Getting to know the artist behind Eyelet Photography!
Don't you just love taking a peek into the mind of an artist? So do we! We asked Jen Gardiner of Eyelet Photography 10 thought-provoking questions. Read her responses below and check out her genuinely striking imagery!
1) If we asked you to photograph one part of yourself, what would it be and why?
Motherhood. Because that's all I am right now. I'd be pretending to be something I'm not if I was to photograph anything else. Motherhood overwhelms me.
Motherhood. Because that's all I am right now. I'd be pretending to be something I'm not if I was to photograph anything else. Motherhood overwhelms me.
2) If you could photograph any person, dead or alive, who would you choose?
Both of my grandmothers, in their early twenties. My one living grandmother is ninety-four.
Both of my grandmothers, in their early twenties. My one living grandmother is ninety-four.
3) What do you think about the future of the photography industry?
I think it's only going to get more populated, and there will be a lot less artistry with more photographers charging pennies for their work. I think it will get harder to make a living as a professional photographer.
I think it's only going to get more populated, and there will be a lot less artistry with more photographers charging pennies for their work. I think it will get harder to make a living as a professional photographer.
4) If you could give just one piece of advice to an aspiring photographer, what would it be?
Learn how to properly use your camera. And if you've already studied up on that, learn lighting and your editing software.
Learn how to properly use your camera. And if you've already studied up on that, learn lighting and your editing software.
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?
I think a successful photographer has a natural talent and 'an eye' for photography. I've said it before - I played piano for years, but I was never really a great pianist.
I think a successful photographer has a natural talent and 'an eye' for photography. I've said it before - I played piano for years, but I was never really a great pianist.
6) What do you consider a successful portrait?
A successful portrait has to evoke feeling, and there has to be a connection between the photographer and the subject which translates to the audience. It should tell you something. It should make you wonder.
A successful portrait has to evoke feeling, and there has to be a connection between the photographer and the subject which translates to the audience. It should tell you something. It should make you wonder.
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 I was a lifestyle photographer when I realized I hated shooting with props and artificial light. I don't do traditional newborn photography for this reason or offer anything with a theme. And I never thought I'd love weddings.
I discovered I was a lifestyle photographer when I realized I hated shooting with props and artificial light. I don't do traditional newborn photography for this reason or offer anything with a theme. And I never thought I'd love weddings.
8) How do you stay focused and overcome the doubts and challenges experienced by most everyone in this industry?
I have a small group of 'photografriends' and we support and encourage each other. We all have good days and bad days. Today, I am having a not so good day. But it will pass.
I have a small group of 'photografriends' and we support and encourage each other. We all have good days and bad days. Today, I am having a not so good day. But it will pass.
9) How do you approach learning the business aspects of photography?
I've learned a lot from my photographer friends and by reading and researching. No one likes the business side of photography but you have to learn it if you want to be successful.
I've learned a lot from my photographer friends and by reading and researching. No one likes the business side of photography but you have to learn it if you want to be successful.
10) If you had the opportunity to ask any photographer a question, what and who would you ask?
I would ask Annie Leibovitz if she would take my picture.
I would ask Annie Leibovitz if she would take my picture.
Thank you, Jen, for offering us a glimpse of what your art is all about.
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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 Eyelet Photography on Facebook.
Find Eyelet Photography 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!