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.

 

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!

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!

Thankful Winner!

This week was hard, what somebody is thankful for is very personal and extremely subjective.  But in the end I chose this picture by Kasey:

I lovee the table filled with plentiful foods and that sweet little guy in the background.  Congrats Kasey and thanks for everyone who played along!  Grab a badge and go brag Kasey!

Weekly Challenge: Nature

Nature.  It's so subjective, that's the best part of this week's challenge, you can find beauty in virtually anything.  I look and find beauty in everyday things, but when I grab my camera I suddenly become a "bad" picture taker, LOL!  Oh well, I can take great pictures of people, so that's my thing! 

This was taken this morning with my iPhone.  We woke up to this crap and while some may think it's pretty I despise winter. 

Where do you find beauty in nature?

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.  

It's a giveaway! {ISO: In Search Of}

Want this nifty and groovy camera strap cover (relic of a camera not included)?  I promise you, you do want it.  It's oh so much more fashionable than that ugly black one your camera is currently sporting.  

Well you can have it!  I am giving away 2 of these babies!  3 if there is a lot of participation!  

Here's how you can win it!  

1. Comment on this post for one entry.  Let me know you are here!

2. Enter this week's photo challenge for another entry.  Details can be found here.

3. Go "like" us on Facebook for another entry and say hi to us on the wall while you are there!  Be sure to comment here that you are a fan though for credit.

4. Tell your friends about us!  If they "like" us on FB, have them tell us on our wall who sent them.  Each time I see your name on the wall you get entered. 

I will be drawing 2 names first thing Monday morning after the challenge closes.  Of course I will draw a 3rd if we get a lot of participants!  These little pretties are handmade by me and will be shipped out next week.  So if you want to adorn you DSLR strap, start entering! 

Thursday Inspirations

Now go out, be brave and create! 

Love Winner!

Without further adieu, the winner of the Love Challenge!

Bree from over at Bree: His Honey and Her Mom

I adore this picture and the commentary that Bree wrote along with it.  Go check it out and give her some love, and while you are at it, go check out the other participants too, all awesome pictures!  Thanks for playing along this week and don't forget about this week's challenge: Thankful.

Weekly Challenge: Thankful {ISO: In Search Of}

This week's challenge stems from the recent Thanksgiving Holiday in the U.S.  I have a lot to the be thankful for in my life but I am most thankful for an amazing family that I can call my own.  Yeah yeah, that goes without saying but truly I am lucky to have this crazy and beautiful bunch:

What are you thankful for this year?  Check out this post for some awesome inspiration (via pinterest). 

So, how do you 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.  

Looking Ahead: {Thankful Inspiration}