image copyright Deb Schwedhelm
Deb Schwedhelm is my source of inspiration. A beacon in terms of discovering my authentic self, cultivating passion in my photography journey and leading a life that benefits and enriches others. I can't tell you how much her images and words, both overflowing with generosity and unique beauty, encourage me every day to learn, grow and embrace myself as a photographer, and an artist.
Despite a recent move and a busy schedule, Deb kindly accepted to answer our SS interview, and I couldn't be happier to share it with you here today.
1. What's the story behind this photo?
To be honest, it was after the formal part of a commissioned portrait session. When I shoot at the beach, I always encourage the parents to bring swimsuits for the kids. If time allows, and I've gotten everything I need | want, I then ask the parents if they'd let the kids get in swimsuits, to play for a bit. Many times, it's then, when I get my favorite photographs from the session. Both parents and children are relaxed, having fun and simply being themselves. So the above photograph was a shot taken of the brother and sister playing in the waves.
2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?
To be honest, it was an opportunity. In 2005, we had gotten into an unfortunate military housing situation, where we ended up getting $5000 back in returned rent. I shared with my husband that I thought this money was a gift (although we endured five of the most terrible months ever for it) and what did he think about me using the money to purchase camera equipment and hard core pursue photography – my long time dream. He said, "Go for it!" So in Jan 2006, I purchased a Canon 20D, began studying, learning and practicing -- and never looked back.
For me, my aha moment came when I attended a Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai's workshop. I had participated in a couple forums when first starting out and felt that I never fit in. I thought my work was different (and not in a good way) and wondered if I'd ever be successful. In August 2006, Cheryl reviewed my portfolio and told me that I was doing great and sent me home with a few things to work on. She assured me that it's okay to be different and to keep doing exactly what I was doing, that's what being a photographer and artist is all about. I left there encouraged and inspired to continue to learn, grow and just be me – and that's exactly what I did.
If you haven't read CJ's "What Every Aspiring Photographer Should Know" please take a moment to do so. I promise you won't be sorry! I have her advice printed and read often.
3. What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?
My basic philosophy is to just be honest with yourself throughout every aspect of your photography journey. You are you! Don't try to be (or shoot or edit like) anyone else.
And yes, I definitely think it reflects my philosophy in life -- my philosophy stems around being an honest, heartfelt, good person. I think one of the most magical things about photography is that once you allow yourself to just be, you realize how your photographs share so much of who you are and the things that have influenced your life's journey.
4. What would you say is one of your 'signature' editing tricks, themes or style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?
I think one of my "signature" editing tricks is to feel out every image. Yes, it takes more time, but it's truly what I do. My editing fluctuates from day to day. If I start a session one day and go back to it a few days later, my editing may be totally different between those two days. But if that happens, I always make sure the entire session flows (I won’t change editing between a series of images within a session). So much of my editing depends on my mood.
I also try and preach that actions are NOT just the click of a button. To use an action right, you should consider turning layers off and tweaking other layers – adjusting the action to suit you! I think this is where a lot of photographers go wrong with actions.
Wow – what do I think makes my images recognizable and uniquely mine? I’m not sure I can really answer that question. I'm flattered that you think that but it’s hard for me to realize. I once had a photographer share that she could pick out a Deb Schwedhelm photo anywhere and I was pretty blown away. I love that and am so, so grateful!!
I guess I could say that I think the fact that I'm honest with my photography, from beginning to end, is what allows my images to be uniquely mine.
5. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?
I'm constantly working on growth. I don't ever want to stop growing with my photography. I'm always looking to try new things and challenge myself. This is one career where the learning and growing never ends.
6. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self - regardless of money, time or childcare issues - where would you go and why?
I dream of visiting Maggie Doyne in Nepal, to volunteer in any way I can and photograph her school and the surrounding communities. I actually would love to volunteer as a family (with my husband and three kids) and maybe in the next couple years, we can do that. Why would I want to visit Maggie – read her story here. She is beyond inspirational!! One day I WILL visit Maggie – hopefully sooner versus later.
We are also planning to live on a sailboat and sail the Americas, once my husband is retired from the Navy (7 1/2 years to go). It is not only going to be an incredible life adventure for my family, but also a magical photographic adventure. I so can’t wait for that ultimate freedom to just live and be.
7. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?
Oh yes, two women in particular – Leah Zawadzski and Steph Beaty. They both are two of the most amazing women I have ever met.
Leah Zawadzki is not only my friend, but also my partner-in-crime. We are so similar, yet so different. We talk 5-10 times every day and share pretty much anything and everything. She is such a beautiful woman through and through. Together, we founded the Wallflower Friends Workshop Retreat and have such a phenomenal time sharing with others.
I dream to be as fabulous as Steph Beaty. She is one of the most honest, beautiful, intelligent women I have ever met. She has the soul of an angel and I am so blessed to call her one of my best friends. And... Steph just happens to be one of my very first photography clients, back in 2006.
Without both Leah and Steph's friendship, encouragement and support, I would not be where I am today. I'm not sure how I got so lucky to have such incredible shutter sisters.
thank you so much Deb!
You can see more of Deb's wonderful images on her website and blog.
Friday, October 22, 2010 by 
