BOSTON CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER, BOSTON FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER, BOSTON NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER

I am waiting like a little kid, not for the arrival of Santa, but for the arrival of Andrea Roberts of Andrea Roberts Photography and her sons Evan and Wes. Andrea is coming out for a visit so we can work on a little project together (details soon!) and for me, it’s the perfect way to really kick off my business in 2010. I met Andrea through one of my amazing photography forums, and we connected in person in North Carolina this fall. She is more awesome in person than I could expect and I think we are going to have a blast while she’s here. Because I keep mentioning “my photographer friend Andrea,” I thought I’d do a little “ask and tell” so you can get to know her as well!

Andrea lives with her two sons and husband in Westerville, Ohio.  Her husband is finishing up a two year residency in Pediatric Dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – what brought The Roberts family to Ohio. He will be completing his residency in June, so they will soon be moving back to Colorado where Andrea is from. Although it’s a third relocation for her, it is back home and one that will be permanent and very comfortable for her.

How did you jump into all this photography business anyway? You were an interior designer, why the switch?

I actually started with film photography in the darkroom in high school.  I loved it, and actually won a couple of awards and was featured in a few art shows at school.  At that point, I didn’t see it as a career choice, more of a hobby.  Flash forward to college, where I chose interior design as a major because I liked the combination of art and more precision related computer work.  My first passion has always been to be a mom and have a part-time career.  Interior Design didn’t work out part-time, and I began my love affair with digital photography when my oldest son was born.  I saw an opportunity to have my own flexible business that served as a creative outlet like interior design did, and Andrea Roberts Photography was born.

I know you have some big ideas for 2010… you plan to incorporate your design background with your work… tell me more about that.

I often noticed that my clients had a hard time figuring out where or how to display their photographs after a session.  Sometimes it was because they didn’t know where to start, and other times it was because they were trying to hang images in which they wore bold colors in their house that was decorated in pastels. They just didn’t quite go. I saw an opportunity to combine my passions, and from this point forward I will be designing and styling all of my sessions.  This means that I go to my clients house, analyze the space that they want to display their art, and then customize all elements of the shoot from the wardrobe to the location to work with that space.  Then, after the session, I assist in choosing the best displays to compliment their space.

Switching things up… how were the holidays? What was your favorite part? How did the boys like it?

They were great! We actually were on a cruise in Mexico and Belize, so we spent most of the time on the beach. The boys loved it as you can see. My whole family was there and it was so nice just to relax and soak up some much needed sunshine!

What is in your pocketbook right now?

A cute purple Coach wallet, my cell phone and bluetooth (Evan tattled on me for driving while chatting, so that was my Christmas present from him this year!),  my planner,  my iPod Touch (that has been over-run by episodes of Yo Gabba Gabba and toddler games), a pack of gum, two pens, hand sanitizer, a matchbox car, business cards and a half eaten bag of pretzels. Hmm, maybe I should throw those away…

What is in your camera bag… and what would you like to add to it?

Right now I have a Canon 5D with a 24-70 2.8L, 135 2.0L, 85 1.4, 50 1.4.  I also have a Nikon D40 with a Sigma 30mm 1.4 that I keep in my diaper bag.  I love both systems and idealy would add a 5DmII with a 35mm 1.4L lens and a D3 and some new Nikon glass. I love gear, and I love to be able to take advantage of all the new technologies!

What are some resolutions or goals for 2010?

Go Big or Go Home! (Hmm, now where did I get that from?!) I am really looking forward to bringing my business to the Denver market. I am also excited for our project and can’t wait until we can share it with everyone!

A few favorite images and why?

*sigh* I love this one- he is so peaceful and perfect and everything else that newborns are!

The expression on her face says it all- that wonder is what childhood is all about.

The magical light, her knowing look.  Love this one.

I love the interaction here- these are the moments that I want to remember and that I want my kids to remember, too!

Thanks for interviewing me. I can’t wait to see you!

Andrea Andrea
Roberts Photography Maternity, Newborns, Children, Families
www.andrearobertsphotography.com
614.806.8059

Yet one more fabulous way for me to procrastinate!  And yet one more idea that is not my own, but all the rage among photography blogs!  I have so many lovely and dear (and smartass, fresh, and ornery) photography friends and even though I mostly “talk” to them on-line, they are really close to my heart, they help me work through challenges, critique my work, and give me support and love.  I thought it would be neat to highlight them here so you could get to know them as well… if you are located outside Boston, or have friends and family that are, you might just find out about someone right in your own backyard!

So let’s talk to Shey Marin (http://www.sheymarinphotography.com/)!  Shey grew up outside Frederick MD and just returned to the area after living in Indianapolis for a few years with her [cute] husband Dave (both Wake Forest Graduates).  She was a Capacity Manager at Adidas and her husband was practicing dentistry and then completing his Masters in Science in Dentistry and Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Indiana University.  After a FANTASTIC trip to Australia for the summer, Shey and Dave have relocated back to Maryland so Dave can start up his practice (Detterline Orthodontics) and Shey can really focus on her photography business.

Shey, you and I have “known” each other for about 3.5 years and we’ve hung out a few times on both a social and a professional basis (we actually met before we started shooting professionally).  You know I love you and think you are the greatest, so there is even more love now that you agreed to be interviewed on my blog!

What’s the greatest thing about your new life?

Oh there are so many incredible things…but if I had to pick the best it would be working side by side with Dave as we both pursue our dreams.  It’s crazy and hectic and overwhelming every.single.day, but I LOVE seeing him make his patients happy, and he has 16 HUGE prints from Shey Marin Photography all over his office walls…so I think we are both beaming with pride.

Have you found any great places to shoot sessions?  Any new dream locations you are dying to bring clients to?

Absolutely….and it’s one of my other favorite things about being here in Maryland now!  There are so many great urban spots, beautiful parks and stunning nature spots.  My home studio is set on acres of insanely amazing fields and forests at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, and I am DYING to do a session in the tall grasses before sunset this fall. [Yay!  I think I found you a family for this!]

What do you shoot with?  What’s in your bag?  What would you like to be in your bag?

I use Nikon’s D700 and I loooooove this camera.  I only carry a few necessities with me on photosessions…my camera and backup camera, 24-70 2.8 Nikkor lens (which never leaves my camera) and I bring along the 50mm 1.8 just in case.  I carry 20GB of memory in 5 4GB cards, an extra battery, lens cloth, business cards, and then smarties/a pez despensor/a red feather cat toy as props to get attention.   I would love to add the 70-200 so that I can go to Africa on a safari and capture amazing animal images…one day I will make that happen!