Bloom Workshop Blog » photography online workshop

Our monthly spotlight for February is on the lovely Stephanie Moore of Memphis. Knowing Stephanie like we do, it is easy to see why she is so adored. Her images are both timeless and fresh; focusing on the simplicities of childhood – from the itty bitties to the uniqueness of a senior girl on the brink of adulthood. We’re so blessed to have Stephanie’s sweet soul and hope she feels the love this month!

Tell us a little something about yourself? Where are you from, kids, hobbies, etc?
I was born and raised in Arizona. I now live in Memphis while my husband is doing an internship at the Veterans Hospital. I have two kids, Brooklyn is 6 and Carter is 2. I am a gym junkie, I love a good workout. I also love to bake, especially anything chocolate. I love reading a good sappy romance!!!

How long have you been in business?
I just started my business last year!!!!

What equipment do you use?
What’s your favorite lens? I shoot with the Canon 5D. I have the 24-70 2.8, 50 1.4, and 85 1.8. I really could not tell you which lens is my favorite. I love the versatility the 24-70 gives me. The 50 mm is great because of the perfect focal length and the low aperture. And then of course I love the consistent sharp pictures and beautiful bokeh I get from the 85. Each serves a purpose for me and each gets used equally!!!

So what made you fall in love with photography?
I have always had a huge love for photography. I would go online and blog stalk other photographers and dream of taking pictures like them. I have an awesome friend Aubry Startin who finally talked me into following my dream. She helped me decide on my first camera and lens and answered every question I asked her. I guess I would say she was my mentor. She was there for all my crazy questions and offered all the advice she could. We still talk all the time and throw ideas around, I am so grateful for her!

You seem to make families feel at ease during your sessions…do you have any tricks or tips to share with our readers and members?
Well for those of you who know me, you know that I never shut my mouth. I talk to my clients all the time. My clients are all my friends and I just love them. Before a session takes place, we have gotten to know each other a little through emails and phone calls. But as soon as we meet I spend time getting to know them personally. I always get down on the kids levels and talk with them and get to know them before I pull out my camera. I pretty quickly establish a friendship and then we just joke and laugh. I am a big tease so the barrier between us falls pretty quickly! I’m always trying to capture that genuine emotion and if my clients aren’t comfortable with me, I’m not going to get that.

Let’s talk about your post processing. I know you use Lab Mode and your colors seem so vivid and fun. Have you always used it or did you recently convert over?
I learned about Lab mode when I first started photography. I immediately fell in love with the color it gave my pictures. But the thing about Lab Mode is you need to have color to “pop”. So first I am making sure the color is there in the clothing and the background so that I can get the color I want to see in the end.

Who or what inspires you?
I see inspiration all around me. I am constantly watching TV and thinking, wouldn’t that be the coolest shoot? Or while I am reading a magazine I am drooling over an image. The photographer’s who constantly inspire me are Bobbi and Mike, Sarah Lane Seniors, and Amy Wenzel.

When did you take the BLOOM WORKSHOP and what was your “AHA MOMENT” when you took it?
I took the workshop in October of 2009. I took it when everything was still so new to me. I had just purchased my SLR camera a few months previous. Brenda and Kristy do such a good job at making sure you understand how your camera works. As soon as they taught us about the triangle and depth of field I was stoked. I had always been drawn to photos that had amazing depth of field and was so stoked when I realized how to do that!

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing today?
I was a stay at home Mom before I started this journey. I love being home with my kids, they are so much fun.

And now some fun not so serious questions!

Favorite color: Red
Favorite food: MEXICAN!!! (I totally miss real Mexican food. No offense to the South but they don’t know how to do authentic Mexican here).
Favorite song: This changes constantly but right now I can’t get enough of Bruno Mars “Just The Way You Are”. I also love anything Taylor Swift.
Favorite place to shop: The Buckle and Target.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be: We really miss living out West but if all my family would move with us then I say “some beach, somewhere”.
What is your all-time favorite quote or saying: Well not sure it’s my favorite but definitely the one I say the most to my kids “you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit”. (I know, I’m such a mean Mom).
If you could have dinner with any two people, who would they be and why: Can I add 18 extra to the dinner reservation? If so I would pick my family. I have been away for far too long and this is the longest I have gone without seeing them. I have my parents, 4 sisters and one brother and their spouses. Oh and then I can’t forget my 8 adorable nieces and nephews!!!

Thanks so much Stephanie for the wonderful interview! We CANNOT wait to finally meet you….2 weeks and counting!!