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I’m a kid in a candy shop when it comes to Our Labor of Love. I want more and more and more! They are a family of labor and love, consisting of 7 fabulous photographers who each bring something unique to the table. Known for their colorful shreds of paper and quirky props for the ultimate photobooth experience, the Smilebooth has brought upon a mild obsession with this company. Atlanta is home for Our Labor of Love, but you’ll rarely find them there. They travel for life and live to travel just to capture your story. You’ll want to check out how amazing this company is, but be prepared to spend some time diving into their world and being consumed by art, love, and life. It’s crazy. It’s fun. It’s a live inspiration board! And believe me, there’s no labor in loving them! Thanks again Jesse for letting us get into your head!

Our Labor of Love Website:
http://www.ourlaboroflove.com
Our Labor of Love Blog:
http://www.ourblogoflove.com/

Love the concept of Smilebooth. How did it come to life?
It was pretty much right after we shot our second wedding ever we decided our time was better spent not shooting table shots or any other robot shots. The Smilebooth has been a work in progress for a long time – always changing shape and size and material. But, the idea has always stayed the same. A digital photo booth that is more about an experience than a final product.

As the ultimate travelers, what’s one unnecessary thing that you always travel with?
A fisheye lens

A restaurant where they know your name…
Dynamic Dish…our favorite local spot in the ATL. But there are probably several more since Whitney and I eat out way to often.

Last thing you bought was…
An iPad and a Steven Alan rain coat.

How would you describe your style?
Whimsical and simple.

How do you decide what to photograph?
It’s something I had in my back pocket. I’ve had family members growing up that were photographers and occasionally photographed weddings. I would go along for the ride sometimes with camera in tow. We’ve been going for over 6 years strong and we really love our clients, team, flexibility and travels.

What type of camera do you use?
Canon 5D mark II

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I have a pretty cool camera strap at the moment made by a company called Kat Straps. My more practical accessory is the think tank card carriers…I think they are called pocket rockets?

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
35mm because it allows you to really engage with the subject.

What’s the best  decision  you made when you first started out as a photographer?
Hire help when things get overwhelming so you don’t get behind. We have an incredible office manager and a kick ass editor and consistently get rave emails about them from our clients. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing group of talented people working for/with Our Labor Of Love.

I’ve learned the most from…
Whitney and I have such different strengths that I think we learn a lot from each other daily since we work together. He is a great business man and I am more the creative. We’ve got a good balance.
I also learn most from my 3 year old Gracyn.

What advise would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?
I would say to work with people you admire. Intern or assist. See if the photographer offers mentor sessions. The best way to learn is to ask.

All images ©2010 Our Labor of Love Photography

In your face fabulous! These are my words for the young, but seriously talented Michelle Moore. We love working with Michelle, and are ecstatic to feature some of her latest work all the while getting in on the details of this fabulous life she lives. Not to mention, she makes senior photos look like a walking editorial. Man, if only I could have been so lucky. For the latest on Michelle, check out her blog. She’s bound to be up to something wonderful and refreshing.

Name one thing that surprises most people.

Any nicknames? What’s the story?

I LOVE nicknames.  When I was a little girl I always dreamed of having a nick name, but it wasn’t until high school that people started giving them to me.  Meech, Mitch, Munch, Shelly, etc.etc.  I think it’s cool that everyone has a different one for me.  My favorite is Munch – and unfortunately I have no clue how my friend came up with that!

What’s the oddest thing that’s happened to you on a shoot?

I have TONS of great stories of random passerbys stopping to chat with me while I’m shooting.  My favorite one recently, was a guy coming up to me at a senior shoot in Portland and asking me what I was doing.  When I said I was taking photos he came up to me and said “High Five for being a Photographer!” – and then walked away.  Keep Portland weird, I guess?

How would you describe your style?

Youthful, fashion-oriented, lifestyle photography.  I try to envision my work as tears from magazines such as Teen Vogue, and brands such as Forever 21 or H&M.

How do you decide what to photograph?

I love fashion and I love working with high school seniors.  Together I try to stick to a steady diet of lifestyle fashion photography that centers around my High School Senior Portrait market.  It’s taken me about 4 years to really hone in on exactly the types of photography I enjoy and specialize in.

What type of camera do you use?

A pair of Canon 1Ds MARK II’s.

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?

Oh gawsh – I LOVE my epiphanie bag, and probably couldn’t function without my 5-in-1 Reflector!!

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

Canon 35mm 1.4L.  Hands down the most versatile and tack-sharp lens out there.  I love the freedom and how it flatters 99.9% of all subjects.

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?

Shoot every day.  I mean EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Your learning curve will be through the roof!

I’ve learned the most from…

Experience, reading non-photography books about business, and those closest to me.

What advice would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?

Get out there and try it!  Network, market, learn and grow!  Shoot anything and everything!  Study what you enjoy, learn what you do and don’t like.  Take big risks, learn from your mistakes, and be prepared to work 80+ hours a week, and that it takes years to develop your style.

All Images ©2010 Michelle Moore Photography

This girl does it big, and does it well. She’s an amazing photographer, designer and an inspiration to us all. We love, love working with Promise and are always excited to feature her, so of course we jumped on the opportunity to get inside her head! She’s our go-to for creative ideas and insightful blog posts, so be sure to check out her site and show her some love!

Promise Tangeman’s Website:
http://www.promisetangeman.com/
Promise Tangeman’s Blog:
http://www.promisetangemanblog.com/

Blog you’re currently drooling over?
http://nubbytwiglet.com/  she is into design, fashion, and art. And she has a mysteriously quirky personality. It’s very intriguing.

Three things on your mind. Go.
Creative ideas, list making, and AHHh i forgot to eat.

I’m most likely to be inspired when…
I’m half a sleep and half awake.  I creative epiphanies in my sleep. The moment right before I am fully awake. It’s that half and half place. Weird, I know.

I’m always looking for…
patterns, textures, and images in the real world

Need? Want? Gotta Have?
Nylon Magazine. It keeps the indie artist and fashion junkie within me inspired.

Name one thing you worry about running out of?
Chocolate soy milk. and Psssssst Dry Shampoo

Most unusual thing in your car?
An old 12 in apple laptop that I spilled a glass of water on. It doesn’t work…at all. I don’t know what to do with it. Haha.

How would you describe your style?
Free, Energetic, Inspired, Textured

How do you decide what to photograph?
I love making my clients ideas come to life. I love collaborating with them. I love making their passion and photoshoot dreams come true

What type of camera do you use?
5dMARK2

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
My Epiphanie bag and my Kelly Moore bag. YIKES. Yes, I know I have both. I’m a lover and supporter and I love them both for different reasons.

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM  i love the creamy crispness and I love how it showcases my subject oh so well.

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?
I photographed my passion and I was EXCITED about what I was doing.  And people noticed that.

I’ve learned the most from…
Living and learning…. dang it. And my husband. He is REALLY wise about business and people.

What advise would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?
1. Photograph people that inspire you. Create ideas and do a shoot for fun once in a while. It’s really freeing and it’s a great portfolio builder.

2. Get inspiration outside of the photography industry. That will truly set you apart from the rest of the photographers.

©2010 All images copyright of Promise Tangeman Photography

I love the concept of less is more. In our crazy world, we often need less. And that’s why I love Christine. Her style is simple yet refined with a deep meaning behind each photo. Her photography tells an incredible life story and I find myself comforted by those in her photos. Seriously, I have thoughts of hanging some on my wall and calling them “family.”  Her work eases your mind and satisfies your soul. We know you’ll love her as much as we do! Mosey on over to Christine’s blog to find out more about her and her work. You’ll be pulling out old photo albums and reminiscing about days long ago!

Blog: www.PobkePhotography.com/blog/

One on One Interview Q & A:
What’s a product you can’t live without?
APPLE. Yes, it’s true, I belong to the chapel of apple. I’m impressionable, what can I say?

The first thing you do in the morning is?
Check email on my iPhone. (sad but true)

What’s your current obsession?
Oatmeal. It’s getting reeeeally cold in Canberra and all I wanna do when I get up in the mornings is fill my ravenous tummy with hot oatmeal!

Best place to shop?
Country Road (a shop in Australia). If I’m back at home (in the states), I heart Anthropologie.

You’ll always find my keys…
In a metal tin my 16 year old baby brother made me.

How would you describe your style?
soft, colourful, happy.

How do you decide what to photograph?
I photograph what my heart is drawn to: children + famillies, and couples in love. for me, there’s no better sound than the giggling of children or flirty laughs shared between a couple in lurve.

What type of camera do you use?
Canon 5d mark ii.

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
My Shootsac! Although I just ordered a Lola (Ephiphanie) so I’m thinking my trusty ol’ Shootsac is gonna get replaced!

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
85mm 1.2L. It’s buttery smooth, consistently sharp, and wonderfully awesome. I used to LOOOOVE my 35mm 1.4L (and I still do!) but after shooting with the bad boy 85, I must say I’ve found a new fave. LOVE IT!

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?
Help others along the way as people have helped you. Don’t roll your eyes at the “stupid” questions people ask you over email – you asked them once too! Help build and grow the industry, and make some friends along the way!

I’ve learned the most from…
Reading. Lots and lots and lots of reading. Books, online forums, blogs, emails.

What advise would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?
Your skills will develop. Your style will develop. That I can promise you. But they won’t if you don’t keep trying. So keep going for it!

All images ©2010 Christine Pobke Photography

A Vintage future. There’s something about Lonnie’s work that screams “Endless Summer.” Not so much for the sake of the movie’s plot. Just the title. The cool Cali summer that so many of us dream about. That’s what I think of when the name Lonnie Webb comes up: Tradition meets its modern counterpart. His work is timeless and I was thrilled to see his personality rightly compliment his style. He’s the kind of guy that goes to a street fair only to end up with an amazing photo session just because he liked a tattoo. Spontaneous? Yes, and we like it! You’ll have to check out Lonnie, see what his real name is and read about the tattoo that had him at Hello.  You’ll be thanking us later!

But first, here’s a few things to know about Lonnie Webb of Seattle, WA.

Who’s your Photographer crush?
I have so many that inspire me. One of my favorite photographers is Tec Peteja. Tec tells incredible stories through his Photographs. I always want more.

Favorite summer activity?
I love spending time at outside as much as I can during the summer. I live in Seattle, so the sun is rare Our summers are beautiful, so I LOVE going camping, sitting at bonfires, and spending time with friends.

What three things can always be found in your refrigerator?
Hmm. 3 things. Greek yogurt, always some type of fruit, and hot sauce. Gotta have hot sauce!

Can’t get my mind off…
Can’t get my mind of visiting New York. For me it’s one of those things I have always wanted to do. I just need to make it happen. I would love to spend a weekend there shooting.

How would you describe your style?
I still feel like my style is evolving. I love photographing people, and capturing personality and emotion.

How do you decide what to photograph?
I love photographing people. If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll disagree, because you’ll see lots of pictures of what I’m eating If I see something, and it evokes emotion in me, I’ll try to capture it, so I can share it with you. So anything with emotion or character.

What type of camera do you use?
Currently a Canon t2i. Saving for my 5D Mark 2

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I don’t use a lot of accessories, sometimes I’ll use a lite disk, but it’s pretty rare. So mainly just me and my camera

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
I would want the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4. I hear it is a beautiful lens.

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?
The best decision I made and still do, is asking questions. There is a huge business side to photography, ask, ask, ask photographers who have been there and done that. Also, just shoot. Not being afraid to fail. I am my own worst critic. If I don’t go out and push myself, then I wont grow as an artist.

I’ve learned the most from…
Other artists. I am always looking at other artists for inspiration.

What advise would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Believe in your artistry. If you don’t believe it, no one else will. Ask questions, and be ok with failing. Just grab your camera, and do the shoot again, you’ll get it.

All images ©2010 Lonnie Webb Photography

Shannon Sewell is one of those photographers who subconsciously reinvents the wheel. More than a photographer, she is a storyteller in a coloring book. We love her fantasy driven sessions and the fact that she describes her self in color-code. We are so excited to take a peek into her awe-inspiring, creative mind and share it with the world. Hello World, Meet Shannon! Don’t forget to show Shannon some love and stop by her website at www.ShannonSewell.com. You’ll have a strong desire to play dress up afterwards. Trust me!

Who’s the go-to on your iPod?
That changes daily! I go everywhere from JT to William Fitzsimmons to Meiko to Madonna to Kid Cudi to James Brown… that was just today

What blog do you visit daily?
Do I admit this?? Perez My weekly Fav. is Post Secret

Any Guilty Pleasures?
Candy… anything chewy. I’ll eat it until I’m sick! Crazy…

What’s a Shannon Must have?
For business it’s my iPhone. I am constantly jotting down notes & grabbing Iphone shots for my ideas & concepts folder. If I didn’t have that to remember everything for me I don’t think any shoot would ever come to fruition.

How would you describe your style?
Bright… fun… style inspired everyday life

How do you decide what to photograph?
I have a never ending list of ideas. If I see the right prop or model and I can get them on the calendar it’s done! I’m constantly planning.

What type of camera do you use?
5DMkII

What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
I’m a really simple girl. i carry a camera & two lenses… I love to play with things outside my comfort zone but at the end of the day I keep it as simple as I possibly can. I honestly can’t think of an ‘accessory’ that I can’t live without!

If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
85 1.2L… love the creamy skin & beautiful bokeh

What’s the best decision you made when you first started out as a photographer?
to make friends within the photography community… its not about competition, its about collaboration!

I’ve learned the most from…
Pushing myself til failure. I’m constantly trying to outdo myself and sometimes it doesn’t work out too well… but it always gets me one step closer

What advise would you give to the photographers that may be starting out and new to the business?
play… a lot. Learn how to use your equipment & then the sky is the limit. Find what inspires you (both in and out of the photography world) and figure out how to use it to tell a story with your images. It’s a never ending process but I can’t think of a better way to while away the time

All images ©2010 Shannon Sewell Photography