interview // carli nicole of reflections

Welcome to Essence of Eve, Carli! Before we get to the actual questions, why don't you just tell us a little bit about yourself. :)
Hi everyone! I'm Carli Nicole, a homeschooled teenager. I love photography, music, and poetry, mostly because all of them capture emotion and beauty in different ways. I have three siblings, who are my best friends. We laugh a lot. I love spending time in nature, especially with my camera along. I'm a dreamer, and I love sunsets. This is me.


Sunsets and cameras are definitely two of my favourite things! What do you think inspired you to start on your photography journey?
There were a lot of things, actually. I've always been exposed to photography because my dad has always loved it. From the time I was little I would take pictures with his camera, and I always loved it. I guess it was the idea that I could go out and capture normal things that are beautiful to me, and help other people to be able to see everything that I did.

photography by carli nicole

What would you say the majority of your photos are (portraits, macros, etc)?
Most of my photos are macros of nature.


I take those ALL the time too! What camera/equipment do you use? 
I use a EOS Canon rebel with a 18-55mm lens.

photography by carli nicole

Manual or auto focus? 
I usually use manual, because it is so much more flexible.


It is, isn't it? I can't imagine going back to auto, now that I'm so used to and comfortable with manual. Do you edit your photos? If so, with what?
I don't usually edit much... I am of the opinion that photos are often best left alone. Sometimes I will edit if an image is too dark etc., using Photoshop CS3 (which is seriously amazing).

photography by carli nicole

Oh yes, SOOCs are the best... and CS3 IS amazing! ;) If you could go anywhere in the world with your camera, where would it be? 
oooh...that's a hard one. Probably I would go to somewhere in South America.


I really want to visit Machu Picchu; so much to photograph! Have you ever sold any of your prints? 
No, although I'm planning on starting a shop soon.

photography by carli nicole

I hope you get lots of visitors! ;) What are some tips you can give to newbie photographers?
hmmm...I would say to (1.) take LOTS of pictures. there's only one way to learn. (2.) I know everyone always says this, but don't let the quality of your equipment limit you. You are judged not by your limitations, but how well you perform within those limits.


Very well said, Carli! It was a pleasure to have you over!

For those of you who haven't visited her yet, Carli blogs at Reflections. Her posts are always accompanied by the loveliest of photos! Be sure to drop by her place and say hello! :)


p.s. I did... I got Facebook. And just in case you have it too, here's a link to my profile. ;P

interview // katie of clair de lune

I'm so very delighted to have you over at my blog today, Katie! :) To start off, just tell us a little bit about yourself.

Where do I start... My name is Katie, and my face is most often behind my camera. When it's not, there is normally a smile present. I love my piano a little more than I should. Birds are my current obsession. I live in the country so I spend a lot of time outside with my notebooks and favorite pen, soaking in the quiet. Anything art, writing, photography, coffee, and books have my attention. You will often find me at my local thrift store.


Thrifts stores are amazing! I'm not much for the clothes, but oh, the books... all the titles you can find! What do you think inspired you to start on your photography journey?

Blogging did, I think. I saw what others did with their cameras, and that inspired me to pick up mine and start snapping away.


Me too actually, for the most part at least. What would you say the majority of your photos are (portraits, macros, etc)?

Landscapes and nature in general, for sure. Nature captivates me. I also have quite a few pictures of people "in the moment". They make me feel as though I'm freezing time.


Nature and people... I love them both so much, that I end up combining. :) What camera/equipment do you use?

I use a Nikon D3000 and a 18-55mm kit lens mostly, although I do own a 50mm f/1.4 macro film lens that I have to hold in front of my kit lens to take a picture. It gives a peephole effect that I absolutely love. I'm also borrowing my uncle's 52mm film lens that has an amazing glaze effect, giving a vintage feel to the photo


Both the 50mm & the 52mm sound really cool! Do you prefer manual or auto focus?

Auto. I'm lazy, and I will admit it. Sometimes my camera won't focus on exactly what I want it to focus on, so I switch to manual. That's the only time though.


Yeah, manual can sometimes be frustrating (especially when little kiddies are involved ;). Do you edit your photos? If so, with what?

I used to edit every one, but I've ventured away from that. I do love editing and enhancing my photos, and for that I use Paint.net, but it takes up a lot of time. Other than changing from color to black&white, not much editing is done.


Same here, pretty much. I also sometimes make adjustments, with PS. If you could go anywhere in the world with your camera, where would it be?

I would love to go everywhere. If I HAD to choose... it would be either Paris or Ireland. Paris because, well, it's Paris. Ireland because I have a weird fascination with that country, in all its green rolling hills, stone castles, and delicious accents.


Stone castles? Need to visit. What are several of your favourite shots ever taken?

The first is a picture of my neighbor who is 2. He is precious, and he likes to run around my house with blocks in his hands while wearing socks so he can slide across the floor.

The second is of the bushes around the pond in my backyard. I'm not sure why it's a favorite. I suppose I just love the colors.


The third is a favorite because it's of the window sill in my kitchen. The colors are so pretty, and it reminds me of everyday life.


They're all so pretty! Love the pansies in the last one! Have you ever sold any of your prints?

No, not yet. I'm hoping to have my photography shop open by the end of May or beginning of June.


I'm planning on opening an Etsy shop soon too! Can't wait to visit yours! What are some tips you can give to newbie photographers - something you desperately wish you'd known when you first started out?

Oh, the life of a beginner. Truthfully, sometimes I still feel as though I'm a beginner. There are so many things I don't know, or haven't tried. I do wish I realized the purpose of photography when I first started. Photography isn't just about taking pictures, it's about freezing a moment in time to cherish and relive afterwards; it needs to speak emotion and memories. But as far as taking pictures, practice practice practice. Know your camera, the settings, and how to adjust in different situations.


Thank-you so much, Katie! That was really fun! :)
If you would like to look though some more of Katie's photos, you can visit her over at clair de lune. Her blog is amazing! So click on that link, ok? Now. ;)