We are featuring another creative mother, blogger and businesswoman–Marci Cheesebrough who runs her own photography business: Shutterpated. She gives us some insight on what it’s like in her home and behind the lens and lends some advice to other women who might be thinking of starting businesses of their own.
Tell me about yourself. Who makes up your family?
I have been married to my husband Erik for 13 years. He is a computer Hardware Engineer. Together we have 4 children. Quinlin, age 13, who has a syndrome called Cri du Chat. She was diagnosed at birth and has both physical and developmental disabilities. Max, who is 3. Zoey is 2. Penelope is 4 months. I am a stay at home mom and work my photography business on the side.
How long have you been a photographer?
In a way I’ve been a photographer since I was a teenager, capturing memories and documenting them through the pictures I would take, much like most of us do. I bought my DSLR camera about 18 months ago, and, with a lot of help from my husband and good friend Claire, got a crash course and started the business a few months later.
Who or what got you started in photography?
I have wanted to learn how to take better pictures of my kids and family for a long time. Buying a great camera and learning how to use it was on a list of “things to do before I’m 40″ that I posted in my blog when I first started blogging a few years ago. My good friend Claire Wilson, who is a photographer in Ireland, was visiting us about two years ago. She had been at a photography workshop in Las Vegas and popped up to Seattle for a visit. After she was here and showed us what she was doing, I thought, she is living my dream and what the heck, I’m going to go for it. I decided not to just stick my toes in the water, but jump in all the way. I learned fast on many friends and family and never looked back.
What kind of equipment do you use?
Since I was not sure when I started, how this would go, I started with basics. I’m still using the original DSLR camera I bought 18 months ago, the Canon Rebel 450 with a 50mm 1.8f lens. I am planning on adding a wide angle and zoom lenses in the next few months. I also only shoot with natural light which means I don’t often use other lighting. I shoot outdoors or indoors with good window light.
What advice do you have for people starting out in photography?
I am pretty new at all this myself. But for starters I would say:
1. PRACTICE!!! I have learned the majority of what I know about photography from expereicne. Once you have learned how to use your camera, the rest is all trial and error. I have learned something from each session I do. I have learned what works what doesnt work.
2. It helps to be good with people. You can have great photography skills, but you need to make your subjects comfortable so they can look as natural as possible behind the camera.
3. Have fun.
What would you say to someone who just wants to take better photos?
Try taking photos without posing and forced smiles. Take pictures of your kids, friends, or family doing what they are doing, being themselves. Have your camera out and handy where you can quickly grab it fast so you can take pictures of the things that are happening. Most of the great images of my kids were taken just by being ready when they were being totally themselves.
If you want to take it to the next level, get a DSLR camera and learn how to use it…really use it. Many people have these big expensive cameras and galways use it on Auto. You can really take your pictures to the next level just by learning a bit about exposure and depth of field to help you tell the story.
Who inspires you?
My oldest daughter Quinlin really inspires me. Everything she does is hard for her. Things we find simple like walking and talking are challenging for her. She is constantly having to work extra hard and she still finds joy in life anyway. She works a zillion times harder everyday at things than I ever do, so when I feel like giving up, I think of her. She also loves the simple things. She helps put in perspective that small things can be big things too.
How do you manage time between your business and your family life if you’re a stay-at-home mom?
I work my business in when I can. My kids are small and take much of my time. I am able to schedule sessions around my husbands work schedule and then do a lot of the computer work at night when the kids are in bed. It can be a challenge when weeks are busy. The key for me is my husband who is a huge help and support. I feel like I’m in learning mode anyway, so I’m learning to be content with the small amount of time I have to work on my business, knowing my children will only be small for a short time. I’m growing my skills and business now as I go.
What advice would you give to other mothers out there who might want to start businesses of their own?
Find a mentor. Most likely someone else had done it and will save you a ton of time and effort sharing what they have already learned with you.
Go for it! You will never know unless you try!
Check out Marci’s blog and her business Shutterpated!
Do you have a mommy-business or know of one? We’d love to feature them here at Seattle Mom Blogs! You can leave a comment below or
