Today we have a feature photographer. The soul and emotion this photographer captures in her image is unreal. You can see and feel her passion through her work and her b&w conversions are magical. Please take a few minutes to read a bit about Kate from Kate Vellacott Pictures.
1. How long have you been doing photography all together and how long as a business?
About 10 months ago i was trying to set up an online shop and needed some good pictures of the products i was selling but every picture i took was dreadful as i was using my husbands’ Canon and i had no idea how it worked! That camera had sat there for years and got little usage, so i decided, under my sisters’ advice (Emma Wood - she’s a pro photographer/mentor with Clickin Moms) to take a photography course with Clickin Moms to teach me the basics of how to use a camera. Well, i got the bug! And did 3 more courses. It’s not a business yet , maybe never, but as a hobby i love it and can’t imagine not taking pictures, it gives me so much enjoyment.
2. What made you want to get into lifestyle photography?
I suppose you could call my pics lifestyle, or sometimes a bit arty. It’s all so new that i’m not even sure which box i fit into yet. I love fine art! But i do also ike lifestyle - it free’s you up much more - for me, i get to linger, watching the kids play, in their element whilst i snap away without ruining their game. And they are usually the best shots. Unplanned, no set ups, just random and that’s where a little gem might appear.
3. What is the one thing about lifestyle photography that you love the most?
The freedom that comes with it. No groaning kids, wanting to run off. Just snaps of their little lives, an insight into their day, their imaginations, their sweet faces playing. I love watching them anyway and this is a plus to try and capture it. Occasionally we set up a shoot that i particularly want, but otherwise it’s pretty random. Similar to me really!
4. Can you give one tip of how you shoot with moodier light or low light?
Not to be scared of the grain. I used to moan and groan at how to have less grain in low light (especially as i still have quite a basic camera, with a cropped sensor, the ISO doesn’t go very high! a full sensor camera is top of my list!!) but now i quite like the grain. And not to right off pictures once the dark sets in. There are all sorts of ways of using light when it’s dark. A fridge, street lights, an iPad, or moonlight creating patches through the window. But with the right editing, any light can appear moodier. Moody pictures fill me with such fulfilment. i’m only just realising that that is the way i seem to be moving in. It must be the actress in me, loving the drama of it!
5. Who is your favorite muse? and why?
My two kids. I love being with them so much. It just means i get to hang out with them whilst snapping away. My daughter is very expressive, which does make for a dramatic picture! But just seeing their faces play, hanging around my two favourite people gives me such joy. They are two very funny, sweet little people and it’s fun trying to capture that in pictures.
6. What is your favorite time of the day to shoot?
I suppose setting sun is the most beautiful but i take pictures so much on the hoof that it’s rare i get to shoot in that light. Usually at that time, the kids just home from school and i’m racing to clubs or they are tired and not up for playing in that pretty light. If i’m lucky i’ll catch those orange golden rays, but otherwise i just take them when i can. And use whichever light is available to me. It could be any time of the day really.
7. Can you tell us a little about how you get kids to loosen up and not be shy so you can do your thing?
I’m lucky, my little girl is not shy at all. she loves acting (gets it from me - that’s what i do/did and she has the bug) and her favourite thing is to perform in front of me. And so, as an audience member, how could i not take my camera along! But mostly, they don’t need any words from me. They are playing. And i am a mere spectator.
8. How do you prepare yourself and your clients going into a lifestyle shoot?
I haven’t had any clients yet as i’m a hobbyist and haven’t been doing it a year yet. But i can only think that chatting and making them feel at home would be the way forward. Just being yourself.
9. How do you get families to be themselves and not nervous, can you share some tips?
I can imagine that the more relaxed you are, the more they will be. chatting maybe and asking them a little about themselves and what their interests are might open up some doors. A relaxed atmosphere can work wonders.
10. What would you tell someone wanting to venture into lifestyle photography, but doesn't know how to make the transition?
I’m not probably practised enough to give advice, but if i were, i guess i’d say, the transition can be a smooth one. it is the easiest way to take pictures. Encourage action to happen. Whether it’s play, a walk, a small task , simple everyday things, then have your camera handy!
Please go show Kate some love on her page here Kate Vellacott Pictures. Until next time, XOXO ~Amber
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