Oh Snap! Eve Edition

 

 Alright guys, today's interviewee is Eve from Essence of Eve Photography. :)

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

I first got interested in photography last year, after I created my main blog,  The Chronicles of His Swordmaiden. That's when I started blog hopping and noticed that most blog authors were also photographers, whose abilities I was simply blown away by. I began thinking "What if I started taking photos? Would I ever be able to excel that much?". That very same day, I remember picking up the family's point-and-shoot and going out the door to take photos of random objects. I believe that windy fall afternoon was what started it all, because in a few weeks I'd become so very fond of taking photos that I decided to put the money I'd been saving up to good use, and bought my DSLR.

What was your very first camera?

My very first camera, the one that I bought myself and that solely belongs to me, would be the one I have now, my Canon Rebel XS. When I opened its box, it was love at first sight! :)

Who or what inspired you to take up this hobby?

As I explained earlier, the lovely blogger photographer community is responsible for bringing the photographer in me out of hiding! Many thanks to you all! :)

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

You can view all my equipment by going to the  What I Use page on my photography blog.

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

Mostly self-taught. I did take a few classes at one time, but I didn't sign up or anything; my homeschool group happened to be taking them so I just tagged along. The classes were targeted toward beginners, so I already know most of the things, however, I did manage to pick up a few helpful tips.

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

Anything small that's unusual, often overlooked, and/or has tons of detail.

Do you have any professional experience?

Nope, can't say that I have.

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

I mostly rely on experience, it's the best teacher! ;)

Do you, or have you sold your work?

No, but I'd love to be able to do that someday. In fact, I'm hoping to open up an Etsy shop sometime in 2012.

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

Very tough indeed! I think I'll go with my newest favourite...

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?

I think probably passionate, obsessed, and artistic, all meshed together. :)

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

It's been a little over a year now.

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

I'm going to say Canon, just because I have one and because I've never used a Nikon before. :P

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

I love photography because it gives you a whole new perspective on God's creation. You start noticing all the little things, the details, things you would normally never even stop to consider. I strive to glorify God through my photos, and to prove to people that if they think it all came about by chance, they are greatly mistaken.

Eve is a homeschooled christian {conservative reconstructionist} girl, and her ultimate goal in life is to grow in "faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Along with helping around the house and spending time with her family, her many hobbies include reading, photography, writing, and graphic designing. 

Thanks for doing this with me,Eve! :) That was really fun.

-Sarah

Some Thanksgivingish Thoughts ;)

 

Thanksgiving: 

The word brings to mind thoughts of harvest time, pilgrims, family, friends, a chilly autumn day, turkey, pies, and other cozy things related to the well-known holiday. 

Too often though, I think we keep it in that "holiday-ish" box. 

 We all know that the last Thursday of November is a time purposely set aside for looking back on all the blessings the year has had in it, and being grateful for them. 

We may be able to get in a good groove of being thankful for a few days surrounding Thanksgiving...

but I'm afraid that at least I am guilty of dropping back into my self-absorbed, silly and rather ungrateful self. I'm so glad that the Bible is full of scriptures reminding us to Praise the Lord and thank Him for His goodness! Otherwise, I think I'd become too wrapped up in the concerns and details in life to ever recognize and be grateful for the *many* blessings I truly have.

My challenge to myself, as well as all of you, is to remember to thank the Lord daily for His awesomeness, power, love, salvation, and mercy He gives to all of us constantly. Because, you see, the thing is: We don't deserve *any* of it! If it weren't for the grace and salvation of God, we, as the selfish sinners we are, should be in the lowest, most terrible and dark place ever. That's what we deserve, without Christ.

But that's not where the story ends.

Oh no. 

Because...

"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our sins. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him. And by His wounds we are healed."

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Do you see that? The Perfect Lamb of God died, so that we may have life! "By His wounds we are healed"!

So, right there I have two great examples of why I should never stop giving thanks to the Lord! He has been soooo amazingly, exceedingly, good to me, and I am so blessed!

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD!
      Call upon His name;
      Make known His deeds among the peoples!

 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
      Talk of all His wondrous works!

 Glory in His holy name;
      Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!

 Seek the LORD and His strength;
      Seek His face evermore!"

" Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
         For His mercy endures forever.
 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
         For His mercy endures forever.
 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
         For His mercy endures forever:"

      “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
      Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
      Be to our God forever and ever.
      Amen.” 

 

I hope you all have had a blessed Thanksgiving Day full of family time, laughter, love, fun, and hopefully some turkey thrown in there. ;)

~Sarah

My Thanksgiving Day 3

My Thanksgiving

 Day #3.

Laughter!

(What would I do without it?)

-Sarah

My Thanksgiving Day 2

My Thanksgiving......

Day #2. 

My Awesome God!! 

-Sarah

Oh Snap! Bri Edition

 

Hey Bri! Thanks for being with us today.

Okay, let's get started:

How did you get started into photography? And how old were you?
I was 12 years old when I first became interested in photography. A
friend of mine was doing a school project on a certain type of flower
and was required to take pictures for the project. I was fascinated
and began “playing around” with my Dad’s camera. It all went down hill
from there :P

What was your very first camera?

KODAK EASYSHARE CX4230 Zoom Digital Camera

Who or what inspired you to take up this hobby?

My parents were definitely my biggest supporters. They have given me
most of my equipment over the years. My Dad also really loves
photography so I was exposed to it for as long as I can remember. I
would say God inspired me, but He used my parents (particularly my
Dad) to make it become a reality.

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

I use a Canon 50D with four lenses: (1) 50mm 1.4  (2) 30mm 1.4  (3)
100mm 1.8  (4) 17-55mm 2.8
I also use the LumoPro LP120 Manual Flash. I use my Dad’s Canon T2i as
a back-up if I’m doing a wedding and have an assistant.

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

Both. I have taken a few online classes as well as interning with some
local wedding photographers, but the majority of my knowledge comes
from online research and real-life experience.

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

In general, I enjoy taking landscape or macro shots the most, although
I also thoroughly enjoy doing portrait sessions and weddings in
particular. It usually depends on what mood I’m in. ;)

Do you have any professional experience?

I have worked as an assistant photographer with a local wedding
photography business. I have also recently started my own freelance
business and have photographed numerous family and engagement sessions
as well as a few weddings.

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

I’m constantly browsing articles and photographers’ blogs to learn more.

Do you, or have you sold your work?

To private clients, yes.

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

Very tough!! I don't think I've even thought about it before. I always
have a new "favorite" after every photo shoot. "

I visited London this past summer and snapped this shot of some street performers right across from London Bridge. As a musician, I love the contrast between the performers and the motion blur of the passing onlookers who are too busy to stop to listen.

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?

Passionate and artistic. It is definitely a side job/hobby at this point, but I would love to spend more time photographing once I
graduate.

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

For as long as I can remember.

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

In my experience…Canon!  Can’t say that I’ve had extensive experience
with Nikon though, so I’m open-minded. ;)

And the last one.....

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

I love photographing engagement sessions and weddings because I love capturing all the joyful and special moments that mean the world to that couple.

I love photographing family portraits because it’s always fun to see how family members interact, especially the young kids!

I love photographing God’s creation because it gives me a sense of awe at His greatness. I love capturing a small part of the beauty that He’s given us and displaying it in a way that brings others to marvel at His beauty. Soli Deo Gloria. 


Thanks so much for doing this interview Bri! :) It was a lot of fun for me, and I hope you had fun doing it, too. 

You can learn more about Bri and look at a lot of her wonderful photography on her blog, Heavenly Things Photography. :)