Austin Schrock

I would like to introduce to you Austin Schrock, one amazing and unique photographer, cinematographer and youtuber. 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
My name is Austin Schrock, i am a photographer, and cinematographer, and I've been using a camera since i was 8. I'm from Athens TN which is where i was born and raised. 

Q: How and why did you get into photography?
I got into photography after becoming a cinematographer. Recording doesn't always require the thought "whats my composition in this shot" but with photography, composition should be the only thought that comes to mind. I suddenly realized that my photos don't look very good unless there is a clear composition. I became fascinated by this, which drove me to hone in on my skill of capturing exactly what i was envisioning.

Q: What camera do you shoot with and what is your “go to” lens?
I shoot with a 6D mark II. My go to lens is the 2.8 L series 16-35mm, for the ease and convenience of vlogging, and the wide angle landscape photography abilities. That being said, I absolutely love shooting portraits with the 50mm at about 1.4-1.6 f stop for that smooth creamy background.

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?

I usually find time to take 3-5 trips a year to shoot. Whether that's a different country, or just exploring a new location for a day. My favorite genre would be nature. In nature photography it is very difficult to find a solid composition, while at the same time keeping it unique.

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?

The thing that challenges me the most is manipulating my camera so that it will take the picture i have created from scratch inside my mind. 

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
London, Rome Italy, The Vatican City, Montana (Going to the Sun Road) and Banff National Park

Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?
My favorite photo I've taken, was in Banff, at the Lake Agnes Tea House. It was the last photo i expected to be my favorite before the trip. But as i climbed the 2.5 miles up the mountain at 6 am for that crystal clear, mirroring lake i could feel it. With mist rising, a perfect reflection of the shear cliffs all around the lake, i knew i had just captured something id never see again.

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?
The hardest thing I've learned from photography, is to see through the eye of the camera. We've all done it, where we see something beautiful or majestic, whip out our camera and snap a shot, and in Lightroom it looks nothing like what your eyes were picking up. The point of a camera is not to capture what your eye is seeing. The relationship between your eye and the camera is like that of a triangle; both points lead up to a single point (the picture) but the way your eye and the camera see that are from two different angles. At first i thought this was a disadvantage, but once i learned to shoot through the eye of the camera, i suddenly realized that this was a way of capturing something that only this exact camera and lens were capable of creating. Honestly it's kind of like a superpower.

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
I would love to learn how to do model photography, but outside the box. @brandonwoelfel is a perfect example of that, which is where i draw a lot of inspiration.
The thing that challenges me the most is manipulating my camera so that it will take the picture i have created from scratch inside my mind.

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?
The only thing i would tell them is never NEVER EVER shoot in anything but MANUAL. You don't need training wheels my friend. Your gonna suck at first. But we all did, and when we learn how to use a camera in manual it becomes your personal weapon of mass awesomeness. With time you will know exactly what the picture will look like before you even turn it on. One photographer told me "Son... you have to make that camera your B**** " I wouldn't go that far lol but he speaks some truth. You have to own it, you should never feel out of control, and you must know exactly what your camera is telling you at all times. It takes hours of shooting (in manual) but let me tell you, when you can run your camera inside out, backwards and upside down, it feels AMAZING, and is worth every second. 

Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos – say 3 max. and why you like them?
I can't say exactly why i love all these photos. It's just that feeling of peace right as you press the button and you just know it's gonna be perfect!

Feel free to reach out to Austin if you would like to collaborate either be photography or shooting a video.

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2RRxTWg

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2PjdVC1

YouTube: https://bit.ly/2EgYZOB

Justin Campbell

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Justin Campbell one creative and amazing photographer.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
I was born and raise in Bristol, TN. I've lived all around the country and spent time in South Korea as a professional model. I am now a journeyman Tool and Die maker and a certified welder. I picked up my first camera 3 years ago. It was a heavily used canon T3 that had more problems than I knew about. I didn't let it hold me back though. 

Q: What camera do you shoot with? 
I shoot with a canon 6D 

Q: What is your “go to” lens?
Depends on what I'm shooting. If its street photography or portraits, my 35mm f/1.2, if its landscapes, either my 16-35 f/4.0 or my 70-200 f/4.0 

Q: How and why did you get into photography?
I had been shooting on my phone for a year or so and decided I want to try out a DSLR. I needed a camera for the projects I had been working on at the time. 

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
I've only ever shot in the U.S. but I have been all over the south east and southern California. 

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?

I try to shoot as much as possible, usually twice a week is all I can fit into my schedule. I shoot whatever I'm feeling that day. I dont have a problem making an image of anything I choose. I just have to be there. 

Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?
I dont have one single image in particular. Any of the pictures I've made of my son are my favorites, after all, he is my favorite subject. 

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?
Not comparing your work or skillset to another photographer. We all have a different eye and we all learn at different paces. I've found that looking at someone's work and picking it apart piece by piece means that you have an insecurity within your own work. If you can do better, then do it. 

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
I'm really passionate about editing. I've loved it since I started. Whether it be just editing small objects in a landscape, to color grading, to high end retouching. I can always be better than I was yesterday. 

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?
Clients. 

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?
Take criticism with a grain of salt. And be aware of where the criticism is coming from. Learn from people who inspire you. Not those who try to change your work. 

Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos – say 3 max. and why you like them.

• Drifting at Clarksville Speedway. I've known Jake for 13 years or more. I've watched him grow as a person and pour every ounce of passion into his craft. Being able to capture the moment, I was able to show him his hard work.

• Burning Money. Me and Brian grew up around each other in northeast Tennessee/southernmost Virginia. We have been friends for a very long time, he is also my tattoo artist. The image itself speaks to me because I know his background. He gave up a 6 figure job to be a tattoo artist because it's what hes passionate about. 

• My Uncle. I didn't meet him until I was 9 years old. But he came into my life at a very pivotal time. Given my past, he stepped in and showed me how to be myself. He has taught me so many great lessons in life. And capturing in his natural habitat after a night of hanging with close friends is all I could ask for. A very sentimental moment for me, every time I go home to visit. 

Feel free to contact Justin Campbell on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wht.rvn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wht.rvn

Web-Site: https://www.whtraven.com

Josh Vaughn

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Josh Vaughn. Loves speed and flying. 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
I’m from Indiana but I’ve lived in Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, and all over Germany. I spent 6.5 years in the Air Force as a JTAC and since then I’ve graduated from A.P.S.U. where I was the photo editor for the school newspaper, worked in sales, the oil industry and now business development while working as a professional photographer full time. 

Q: What camera do you shoot with?
Nikon D500 and D7000 DSLR’s. Mavic Air for drone shots and a GoPro hero 3 for static
video/time lapse.

Q: What is your “go to” lens?
I shoot a huge variety of subjects, so I don’t really have a “go-to” because what
I’m shooting changes all the time. I use my 24-70mm 2.8 for cars, 70-200mm 2.8
for anything sports and also for portraits, my 50mm 1.4 for artsy stuff and a
16-105mm 2.8 for architecture or landscape.


Q: How and why did you get into photography?
 I’ve been an artist all my life, but I really got into photography after high school
with a simple point and shoot camera. While in the Air Force I carried a small
slim camera just about everywhere I went. I really got into photography
seriously while in Afghanistan. Rough place but a beautiful country to
photograph.

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
 Coast to coast in the US, England, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Czech
Republic, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Mexico, Jamaica, Kyrgyzstan, Canada, Iceland, Hungry, and Belize.

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?
I shoot every day. I love shooting cars, motor sports, aviation, sports, and portraits.

Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you
took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?
 My favorite photo is of the Napoleon House in New Orleans. It was a simple shot taken in the right place at the right time. Perfect combination for street photography.

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?
The photo I think is 100% the best in a series is almost never the one everyone
else thinks is the best. 95% of the time if I give a client 50 images in descending
order starting with the best they immediately are drawn to an image in the 10-20
range. I have found that it’s difficult to let go and let the client decide
what images to use and why.

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
Everything. I’m constantly striving to improve and with photography there’s always
something new to learn and try, it’s one of the things I love most about the
art form. Plenty of ways to experiment and grow.

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?
 I love to shoot what I love. I find it challenging sometimes to shoot things for
a client that interest me in no way whatsoever. But, when you’re a professional
you put aside what you want to shoot and shoot what assignment is given.

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in
their photography journey?
Find someone who you feel is a good technical photographer and pick their brain as
often as possible. By technical I mean someone experienced enough to explain
everything from off camera lighting to multiple light setups to long exposures.
One really solid way to tell if someone understands the fundamentals is if they
enjoy shooting at night. Lots of photographers avoid low light as often as
possible but I love it. You really must know what you’re doing to shoot in less
than ideal conditions.

While I was photo editor at the paper in College I had a 1 question interview for
aspiring photojournalists: “what mode do you shoot in?”
9 times out of 10 I got the ‘deer in the headlights’ look but occasionally I’d
get “manual” or “Shutter” and that alone was an authenticator that this person
at least knew the basics.

That, and shoot something every day. 

Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos:

Feel free to contact Josh Vaughn on social media:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoshVaughnPhoto

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/josh_vaughn_photography

Web-Site:  https://www.joshvaughnphotography.com

Katie Soltas

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Katie Soltas.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
Aloha! My family moved to Tennessee several years ago after living eight years in Hawaii, where I originally went to graduate school for communications. I’m a native Hoosier from Northwest Indiana and have been a PR professional for over a decade. I love running, appreciate art and enjoy being outdoors. My husband and I have a rambunctious, adorable toddler girl with a little boy due this fall. 

Q: What camera do you shoot with? 
Nikon D5000

Q: What is your “go to” lens?
Usually my wide angle so I can capture the full perspective before going in for details. 

Q: How and why did you get into photography?
My parents bought my Nikon as a Christmas gift for me while I was living in Hawaii in 2009. The crappy camera I had at the time would not do paradise justice, and I fell in love with photography as a hobby. 

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
Tahiti, Bora Bora, New Zealand, Hawaii, Utah, California, New York, Florida, Washington, Tennessee

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?
I rarely get to shoot now due to my young babies, but at least twice a year on vacations and I try to shoot every two weeks locally in TN. 

Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?
(attached) I had a magical moment while hiking in Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii – this black and white wild horse came up pretty close to me while I was shooting, and I just kept snapping. I have it framed at home. 

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?
I’m still learning all of the technical mechanisms for sure. I’ve gotten better at working within aperture and shutter speed, but need a lot more training to figure out different lighting situations, especially indoors. 

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
Night shots outside and indoor photography; working with flash for portraits

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?
Similar to two questions above. 

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?
I’m still new! But I would say to get out and practice as much as you can and push your limits. If you normally shoot nature, try your hand at doing portraits or events to build your portfolio. 

Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos – say 3 max. and why you like them.

• Waipio Valley on Big Island – there is so much beauty in this sacred place and this picture, from the vegetation in the foreground to the black sand beach and cliffs below. I lived on Big Island for two years during my tenure in the Islands.

• Maui Surfer Boy – this was one of the first action shoots I did with my zoom lens, and I was thrilled to capture this local boy during what appears to be a joyful ride at Kapalua Bay on Maui. 

• Chihuly Glass and Gardens – although this exhibit is popular in Seattle, I think everyone sees it from their own perspective. I love that the colors are so vivid in these glass flowers in contrast to the typical gloominess of the city, with the iconic space needle looming above. 
  

Feel free to contact Katie Soltas on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.vanes.5

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/fittravelingmama

Blog:  https://www.fittravelingmama.com

Brandy Davis

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Brandy Davis.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
My name is Brandy Davis. I was born in Coburg, Germany and raised in Bamberg, Germany. My parents met in Germany when my Dad was stationed in Schweinfurt in the beginning of his Army career. My Mom and Dad are literally my best friends. I don't know what I would do without them. I have two rabbits, Dahlia and Blitz, who are my whole world. I enjoy spending time with my family, being outside or going out with friends. I always make sure to bring my camera.

Q: What camera do you shoot with? 
I have a Nikon Coolpix L830 that I take photos with.

Q: What is your “go to” lens?
I don't have a go-to lens at the moment. My current camera has an attached lens - 34X Wide Optical Zoom ED VR 4.0-136mm 1:3 - 5.9. When I am able to, I would like to get another camera to learn on.

Q: How and why did you get into photography?
I'm not exactly sure how I got into photography. I used to take photos with an old flip phone camera in my teen years and the quality was just awful. Super pix-elated! I was assigned a photography class for one semester in my junior year of high school. Looking back now I wish I would have requested a second semester so I would have been able to learn more.

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
Majority of my photos I take/have taken have been in Clarksville, TN and surrounding areas, as well as small towns in Kentucky. When I have the chance I'd really like to travel to different states to take photos. I'd really love to go to Washington (State) for photos. When my parents and I lived there, I didn't have a camera to get good quality photos.

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?
Having anxiety prevents me from going out by myself, normally I'll try to see if a friend wants to go downtown with me. There's times I succeed at fighting it and am able to keep my focus on capturing photos instead of worrying about my surroundings. If I'm at home or at my boyfriend's, I take photos of what is around me, including animals and nature. Which works out for me because wildlife and nature is my favorite genre. I also really enjoy taking photos of abandoned buildings

Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?
My favorite photos I've captured so far is of a squirrel, taken at Centennial Park in Nashville, TN. It wasn't planned, I had to zoom in and focus.It's like it was perfect timing. It's like the squirrel posed for me to get the best capture of him.

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?
The hardest thing I've learned is something I'm still figuring out, which is trying to get my camera to capture moving subjects.

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
I hope to improve portrait captures.

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?
The biggest challenge right now is bird captures. They just never stop moving!

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?
My advice for a new photographer would be to get a camera they are comfortable with. Don't impulse buy! Study one that you are interested in so you know how to work it. Or you can do it like I did, I'm still learning as I go haha!

Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos – say 3 max. and why you like them.

The Fountain - The fountain photo I like because it just turned out looking really good. The quality is amazing. And it captures one of my favorite things to visit when I'm downtown in Clarksville.

The Window To The World - I like because my camera isn't the best at night captures and I was amazed that it turned out the way it did.

The Squirrel - I was so happy that I was able to get that pose perfectly captured

Feel free to contact Brandy Davis on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/germanwolfgirl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehowlswithwolves/

Terry Minton

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Terry Minton.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
I’m a “hometown boy”, having lived in or near Clarksville since 1972. Being an Air Force brat, I moved around quite a bit until my dad retired and we came back to Clarksville. I’m a 32 year veteran of the Clarksville Police Department – currently supervising our Evidence/Property Room and our Crime Scene Unit - with retirement looming quickly on the horizon. I own & operate ‘Flat Hat Photography’ as a side business for now. I’m hoping to increase my advertising and work once I retire.

Q: What camera do you shoot with? 
I use a Nikon D7100 and myriad of lenses. I started with a D3100 and upgraded a few years later. I’m looking to upgrade again, within the next year or so, to a full frame Nikon body.

Q: What is your “go to” lens?
My workhorse is a Tamron 18-200mm lens. It works great for landscape shots. I’m also very partial to both of my Prime lenses, 35mm & 50mm. The DoF I get with these, not to mention both are f1.8 and super sensitive to light, make them excellent for low-light images.

Q: How and why did you get into photography?
I started shooting 30+ years ago with a Yashica fixed lens 35mm B/W film camera for a college course. Obviously this was way before the digital era, so I had to learn about the interaction of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture size. I also did a bit of developing of my own images in a studio owned by a friend of mine. With the advent of 110 cameras, disc cameras and early digitals, I got away from the SLR type camera. AT least until after my wife went back to college after a 28 year hiatus. All of the images were lousy with my ‘point-and-shoot’. She was continuing on for a 2nd degree, so I bought my first DSLR and lenses to capture the next graduation. That camera re-ignited a fire I thought long extinguished. I haven’t put a camera down since then.

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
I have been to several locations in Tennessee, East Tennessee being a favorite, as well as Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana. Those were all vacation spots, but perfect for finding new vistas and new challenges. My dream trip is to go to Ireland and the UK to shoot those landscapes and architecture.

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?
My “day job” does not allow me as much time to get out and about as I would like. To that end, I typically have a camera with me so that I can capture whatever images catch my eye on the fly. I love shooting architecture, particular older buildings or vacant, abandoned structures. I would love the opportunity to get into some old abandoned homes/factories and shoot those. Landscapes are a close second. I also enjoy doing family photo shoots or senior/graduation shoots. I find it a lot of fun to interact with people and watch them come out of their shell as the shoot goes on.

Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?
This is like asking “which of your children is your favorite?” It is difficult to choose just one. Of all, I have to say I love an image of a lightning strike I captured in 2014. An electrical storm was moving in around 10 pm one night. I wanted to see what I could capture, so I set up with tripod and cable remote on the front porch. It took a few minutes to determine where most of the lightning activity was in order to aim the lens.  There I sat, shooting 10-15 second exposures for 30 minutes. The main strike I captured was across the street from me and I got the entire bolt. This entire venture was 30% planning and 70% luck, but it resulted in a great image.

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?
Patience. I still try and rush shots at times, but I’m getting better at just letting the moment dictate the image. On a technical note, post-processing is an ever-changing, ever-adapting process. I am still learning my way through the software I use. I want to be able to deliver the best possible image without relying so much on software work afterwards. This is why I want to begin investing in better quality filters and lenses, to help reduce any work post-capture.

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
EVERYTHING!!  I have learned so much over the years, yet every time I view someone else’s work, I learn something new. I am accounted as knowledgeable amongst my friends & co-workers, but that simply means I have so much more to learn. A goal of mine is to find a remote area with no light pollution and good foregrounds and capture the Milky Way along with some star trails. I’ve attempted it on a couple of occasions and failed miserably. I need to educate myself on that process a lot more, first. Going back to the previous question, I need to learn more about my software capabilities. I acquaint this with a photographer being knowledgeable in post-shot development years ago. 

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?
Honestly, not being a ‘copycat’ and trying to recreate someone else’s image. I see so many great shots from across Clarksville that it gets hard to not shoot the same image someone else has done. Then again, that makes me look at locations in a new way, maybe with an eye to a new treatment. “OK … Rafael shot the “Commons” from here. But what would it look like from this angle & in B/W? Or earlier/later in the day?” I think that is what brings out the best in all of us … a desire, not to copy or improve upon, each other’s work, but spark the imagination to find something new in the mundane.


Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?
First and foremost, learn to use any mode other than “green square” automatic. Once you have a basic knowledge of photography principles, you’ll find yourself experimenting more and more with long exposures or depth of field shots, and a true joy will begin to develop. Also, know your camera and lenses. Get familiar with all of the buttons, bells, and whistles your particular choice offers you. You’ll find that you can concentrate more on getting the image without having to think about where the exposure value adjustment is, or where the bracketing button is.

Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos – say 3 max. and why you like them.

• Lightning Strike - image that I spoke of earlier.

• 2 Barns in Fog  - This was captured on my way to work one morning. As I passed by, the scene just grabbed my attention. I stopped on the side of the road and shot only 2-3 images, before moving on. It has been a favorite ever since, just because of the serene feel of it.

• Uneeda Biscuit - Obviously this building and sign has been captured by MANY people over the years. I just happened to be downtown around 6 am that morning, and the rising sun was hitting the sign at a great angle. I will always love this building and will always continue to photograph it.

Feel free to contact Terry Minton on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.minton.16

Lisa Kemmer

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Lisa Kemmer.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
My name is Lisa Kemmer. I have lived in Clarksville, TN for around 22 years. We moved to Clarksville from Florida. I love the change of seasons in Tennessee. I have a wonderful husband that supports my photography. He tags along and usually enjoys a good book upon watching for me to be completely finished with every angle. I have two beautiful children – a son and daughter. 

Q: What camera do you shoot with? 
I started out with a Canon 60D then upgraded to a full frame camera body the Canon 5D Mark III.

Q: What is your “go to” lens? 
My favorite lens is the 70-200 2.8 L

Q: How and why did you get into photography?  
I have always had a passion for photography. Never really had the time to focus on learning until my children where grow and move onto College. Initially,  just wanted to be able to take an awesome image and hang it on my wall at home. 10 years later, I am taking lots of images for others as well to hang pictures on walls. 

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
Out of the Country: Rome & Venice, Italy – Porto, Portugal
United States: Anchorage, Alaska, New York City, New York - Sedona, Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona - Chicago,Ohio - Savannah, Georgia

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?
At least once per week. I love to take images of seniors and families.
When traveling, I love to shoot reflections in puddles and skylines of large cities. 

Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?
One of my favorite images was of Horseshoe Bend in Flagstaff, Arizona. I rented a 16-35mm lens just for that shot. I was in awe of the beautiful scene in front of me. I sat there for hours just soaking in the magnitude of the landscape. Then returned the next morning prior to sunrise for another amazing view. 

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography? 
In the beginning, I would say it was understanding the exposure triangle. 

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
The learning process is what I love the most about photography. There is always something new to try. Whether it’s about my camera or photoshop. I don’t believe I will ever be a master of photography because you have to approach as a never-ending learning cycle. 

Q: What challenges you the most in photography? 
The lighting is the key ingredient to every photo. Speed lights off camera challenge me probably more than anything. 

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?
Don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes and never forget to help a fellow photographer.

Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos – say 3 max. and why you like them.

• Horseshoe Bend Image

 

• Grand Canal - Venice, Italy - Mainly because I have always dreamed of going to Venice. The image makes me feel like I am standing right in the very spot I took the photo.
  

• New York City - NYC - I previous mentioned that I love reflections in puddles. This was taken a few hours after a rain storm. I stood right in the middle of the puddle with my tripod to get the shot after I asked a few people to stand to the side for just a minute. 
  

Feel free to contact Lisa Kemmer on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.j.kemmer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kemmerlisa/

Web-Site: https://www.kemmerphotography.com/

Julia Phillips

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Julia Phillips. 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc. 
I was born and raised in Clarksville. I'm old enough to say I was the 3rd baby born in the old Clarksville Memorial Hospital, where Publix is now😊. My husband and I have been married 46 years. We have moved to several surrounding counties over the years, as he pursued his coaching/teaching career. Now he is retired and we are back in Clarksville. I love this city. 

Q: What is your “go to” lens?  
I only use my iPhone 7 Plus.  I used to have a Nikon CoolPix, but to be honest, I enjoy photography more with my phone. It’s always with me and makes it all a fun hobby. I have the greatest respect for each of you who uses certain lenses and cameras, but for me my phone is perfect😊. 

Q: How and why did you get into photography? 
I have loved photography from the time I knew what a camera was (a long time ago😊). It is a wonderful hobby that has proven to be great therapy for me. It is a joy to catch a moment via a photo and then being able to share with others who may not have that opportunity. The iPhone 7 Plus camera has proven to be the perfect vessel for me to enjoy my photography hobby.  

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting? 
My resume of places to shoot is short. Tennessee is pretty much my main area of travels. I also go to southern Kentucky often to photograph the beautiful scenic countryside there. I love rural Tennessee.  I also love the Nashville area and surrounding counties close to Montgomery County. Tennessee is a beautiful state….areas close to home are rich in photo opts.

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?  
I love nature photography, architectural photography and all that is included in those two. 

Q: What is your favorite photo that you have taken and why? Please explain how you took it, was it all planned, if so, what was your planning process?  
I don’t really have one favorite photo.  I do love taking any sunset skies and the fountain at the downtown square or any structure/building downtown. I like working with the sun during different times of day to catch the different light possibilities, etc. I’m an amateur who just enjoys all the possibilities.  I heard a quote once that said: “My favorite photo is my next photo.” That is pretty much me😊. 

Q: What was the hardest thing you’ve learned in photography?  
I’m still learning, and I look at it that all these lessons just add to the fun of photography. Learning about light, placement, etc. is all part of the process. I just simply enjoy the process and don’t consider anything especially hard or difficult. Now if I had a camera with many lenses, then I think learning what to use and when would be the hardest part….but just part of the process also. I’m not saying I won’t ever have a Nikon or Canon, but for me at this time, it’s iPhone😊. I do have the greatest respect for those of you who love your cameras and take such exquisite photos. Thank you for all your hard work and beautiful results. 

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve? 
I want to learn and grow in any and all ways that are fun and joyful. Photography is pure joy and that keeps me wanting to take better photos and share the experience with others.  

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?  
I think at first, I felt kind of like a “second class” photographer, simply because of using an iPhone as my choice of cameras. I’ve learned through time that there are actually a few Pros that are using iPhone's or other camera phones and teaching classes via their experiences. Feeling good about my photos, because of the camera I use was a challenge, but it didn’t take me long to understand there is an opportunity there for those of us who are comfortable with that type camera. I'm a member of a local group on FB of folks who are from Clarksville. They love the photos, because many of them no longer live here but grew up here, so the photos give them a “snapshot” of home and memories for them. That is a wonderful feeling to share with others, and they appreciate the outcome.  

Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?  
Just do it and enjoy the process. That would be my advice.  Don’t be too hard on yourself as you grow and learn. The process is a joy and what you get to participate in and see with your own eyes can be beyond beautiful. It does something to your soul that only photography can do. It’s kind of a personal experience that can be difficult to describe, but it is never good to compare and be hard on yourself….be who you are and watch what happens😊. 

Q: Can you please share some of your favorite photos, say 3 max and why you like them.  

• The Fountain - The shot of the fountain is probably one of my favorite. I love the colors and the background sky. That fountain photographs well and it just all came together in that pic.

• Sunset at The Cumberland - Is such a lovely place to be and enjoy. Each sunset is a miracle and a favorite for me to capture and experience.

• Barn Love -  I love barns😊. I grew up in Clarksville, and the tobacco barns smoking in the Fall are a special memory of mine, so I love capturing all the pics of barns I can. This one is one of my favs, because the tree branches are shadowed on the barn. The sun was in just the right place😊

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