Who or what is your primary focus? (Weddings, portraits, commercial work, editorial, etc.)
My primary focus is portraits however, I do love commercial and editorial work as well.
Film or digital?
Digital, I am an over shooter for sure so film would be super expensive.
How long have you been shooting professionally?
Since 2005
Do you shoot on-location, in-studio, or both?
I shoot all on location because I love each shoot to be different.
What drew you to photography initially?
I was a scrapbooker and wanted to take better photos for my scrapbook.
Who has influenced your work, style and/or approach to photography?
As I was just starting out the people who influenced my work were Carrie Sandoval and Audrey Woulard.
Who or what continues to inspire you most, personally and professionally?Goodness, Tara Whitney and Sean Flanigan are my favorites.What I would give for a shoot from either of them. Peronsally and this is going to sound so cliche but my children and husband inspire me because without them I wouldn’t be here today. Professionally, my best friend, Marie Cox of Phreckles photography inspires me she is by far the smartest business woman I know.
What do you enjoy most about being a professional photographer? What do you enjoy least?
What I enjoy most about being a professional photographer is seeing their faces the first time they see their images this has to be the happiest job in the world because no matter what they are happy to see you it’s like delivering flowers for a living but photography pays more. :)
I don’t enjoy projectile poop.. nuff said.
How would you describe your photographic style?
a little posed but mostly photojournalistic. I try to set up moments.
Do you have any formal training or education in photography?
None. I’ve done a lot of reading and there has been a lot of trial and error.
What camera do you use in your work? What lens is your most used? Most fun?
I use a Canon 5D Mark II and my most used lens is my 35mm 1.4 L but the one I have the most fun with is the 15mm Fisheye.
In which mode do you prefer to shoot?
MANUAL! I didn’t mean to scream it.
RAW or JPG?
RAW – I find that when I don’t shoot RAW is when I need RAW. Better safe than sorry.
Any additional equipment or gear that you just can’t live without?
Geez, I am so minimal when it comes to gear. camera, lenses,.. done.
What program(s) do you use for post-processing? What is your favorite tip you can share with our readers regarding post-processing
CS3 Totally old school-ish but I just don’t find the need for change.
Best tip is not even for processing and you’re going to be mad at me but get it right in camera because no matter what you do to your photo in photoshop it will look awesome when it’s correctly exposed.
Go to my blog for some photoshop videos, it’s where all my tips are www.ashleymcnamara.com/
Do you prefer color or black and white images? What determines how you’ll process each image (or which film you’ll use)?
I am such a color person. I don’t mind a great black and white image but i’ve always been drawn to color. I process each image the same way every single time.. soft color pop from my action set.. this isn’t meant to be a plug I swear.
Do you ever find yourself in a creative rut? How do you overcome this?
Every year I am in some sort of rut I tend to shoot my same locations over and over and when I am in a rut I try to change it up a bit or hire a model to do something fun. When you’re running a business it’s more important to shoot for your client than for you so it’s always a great idea to do a little side project for yourself once and while.
What has been the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given regarding photography?
Work less make more. Even if you don’t think you’re worth it you ARE. It’s easy to love photography and just want to shoot because it’s your passion but it’s a huge time suck and your time is worth a lot to your family… make it worth it.
What is your favorite personal indulgence or treat?
Yougartland and Anthropologie. I often find myself shopping in Anthro with a frozen yogurt in hand.. I am not kidding.
Where is your dream getaway? And… would you take your camera with you, or leave it at home and enjoy the moment?My dream getaway would be somewhere tropical. I love warm sun and sand. I would bring a point and shoot for sure but not the SLR everyone needs a vacation, right?
Do you offer any products or services you’d like to share with our readers?
I have photoshop actons. They are pretty awesome.. brag, brag, brag. :)
http://www.ashleymcnamara.com/
Website – www.ashleymcnamara.com
Blog – www.ashleymcnamara.com/
