June 2009 Featured Photographer of the Month

Our June Featured Photographer of the Month
Amy Hoskins

1. What equipment you do you use?
When I first started out in this business I was so clueless on what to purchase. I read reviews, did my research, talked to several photographers, went to website forums to learn as much as I could and I wore myself out trying to decide. So….I wrote out Nikon on one piece of paper, Canon on another, put both pieces in a hat and drew out Canon. I must say I love my juice! I have 2 Canon 5Ds and a Canon 30D that I use as a backup. I shoot with an array of lenses ranging from 70-200mm (the shizzle of all lenses) a 24-105mm, 50mm and a 16-35mm.

2. How long have you been shooting?
2 years.

3. What type of photography do you take?
I love photographing just about anything-but I find my true creativity with high school seniors, trash the dress and boudoir sessions. I love urban/edgy photography and I love to push the envelope just a bit to make eyebrows go up! I have a passion for edgy-romantic wedding photography and incorporate a lot of my edgy feel and flair into those sessions as well.

4. Price range of events?
My basic sitting fee for everything (except weddings) is $150.00-usually for an hour to an hour and a half of photography. I don’t look at my watch so basically we wrap up when we feel like we got everything we needed to get. I want each experience to be unique and fun. Our wedding packages start at $1400.00.

5. When did you notice that you had passion for photography?
I’m probably so different than other photographers because I really didn’t have a passion for photography when I was little. I wasn’t the girl that asked for a camera-I asked for a dirt bike instead. My Grandpa Bill was our small town photographer not by trade, but by choice. He always had a camera around his neck and he was always catching memories of our family. He was at every sporting event, school function and anything exciting that ever went on in our small town. I think I was more intrigued by watching him love “his passion” than I was actually into taking pictures myself. After several years in corporate America, I knew I needed and wanted something more creative in my life. It was my search for something creative that lead me back to my roots.

6. Is there anything unique about what you do?
Hmmm…probably not. ha If anything I think you have to have a five star personality to get the images that you want to get. It’s easy to point and shoot a camera and take a picture, but if you don’t click with your clients, your pictures will show it.

7. What’s the scariest thing that ever happened during a shoot?
I have two very funny (now) stories-Not too long ago I was shooting a HS Senior girl in a junk yard and we were unaware that we were under a tornado warning. We were both pretty scared when the wind picked up and black funnel clouds started forming around us. We stayed long enough to get some amazing images, but it was rather scary! Earlier this month I was shooting another HS senior girl in an old truck that we found, and as she was sitting on the edge of the passenger seat a big black snake popped out of the glove box. I took off like a mad woman!

8. How many events do you photograph each year?
I don’t really cap off how much I shoot. As long as I have the date open-I take pictures.

9. Have you had to change anything to adjust in current economic times?
I haven’t had to adjust much. My philosophy has always been to give my clients what they came to me for-which is a fun-hip photo shoot and quality images at a fair price. I don’t believe in getting second mortgages to have your pictures taken!

10. Describe your shooting style?
Fun. Edgy. Entertaining.

11. What’s the best advice you can give?
I totally believe in paying it forward. I was very fortunate when I started this adventure to meet one of the best photographers in Kansas City. He and his wife helped me so much with every question imaginable going circles in my head. I got the best education for free all because two people wanted to help me be successful. To me it’s not about how much business I bring in every day, it’s about loving my passion and enjoying what I do. It’s about helping others who are just starting out find their way a little easier than trial and error.

Past Featured Photographers
2009
February  ::  March  ::  April  ::  May

Would you like to be featured as the Photographer of the Month? It’s quick, easy, and FREE!

You can be featured on the PhotoBiz Website, Blog, and our Facebook page with your picture and website link included by nominating yourself to be the Photographer of the Month.

We are looking for a dynamic looking website, a unique business model, great photography, and/or anything that stands out. You could gain great visibility and industry fame for the hardwork that you have put in.

Requirements:
1  You must be a PhotoBiz Customer

2  Be willing to submit to us a video testimonial (This can be short like 15-20 seconds)  You do not have to do this until we have chosen you, however, you can if you would like!

3.  Two different images of yourself.  One portrait for a thumbnail and one funny for your interview.

4.  Why you think that you deserve to be the photographer of the month.

5.  Have fun with it

Sample Questions: (If it’s too personal, leave it blank)  Please try to give an answer that is longer than a few words or just a sentence for each response.  Paragraphs are fine but people want to read more about YOU!

1 What equipment you do you use?
2 How long have you been shooting?
3 Where are you located?
4 What type of photography do you take?
5 Price range of events?
6 When did you notice that you had passion for photography?
7 Is there anything unique about what you do?
8 What’s the funniest thing that ever happened during a shoot?
9 What’s the scariest thing that ever happened during a shoot?
10 How many events do you photograph each year?
11 Have you had to changed anything to adjust in current economic times?
12 Describe your shooting style?
13 Feel free to make up your own questions and answer them!