Interview with Eden from Eden photography

When I first saw Eden's photographs on flickr I fell instantly in love. Her lighting, tones and textures are just divine and make my heart sing.

I decided to send her a flickr mail to see if she would be up for a swap-something from my store in exchange for some of her expertise. I was delighted when she responded with warmth and openess. I sent her a few questions and asked her if I could post her responses here to share with you, and she agreed so here they are......

Thea: What camera do you use?

Eden: A friend recommended the Canon 30D to me in 2006, and since I was so new to photography and hadn’t even looked around yet, I took her advice and bought the 30D later that summer. I’d saved up that summer while doing lawncare/landscaping with my brother!

…of course, an upgrade is already in the works. :D

Thea: What lens(es) did you use for your profile pic on flickr, and the backlit pictures?

Eden: I used the 50mm 1.8 for my profile picture- that’s why it’s such a close up! I think my arm hurt after holding the camera out so far!

I also have an 85mm 1.8, and 24-70 2.8. And lately I’ve been playing around with my Lensbaby! It’s taken some practice to get the focus just right, but I love the artsy look!

Thea: What do you do to ensure that the front of the backlit object/person is not too shadowed?

Eden: I try to shoot in Manual mode and meter off their face, and if needed, then I’ll bump the curves in Photoshop later on. I have a reflector too, but then my clients think I’m trying to blind them… :D

Thea: It seems you deleted some of your photos from flickr? There were some from a while back that you took, that were so soft yet didn't seem blurry. What do you do when you are aiming for one of those shots?

Eden: I double-checked and those pictures are hidden right now. I guess my pro account expired! I’ll get right on that.. :D

The eyes! Focus on the eyes. Sometimes extra “DOF” is added in photoshop too. :D

Thea: Do you shoot in A, P or Manual? I have been playing more with manual mode.

Eden: I shoot in Auto.

…just kidding! It’s either manual or Av mode.

Thea: Do you vary ISO often or is there a setting you prefer?

Eden: I leave my ISO around 200 (I think)…I never really notice it until I’m inside and my shutter speed is 1/8! ;D

Thea: Is there an action (s) you use for getting the last pic on your blog of your friend Ajah? It looks backlit but her face is so well lit and the overall glowy effect is fabulous.

Eden: Thanks! I’m trying to remember, and I think that was mostly playing around in photoshop with textures and curves!

Thea: How did/do you figure out how to price your photo shoots?

Eden: I guess everyone has this problem, and there’s really no straight answer for every individual- I’m still not sure about my own prices! But check out the prices in your area and “meter” off those. :D

Thea: Do you sell prints or digital files and what made you make that choice?

Eden: For clients I sell prints only. Occasionally digital files are needed for actor headshots, or weddings, but I don’t advertise photo CDs. And for the reason? Nothing against 1-hour Walmart, but I guess I’d just like to see my work printed professionally. :D

For everyone else, framed prints by Eden Photography are in the works!

-Eden

eden.photography@mac.com

www.edenphotography.biz