I have a lot of creative and wonderful people in my life. One of them happens to be my good friend, Penn, of *Blank Photos. She is a South Florida photographer that mainly focuses on infants, children and families, but also shoots events and portraits. I asked her if she would be willing to shoot me for my blog redesign (coming soon!), and thankfully she agreed! I had a great time shooting both at a park across the street from my home, and at Green Street‘s back room in Coconut Grove.

In case you are interested, my makeup was done by the fabulous Llynette Shirazi, my outfits courtesy of Lazy Oaf and nail polish(s) were Essie’s Mint Candy Apple and Pansy.

Penn was nice enough to let me ask her a few questions for the blog in between shooting and editing sessions. Check it out!

1. How did your love for photography first start?

Honestly I can’t remember. I know as a kid i would steal my mom’s kodak camera. (the skinny rectangular one that was notorious for cutting off people’s heads…) Then later in life, down the road after majoring in everything… i always came back to my love of still moments, light, composition… The love’s always been there i think, it’s the choice of making it a career that came after. ♥

2. What made you want to focus on shooting children & families?

Being able to say “i shoot people for a living”… no i’m kidding REALLY (it’s the weirdest thing to say). There was a moment in my life where there were no photos taken. Many years of well, nothing. No memories. after 5th grade i think- it just stopped. I promised myself that would never happen if i had a family… Having chosen to stay single however, I gave the promise to other families, kids, couples, etc. Capturing and collecting their memories, their “any times”, love, laughter, tears. From the first blink to the last days, I want everyone to remember life happened and it was good.

3. What do you consider your aesthetic (if you have one)?

I don’t really consider having an aesthetic. I try anything really. My passion however is black and white photography and capturing in natural outside light. I LOVE how the sun works with my camera! (Or rebels against it. yes, we have our occasional tiffs.) I hear many people say to me “i love how your photos look like they’ve been around for a while. So vintage”… Okay, maybe?

4. What has been your favorite shoot so far?

Thanks. Put on the spot. Honestly however, if i don’t fall in love with my subject during the shoot, then it merits a do over. Every single subject whether it’s a child, teen, adult, a pet… becomes my favorite for that special moment. Yes Melificent, this includes you :)! Watching you just have fun and ::Squee:: all over the place made my day. That’s how it is with all the shoots. At least that’s the environment i try to create. ♥

5. Do you have any advice for budding local photographers that would one day want to have their own business?

Do they have any advice for me?!? I’ve learned one very important thing if not many… If you don’t love what you do, change careers. Don’t just shoot to make a buck. Keep passion, commitment, and integrity as essential tools for your photography. Take your business seriously by keeping things in writing, following up with clients, protect your images, your image, your word and your clients. BUT- don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun, keep learning. Collaborate instead of compete. Find your voice in photography. No two photogs are alike. And read, read, read… always keep reading about photography, inspiration, etc. If i keep going, i’ll have to start dividing this into chapters.

Thanks Penn!
And a very happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all – don’t OD on green beer!