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😊

Feel free to contact Julia Phillips on social media:

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

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

David Smith

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you David Smith. The Drone Guy.


Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
Originally from Tampa, FL. Served in the US Army from 1975-1995 married, 2 children,
3 Grandchildren

Q: What camera do you shoot with? 
Nikon D90, D7000

 Q: What is your “go to” lens?
18-140

Q: How and why did you get into photography?

I trained as a US Army Still Photographer in 1979 at Lowry AFB, CO. I served in that job at different assignments.

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
Germany, CA, TN, KY, FL

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?
I normally shoot every day for business; I try to shoot at least once a week for pleasure

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 really like my Clarksville Panoramic from the top of the Riverview. It shows our city now and in the past.

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography? 
That you need to keep trying new things, don’t be afraid just delete what you don’t want.

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve? 
Everything

Q: What challenges you the most in photography? 
Digital makes people lazy, you still need to do your homework on what and when you want to shoot something. Fixing it in Photoshop isn’t the answer. Go out and shoot a roll of film and see what you bring home.

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey? 
Learn that 90% of Photography is dumb luck, right place right time and having your camera. And also having enough knowledge to bring something home that is usable

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

•  The downtown Photo: shows our city now and in the past, 8 shot, pano, no Photoshop other than putting the photos together.

• R.J. Cormin Bridge: R.J. Cormin bridge before the renovation, once again shows the history and the Character of the bridge.

Feel free to contact David Smith on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Photographs-by-David-1614186108867774/

WebPage: http://www.clarksvilleaerialphotography.com/

Jon Duncan

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Jon Duncan.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.
I’m a Montgomery County local who has lived in or around Clarksville for the majority of my life. I have a passion for many things, including art, music, and photography. 

Q: What camera do you shoot with? 
I shoot digital on a Nikon D3200, and I shoot film on a Nikon F3 and a Cannon A-1.

Q: What is your “go to” lens?
I own specific lenses for specific reasons, but going back to the 35mm prime is always fun, as it forces you to move around and frame your subject, and is also allows for a very shallow depth of field.

Q: How and why did you get into photography?
I was going to college for a degree in visual communications, which required me to take an entry-level class on digital photography. That was enough to get me hooked!

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?
I’ve shot in Nevada, Arizona, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and New York. I’ve also shot in the Cayman Islands, Belize, and Colombia.

Q: How often do you shoot and what is your favorite genre?
I shoot almost weekly, usually Real Estate. I enjoy shooting studio portraits the most, as they tend to be the most challenging, and I love to show people how exceptional they can look.

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?
That’s a tough one, but a photo comes to mind is a snap portrait of my mother. It was just a loose session I did while she was working outside on her farm while I got some shots for a class assignment. I managed to capture an expression on her face as she petted a horse that showed a lot.

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?
The hardest part is knowing that even with all the technical know-how it takes to stretch a DSLR camera to its limits in manual mode, an amateur with a cell phone might grab a shot that is nearly as good or better.

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?
A good photographer will never stop learning and improving, in all aspects.

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?
Convincing people to stop posing and giving rehearsed expressions for photos. I spend a lot of time getting people to relax and be natural before even starting to concentrate on taking photos.

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?
Learn to shoot manually using multiple off-camera flashes. That’s the difference between professionals and amateurs.

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

• Medellin Colombia Landscape: I was hiking back from the top of the mountain down into the valley, and snapped this shot as the rain storms were moving in. I love the contrast between the green farms, the distant valley, and the clouds.

• Rebecca: I really like how the model, who was not a professional, was able to loosen up and really feel confident with herself in this shoot. It shows.

• Mother: What I love most about this photo is that the closer you look, the more you see in her expression. While at first glance, she seems to have a bit of a smirk on her face, if you look closer at her eyes you'll see a lot more emotion. It also shows the multi-generational relationship her farming family has with animals.

Feel free to contact Jon Duncan on social media:

1. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jon.duncan.75
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jon_duncan_art

Jessica Tejera

On today's blog I would like to introduce to you Jessica Tejera.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background, where you are from etc.

Hi, I'm Jessica Tejera. I love to venture outdoors with my family and blog about my eco-friendly travels on my blog, The Walking Mermaid. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and have lived in Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Hawaii. Growing up my dad always took my brothers and I camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, back country camping, snorkeling, biking, and pretty much anything that had to do with the great outdoors. My passion for caring for our planet and exploring it continued to grow over the years with my own adventures. Now as a mom of two girls, I want to give them a childhood where they will learn to love the outdoors and care for it as much as I do.

Q: What camera do you shoot with?

Now that I'm more serious about my photography and want to create more professional images, my husband surprised me for my birthday with a Canon Rebel T6 kit. It’s not the best quality camera out there but it is definitely the best place to start when taking your photography to a more professional level.

Q: What is your “go to” lens?

My go to lens at the moment is the EFS 18-55mm. I like the range of it for portraits and landscapes. I also use an EF 75-300mm lens when I'm shooting wildlife or the moon.

Q: How and why did you get into photography?

Along with my journeys, photography is one hobby I took on at an early age. My mom and dad owned a Minolta camera. The old school ones with the film. I remember them taking it on some of our adventures. I grew to like taking photos as well. My very first camera was a Polaroid camera. You know, those that print the photo right away. I remember taking pictures of my friends, my mom’s flower gardens, and pretty much everything I could possibly find.

I eventually got my first sports camera when I lived in Puerto Rico along with my first digital camera. Not the best quality per say. I have eventually grown from then and upgraded to a GoPro Hero 3 and a Sony camera when we lived in Hawaii. Last year I got the Canon and can’t wait to continue to grow in my photography.  

My mom and dad have taught me many of the things I know about photography. My mom always taught me about poses, lighting, angles while my dad taught me more of the technical side of it such as aperture, ISO, lenses, shooting speeds, and editing.

Q: What places, states or countries have you gone shooting?

As far as my blog goes I have taken photos in Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. I want to continue to add to this list over time.

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

I shoot anything from one to six times a week. Whether they are for photo sessions, for projects with Visit Clarksville, my shop, or even my blog travels. My favorite genre to shoot though would have to be outdoors with waterfalls at the very top of that list of outdoor destinations.

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 Ranger Falls at South Cumberland State Park. I took this photo during my father-daughter backpacking trip last May. I had planned ahead the entire trip and even talked to my dad. I wanted to get a perfect waterfall shot. I had tried before and failed miserably. It’s not perfect but it was a good start towards the right direction.

We started our hiking trip that Saturday morning and headed to Laurel Falls. This was where I took my very first waterfall shot that I was extremely happy about. I jotted in my notepad really quickly and then we headed off to continue our trip. Once we reached our halfway point at Ranger Falls I decided to try it out again before the rain started pouring down. I captured the image I had always wanted to capture for the second time that day. I was so extremely excited. I got lucky too cause shortly after taking about three photos it started to rain.

Q: What was the hardest thing you've learned in photography?

Well I'm going to be honest. I'm still learning. I'm in no way a professional, yet! I have been treating my photography on a more professional level since August of 2017. I have shot before but not with any intention of actually publishing my work and making it a career. I think the hardest thing is editing photos. I have learned a lot since I started but I know I still have a lot more to learn.

Q: What do you hope to still learn/improve?

I want to continue to learn how to edit better. I'm sure my editing skills can improve greatly with the more I learn from other photographers, courses, and yes, YouTube. I also hope to learn how to use Photoshop down the road. Not to completely change my image but to do small edits to them or even for business projects. I think it’s a great tool to have in the photography business.

Q: What challenges you the most in photography?

Besides the photography aspect of things, I never gave much thought of the legal aspect of it. I think that above editing or learning how to get good quality photos, the legal side of it is the hardest of the two but the beauty of it being hard is that I put more time and interest into making it easy by learning “the ways of the force.”

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out or early in their photography journey?

It is never too late to learn. Whether you are in high school or already going over the hill, if you like to take photos, then I say go for it. There is nothing better then to be doing something that you are truly passionate about. Also, don’t be scared to ask other photographers questions either. I ask big social media influencers and other photographers questions all the time. They’re human just like you are and many of them are willing to help others. I am pretty sure they can relate as well. We all were there once, asking questions and seeking tips and advice on how to improve.  

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

• Helton Creek Falls - This waterfall has a special place in my heart. When my husband and I went on our first camping trip we went to Vogel State Park. The very first hike we did together was Helton Creek Falls. Now every time I visit it it takes me back to that day we hiked to this beautiful gem in Blairsville, Georgia.  
  

• Anna Ruby Falls - This was a fun summer family trip. We headed out to visit the beautiful German town of Helen, Georgia. As we were headed out I was the sign for Anna Ruby Falls and told my husband that I heard the falls were beautiful there. He didn’t hesitate and decided to take a quick detour to the falls. Best detour ever. Anna Ruby Falls was so much more than what I was expecting it to be. 
  

• Ranger Falls at South Cumberland State Park - This photo is special to me because it reminds me of a special father-daughter moment that my dad and I had. During the rain we sat under a tree eating trail mix and talking about everything. We opened up to each other, laughed, shared life goals, and even bonded like never before. It was really good to have that time with my dad and be able to bond like that. It had been over ten years since we talked like that. 
  
   

Feel free to contact Jessica Tejera on social media:

1. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boricuachick89
2. Eco-Friendly Blog: http://www.thewalkingmermaid.com
3. Online Shop: www.thewalkingmermaidshop.com
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewalkingmermaidblog