Kris is a triple threat in the business, she is an amazing mom and wife, an uber talented photographer and she also runs her own preset and design company. Feel like you’re an underachiever now?? Plus, all of this was just accomplished in the last four years.

KrisD is known for her fun and real moments between couples. I asked her what she loves to photograph and where she gets her inspiration from, she answered, “  I love capturing couples engaging with each other and being in the moment.  I am inspired by the real moments, their interaction with each other.  I deem my style as editorial journalism.  I am inspired by editorial photography and street photography.  With these inspirations, I feel I am able to capture work that is unique and powerful.”

KrisD started her photography business in 2008 and her design business this year.  Although she is still fairly new to the industry, I asked her if she could go back in time and give herself some advice what would it be? She said, “ Embrace your failures as the stepping stones towards success.”

Of course, as photographers we always want to know.. Hey what’s in your bag? KrisD replied, ” For every day 7D 50 1.4/, 20 2.8 LED Video light, batteries & cards, iphone. For weddings 7D, 5D MarkII, 35.14, 50 1,4, 135 2.0, lens baby composer, 60 2.8 macro, 580 ex II, 2 back up flashes, 2 led’s (of course card n batteries) h2o, energy bar, 5 hour energy, and iPhone.”

Thank you so much KrisD for sharing your beautiful imagery and your spunk with us.

As I mentioned before, not only is she a great photographer she also runs a successful preset and design company called KrashSets. Check out some of the before and afters using her presets.

KrisD is being very gracious and wants  to share her amazing presets and designs with us. Exclusively for Adoramapix members you, can save 25% off items from her store KrashSets through Sunday at  midnight.  To save 25% simply enter the code: adorama25 before checking out.  Also,  one lucky reader will receives 3 sets of KrashSets ($99) value — all you need to do is comment on this blog post and you’re entered to win! Winner will be announced next Wednesday.

If you would love to see more of her work you can check out her website at Krashing Motions. Also, feel free to stalk her on Twitter or simply stop by her Facebook page KrashingMotions and Like her.

But wait, there is more — don’t forget about her design services KrashSets.  You can also find KrashSets on Twitter and Facebook! Let her know Adoramapix sent you!

These are the words that come to mind when I look at Grace Louise Photography.  There are some people that as soon as you see their picture, you know you want to be friends with them and find out all about their world.  I was fortunate enough to get a little insight into her delightful photography and what inspires her. Grace Louise of Grace Louise Photography is this week’s Member of the Week.

I asked Grace how she started in photography, she answered, “ As a kid I used to play around with film and Polaroid cameras, and finally made the leap to digital in January 2011. I was finishing Nursing School at the time and was very busy, so several months later when I finished I decided to make photography more than just a hobby, and so I started Grace Louise Photography. As a Nurse, I only work 3 days a week, which has allowed me plenty time to grow my new business. It has also allowed me to have fun and be pretty laid back, as it is not my primary source of income.”

I am always interested to know where members get their inspiration from, when I asked Grace she said, ” My inspiration comes from everything around me, from the beauty I see in nature, my love for God, my hubby who is a very talented musician, my fellow photographers, family and friends, and the uniqueness I see in every single person who steps in front of my camera.My favorite things to photograph are kids laughing and making faces, families loving on one another, couples adoring each other, people being themselves in a comfortable environment. Lifestyle sessions and events where special moments are captured candidly are my true passion.”

As photographers, we always like to know what’s in the bag. Grace answered, “ Inside my beautiful Kelly Moore B Hobo bag is a full frame Nikon d700 and d7000. Nikkor 50 1.4, a Nikkor 24-70 2.8, and a Lensbaby Composer Pro with the Sweet 35 optic. Though I shoot mostly natural light, I also always carry my sb700 speedlight with a Gary Fong and a reflector. Shoved in the side pockets you will find memory cards, extra batteries, colored gels, extra filters, spare keys, multiple chapsticks, candy, misplaced cash and checks for session fees and tons of gum wrappers.”

So in wrapping up, I asked Grace what what type of  advice would you give your younger self just starting out.  She answered, “ Relax! The client’s mood and behaviors will be a direct reflection of yours, so always have fun, and don’t take yourself so seriously! Oh, and sometimes it’s ok to say NO. When I first started, I was unsure of myself and didn’t want to make waves, so when someone requested an open field on a bright sunny day with terrible lighting, I agreed or when family members suggested certain poses I knew weren’t flattering, I said sure. I ruined a lot of good pictures because of my uncertainty. Now, I do take input, but I assure the clients I know what I am doing when they suggest something that I know won’t work.”

Thanks Grace for your time. If you would like to see more of her work you can find her corner of the web HERE. 

Robert explains, “I come from a culturally diverse family.I pretty much grew up everywhere. I lived in North Carolina, Spain, South America, South Dakota, California, and been to almost every state in America. I grew up partially a military brat, packing up and moving to just about everywhere. I have 2 parts of my life that have stuck with me the most. I lived in Spain for 4 years at Zaragoza Airbase in Spain. During that time I was able learn a great deal about the Spanish Culture, and learn the language. I even went to bullfighting classes, hung out with matadors, and ran with the bulls. I fell in love with the country and it’s still in my heart till this day. I am a Lakota Sioux from South Dakota. My family is respected on the reservation and off. I grew up learning the importance of family. Our family is very open and loving to everyone no matter, race, culture, sexual orientation, or religion…we accept everyone…in the Lakota way we believe Mitakuye Oyasin…it means ‘we are all related.’ I believe my Mexican, Native American, Irish heritage is a blessing because I am able to relate to just about everyone. I love learning new cultures and ways of life and I think knowledge of each culture, language, and other ways of life make a well rounded person. It makes your eyes wider,your ears open more, and your heart stronger.”

I asked Robert what inspires him. He replied, “My inspiration I would have to say Ansel Adams, and My best friend thats no longer with us Gary Graver he was the Director of Photography for Orson Wells. He taught me how to frame and the process of a moving image. Everything to him was 2nd nature he LOVED everything about filmmaking. He loved working with filmmakers and photographers. I directed 3 short films where he was my DP and his experience and patience taught me a lot. He was incredible the way he would make things work on a budget. Gary was a Naval combat photographer so he knew how to think on his feet. I think a little bit of that rubbed off on me. He was and still to this day is my biggest inspiration.”

I asked Robert if he could go back in time and give himself some advice, what would it be? He answered, “ I would have to say..for me to have more faith in my abilities..I think we as “artists” tend to be our own worst critic. I use to spend time pixel peeping and looking at every single pixel but Ive learned that was a waste of time . It can get ya down when a shot isn’t 100% perfect. No one’s shot is 100% perfect no matter who takes it, especially to themselves. Remember, we don’t do art for our own viewing its for OTHER people to enjoy. Just enjoy the process.”

So I had to know what Robert’s favorite image of his was and why. He answered,  ” The Badlands picture  because right behind where I took the shot is my dad’s land on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation. My dad always wanted a piece of land close to the badlands and now he has it.  He wants to one day build his own place out there. I’m hoping one day to be able to afford to help him to build that place. That place is called Red Shirt Table.”

Inside Robert’s camera bag, you’ll find he keeps it simple. He packs a Canon along with two lenses and lots of adapters, wireless triggers, speedlights and gel packs. He keeps it simple to focus on what matters the most, his subject matter.

Thank you Robert for sharing your beautiful work with us. If you would like to see more of  his work you can check out his facebook page HERE.

I asked Jay how he started out in photography. He answered, ” I developed a love for photography, as many did, back in junior high school with the standard Photography 101 art class – the borrowed Pentax K1000, the dark room, the weekly exercises in shadow and reflection.  My love for it really took off when my family visited the U.K. for six weeks in 1984 – I only remember the year because our English butcher would crank “Born in the U.S.A.” and sing along.  I love taking photographs of ruined castles like Kenilworth – and loved how their facades changed so dramatically as the light changed.  I also loved wildlife and sports photography, often hauling my SLR to Fenway Park and out into the woods to stalk waterfowl.

I didn’t really go professional until 2005, when I began selling prints of New York City online.  It’s evolved since then to include a few exhibits in Westchester County, where I live, as well as portrait, commercial, and event work.   Currently, I’m also selling matted prints of NYC down at The Fulton Stall Market by the Seaport, which is a great way to meet visitors from all over the world, many of whom share our passion for photography.”

I always like to ask photographers, what inspires them? When I asked Jay, he said, “I fell in love with New York when I moved here in 1996, and the city has been my inspiration since day one.  I love the variety of photographic opportunity the city gives us – from the best street photography in the world, to the architecture, the parks, the daily drama of life in Gotham.  I primarily focus on architecture, and try to find new perspectives and compositions on landmarks like The Flatiron Building or Chrysler Building, but I also really enjoy finding those hidden gems – the faded signages, the urban decay, the notes of serenity the otherwise rough and tumble streets.”

He continued, “ More recently, after the birth of my daughter five years ago, I began photographing my kids obsessively.  It got to the point, when she was about three, that she was so sick of being photographed that it turned into a game – me stalking her with a camera like Ron Galella, her ducking behind tables and cribs to hide.  It could have gone either way, but I’m happy to say that now she loves taking photos and videos with her own camera – a Kodak PlaySport I picked up at Adorama, which she particularly loves because she can take it in the pool.  I love it because it’s virtually indestructible.   Although my two-year-old son hasn’t started shooting, he loves looking at photos on Instagram, 500px, and in my Photoshop organizer.”

I also asked Jay what his favorite image is to date. He replied, ” That’s tough, and probably changes week by week when it comes to photographs of my kids, but in terms of the New York City work, I’d have to say ‘The Gathering’ a photograph I made in Grand Central Terminal.   I walk through the Terminal a couple of times every day as I commute, and the place never ceases to leave me in awe.”

Inside Jay’s camera bag you’ll find a Pentax K7 body, Pentax 50mm 1.4 prime, Pentax 18-70mm kit, Tamron 70-300mm telephoto zoom, a Gorillapod, a couple of speedlights, a BlackRapid camera strap and of course, a ton of SD cards.

I asked Jay if he could go back in time and give himself some photography advice when he was first starting out .. what would it be? He answered, “I wish I had started doing professional work sooner.  I work fulltime in advertising, so that was a constraint, but more than that, I don’t think I had the confidence, nor the venues, early on to show my work to others.  Social media has certainly changed all that, and I love the instantaneous feedback you can get from others on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.  I particularly love 500px, which is a wonderful forum for professional and advanced amateur photogs – the work there is truly spectacular, and challenges me to continue to push to the next level.”

Thank you Jay, your work is also very inspirational. If you would like to see more of Jay’s work you can stalk his amazing work at the following locations:

Website: http://jaybwilsonphotography.zenfolio.com/

500px Site: http://500px.com/JayBWilson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbwphoto

Twitter: @jbwphoto

Instagram: @jbwphoto

Maureen is based out of Pennsylvania and has a great story to tell and you have to read through this whole blog post to truly enjoy it. So grab some coffee, sit back and get ready to be enchanted. Maureen started as a photographer in 2010 on her 40th birthday! She began  part-time as her main job was and still is being a mother at home with her two children.

Maureen says, “As I began my venture, I received a special gift from my Aunt. It was the first book put out by Awkward Family Photos. Little did she know at the time, I along with my brothers and a cousin, narrowly missed being the cover photo. Just two months before I started in business, my brother submitted a photo from our childhood to their website. We quickly rose in “popularity” and were inducted into the Hall Of Fame. You can see the photo HERE . I am the little blond on the far right as you are looking at the photo. We lived in Minnesota and were driving to Wyoming for a family reunion. As we crossed the state line between Minnesota and South Dakota – my mom ordered us all out of the car and lined us up in front of the state sign for a photo. If you need a bit of a belly laugh, you can read through some of the comments. I, thankfully, can laugh at myself – otherwise this would be pure torture for me!  This photo ended up being used in a promotion by Virgin Airlines, and pops up occasionally when AFP has been featured on various news shows such as The Today Show. But the ultimate caveat recently came when we made print. We are now one of the featured greeting cards sold in stores that carry the Awkward Family Photo line. I can walk into a Target or Wal-Mart and see my 12-year-old-awkwardness in all its glory!

But if you thought that was enough for one family, you are sadly mistaken. AFP ran a contest this past summer for an awkward family photo vacation picture and guess what family entered? Oh yes, that would be my family. And guess who won that contest being declared the most awkward family in America last summer? Oh yes, that would be my family once again. We won with just under 10,000 votes. We were featured on radio shows, TV news and newspapers all over Minnesota. So we hit fame once again on Awkward Family Photos. If you have stopped crying over the first photo, you can bravely view the second one HERE. Will this one make a greeting card? No. Only because it is instead being used for a calendar. That’s right, meet yours truly, Miss July 2013!”

So with that out of the way, (thanks for sharing that story Maureen) I wanted to find out from Maureen where she gets her inspiration from. She answered, ” To answer what it is I love to shoot and what inspires me, I have to take you back a bit first. After less than a year in business, my husband took a new job and our family left Boston, MA and moved to Pittsburgh, PA. That type of move involves many changes and my focus was on getting my family settled. September rolled into October and then on to November and I had not really made a move to start up my business again. I used my downtime to read photography books and articles, and spend time thinking about what my draw to photography really was, and who I really was. Did I shoot during that time? Absolutely. Daily. I was shooting what has become my inspiration – my family. But it was on a different level than before. My technical skills had vastly improved during my time away, and I finally began to settle into myself as a photographer. It is ok that I do not own a closet full of props. It is ok that I do not do cartwheels for smiles. I appreciate those that do and there is a need for those that do, but it is just not me. I like to observe and grab that shot that connects me emotionally to my subject. And to me, my biggest challenge lies in getting others to feel that emotional connection as well. That and making sure an image I capture does not end up in Awkward Family Photos!”

I asked Maureen, if she could go back in time… what would she do differently? She replied, ” Trust what that little voice is telling you. When I was doing more of the posed photography in the beginning, I was so incredibly nervous every time I went out to a session. Yet at times, the nerves disappeared. When I was dropped back, observing and shooting – as I do these days with my family – I became relaxed. I now recognize that as being the first signs that posed photography was not for me. I am more closely in line with a lifestyle photographer, but yet that does not completely define me either. I am not in a box, really. And my vision for my business is a 180 from where it was at when I began. Be patient, take your time, study others, but come away with yourself.”

Maureen says she doesn’t have an all-time favorite image because she has such an emotional attachment to so many of her images.  She says, “It is like you asking me who of my daughters I love the most. I fiercely love different things about both of them. I feel much the same about my photography.”

So we have to know, what are you lugging in your camera bag? “Are you ready to get all this down? A Canon 5D MarkII and a 50mm f/1.4 lens. That is it. I do own a 24-105mm f/4 lens, but it has not seen the light of day since I got the 50mm. I think that speaks to the change in my style as I have moved into more of the storytelling side of photography. I would like to add the 35mm f/1.4 among other lenses. I do have a photography wish list pinterest board titled “If I had a rich uncle…” But really, why did I narrow myself down to just an uncle?”

Maureen thank you for much for sharing your story with us. Your work is beautiful and your story is ridiculously wonderful. If you would like to see more of Maureen’s work you can go right HERE to her facebook page.

Serious hobbyist, Dennis Davenport beat 2200 plus entries and four rounds of judging by professionals and peers to become the first winner of Adoramapix’s Your Best Shot Contest. His work was chosen because of his technical skills in the heat of the moment. Obviously, this photo wasn’t staged or planned.  I was able to talk to Dennis a little more about his hobby, his life and most importantly.. what led up to this amazing shot.

I asked Dennis to give us some insight into his beginnings as a photographer. He replied, ” I’m a serious hobbyist who enjoys trying to improve with every shot — although not always successful!   I’ve owned an SLR camera since the early 1970′s so I’ve dabbled in photography most of my life.  I became serious about bird photography in late 2006.  I got my first DSLR in 2005–a Canon XT.”

Dennis owns and operates Dennis Davenport Photography out of Oregon. He is a  retired accountant (retired in early 2007) and has been shooting wildlife ever since (with a camera!). He says he really enjoys the hobby and is lucky to have three different national wildlife refuges within 40 minutes of  his home.  Ridgefield NWR in southwest Washington state is considered his home base where he visits most often.

So I asked Dennis to give us more background about his picture titled “The Dance”.  He answered, “ This coming together of the two birds happened very quickly and unexpectedly. A second before the shot was taken, the younger bird, on the left, was actually perched at the top of a snag. (The snag is out of the image to the left). I was shooting the perched bird through brush and tree branches about 100 feet away, so my visibility was just the perched bird. Suddenly the perched bird got agitated and faced toward the left side of my viewfinder, which I had my eye up to at this point. Once I noticed the agitation from the perched bird, I started shooting frames not knowing the other (mature) eagle was flying in from the left. Through  the viewfinder I’m seeing this other bird arrive and I did my best to keep the lens on the action as the two come off the perch to the right. All this happened within 2 seconds and the birds were out of my view obscured by more tree branches. The bottom of this photo is the true bottom of the frame. The top of the photo is cropped by me in editing to give the shot a little better balance and composition. I wanted to include the wingtips at the top of the shot but it put the birds’ head too low in the photo. I was too close to the action to get both birds fully in the shot with their wings extended. I am fortunate to have gotten what I did. ”

I asked if he wouldn’t mind sharing that first shot. Here it is.

Dennis said, ” The perched shot and the flight shot were taken 2 seconds apart.  Exif data on this shot is 1/2500 sec, f5.6, ISO400, Canon 400mm f5.6L prime lens, Canon 7D.  I was approximately 100 feet from the birds; the birds were about 80 feet in the air.  Shot was taken at 9:33 am Feb. 1, 2011, with the sun at my back and from inside my truck with a bean bag for stability.  The perch the younger eagle was originally on is one of my favorites to shoot and a refuge favorite for many raptors, especially eagles. While some think that eagles are fighting when they observe this behavior, it’s my understanding that the birds are actually performing an elaborate courting ritual in the air.  I usually see this behavior at much higher altitudes than the encounter I witnessed.”

Congratulations again Dennis and thank you for your amazing work and your amazing spirit. We’ll see you again in 2012.   By the way, Dennis chose the Canon 7d. If you would like to see more of Dennis’ work you can click  HERE.

Jennifer owns Jennifer Dell Photography and is based out of  Texas. I could tell she must have been in a warm state because of all the yummy light I see in her photography. She has been a full-time photographer for 3 years now and enjoys every step of business.

I asked Jennifer what her favorite subject to photograph was and she replied, ” I love photographing children, especially between the ages of about 9months to 6 years… they have that wonderful innocence, joy and curiosity in them that makes for fun and genuine photographs. I get my inspiration from lots of things, books, art, nature and watching my own children grow and learn. ”

One of my favorite questions to ask photographers is if you could go back in time and give your younger self some advice, what would it be? Jennifer answered, “Ohhh, that’s always a good question. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to enjoy the ride a little more, it’s not all about the final destination, but more about what you learn and how you grow over time. I’ve finally realized that I will never get to a place where I feel done, or like I’ve arrived because there is always one more goal or one more thing I want to do/achieve/create. ”

So what’s your favorite image Jennifer? “ My favorite image of all time made by another photographer, would be Henri Cartier Bresson’s Siphnos, Greece. It’s the photograph of a young girl running up the steps between white buildings in Greece. Everything about it speaks to me, the lighting the composition the fact that embraces a fleeting moment. Of my own work, my most recent favorite is a photo of my daughter dancing in a field. It’s carefree and unmistakably – her. But honestly, I feel the quote by Imogen Cunningham fits me the best when it comes to my work, ‘Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.’ Who knows, my favorite might be on my latest roll of films sitting on my desk waiting to be developed,” replied Jennifer.

So enquiry minds want to know Jennnifer, what’s in your bag of tricks? She said, “  I have a gripped Nikon D700, F5, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 105mm 2.8, 135mm 2.0DC, SB-900, some rolls of Portra 400 and Ilford HP5 and my sekonic light meter all in my Ona bag. ”

Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us Jennifer. You can view more of Jennifer’s work on her Blog and Facebook page.

I asked Guillermo what he loves to photograph the most. He replied, “ I love to photograph striking life moments – I prefer photos without people in them but life is ironic and made me a pretty darn good wedding photographer.  I get my inspiration from my pursuit to remain a true photographer that does not rely on digital tools but strives to understand the science and art of photography more each day.”

He photographs around 60 weddings a year (that’s not a typo) and says he loves every minute of it.  Guillermo said if he could give his younger self some advice when he was first starting out it would be to just go for it and start now!

So I asked Guillermo what’s in his camera bag. He said, ” Two 7d bodies and one 10d body (nostalgia), Canon 28-70 L 2.8, Canon 70-200 ISIIL 2.8, a Canon Fisheye and two  580 EXII flashes.”

With doing roughly 60 weddings a year, I had to ask him what his favorite image is that he captured.  He replied, “ Of all time – I haven’t taken it yet – I have never rated one of my photos a five.  But out of my wedding photos I would have to say the first photo I took of a bride and her bride’s maids during my first wedding in 2006.”

Thank you Guillermo, your work is lovely and inspiring. If you would like to see more of his work you can visit his site HERE.

So I asked her what her favorite type of photography is and she replied, “My absolute favorite subjects to photograph are high school seniors.  They are free spirits and truly prepare for their shoot.  They think through everything…jewelry, the shoes, the place.  They will show you magazine pictures when you show up on the scene and will always say “I trust you”.  I’ve gotten some of the most amazing shots through this attitude of “I trust you”.  They are open to anything! ”

So where does she get her inspiration? Her answer might surprise you. She said, “My inspiration…I always pray before each photo shoot for God to see my subjects through His lens, His eyes.  God has always blessed me with amazing clients that continue to support and edify my work.  I feel so inspired by their words after a photo shoot.  In addition, I have been so incredibly blessed to work with amazing photographers in the industry that have taught me so much.  Their perspectives and insight have rocked my world.”

I asked her if she could go back in time and give herself a bit of advice what would it be?    “Ok…a great question! Do not walk in a camera store and buy whatever the person says you need after talking with them for 10 minutes.  It’s the worst thing I ever did.  I knew I wanted to pursue this business but I had not invested in my knowledge of camera equipment, shooting in manual mode, etc.

I spent 2 years doing this off and on and finally took the jump and started investing in workshops.  This decision brought my photography and equipment to a whole new level. I would highly encourage a newbie to pursue a workshop before investing in all kinds of equipment.  One lens might not fit that family shoot perfectly versus another.  It’s key that you fully understand your camera and lenses before buying anything, ” she said.

I decided to go outside of our normal questions and ask her what her favorite image is of and why? This is her response.

“I was shooting a wedding during a torrential rainstorm.  My clients had put a lot of faith in the fact that they could have outside pictures near this gorgeous field next to the church.  When I say “torrential rainstorm”..this was an understatement. At the last hour of the wedding everyone had surrendered to the fact that the get-a-way bubble pictures were not going to happen.  So, one of bride’s maids pulled out the bubbles and the kids started blowing them INSIDE the reception hall while the bride/groom were dancing.  In short, My on camera flash was not syncing up with my off camera flash and I literally started to panic.  I saw these bubbles surrounding the bride/groom and thought…ok, here I go.  I raised my ISO to 6400 and turned off my on/camera flash.  I just allowed my back light flash to trigger behind them.  It turned out to be the most amazing image ever.  I was in awe of the drama light that was surrounding the bubbles from the backlight.  My bride/groom were utterly amazed and had it NOT RAINED…I never would have gotten this shot.   It was a huge lesson for me on a wedding day.  I walked away enlightened and inspired to think outside the box,” she replied.

In case you are wondering, she is a Canon shooter with enough lenses to make you blush. She also uses radio poppers to pop that light into her photos.If you would like to see more of her work you can find her on Facebook HERE. You can follow her on Twitter HERE. Or you can simply Pin her stuff by visiting her on Pinterest HERE.

Thank you Andrea – your work is divine and your positive attitude is contagious!

I asked John how long he had been a shutterbug.  He replied, “ I have been photographing for 12 years.  I have gotten more serious about my photography the last 4 years after my daughter was born.  I purchased my first DSLR and a pro lens to keep up with her.  My interest and love for college athletics led me to some freelance photography for the University of South Florida.  After a few years of shooting some basketball games I was finally issued a credential to photograph their football games in 2010.  The past two years has given me much needed experience. ”

I’m curious to know what John has in his photo bag. He answered, “ My bag has a Nikon D300 and a 70-200 2.8 attached to it the majority of the time.  I also shoot with a 35mm 1.8 that works very well around the house and everyday life. ”

I also had to know what shutter speed he uses to get such sharp action on the field, he said a lot of these images on the blog were shot at 1/2000.

John also said, besides his daughter, he loves to photograph beach volleyball the most.  “Living near Siesta Key Beach, FL has given me the opportunity to photograph some very passionate and incredible athletes competing at a sport that does not pay much at all unless you win.  These athletes are traveling all over and competing because they love beach volleyball, ” said John.

So I asked John if he could go back in time, what would he tell his younger self.  He replied, “I would definitely have asked my dad more questions about photography.  He enjoyed shooting a lot, but I never paid attention till much later in life. I would have taken some courses when I actually had time to do so, instead of trying to learn on the fly as I am now. ”

Now the most amazing thing about John, besides his sports photography,  is his personal project of photographing his daughter. So what you say? So he photographs her.every.single.day. That’s right every day he captures the giggles, the crying,  the love and the changes.  John said, “ My inspiration comes from my daughter.  I am in the middle of a special project for her when she gets older.  I have been taking an image of her everyday since she was born a little over 4 four years ago.  I have no intention of stopping or breaking the streak anytime soon.  She is growing up to be a very beautiful little girl and loves the camera 99 percent of the time.”

What an amazing project. Thank you for sharing.

Before I let John go, I did have to ask him his SuperBowl pick — he’s going with the NY Giants.  We’ll see this Sunday if he’s right! Again, thanks John for everything and if you would like to see more of his work, you can check out his flickr stream HERE or follow him on Twitter HERE.