An Interview with Shoney Photography

by Vicky - 9:54 PM

"I started because my husband bought me a Nikon d90 while I was pregnant because I didn't want to keep going to someone to get nice quality pictures of my daughter taken. I thought, 'Well, I'm a pretty creative person. I can learn how to use a SLR and I knew some basics of photoshop,'" says Shoney.

"When my daughter was born, I could not stop taking pictures of her! I probably took 100 a day, at least. It was when we moved to California when I really wanted to stop shooting in auto, it was like What's the point of having this camera if I don't know how to shoot in manual?! So I found a Living Social coupon for a workshop at Local Focus Photography taught by awesome professionals and I think they had just started doing workshops at that time but they started Photo Creatures, it's like a photography community for the people who attended their workshops, you should check it out at www.photocreatures.com. They also have a Facebook."

Shoney's Daughter, Esley

"Anyway, they were SO helpful! I learned a lot about photography and about my camera, I wasn't overwhelmed anymore. Besides, it's easier learning everything in person instead of reading the manual. So yeah, that's pretty much how I started. I wanted to be able to capture my daughter's personality in my photos because she has such a big personality and that's what I wanted people to see! I don't suggest people to go out and purchase a DSLR if you don't plan on taking a workshop or some kind of class because you can do a lot with a point and shoot now as well. I think every photographer has their own style and something that separates them from other photographers and if you are looking for a photographer, you should really look for someone with the style that fits you." :)

TSJ: Awwwww! That's amazing! What kind of advice would you give to other beginner/amateur photographers? And what do you think is the most valuable thing you learned in that workshop?

Shoney: "I would say to go out find your own style and think out of the box. Don't always look to get a perfect picture because natural moments speak the loudest in pictures! The most valuable thing I learned in the workshop was how to use backlighting, it really makes photos pop and you don't have to have your subjects facing the light like most people do."