The Potato Patch

FLORAL STEAMPUNK: PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOT-OUT

In April we had a
Floral Steampunk themed Shoot Out!
This shoot out took place in Pocatello
and was hosted by Catherine Auger.

Thanks so much to our models
Courtney, Sierra, Chelsea,
Addam, Mikey, & Matt!
We truly appreciate you!

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

















Evokative Photography

















Hansha Studio

















Handy Dandy Photography

















Guen Egan Photography













Mathel J Photography

Jolie West Photography



















Val Judy

Bella Noelle Photography

















Kate Lee Photography

















Tara Tracy Photography

Krystin Leigh Photography

















Jen Dixon Photo

















Evanescent Studios

















Little Bird Photo Design















Captured Photography

















Behind the Scenes and Outtakes!

SUE BRYCE INSPIRED: PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOT-OUT

In February we had a
Sue Bryce Inspired Shoot Out!
This shoot out took place in Pocatello
and was hosted by Val Judy.

Thanks to our models & all who helped 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).


Val Judy








Just Hold Still Photography












Jennifer Wenzel Photography












Jojo Photography












Pink Turtle Photography

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT-MISS E. PHOTOGRAPHY

This spotlight is on Lizzy of Miss E. Photography.


What do you like most about photography?

I love it when people see how beautiful they are!
I want to capture the pure essence of their personality,
and help them see their true beauty.
I love delivering prints, and they get all giddy.
Most of all, it’s a creative outlet in a demanding world.



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

I didn’t realize how much I loved shooting families until this last fall.
I love the energy. Engagements and weddings are favorites though,
because I love the sexual tension.
Its hilarious, and I get to be in a emotional and significant part
of someone’s history!




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

My first shoot was my senior year of HS.
My friend didn’t like her senior photos.
We went out and shot each other in the mountains (with a camera haha).
My family just got a Mac, and I edited it on iPhoto.
The rest is history! I have had many LLC’s due to moving back and forth
from Idaho and Utah…. I would say I have been shooting pro
for around 4 years!




What’s your favorite editing tool/action?

As lame as it sounds, the selective color and contrast tool haha!
I do have some Gatsby actions I LOVE!



What's your favorite lens to shoot with?

I have an L series 70-200 1.2 that is my BABY!
I keep thinking about getting an 85,
but now that I have shot with an L series, I don’t like my other lenses… So…
I will have to save more $! haha



Do you have any advice or tips for amateurs?

You really need to find your style.
I spent so long trying to figure out how others edited.
Then once I archived it, I didn’t like it!
Shoot as an art, and what you envision.
Have faith in what you do, and that you are good at it!

Here are some photos from Lizzy.

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)