For the {Wonderland} theme @bethanygracephotos was selected as our featured artist, and I connected with Bethany so that I could learn more about her and her art. I hope you take the time to learn more about her as well.
Tell us a bit about yourself? and Are you a hobbyist or a pro?
Hi! I’m Bethany. I live at the Jersey Shore, I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and I am a homeschooling/hippie-hearted mama to three: Biggest (15), Middle Man (10), and Littlest (5). I’ve been a hobbyist for 5 years, but, last summer, I decided to take the plunge into being a Pro. Sharing my work with other mamas is such a dream! I’m very passionate about preserving real moments, so future generations can be transported… and share family moments from before their time.
(Cinderella’s Castle) : Twirling in front of Cinderella’s castle, at the Magic Kingdom, in Disney World! What could be a better childhood memory? #1 Tip for shooting in Disney: Book the earliest in-park breakfast reservation! You will get inside the park before it opens, and you can grab shots (like this one), with very little to no people around. 🙂
Tell us a bit about your photography gear. What is the lens do you not have but you desire to have the most?
I shoot with Canon 6D, and my 2 Two (beloved) Sigma Art Series lenses: 35mm F/1.4 and 85mm F/1.4. The lens I want most is the Sigma Art Series 14mm F/1.8
(First Snow Day) : It was our first snow day of our current Winter season! Littlest actually shot this photo….if you look closely, you will see she is holding my camera remote. Although my photos are usually shot in the moment, and not acted….I did ask my daughter to reenact her first reaction to the snow. She loved this style of shooting, because SHE was in control. Try it with your littles….it shakes things up a bit. 🙂
How did your journey to be a photographer happen?
I have loved photography all my life! I began to get into Iphonography in 2012; then, in 2013, I was given an old entry level Digital DSLR (Canon Rebel T3). That was when my major love affair (with photography) began! Watching myself grow and see everything in a new light (figuratively and literally) is the most beautiful experience! I can’t wait to see what the next 5 years have in store for me ❤
(Middle Man’s Alaska Diamond Willow) : We were hiking along, one day, and I noticed middle man in this gorgeous light. This light and my focus (on the walking stick) tells the story of my son’s magical walking stick. Such a beautiful memory for him!
Who inspires you?
Anyone and everyone who has the courage to call themselves a Photographer and put themselves out there. Anyone and everyone who believes in themselves. Anyone and everyone who lifts up their fellow humans, *believing in anyone and everyone*!!
(Seeing Similarities before Differences} : I love this photo, because it tells a beautiful story and reminds all that, through understanding, people will be able to see their similarities before differences.
What advice would you share to the aspirants in this field?
“Just keep swimming” ❤ There will be times you feel ready to throw in the towel…and there will be times you feel on top of the world! Let those latter moments drive you!
Ride the wave of creativity: Succumb to the urges to take photography breaks and unwind. Succumb to the urges to pick up your camera and create. Succumb to the urges to read, learn, feed your knowledge.
This is the platform you need for growth. So, relax and ride that wave, my friends.
The light here is my absolute favorite! It happens fairly often in Jersey, and I love how the sun is filtered just enough to expose for both gorgeous sky and subjects. I shot this right after binge watching Stranger Things. I love how the shadows and tones remind me of the Upside Down. (Never forget, we find inspiration EVERYWHERE! Be open to always being inspired)
One thing that you have learnt as a photographer over the years?
When you see the light….I mean REALLY see the light…nothing will ever be the same again. That is the game changer…that is the beginning to more beauty than I ever could have imagined.
(Life through the eyes of an INFP and all children, alike) : This was the last game of “chase the waves” of the season, for my Littles. This can be such a sad moment, for us year-round shore residents. Yet, it wasn’t for my Littles and I. It was the beginning of something beautiful!! I am always grateful for my personality type! It brings my children and I closer. This image reminds me of that story.
Thank you Bethany for sharing your beautiful work with us. You can view Bethany’s instagram page by clicking here.
We have about 10 more days for you to submit your {Winter Light} images for a chance to be featured as the banner on the Facebook page and web page, as well as to do an interview highlighting who you are. We would love to see your images.
SHARE SIX 