Feature me Tuesday

Today I have a very special feature. She is one of my personal favorites. Her work is real, true and every image tells a story. She is a great person, active in the photography community and is sweet as pie. Please enjoy reading a bit about kyla of Pinball Photography

 How long have you been doing photography all together and how long as a business?

I have been taking pictures from a very young age. They were mostly of my cat and dog and were with a point and shoot, but my mom never discouraged me from doing it and kept getting me film to take photos. 

I have always known I wanted to do something creative, I went to school for Interior Design, and started a small business doing that, until I picked up my first 5d. Photography is my passion and ignited something in me that nothing ever had before creatively. 

I bought my first slr in fall of 2009, set it on manual, and took ALOT of pictures. I started my company in 2010.

 What made you want to get into lifestyle photography?

I think my kids made me shift my style to lifestyle photography even more. I wanted the in between moments caught, the moments that I cherished the very most. 

 What is the one thing about lifestyle photography that you love the most? 

I love that lifestyle photography is laid back and captures people relaxed and enjoying/loving the people around them. To me the photos come to life and that is what excites me about this style. 

 Can you give one tip of how you shoot with moodier light or low light? 

When I first started photography I looked for what would make a good background, when what I should have been doing is focusing on the light. I look at light very differently, and that is the main thing I look for when I shoot. There doesn’t have to be a lot of light to make a beautiful photo. 

 Who is your favorite muse? and why? 

My kids are my favorite muse. They have opened up an entire new artistic life in me, and have enabled me to see everyday things as the most beautiful. 

 What is your favorite time of the day to shoot? 

The evening, as most of my shoots are outdoor. If I’m shooting indoor, I like to go mid morning so there is enough light. 

Can you tell us a little about how you get kids/families to loosen up and not be shy so you can do your thing? Can you share some tips?

I believe that most kids feel shy around someone they have never met sticking a camera in their face. I really try to be laid back and let the kids do what they do best, and for the most part, I’m happy if they are ignoring me so I can capture them as they are. If I’m looking for a portrait of a child I will quite often start asking them questions about themselves and take interest in them, build a trust with them and you’ll be amazed with what they will give the camera. 

  How do you prepare yourself and your clients going into a lifestyle shoot? 

It’s funny, I still get nervous before each shoot, but have found that visiting and taking the time to get to know each other a little bit helps everyone relax. I try to take a few minutes to visit with my clients on arrival, ask them questions about themselves and hopefully make them feel relaxed. I then ask to go take a look around their home for light, and I’ve never had a client not let me guide them to the best area in the home for photos. I don’t do a lot of getting clients ready before hand, I’m hoping they have looked at my work, know my style and are hiring me because they trust me. I will mention that my newborn sessions are not posed/prop sessions because I do not want them to be disappointed in hiring me when my newborn sessions are quite the opposite of that.

  What would you tell someone wanting to venture into lifestyle photography, but doesn't know how to make the transition? 

From a business perspective, only post pictures that represent the style you want to be hired for. I would start by doing some complimentary sessions that depict lifestyle photography and show those to potential clients on social media. 

From a shooting perspective, anticipate moments, keep your camera up and ready to shoot, capture the in between, tell jokes, make your clients laugh, have fun, make it a relaxing environment, and you’ll capture the type of photos you are looking for. 

I hope you enjoyed reading a bit about pinball. To learn more about pinball photography and continue to follow their work please check out their Facebook page here Pinball Photography, until next time, XOXO