Featured Photographers V.2: Erin and I Photography

A while back, I was part of a collaborative group of photographers from around the country who began a pretty cool project called From Her Lens.  We shared 1 prop and shot form our own perspective, then passed it along.  The end product was fantastic and it was such a fun project.  Sadly, life got in the way and it fizzled out after about a year.  BUT, I was able to meet some amazing women, I was inspired by their work and I got to meet one of the ladies behind erin and i photography.

erin and i photography is a team of sisters who shoot incredibly "real" photos.  They capture true life as it happens and their work is evidence of their incredible talent for this photojournalistic style. Without further Adieu, meet the sister team of Erin and I!

Name(s):

​ Andi Johnson and Erin McCain

Andi and her Fiance

Andi's Dog Lola

Erin and her family.

Business Name:

​ erin and i photography​

Website:

​ www.erinandiphoto.com​

Location:

​ twin cities, mn​

Using only one sentence, describe your photography style:

capturing the REAL life stories.​

When did you discover your love for photography:

Andi: when my sister, and biz partner, took my senior photos! we had SO much fun!​

Erin: when my baby sister turned 17, I took her sr. photos and from there we went into business together and that’s how erin and I started! 12 years ago this year.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Andi: honestly - in light and the colors of nature. sounds crazy, but I generally get a crazy urge to shoot when I'm outside, and it's either gorgeous sunset lighting or freshly fallen snow!​

Erin: I have always love nature photography, and from there I knew that I loved creating beautiful images, so that’s when we decided to take on new clients and start photographing people!

Please describe yourself (family, dreams, etc.):

Andi: I am a crazy wanderer​ and lover of all things beautiful. I thrive off the simple things in life. An early morning cup of coffee on the patio, a quiet walk with my dog outside in the afternoon sun, a night of cuddling and ice cream on the couch with my love. you know, the really simple things in life. I have a desire to do and be more than I ever thought possible. to change lives, and to build and grow friendships that truly add something to my life. 

Erin: The first word that comes to mind is “home body”. I LOVE being in our new house that we bought last March with my husband and kids, and spending time together. I would much rather be at home than out somewhere spending money. My life is already busy enough as it is, so I want my down time to be relaxing and with those who I love the most. My husband and I have been married almost 13 years, and we have 2 amazing kids. Max (9) and Charli (5-she’s a girl). My sisters and I all have boy names, Toni, Erin and Andi. I wanted to keep the tradition going with my daughter! My dream is to travel when my kids get a little older, and to be at a point financially where we can make this happen.

What is currently in your camera bag?

​Andi: business cards. camera batteries that need charging, a pen and a some hand warmers - cause you never know in minnesota!​

Erin: Nikon D700 body, 50mm lens, 85mm lens (my favorite!) a flash (which I rarely use, as I prefer natural light), memory cards, batteries and business cards!

Name another photographer that inspires you:

​Andi: AHH there are so many. seriously! ​olive avenue. sarah beth. just to name a few!

Erin: Wildflowers Photography (Joy Prouty). She captures the moment like no other, and I absolutely love her style!

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

​Andi: a doctor or lawyer. now I am SO outside of that realm of normality - it's actually comical.​

Erin: an artist and a Vet!

If you could photograph anyone in the world, living or already gone, who would it be?

Andi:​ marilyn monroe and my grandmother.​

Erin: My baby brother who died when he was born. My mother chose not to see him, as he was born at 24 weeks gestation and she didn’t want to hurt any more than she already did by losing him. I photograph for NILMDT (now I lay me down to sleep) which specializes in bereavement photography and as hard as it is to photograph a child that is either no longer living, or will pass away shortly, the gift to those parents is something that I will never forget. I wish I could go back and take photos of my brother with my mom holding him, and to capture those tiny little features.

Name a song that describes you right now:

​Andi: homegrown by zac brown. UGH. I love them!​

Erin: ”Thrift Shop” by Macklemore. I absolutely love shopping at thrift stores, hoping to find that perfect CHEAP item for my home or for re-sale. My whole family is obsessed, and we have had some amazing finds at thrift stores!

If you could do anything else in the world, choose any other profession, what would it be?

Andi:​ the only other thing I would rather be is a fancy blogger or artist. Other than that, I'm so happy right now. I could scream!​

Erin: Pediatric nurse, working with newborns primarily and children.

 

Weekly Challenge: Spring

Ahhh, the sweet smell of spring.  It evokes so many emotions, and if you are from the North, elation just may be one of them!  However, we are experiencing a rocky start to spring here in Minnesota. Since the first day of spring, it has snowed not once, but twice!  Yikes.  So today, I'm channeling my inner elation regarding spring.

What does spring mean to you?  Do you gather with neighbors and friends daily and play catch up? Do you begin to see flowers poking out of the ground?  Do you experience longer days and dirty feet?  Show us for this week's challenge.  We want to see your interpretation of the word!

For me, spring signifies new life, a new beginning, freshness and hope.  The blooming of flowers brighten my day and make me happy.  Show us what spring means to you.

*** Please note, only 1 picture can be considered for the contest.  Please visit our Weekly Challenge Page for full contest rules.

Post your photo for the challenge on your blog/Flickr/Photobucket/Facebook account.  Unfortunately, if any of these are private, you will be unable to link up to us.  Make sure you link up to the ISO {In Search Of} blog!  You can grab the button over there in the sidebar (or I've also posted it below) and put that in your post!  Come back here and "link up" to us using the LinkyTools below.

Challenge: ME

What does the word "me" mean to you?  Does it mean a selfie?  Are you defined by something other than a picture of your face?  The beauty of this word is that you can interpret it any way want.  Show us what "me" means to you and what the word represents.  Get creative, dig deep for this challenge.

This is me.
*** Please note, only 1 picture can be considered for the contest.  Please visit our Weekly Challenge Page for full contest rules.
Post your photo for the challenge on your blog/Flickr/Photobucket/Facebook account.  Unfortunately, if any of these are private, you will be unable to link up to us.  Make sure you link up to the ISO {In Search Of} blog!  You can grab the button over there in the sidebar (or I've also posted it below) and put that in your post!  Come back here and "link up" to us using the LinkyTools below.

Monthly Challenge: Vintage {ISO: In Search Of}

This week's challenge is Vintage. The word "vintage" has so many different meanings and is so subjective.  That's what I love about the term.  What does vintage mean to you?

 

I love the vintage feel of this photo, the processing, the sun, the outfit, the adorable little lady!  

I'd love to see your interpretation of VINTAGE!  Here's how to enter:

1. Post your photo for the challenge on your blog/Flickr/Photobucket/Facebook. Unfortunately, if any of these are private, you will be unable to link up to us.  
2. Make sure you link up to the ISO {In Search Of} blog!  You can grab the html over there in the sidebar (or I also posted it below) and put that in your post and it will put our little bloggy badge in your post.
3. Come back here and "link up" to us using LinkyTools below. 
4. You have until January 31st to post!

Featured Photographer: V.1

I'm so excited about this new series I hope to do monthly.  There is such amazing talent in this world when it comes to photography and we all deserve our moment in the lime light, right!  It's also a great thing to do to uplift and cheer on another photographer, we can draw so much inspiration from each other.  And, who doesn't love a little eye candy, right?

Since our theme this month is revolving around the word "vintage", I sought out a local MN photographer who totally emulates VINTAGE.

I just recently met this lovely lady through our daughter's preschool class and she has quickly become someone I admire and respect, both as a photographer and a human being.  She is kind, intelligent, an incredible mom, she has wicked style and has a unique eye for photographs.  I got to sit down and chat with Katy today in her home and I really wish I would have had my camera with me.  Her house is awesome.  It screams vintage.  She even has a pink refrigerator.  It rocks!

Without further adieu:

Meet Katy Hall Photography!

Name: katy hall

Business Name: katy hall photography

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Websites: www.minneapolisphotographer.com and www.minneapolisphotographer.com/blog

Using only one sentence, describe your photography style:

Modern, vintage ArT

When did you discover your love for photography:

I have always admired and appreciated what other photographers could do. I LOVED having my family’s photos taken and holding on to those memories. I had four girls in four years so this didn’t provide a whole lot of time to pursue anything else. When my youngest was one, I bought a camera. My life was NEVER the same again.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Things I’ve always loved... the sweet and simple pleasure of everyday life. I heart all things 1950s, vintage finds (typewriters, aprons, retro appliances), anything that evokes the emotions, creative blogs, and other photographers who share the same passion.

Please describe yourself (family, dreams, etc.):

I am a mom to four sweet LuLu girls and feel so blessed to have these “little women” in my life. Their forever-entertaining dad is my best friend and biggest cheerleader. My favorite times are when he plays his guitar and they all dance around and make up fun lyrics to the songs. It’s an instant mood changer if anyone has a case of the grumps. I enjoy the simple things in life... movies in the park, picking strawberries, making breakfast together, and sitting on our front porch.

What is currently in your camera bag?

 Canon 5D Mark II, 50/1.2, 16-35/2.8, 70-200/2.8.

Name another photographer that inspires you:

Tara Swain

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

President of the United States (clearly, I was bossy.)

If you could photograph anyone in the world, living or already gone, who would it be?

I recently had my dream fulfilled of shooting for Anthropologie, but if I had the chance to do a person, I would photograph Jesus. His life was more interesting and inspiring than anyone I have ever known or read about.

 

Name a song that describes you right now:

“1945” by Jamie Grace

If you could do anything else in the world, choose any other profession, what would it be? I could never chose another profession. Ideas are constantly racing through my mind throughout the day. Many times I have a hard time falling asleep because I am so excited about an idea or a concept. I am dying for sunshine and warm weather to arrive here... I have so many ideas to fulfill in 2012. I never thought I would say any of those things about a job. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to share in people’s stories and relationships.

 

Head on over to Katy's blog and show her some love!

On tap for the month: Vintage {ISO: In Search Of}

From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

Vintage defined:

*of old, recognized, and enduring interest, importance, or quality : classic

*dating from the past : old b : outmoded, old-fashioned

*of the best and most characteristic

January is the month for all things Vintage.  It's going to be a great time here on ISO.  We'll be sharing things having to do with the theme of Vintage.  I've got an awesome photographer that will be featured, her vintage style is inspirational.  Projects will be shared, photos will be posted and your assignment for the month will be presented!  Stay tuned for all the details.  I'm super pumped for the turn ISO will be taking. 

Until then, here is some eye candy (via Pinterest):

Nature Winner

There wasn't much participation in the Nature Challenge this week, only 2 entries. But hey, it's all good. The entries were still fab and I still enjoyed checking them out. You really should go give them some love because they are both such unique and fun entries. But, I did manage to pick a winner. Without further adieu:

I loved this entry from Wendy.  The colors are so vivid and the flare is awesome.  And, since I'm so not a winter person, it made me feel warm and cozy!  Go ahead and grab a winner badge!  Congrats.

Thanks for playing along and don't forget to enter this week's challenge: Quiet.

Weekly Challenge: Quiet {ISO: In Search Of}

This week's challenge is Quiet.  My little man is rarely quiet, like in EVER!  But when he is, it's beautiful.  What does quiet mean to you?  Is it a warm cup of coffee and a book in your favorite chair?  Is it a sleeping baby?  Could it be your morning run?  I'd love to see your picture, so here's how to enter:

1. Post your photo for the challenge on your blog/Flickr/Photobucket/Facebook. Unfortunately, if any of these are private, you will be unable to link up to us.  
2. Make sure you link up to the ISO {In Search Of} blog!  You can grab the html over there in the sidebar (or I also posted it below) and put that in your post and it will put our little bloggy badge in your post.
3. Come back here and "link up" to us using LinkyTools below.  

Winter Nature Inspiration {ISO: In Search Of}

Since it's officially winter in many states, I thought I would post some "winter" nature inspiration.  Despite my protests about living here in the frigid north, winter can be quite beautiful when seen with an optimist's eye :)  Check out this gorgeous winter nature inspiration (all found via Pinterest).

Ummm, how awesomely adorable is this?

I love this perspective.  It's stunning!

Neato!

This shot just makes me laugh.  It reminds me of our late kitty cat Frisco, yes, he was that fat!

We only have 2 entries, so get out there and snap some pics today!