Oh Snap! Ampersand Photography edition

Hey Sarah!(by the way, I love the name! ;) Thanks for being with us today.  

Okay, let's get started:

How did you get started into photography? And how old were you?

It was very serendipitous, actually. I was out of highschool, working a part-time job, studying music theory, and praying about what to do with my life. Photography was kind of one of those “huh, I think I'd like to do that someday” things in the back of my mind, but I never seriously considered actually doing it, you know? But it was one of those things I just thought I might like to try. Not long after that I started what would be a three-year stint in full-time ministry. The desire to pursue photography consistently swelled inside of me, but whenever I had time to pursue it, I was broke, and whenever I had money I was working crazy hours and had no time. By the time those three years were up, I was 22, the desire had grown into a passion, which grew into a purpose, and I was determined to pursue it. So I bought a camera and dove in headfirst.

 

What was your very first camera?

I had some little point-and-shoot film camera when I was in high school… I think it was Fuji? I have no idea. My first "real" camera was a Canon 30D. 

Who or what inspired you to take up this hobby?

I love people, and I love communication, and photography seemed to be a very natural way to merge the two loves… and it's much more than a hobby for me. =) 

What kind of equipment are you using right now?( camera,flashes,lens,etc.)

Canon 5d Mk2, Canon 30D, Canon 20mm f/2.8, Canon 50mm f/1.4, Sigma 50mm f/1.4, Canon 85mm f/1.8, Canon 135mm f/2.0, Canon Speedlight 580EX II 

Are you self-taught, or have you had classes?

Mostly self-taught, but I took some workshops through the Institute of Photographic Studies (IPS). If you're looking for a basic, "everything you need to know about photography" class, this is it!!! 

What is your favorite subject to shoot? (landscapes, profiles, artistic shots, candid moments,etc)

Brides. 

Do you have any professional experience?

Yes, I'm starting my fourth year as a full-time, self-employed wedding photographer.  

What is your method for getting new tips, techniques, or new information?

Watching other people and hearing them explain it. 

Do you, or have you sold your work?

Yes and yes. =) 

Show me one of your favorite shots you've taken. (I know it's a tough question.....)

Which of these would you label the photographer side of yourself as: Passionate, a wanna-be, obsessed, artistic, avid, a newbie, a photo-holic, or a die-hard?

None, actually. I would label myself as a professional. Photography is my job, not the thing I think about day in and day out. I think about marketing and to-do lists way more than I think about photographic techniques or cool things to try. And I'd always prefer sitting down with a person and talking heart-stuff over coffee over taking their portrait. Yes, I'm passionate about photography… but I'm more passionate about God and the Gospel. I'm more obsessed with doing well in business than I'm obsessed with photography in itself. I'm definitely a die-hard, but since it's the thing I do all the time and have to do all the time (or I won't have house, car, or food), I've grown past the "I want to be known as a photographer" stage, and I'm now in the "I don't want to be defined merely by my camera" stage. =) 

For how many years have you been interested in this sphere of art?

I've been interested in it for about ten years, I have practiced it for five. 

Now for the big question: is it Canon or Nikon? (or neither :P)  ;)

Canon. Alllll the way. =D 

And the last one..... 

Why do you love photography, and what is your purpose for doing it? :)

Photography is all about seeing people as God sees them. I whole-heartedly believe that every single person is made in the image of God, and reflects a bit of His glory. When I look at a person through my camera lens, I have the precious opportunity to look at them they way that God looks at them, and to document that individual beauty that reflects His glory.  I shoot weddings because I love marriage, and I love marriage because I love Jesus Christ. I also love weddings because I love love, I find joy in contributing to other peoples' happiness, and because... well, I just like pretty things. 

Hi! My name is Sarah. I'm a portrait and wedding photographer in the Northern Virginia-ish area. I'm passionate about God, light, people, and love, and obsessed with just about anything pretty, or textured, or vintage. I love photography, and coffee, and meeting new people, and... lots of other things.

  Website // www.ampersandphoto.com

 Blog // www.ampersandphoto.blogspot.com

Facebook // www.facebook.com/Ampersand.Photo

Twitter // www.twitter.com/scdanaher

~Sarah