Feature Photographer: Mary Beth Johnson
We thought we'd kick off your weekend with another photographer feature. Today, We've got Mary Beth Johnson. And Indiana based photographer that focuses on children and newborns. Make sure to check out not only Mary Beth's website, but her facebook page as well.
We love your images, Mary Beth!
Hey yall! My name is Mary Beth Johnson and I love that your here! I am a Southern girl by birth and at heart so I talk slow, dream big, & think sweet tea goes with EVERYTHING! I am blessed and honored that you are reading this. <3
1. What sparked your interest in photography?
My babies. Plain and simple. Like most other photographers in the industry, I realized shortly after having my first child that the moments & memories were so fleeting. My son changed everyday. For real EVERY SINGLE DAY. I wanted to capture that. His smooshy newborn lips, perfect little toes, & chubby bubby cheeks. I love being able to offer that to other people. I feel blessed to be able to share in other people's joy!
2. What are your favorite sessions, subject, or situations to photograph?
I love to photograph newborns, babies, & children. I love capturing the fresh innocence of a newborn. The pride and joy new parents have for their sweet arrival. There's nothing like it really. On a shoot you will most likely find me playing tag, rolling down the hill (camera in hand), & skipping rocks. I love to view the world through a child's eyes. To capture the magic of everyday life.
3. What's in your camera bag?
I'm a SIMPLE girl. I have the Nikon D800, 50mm 1.4, lensbaby, & Nikon Speedlight SB-600, business cards, lip gloss, lollipops, & a snack (usually a Cliff bar for me and smarties for my clients).
The best thing you can bring to a photoshoot: your sweet-loving FUN self. If children see you just want to play with them and not that your just their to do your job it makes everything much easier.
4. Most memorable "on the job" moment?
There are so many for me. I have been blessed to have made so many friends doing what I love. I have clients who I have taken newborn photos for have me take kindergarten pictures. I feel like watching families grow is memorable. Capturing their lives, sharing in their joy, and just having a wonderful time meeting new people are all good memories for me.
5. How do you balance your business with your family or social life?
This is a hard one. I struggle to find balance. I am thankful that there are ebbs and flows in this business. I truly try to BE wherever I am. Whether that's with my family or with a client. Be there in the moment; enjoying. Not thinking about the shoot I have next week or the visit to the pediatrician. Not making a mental grocery list, or wondering what is going to happen on the Bachelorette. BEING PRESENT IN THE MOMENT.
One of the other things I've stopped doing is taking my gear on family trips. I spend so much time focusing on the quality, settings, & point of view I would forget to stop and live in the moment. Now I just grab a point & shoot. Play. And snap a few just to remember!
6. What has been your favorite photography related accomplishment?
I love when a client writes me after a shoot to tell me how much fun they had or that I am one of their children's favorite people. I even have had a little boy ask his mommy if they could do it again tomorrow. There is no greater blessing than that.
7. What has been your biggest business blunder or embarrassing moment?
My biggest business blunder would have to be trying to be EVERYONE's photographer. I now realize that its ok that I'm not. I love that. I have a distinct style of photos that I like. Other people do as well.
8. What do you hope people take away from your work?
I want people to see the realness of my work. I want them to remember the time they spent: playing, giggling, and snuggling together. I prefer capturing moments not poses.
"Carve your name on hearts not marble". Charles Spurgeon. I not only want this to be what my photography is about but my LIFE.
9. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Creation: Fresh Air, Sunshine, Grassy Fields, Sandy shores, & Sunsets.
My Southern Roots: Antique Stores, Old Quilts, Mason Jars, Linen & Lace, & Wrap Around Porches.
My Littles: Dirty Piggies, Ringlets of Curls, Long Eyelashes, Rocks in My Washer, Sweet Kisses, & Bed Time Stories.
10. How has photography shaped the way you see the world?
Photography has made me a more thankful person. Thankful for the people God has put in my life to encourage me, love me, and walk beside me on this journey. I have met so many wonderful people. I love my job, if you can even call it that, and feel blessed and honored every time someone books a session with me.
Give us your best photography related tip.
Be who YOU are. Find YOUR style. You can spend so much time trying to imitate a certain pose/look but it will never be that moment. People will hire you because they want to see their family through YOUR lens.
Thanks for taking the time to share with us what gives you inspiration, Mary Beth!
We hope you all have a wonderful, safe weekend!