I would live anywhere where I could see the sun rise and fall from the horizon every day. If I also lived near water and drove around on a bicycle with a basket on the front, that would be a plus! My dream session would be on Lake Louise, Canada. However, for it to be a dream session, I would be photographing my two boys and they would be in really good moods.
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Above: Lisa Millerick, Little Boys Blue. Aubrie Legault, Kiss Chaos.
SUMMER B I R T H D AY PA C K S I M P L E R PA RT Y P L A N N I N G
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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
NAPCP is looking to shine a spotlight on one of our industry’s brightest rising stars. We all know how challenging those first two years of running your own business can be – learning best business practices, juggling marketing, branding, finances, equipment, workflow … all while consistently producing gorgeous portraiture for clients. We love the spirit and tenacity of the future greats in our community, and we are here cheering them on. To give them a little push in the right direction, NAPCP is honored to host its third Best New Emerging Child Photographer Contest! We have reviewed all nominations and announced the group of semifinalists you see here, who are in the judging process. Congratulations to: Filindra Newborn Photo | Claire Searle Photography | Erica Mark Photography | Kaitlin Brantner | Quiet Side Photography | Katrina Barrow Photography | Twynn Takes Photography | Gray Dot Photography | Crow’s Nest Photography | Yofi Photography | A. Fatouros Photography | Ashley Soeder Photography | Poppy Lea Photography | Marie Monforte Photography | Marisa McDonald Photography | Natalie Buck Photography | Marissa Martine Photography | Ashley Wentz Newborns | Courtney Corriell Photography | Summer Brader Photography | Jennifer Lynn Photography | Little Tin Hen | Tevi Hardy Photography | Teresa Yiu Photography | Seal Photography Our esteemed panel of judges is narrowing the field to six finalists, who will be announced soon. You vote for your favorite finalist. We tally up the votes and spoil the winner. Our 2017 Best New Emerging Photographer will be handsomely rewarded with the following: 1.
Expense paid trip to Atlanta, GA for an amazing experience. Our winner will spend time with the NAPCP team and the ShootProof team so we can celebrate them! This will include airfare (provided by ShootProof), plus lodging, meals, and live interviews (provided by NAPCP and ShootProof).
2. NAPCP Membership – 2 Years 3. ShootProof Account – One Year 4. Musea – One Matted & Framed Print of Choice 5. Miller’s Lab Signature Album 6. Fundy Pro Account – One Year 7.
Animoto Professional Account – One Year
8. One Hour Mentoring Session with Rob Greer – Photographer & SEO Expert 9. One Hour Mentoring Session with Alice Park – Co-Founder of NAPCP 10. One Hour Mentoring Session with Courtney Zerizef of Creative Homeroom 11. One Hour Branding Consultation with Renee Swigert of Ribbons of Red 12. Professional Hair & Makeup by Molly Todd and headshots by Alice Park Photography 13. Digital Seal for Website – Best New Emerging Child Photographer 2017 14. Promotion from NAPCP, ShootProof, and sponsors on all Social Media and online websites
Please visit the Best New Emerging Child Photographer Voting page this week to see the finalists announced and vote for your favorite! THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
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YO U R S U M M E R T R AV E L B U D DY
H A S A RRI V ED Experience your best trip ever! Use this guide for image inspiration through a new place, adventure or even your own backyard. See the world around you in new ways and add fun to your travels. Have a marvelous time and, most importantly, capture moments for the memory book!
O R D E R YO U R S T O D AY
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the NA P CP
SECOND H AL F 2 0 1 7 IN T E R NAT I O NA L I M AG E CO M P E T I T I O N
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PH OTO : C A R I A N N E K R E M L
The Second Half 2017 NAPCP International Image Competition will open for submissions July 17th 8:00AM EST and will close at 11:59PM EST August 17th, 2017. The purpose of NAPCP’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. Members each receive a total of 2 Competition Credits per Competition with their Membership. Additional Competition Credits can be purchased for $25 each. Competition Credits can be used in any single competition, and cannot roll over to the following competition. A critiquing fee of $25 will apply to any member who wishes to receive professional feedback on submitted photos. Additional details can be found here!
JUDGES
We could not be more excited about our talented panel of judges including Barbara Breitsameter, Rob Greer, Jennifer Kapala, Julia Kelleher, Summer Murdock, and Michael Taylor. To learn more about each judge click here! N A P C P I n s p i r e d M a g a z i n e Ju n e 2 0 1 7 | 2 9
NA P C P G AT H E R I N G S Thank you for joining us in May for our second annual NAPCP Photo Walk. The Spring Gathering was a wonderful, collective success, and we had the best time watching your images roll into our social media feeds -- they are stunning! Pencil “Fall NAPCP Gathering” into your calendar for the week of September 11th-18th. Specific dates and locations will be announced as the season nears; we can’t wait to see you!
F I N D A G AT H E R I N G I N YO UR AR E A
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ARTICLES YOU’LL LOVE Inspiring words written by our members, for our members.
Sweet Shots: Give Teaching a Try! Six-and-a-half years ago on a cold, snowy January afternoon, my husband and I found ourselves sitting and staring at each other across the kitchen table. Unfortunately, we weren’t staring at each other with stars in our eyes. Instead, we were filled with anxiety about how we’d ever create a sustainable, livable balance in our photography business.
We’d taken the business from a part-time hobby to a full-time, sole income business about year prior to this moment; those twelve months had been, hands-down, the most trying and exhausting years we’d ever experienced. Low session prices led to long weekends of shooting and late nights of editing; any family or free time we’d previously had disappeared into the black hole of the photography hustle. Read more.
Meet Amy Tripple: Amy is a student of life. Every day brings a new chance to learn, and you’ll find her sitting in the front row. It’s with a grateful heart that she serves the most fabulous families of the Chicago area and beyond for the past ten years.
3 Reasons Mini Sessions Don’t Succeed (and How to Fix This!) Mini sessions … we have a love-hate relationship with them. Mini sessions can be amazing for your business; they can be a great way to increase profits before the slow months of January and February hit. They can help you to capitalize on the urgency and need for shorter holiday sessions and greeting card photos. At Heidi Hope Photography, mini sessions have become a way that we keep in touch with our very best clients who may not need full formal sessions multiple times throughout the year. Read more.
Meet Heidi Guerard: Heidi has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and maintains her passion for teaching and connecting with professional photographers by hosting in-person workshops, building a website with free learning resources, broadcasting a weekly FAQ Friday and traveling to speak.
# N A P C P I N S TA FAV E S The images of these amazing photographers caught our eye in June. Visit them on Instagram and follow along! Tag #NAPCP on Instagram and you may see your work in a future issue of Inspired.
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winning image by barb toyama
Membership Benefits Read about NAPCP and see the many benefits of NAPCP membership, on our site. Download freebies and preview member-exclusive videos; get to know the heart of our association! LEARN MORE
Please visit napcp.com or email us at info@napcp.com with questions or inquiries. CLICK HERE TO PRINT THIS ISSUE
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NAPCP Issue 55
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