The Potato Patch

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT-NATALIE ZUFELT PHOTOGRAPHY

This spotlight is on Natalie of Natalie Zufelt Photography.



What do you like most about photography?

Not only do I get to capture special moments for people,

but I get to be creative !!! I'm a crazy creative person,
and photography allows that creative outlet for me .
And there is not limit to what you can come up with,
you can really let your imagination run wild I think that's the best part .



Do you have a specialty or a favorite subject to shoot?

 

I often joke that I specialize redneck. If it's country, redneck, hillbilly,
or cowboys, I shoot it.  Most of my clientele are good old boys 
and country girls . Country people are definitely my favorite subjects .



What got you started with photography?
How long have you been shooting professionally?

I've always just done it .
Ever since I was little I had a camera in my hand,
I would drive everyone crazy because I was always taking pictures.
My poor baby sister was often the victim of my creativeness,
when my mom wasn't looking I would tape feathers to her head,
or dress her up . Sorry Mel .  I decided in 2009 to get a big girl camera,
and there was no turning back after that .
I've been shooting clients since 2010,
but really never considered myself a professional until a year ago .
And yes, I'm still dressing up my sister,
and driving people crazy because I'm always taking pictures.




What’s your favorite editing tool/action?

I love, love, love anything from Florabella .
She is amazing .
But I also love to make my own actions.
Most of my favorites are my own .



What's your favorite lens to shoot with?

Canon 55mm !! It's definitely my work horse .
I also recently just added an Opeteka 85mm that I'm just head over heels for.
It's completely manual, no auto focus at all.  It's been really fun to work with .




Do you have any advice or tips for amateurs?

My biggest advice is don't worry about what everyone else is doing.
Just do your own thing. You will drive your self crazy trying to keep up
with other photographers. 

Here are some photos from Natalie.

MEN'S FASHION: PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOT-OUT

In June we had an encore of
the Men's Fashion Shoot Out!
This shoot out took place in Blackfoot
and was hosted by Catherine Auger.

Thanks to our two models for
be willing to help us out! We truly appreciate it!

The purpose of these shoot outs is:
1) Encourage friendliness between photographers in the area
2) Give photographers a chance to do a shoot
that's either challenging or something they don't get to do often.
3) Show that even with the same models, location, etc.,
each photographer has their own unique style, perspective, and vision.

(You can click on the photo if you'd like to see a larger version).


Vanilla Tree Photography










Kate Lee Photography











Val Judy Photography







Stevie Croft Photography

Photography by Melissa Bristol












Sarah Turner Photography












Some out takes and behind the scenes.

EVERY SIZE IS BEAUTIFUL: PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOT-OUT

In January we have two shoot outs,
one in Pocatello and one in Idaho Falls.
This shoot out took place in Idaho Falls and
was hosted by Stevie Croft & Kandice McDermott.
They chose the theme Every Size is Beautiful.
For the shoot out they watched some videos on
posing women and then broke into small
groups and shot 4 models who were size
14 and up. The rule was, no 'photoshopping'
any of the models to look smaller.

Thanks to the models who were
willing to help out!! We truly appreciate it!

The purpose of these shoot outs is:
1) Encourage friendliness between photographers in the area
2) Give photographers a chance to do a shoot
that's either challenging or something they don't get to do often.
3) Show that even with the same models, location, etc.,
each photographer has their own unique style, perspective, and vision.

(You can click on the photo if you'd like to see a larger version).



Stevie Croft Photography










Kandice McDermott Photography













JM Photography











Jolie West Photography











Val Judy Photography











Mindy Bush Photography





Jen Dixon Photography










Aly Willis Photography











Some out takes and behind the scenes.

FINE ART: PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOT-OUT

In January we have two shoot outs,
one in Pocatello and one in Idaho Falls.
This shoot out took place in Pocatello and
was hosted by Catherine Auger.
She chose the theme Fine Art.
This shoot out was a little different
in that we made it a game.
We broke into small groups and
had 15 minutes with each set of models.
We had several props to use, and in the 15 minutes
we had to come up with a fine art photo.

Thanks to the wonderful models
who were so willing to do crazy poses
for us! We truly appreciate them!

We were also very happy to shoot
at Aldo Studio!! If you're looking for a
great studio to rent, check it out!

The purpose of these shoot outs is:
1) Encourage friendliness between photographers in the area
2) Give photographers a chance to do a shoot
that's either challenging or something they don't get to do often.
3) Show that even with the same models, location, etc.,
each photographer has their own unique style, perspective, and vision.

(You can click on the photo if you'd like to see a larger version).


Vanilla Tree Photography

Sarah Turner Photography











Olivia Hicks Photography











Kimberly Gailey Photography










Lasting Moments Photography











Leslie Leavitt Photography










J Hofman Photography










Studio B Photography











Some out takes and behind the scenes.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT-MYSTIC MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY

This spotlight is on Misty of Mystic Memories Photography!


What do you like most about photography?
There are a few things I love about photography...
I love how two photos are never the same.
You can have a group of photographers shooting in the same light
with the same subjects at the same time
and they will each capture something different.
I love how you can create and interpret things differently.
Along with this I feel photography is a wonderful way
to express yourself. Everyone can have their own unique style.
I also love how photography freezes a moment
and you can relive it each time you look at the photo.
I love looking back at portraits of my kids I have taken
and it just takes you back to their sweet innocence.




Do you have a specialty or a favorite subject to shoot?
I love sweet little newborns and toddlers.
My next favorite would be families.
But I love a challenge and enjoy shooting different types of subjects.



What got you started with photography?
How long have you been shooting professionally?
Well when I was in high school I was a huge scrapbooker
and I was that annoying friend that always had a camera
in your face. My first semester in college I decided to take
an intro to photography class and I fell in love.
I would spend all my free time in the darkroom at school
developing and printing my own photos. I really miss film.

I had a hard time calling myself a professional for a long time.
I always compared myself to those seasoned pros
and thought I could never put myself in that category.
A couple years ago I finally decided to enter a few images
into the professional category of the fair
(where many of the photographers I have always
idolized and admired had entered)
and to my amazement I actually placed with 5 of my images.
That was a real confidence builder and
I finally felt like maybe I could be a professional.




What’s your favorite editing tool/action?
I am a Photoshop lover. I am all about levels and curves
and usually end up with 6 or more adjustment layers.
I was never a big action fan, I loved editing and
felt like I didn't have a lot of control when I used an action.
BUT I have started using a few actions for sharpening
and softening that have saved me lots of time and
saved my layers from getting out of control.
And if I want a certain feel to the picture after I am done editing
I do like to use an action for that. The only actions I've really
used are from Pure Actions.



What's your favorite lens to shoot with?
I was pretty consistent with going back and forth
between my 50mm 1.4 and my 24-70mm 2.8,
but for the past 6 months my 24-70mm hasn't left my camera.



Do you have any advice or tips for amateurs?
Oh goodness I've learned so much over the years,
lots of mistakes made and lots of “learning experiences”.
But over all the biggest thing to keep in mind
as an amateur...or even those that have been photographing
for a long time – NEVER compare your work to another photographers work.
It will eat you alive and always make you feel bad about yourself,
and what's the fun in that. Find your own unique style,
don't try to copy and become the photographer you admire.
Another important piece of advice I'd give is to learn your camera.
I see photographers all the time that say they are professional
and they keep their camera on auto. Makes me sad because
they are limiting themselves on what they can do.
What is the point of having a nice camera if you aren't going to use it
to its ability? Learn to shoot on Manual.


Here are some photos from Misty.

THE PUPPET MASTER: PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOT-OUT

Our November shoot out was hosted by
Jolie West & Jennifer Dixon!
They chose the theme
The Puppet Master.

Thanks to all the wonderful
models!! They did such a great job.
And the makeup and hair was
fantastic too!


The purpose of these shoot outs is:
1) Encourage friendliness between photographers in the area
2) Give photographers a chance to do a shoot
that's either challenging or something they don't get to do often.
3) Show that even with the same models, location, etc.,
each photographer has their own unique style, perspective, and vision.

(You can click on the photo if you'd like to see a larger version).

Jen Dixon Photography












Jolie West Photography












Kate Lee Photography












Ali Foster Photography












Infinite Photography












Bright Eyed Way Photography










J Hofman Photography












Stevie Croft Photography












Val Judy Photography










Vanilla Tree Photography












Some out takes and behind the scenes.

























































You can see more photos from our shoot outs
on Pinterest !

There will be shoot outs held every other month! 
If you are interested in participating in one of our events please email
thepotatopatchgroup[at]gmail.com

{SCARLETT: PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOT-OUT}

Our September shoot out was hosted by
Jordon Hofman & Morgan Kirkham
and they chose the theme Scarlet Red!
This shoot out was a little different than our
previous ones because this one was
also a fundraiser!!

A model and friend of ours, Caitlin Heiner,
had her second child in April and her name
is Scarlett. Scarlett has severe brain damage
which causes many issues developmentally and
health wise. She is also blind.
We wanted to help their family out with paying
some medical expenses.

We were able to raise over $1000
to give to them!!!

Here is a photo of Caitlin & Scarlett.



Thank you to all of the photographers and models
who contributed to this, we truly appreciate it and I'm sure
the Heiner family does too!


This shoot out is also a competition.
Each photographer and model submitted
one photo to be posted here and
the photos were judged by none other than
Sue Bryce, Jessica Drossin, and Josh Rossi!!
Thank you so much for judging this for us,
we truly appreciate it!

The purpose of these shoot outs is:
1) Encourage friendliness between photographers in the area
2) Give photographers a chance to do a shoot
that's either challenging or something they don't get to do often.
3) Show that even with the same models, location, etc.,
each photographer has their own unique style, perspective, and vision.

(You can click on the photo if you'd like to see a larger version).

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNERS ARE
ALY WILLIS (PHOTOGRAPHER)
 STEVIE CHERRY (MODEL)!!

They both entered the same photo.





THE SECOND PLACE WINNER FOR PHOTOGRAPHER:
VAL JUDY





THE SECOND PLACE WINNER FOR MODEL:
COURTNEY COOPER





THE THIRD PLACE WINNER FOR PHOTOGRAPHER:
JANELLE ANDERSEN





THE THIRD PLACE WINNER FOR MODEL:
STEPHANIE NICKERSON





Here are the other photographer's photos
in no particular order.


Carli Hobson Photography




Tanae Joy Sorenson Photography




Robin Orthman




Vanilla Tree Photography




J Hofman Photography





Here are the other model's photos
in no particular order.


Shawn Lott




Kyrie Riley




Elle Taylor




Allison Riley




Here are a few behind the scenes photos!





















(last photo courtesy Idaho State Journal)

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT-ALYONA OBORN PHOTOGRAPHY

This spotlight is on Alyona of Alyona Oborn Photography!


What do you like most about photography?
I like that photos can say so much without words
and sometimes a photo can say so much more
than the words would.
I love being able to capture someone's love and
their special kiss or child's smile or personality that mom
will cherish forever. Those moments are so special and tender!



Do you have a specialty or a favorite subject to shoot?
 I love weddings and child photography.
Those two will be my main thing eventually.
I thought I would just stick with weddings
but this summer I had so many weddings and
I realized that I can't go that long without shooting little ones,
they are so fun to be around and always bring out the best in me.

What got you started with photography?
How long have you been shooting professionally?
Well..I have a degree in marketing so photography
was not on my list at all. I've always admired photographers
and thought they did an amazing job!
My last companion on my mission was a photographer
and she was always looking for that special angle
even though she had a little crappy camera
and we didnt have any time to take pictures,
so I think she was my first inspiration.
Then when my husband and I were getting married,
I checked like 50-70 photographers, I'm not even kidding you.
I was just so inspired by all of their work and
our wedding pictures, so I decided to learn more.
I bought my first Nikon 50D. It was a used camera and so crappy!
I started practicing and practicing some more!
I took some amazing images with that camera even though
it was not the best camera. So now when people tell me that
my camera is cool, I just smile.
I took 6 hour class in Old Town just to understand DSLR
settings but it wasnt much help because my
English sucked, so all the words were new to me.

I got my camera in January 2012
and had my first paying client April 2012, they payed me $40
and I was SOOO HAPPY! I feel bad for even taking money
for those images, it's funny to look back and see how much
I have grown since that time and how much I have learned .




What’s your favorite editing tool/action?
I dont really use actions that much,
only when I edit kids images. I LOVE CLONE tool, it's my life saver.
As for the actions, I love Luminosity actions,
they are pretty awesome.




What's your favorite lens to shoot with?
I think my 50mm. I love that lens, it is so crisp
and the bokeh is amazing!




Do you have any advice or tips for amateurs?
I think I'm the one who needs the advice,
but there are two things that I keep saying to myself
all the time when I'm getting super upset
with my images and feel like a total loser (we all have those days, right?)
"Comparison is the thief of joy".
I believe in that with all my heart!
There is always going to be someone who does better
then you or more creative or more talented
or makes more money or has sharper images etc etc.
You can go on and on..DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF to anyone!
Just keep doing what you love, keep learning and trying different things.
The other thing is do not compare your photography
to someone who has been doing it for 10 years.
I'm sure it did not come easy to anyone,
no one woke up being a professional photographer
and started nailing their photos from the first time,
it takes time and a lot of practice.
I feel like I have grown so much in the past year,
but only because I worked SO hard.


Here are some photos from Alyona.

MEN'S FASHION & FITNESS: PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOT-OUT

Our July shoot out was hosted by
Catherine Auger!
She chose the theme
Men's Fashion and Fitness.

Thanks to these 4 guys for be
willing to pose for us!
They all did great and we all
had lots of fun!


The purpose of these shoot outs is:
1) Encourage friendliness between photographers in the area
2) Give photographers a chance to do a shoot
that's either challenging or something they don't get to do often.
3) Show that even with the same models, location, etc.,
each photographer has their own unique style, perspective, and vision.

(You can click on the photo if you'd like to see a larger version).

Vanilla Tree Photography













Ali Foster Photography













Jolie West Photography













Samantha Little Photography













Bright Eyed Way Photography













Jen Dixon Photography













Loni Smith Photography













Shayna Harrison Photography











Photography by Tara











Kandice McDermott Photography













Jessica Roberts











Kate Lee Photography













Olivia Hicks Photography











Some out takes and behind the scenes.































































































You can see more photos from our shoot outs
on Pinterest !

There will be shoot outs held every other month! 
If you are interested in participating in one of our events please email
thepotatopatchgroup[at]gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT-VANILLA TREE PHOTOGRAPHY

This spotlight is on Catherine of Vanilla Tree Photography.



What do you like most about photography?
Tough question! There are so many reasons
why I love photography!
But I think the thing I like very most is
that I can take something ordinary and turn it into
something extraordinary.
That I can take something seemingly small
and insignificant and make it into
a beautiful piece of art.
Having a child with autism has made me
learn to appreciate the very small things and
to see the beauty in things that I might otherwise
take for granted. And perhaps that's why this is
what I like most about photography.



Do you have a specialty or a favorite subject to shoot?
I really love newborns and models.
I know, pretty much totally opposite!
But, there you have it.
I don't particularly have a specialty.
I get a lot of babies and kids,
some families and some special needs kids.
I have worked with several boutiques
taking photos of their products on models.
I am happy to do seniors, couples, maternities,
glamour/beauty, and bridals too.
I also like doing landscapes, nature, still life,
horses, and lifestyle.
I know you're not supposed to be a jack of all trades,
but my brain gets too bored just doing one thing all the
time, so I do lots of things. I like it that way.
One thing I will not do, weddings!!

P.S. I started trying my hand at fine art photos,
I'm addicted!



What got you started with photography?
How long have you been shooting professionally?
I have always been a picture taker, seriously! 
My parents bought me a little point and shoot (film) camera
when I was 10-ish. I always liked trying to take landscape
and nature shots throughout the years.
However, I never thought
of photography as a future career for myself.
In fact, I have a degree in Economics,
not even close to photography!!

Like many out there, after having kids I wanted to
learn to take better photos of them.
I got out our dslr that my husband had
bought but we had never really used
in the year or so we had it because we
never tried to figure it out and it frustrated us.
(You're welcome for that run on sentence).

I decided to figure that crazy camera out!
I read some online tutorials and learned
what aperture, shutter speed, and iso were.
And then I just started playing with the camera!
I also decided to take an online course on
photographing people. Nothing fancy, just the
basics. And I started trying to figure out how to
edit photos in photoshop. I knew graphic design,
but not photo editing.

Sooo, long story short, I asked for volunteers to
help me practice for that online class I previously mentioned.
Of course everyone volunteers for that, right?!
Soon I had people asking me to take photos for them.
I decided, hey, I'll just do it for fun and charge a small fee.
(Yep, I was one of 'those' photographers).

But I quickly learned that as I was getting better,
I needed to start charging more and perhaps
maybe I should turn it into a business.
(If you're worried about me paying taxes, I already
had a business license because I already had
another business, so don't worry).

And that was nearly 3 years ago that I
'officially' started my business.
My original name was Vanilla Buttercup Photography.
I changed it last year to Vanilla Tree Photography.

Wow, I talk a lot, sorry!



What’s your favorite editing tool/action?
Oh goodness, so many!
I'd probably have to say the Curves tool.
It's such a powerful tool and you can
accomplish so much with it!



What's your favorite lens to shoot with?
I have 3 lenses I shoot with.
In my studio either my 35mm 2.8
or my 50mm 1.8.
Outside I use my 50-200mm 4-5.6 most of the time.
On my wish list, 77mm 1.8 (only $1050, yikes)!



Do you have any advice or tips for amateurs?
Do what you love, love what you do.
Practice, practice, practice, and then practice some more.
Learn about light. How to use it, how to control it.
Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.
(Well, don't compare yourself to anyone else at all, really).
Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.
Stop shooting in auto mode and learn that dslr!
Did I mention practice?
Work hard and be nice to people.
Dreams take work to come true.
Ask for a critique of your work and be prepared to take it.
Try everything and figure out what works best for you.
Listen to music while you edit photos.
Your family is important, don't forget them!
Did I mention practice.....?



Here are some photos from Catherine.