***All images in this post are copyright Dawn Shields.***

NEXT WEEK: Tara Whitney

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }

As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as i do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...



You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!
 

Dawn,  You've accomplished a lot in the past year...your business has grown, you invested yourself into an emotional personal project, and won the biggest award at WPPI this year. You are a mom and wife and you're managing to run a thriving business, make time to create personally, and have a family life.  Even after such a big year it seems that you're keeping everything centered around your family.  Thanks so much for being here on Women and Business!

How long have you been in business?
I started out with no clue what I was doing in Aug of 2002.

How did you get started?  What drew you to photography?
Being a photographer was something I knew I wanted to be when I was about 8-10 yrs old. I got started by buying an SRL to photograph my own children. I never planned on making it a business.

How are you married with children?

I am married to a wonderful man, Sean, and I have 2 children who make me happy every day, Sierra 13 and Sutton 7.

What are some ways you keep family and business life feeling like they are both getting the attention that they need?
When I go home at 5pm I am home. That is my family time, photography time does not start until 8:30am in the next morning. There has to be a careful balance, in the end if I work every waking hour and end up with a hugely successful business but all my children remember is me working, then I have failed. During those moments when I want to have a set up in my home so I can work more I just try to remember one thing: when I'm in my last days of life it's my family I want to spend time with my not camera or computer. In the end it’s the way my children think of me that means the most. Photography always comes second to family!

 

Are you in a retail space or a home based studio?  

I own two homes on the same street, one we live in and one is my studio.

What made you decide on the space you have? It gave my business its own space but still kept it close to home. I also liked the idea of investing into something rather than paying rent.

 

What does your workflow look like?  Do you outsource or keep everything in house? 

Everything is kept in house.

 

What do you do to help your clients be comfortable with you during a photo shoot?

Make a connection and have fun. Everybody loves being around an upbeat happy person who they can connect with on some level.

 

What do you recommend women do who are just getting started in the industry?

Learn from the best! Take workshops and learn your craft and advance yourself by taking 5 years off of your learning curve!

 

At WPPI this year you won the highest award for your album design.  Will you share a link to it here?

WPPI Award Winning Album

I suggest turning the HD to the on position or http://www.rangefindermag.com/storage/articles/dawnShields.html

What brought you to a place that made you decide to do a project like this?

When my sister googled my grandfather’s name and the search brought up the Alcatraz inmate roster. I knew without a doubt I had to know more, then the whole process began to unfold and I just moved forward knowing I was supposed to do this. Great friends stood by me and helped guide me when I needed them. When you are doing this type of an emotionally charged project you need those who love you to stand by you, it’s not easy.

 

Your album has brought emotions and reactions that range the gamut from loving the idea to having strong feelings against the project, how have you handled those reactions?
I have tried to convey to others this is a personal project it is meant to reflect my feels and my view of my grandfather’s life. I have not gotten upset with others over their feelings; it is a very different story than most have ever seen before in this type of competition therefore it is emotionally provoking. Some feel the need to applaud the album and others feel the need to let their feelings of dislike be known. In the end it is an art piece and no artist's work appeals to all people. Really I keep it in perspective; it’s about my life with my grandfather.

 

How did this personal project affect your personal life? How did it affect your business life?
In my personal life I saw my friends and family surround me with love as I worked within a very emotional place. On a business level I think it has made others see there is so much more to me than pictures with smiles. I'm a very deep person who has a lot to offer, I think those in business who thought they knew me just took a step back and said "wow, I want to know more about her, I never knew".

 

What are the three most important things you learned while photographing this project? 

I have an amazing family.

Who my friends are.

That love trumps all things.

What are you most proud of as a business woman?

That I have had the ability to hire great people, those you surround yourself with can help or hurt your business. My team is awesome!

What do you do to keep your marriage fun? 

Travel as much as possible so we are focused on each other, no phone vacations are the best!

 

What are the top three things you did when you were first getting started in business to bring in clients?

Wedding shows were key! Along side that would be bridal magazines. Friends and family were a huge help in getting the word out.

 

How do you keep your marriage safe from the stresses of your business? 

Safe is a strong word, we have stresses on our marriage because we own four companies. To be honest love and a real respect is the only thing that can keep a marriage safe. There are days when you are not feeling the love, which is when true respect is so important.

 

What is the best thing you've done to make your business successful? 

Getting an education through workshops. I think it took at least 5 years off of the learning curve.


 

When you are overwhelmed, what do you do to stop feeling overwhelmed?

Get in my car and drive to Starbucks, the combination of driving and coffee calms me.

 

What three products or things help you stay organized?

My PAPER booking book, old school I know :) My Boda bag, I know where everything is in it without looking. My team! Two have been with me for four years, without them I would be a mess!

 

What is something that you think women in the industry should not do?

Be blind to their own talent. We tend to always see the best in others and only see our faults.

What is something that you think women in the industry should do?

Stay true to who YOU are, not who some big name photographer is. Be inspired by others but realize your art is beautiful!

To see more of Dawn's work:

Website

Blog

***All images in this post are copyright Dawn Shields.***

sneak peek.

I was so excited to meet this family! I spoke with Iris on the phone a few times before our session and she told me about their RV (you'll get to see those pictures later).  I knew it would be fun to get some images of them hanging out together.

The thing that I loved about this sweet family was the affection they showed each other and the fun they had together.  Iris and Brian are wonderful parents and it shows in their girls.  They are good and caring and love their parents dearly.

It's such a gift to get to be around such a beautiful family.  Thank you!

show. LOVE.

This week's challenge:  10 more minutes. 

Whatever you've been doing....or not doing...just give it 10 more minutes. 

We all know that we've hit the snooze button lots of times in the mornings...we want just 10 more minutes.

This week think in terms of what your body wants...what it needs.

Give it 10 more minutes of exercise every day.  If you weren't walking or exercising at all then get out there and walk for 10 minutes every day this week.

If you've been walking 20 minutes each day then make it 30 just this week. 

See how you feel. 

I think you'll be suprised at how good a little bit can feel.

more. LIFE.

my mom.

One of my favorite things about growing up was my mom.  You're probably thinking the same thing...

I loved my mom.  She loved me...she loved being a mom.  I want my kids to know that I love being a mom.  I love them.

One of the reasons that I knew that my mom loved me and loved being a mom was because she was always coming up with ways for us to get to do things together.  Every summer she couldn't wait for us to get out of school so we could make plans of all of the fun stuff we could do together over the summer.

I make it sound like it was just me...she couldn't wait for ME to get out of school...but really there were five of us.  One of the first items of business for the summer was to sit down and make a list of all of the things we wanted her to teach us that we thought would be fun.  Then we'd make a plan for our field trips, projects, trips to the pool, adventures to fun places, and creative exploring that we wanted to do.

One summer the three of us girls wanted to learn to sew...that was the project that was going to be the coolest for the summer.  I remember sitting in our garage-converted-to-sewing/project/arts-and-crafts-room for hours working on a pair of shorts just after my 6th grade school year.  I had visions of being the most fashionable and stylish girl of the summer.  I knew people would wonder where I bought my cute shorts because they wouldn't look like I sewed them at all!  I'd like to say that the reality lived up to the dream....and I think it did in my own mind.  I was so proud of those shorts with their skeewampus zipper. 

And now, I have sweet summer memories of my mom guiding me through the unknown of making my first pair of summer shorts.  I didn't grow up to become an expert seamstress or world famous fashion designer but my mom did put the seed in my heart that whispered, "You can do anything.  You are amazing and beautiful and I love you."

And that's what I hope my little projects with my kids do for my kids.

Our American Girl Book Club met a few weeks ago and so since our last meeting in February the girls and I decided that we were going to brave the world of fabric and thread and ribbon and see what came out on the other side.  Each of my girls pinned fabric to pattern, picked through ribbon, and sat at the sewing machine and watched scraps of random bits become something that they created.

It was at times frustrating and at other times so full of wonder and excitement and fun and laughing and being thrilled at what can be nothing at the beginning and seeing it through to the end.

I hope my girls know, "You can do anything.  You are amazing and beautiful and I love you."

And to my mom who started it all.... "You can do anything. You are amazing and beautiful and I love you."

creative. LOVE.

***All images in this post are copyright Kelly Moore.***

NEXT WEEK: Dawn Shields

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }

As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as i do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...



You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!
 

Kelly, I've known you for quite a few years now and love the way you see the world through your lens.  You are a master with light, both natural and off camera and your processing in photoshop is gorgeous.  Since I met you, you've had a little girl, started a new business, and come to understand how to make family life and business life really work together in a positive way for your life.  I'm sure everyone is wondering how you manage to do it all.  Thanks so much for being here on Women and Business!

What is a day with your family like?
The perfect Saturday with my family begins with sleeping in :) Once we get up and dressed, we might visit a local joint for lunch.  After lunch, we would make a trip to the park down the road from our house.  When we get home after a hard day of playing, a quick nap to recharge is only appropriate! 
We love to grill, so for dinner we all pitch in.  To wrap up a perfect day, it must end with a bonfire and smores.  Of course, this isn’t every day, but it’s my favorite day!



How do you separate business and family life?
It’s not always easy, especially when you work out of your home.  For me, I’ve had to make sure I have plenty of time off to spend being a mom and wife.  I take off the summers to concentrate on this.  I know it’s not normal for a photographer to take off the summer, but it’s what works for me.  I’ve also had to learn that I can’t do everything.  I’ve learned that saying no is an awesome thing!



You just had a Posey a little over 2 years ago. What was the hardest part of that transition for you? What was the best part of that transition?
The hardest part for Kelly and I was that we could no longer come and go as we pleased!  We were such, “fly by the seat of your pants” people, but that all changed!  I also think I had this idea that I could take Posey anywhere, and that she would adapt to my lifestyle.  Well, Posey turned out to be one of the most strong willed children I’ve ever met.  All that to say, we had a HUGE adjustment in store for us.
The good parts of being a mom far outweigh any tough parts.  No one can explain to you how much you will love your child.  I was never the “motherly” type, so I worried that I wouldn’t be a good mom, but it’s been the best thing that has ever happened to me.   I would definitely say the best part of the transisition is that you have a little person in your life that you love more that you could ever explain!



How long did you shoot while you were pregnant with Posey? What precautions did you take in case you went into labor early? How long was your maternity leave?
I photographed my last wedding 1 month before Posey was born, however, I most likely won’t do that again!  I was miserable! 
As a precaution, I let all my clients, that wanted to book with me in my last trimester, know that I was pregnant, and I even gave them the option to find another photographer.  I let them know that I would bring an assistant to the wedding who was capable of shooting the wedding if something happened to me.  Luckily, everthing went smoothly, and I was able to shoot all my weddings. 
I began shooting about 4 weeks after Posey was born, and it was definitely too soon for me.  Next time, I think I'll wait at least 6 weeks. 



How do you structure your work week? Your year?
I take off on Mondays.  I take a maximum of 2 sessions per week, and I take time off over the summers.



How are you juggling two businesses and a family? How do you have time for it all?
When I began my newest business,  it was pretty crazy at first.  I don’t think I realized how much extra work it was going to be.  About 2 months into it, Kelly and I sat down and re-evaluated our situation.  I’m having to delegate tasks, cut back in some areas, and learn to not stress about it!  I don’t have time for it all!



What changes have you made in the last year to your workflow?
Simplify!! I’ve learned that sometimes simple is better.  I don’t spend as much time in photoshop.  I try to get things as close to perfect as possible in camera.  I’ve also simplified my products that I give my clients.  It’s easy to get caught up in the newest most fancy albums and products, but I try to keep it clean and simple.



How do you edit? It looks like it takes a long time to get such gorgeous images?
I don’t spend much time editing!  Most of the techniques I’m using, I’m getting in camera.  From there, I do most of my editing in Camera Raw.  I spend very little time in photoshop.



How do you stay so inspired and fresh from wedding to wedding, session to session?
It’s not easy :) I think the answer for me is shooting less so that when I do shoot, I’m not burned out.


What 5 things have you learned as a mother and business woman over the 2 years?
1. Money can’t make you happy
2.  Sleep is good
3. No matter how exotic and cool the location I’m shooting is, I would rather be at home with my family
4.  Some babies just cry a lot
5. I like to cook.

What do you think sets you apart from other photographers and business people?
That’s sort of a trick question, because there are no two photographers that are alike.  I would say, my eye and the way I see light sets me apart.  Luckily, I get bored easily, so this has pushed me to stay interested in photography by exploring light.


You have created the Give Me Moore session that has become extremely popular. You have a long waiting list each season that you do them. How did those come about and what do you think has made them so sought after?
The Give Me Moore sessions have evolved into something all their own.  They started out as a simple one day workshop where people came to learn, and they have turned into a chance for me and my student to be creative with lighting in an amazingly style shoot. 
The number 1 reason they are so sought after is because Brandi Howard (my BFF, office manager, and shoot stylist) .  Brandi is an incredibly talented person who has a knack for creating something out of nothing. 



What does your workflow look like? Do you outsource or keep everything in house?
I do everything myself.  My workflow is super simple.  I shoot raw, process in ACR, run a quick batch in PS, and I’m done!  It takes me about 3 hours to run a wedding now!



What are your three favorite creative tools and how do they help you to be inspired?
My canon 580 flashes….they help me explore with light
My camera...
Alien Skin: Exposure….It’s a filter set that I use on ALL of my images.



You were in a beautiful retail space studio and you’ve moved your studio into your home. What was the catalyst for that?
Posey.  My whole outlook on life changed when I had Posey.  I was spending so much money on my studio downtown, but really it was just an office.  When we built a new home, I decided it would be smarter to bring my studio home. 


In what ways do you think you’ll keep evolving?
Hopefully in every way!  There are different seasons in everyone’s life, and I want to enjoy every season.  Who knows what I’ll do next.  As a photographer, I want to do more personal work that I don’t get paid for. 



What key business idea did you learn in the last 6 months?
I recently began a new business and adventure.  I’ve designed a new line of camera bags for women that don’t look like camera bags.   I had no idea how much extra work it was going to be!  

What is the best thing you’ve done to make your business successful?
I think with this new business one of the things I’ve learned most is how important our social media can be.  Twitter, Facebook and Blogs have been the number one thing that have made my new business successful!


What do you do to keep from feeling overwhelmed?
That’s simple…take time off.


What three products or things help you stay organized?
Workflow board
Client Folders
Google Mail



What is something that you think women in the industry should not do?
Compare themselves to other photographers.  It’s so easy to look at other people and feel inadequate.  The truth is, we are all different, and don’t need to try to run our businesses the same.


What is something that you think women in the industry should do?
Make sure that their business doesn’t take over their life.   Make yourself stop working to make dinner, don’t stay on the computer all night, exercise or spend time outside, learn to say no!!!

To see more of Kelly's work go to:

Website

Blog

Kelly Moore Bag

***All images in this post are copyright Kelly Moore.***

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