Getting to know Mary of Magination Images!
1. If we asked you to photograph one part of yourself, what would it be and why?
I would photograph my eyes - I think they are the most interesting physical part of me.
2. If you could photograph any person, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would choose to photograph my paternal grandmother as a young woman - she was a dish and serious photographer eye-candy.
3. What do you think about the future of the photography industry?
I believe the future of our industry lies in our ability to adapt to technological advances. Art will always be appreciated but staying competitive also hinges on technical growth.
4. If you could give just one piece of advice to an aspiring photographer, what would it be?
The best piece of advice I can give is to be patient! Don't go run out and start up a business when you are relatively new to our field. If you diligently pursue our craft, your skills will grow exponentially in the first couple of years. You do not want your brand associated with your newbie work - once in internet land, those images will stay around forever, to haunt you! So, take a deep breath, work on building your portfolio with free sessions and remember that Rome wasn't built in a day!
5. Do you think photography can be a learned skill or is there more to it than that? Do you feel an innate talent must be present for success as a photographer?
You can learn the skills to be a photographer, but artistry is an inherent talent.
6. What do you consider a successful portrait?
A successful portrait is one that is aesthetically pleasing, that makes YOU happy and leaves your customers satisfied and coming back for more!
7. How did you discover your style and who you are as a photographer? Are you still making discoveries about yourself and your work?
I discovered my own style by shooting and editing in a way that is pleasing to my eye - and by not trying to recreate the style of another artist. I did photography for a long time before I started really following the work of others in our industry. I think that allowed me to creatively grow my style without being influenced by the work of others.
8. How do you stay focused and overcome the doubts and challenges experienced by most everyone in this industry?
I read the publishers' initial rejection letters for some of the greatest literary works in the last 150 years.
9. How do you approach learning the business aspects of photography?
I do as much research as I can into streamlining my business practices. The business end of my work is not something I enjoy much. However, the more organized I am the easier it is.
10. If you had the opportunity to ask any photographer a question, what and who would you ask?
Leonard Nimoy - hands down. I would ask him about his use of light and shadow, and for his autograph!
I would photograph my eyes - I think they are the most interesting physical part of me.
2. If you could photograph any person, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would choose to photograph my paternal grandmother as a young woman - she was a dish and serious photographer eye-candy.
3. What do you think about the future of the photography industry?
I believe the future of our industry lies in our ability to adapt to technological advances. Art will always be appreciated but staying competitive also hinges on technical growth.
4. If you could give just one piece of advice to an aspiring photographer, what would it be?
The best piece of advice I can give is to be patient! Don't go run out and start up a business when you are relatively new to our field. If you diligently pursue our craft, your skills will grow exponentially in the first couple of years. You do not want your brand associated with your newbie work - once in internet land, those images will stay around forever, to haunt you! So, take a deep breath, work on building your portfolio with free sessions and remember that Rome wasn't built in a day!
5. Do you think photography can be a learned skill or is there more to it than that? Do you feel an innate talent must be present for success as a photographer?
You can learn the skills to be a photographer, but artistry is an inherent talent.
6. What do you consider a successful portrait?
A successful portrait is one that is aesthetically pleasing, that makes YOU happy and leaves your customers satisfied and coming back for more!
7. How did you discover your style and who you are as a photographer? Are you still making discoveries about yourself and your work?
I discovered my own style by shooting and editing in a way that is pleasing to my eye - and by not trying to recreate the style of another artist. I did photography for a long time before I started really following the work of others in our industry. I think that allowed me to creatively grow my style without being influenced by the work of others.
8. How do you stay focused and overcome the doubts and challenges experienced by most everyone in this industry?
I read the publishers' initial rejection letters for some of the greatest literary works in the last 150 years.
9. How do you approach learning the business aspects of photography?
I do as much research as I can into streamlining my business practices. The business end of my work is not something I enjoy much. However, the more organized I am the easier it is.
10. If you had the opportunity to ask any photographer a question, what and who would you ask?
Leonard Nimoy - hands down. I would ask him about his use of light and shadow, and for his autograph!
Thank you, Mary, for sharing with us.
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Join us on the 1st and 15th of each month (and sometimes in between) for more artist and session features!
Interested in joining us as a Featured Artist or Featured Session? Click here to find out more!
Find Magination Images on Facebook.
Find Magination Images on the Web.
Join us on the 1st and 15th of each month (and sometimes in between) for more artist and session features!
Interested in joining us as a Featured Artist or Featured Session? Click here to find out more!