We are so excited to welcome Renee Bowen to the Blog today! Take a moment to learn more about Renee, and visit her website Renee Bowen Photography.
Renee is featured as our “Celebrity Mentor” in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of February, so come on over and ask her anything you like. Thank you so much Renee for taking the time to share your work with us today!
Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
My father is a photographer, but we didn’t have a super close relationship during my childhood, due to divorce, etc…. so I think photography was always a way for me to subconsciously connect with him. However, my true inspiration – the reason I became a photographer – is my son Reece.
When he was born in 1998, my father-in-law (who had a seriously crazy obsession with photographs) gifted me with a digital camera….Reece quickly became my muse; he’s crazy photogenic! He was a very quiet and serious baby….later we found out that he had autism; but he was always a willing subject and seemed to “connect” with my camera. I have more photos of him that any parent should have of any child….by the time my twins came along in 2000, they also had no choice but to be in front of a camera all the time.
Then I started torturing other people’s kids! Since my husband is an actor, I also began shooting tons and tons of head shots, mostly on film. Trial by fire is what I like to call it – and it was an incredible way to learn portrait photography… head shots are an art form in themselves. I still shoot quite a bit of these.
How would you describe your photography style?
This took me awhile to figure that out……I am enamored by so many different styles of photography! I adore raw, emotionally charged images just as much as I love posed, edited ethereal photographs. Ultimately, I found my style in the roots of photojournalism + head shots, so I would have to describe it as fashion-inspired, contemporary art with a photojournalistic flair. I still love catching real moments and I tend not to over-pose my subjects in an unnatural way.
Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
I entered college as an art major, but somewhere along the way…..I took a different turn. Well, a few. I ended up with a Psychology degree! So yes, I am self-taught. I’ve been shooting film since the early 90’s and then re-taught myself digital. I’ve never attended a workshop….which I do regret – it took me a lot longer to learn because I literally taught myself everything – online and/or through books. And shooting a LOT.
Do you shoot Canon or Nikon, and what is your favorite lens?
Nikon – never shot anything else. My go-to lens is my Nikon 85 1.4 and I shoot more wide open than anything else. (1.6-2.2 usually)
Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
The main thing I look for in a location and finding light is noticing where my reflective surfaces are. Yes, I do use a reflector – but there are so many times when you don’t need one…. this also depends on your lens and gear to a point. However, to break it down simply – especially if you’re just starting out, look for reflected light. For me, it’s all about exposing for the face/eyes. That’s my number one priority….I want the eyes to pop. That’s just my style of shooting – I tend to avoid super shadowy/contrasted images…..for portraits at least. I want my subject’s face to be evenly lit – and nice, reflected light does wonders for everyone’s skin 😉
Also, don’t be afraid of backlighting! {it’s my absolute favorite} I shoot into the sun all the time. That’s when your reflected surface and/or reflector comes in handy. Obviously, time of day is important. I mostly shoot in the later afternoon light because that’s what I prefer; the light is softer and easier to manipulate and just adore that yummy “right before sunset” light.
You specialize in High School Senior Photography, what is your favorite aspect of photographing seniors?
Seniors are my favorite – mainly because I just enjoy being around them! I guess I still feel young in my head? 🙂 It’s true, I don’t act my age…..and there is something so invigorating about being around them! Their energy is hopeful, fun, and they’re literally up for anything! I find that I can be my most creative with my Seniors….they like the creative edits and the fun of the on location shooting as much as I do. They don’t care that they have to change in their car or behind a sheet in the middle of Venice Beach – and we laugh a LOT.
What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
2012 was an interesting year for me. My business grew exponentially and I was busier than any previous year; however, I took a backseat personally. I gained weight, I didn’t spend as much time with my kids (ages 14, 12, and 12) or my husband – and I generally felt burnt out by December. That’s not to say that I didn’t have a great year and I whole heartedly appreciate the amount of business I’ve had (it’s a good problem to have!) BUT…..it did teach me some lessons. Apparently, I really can’t do it all. Who knew? Seriously, though…..I vowed that 2013 would be different in that I am learning to put myself first. I’m not taking every job….I’m spacing my shoots out more and I’m shutting my computer off more at night. My kids won’t be this age forever, I want to enjoy them and be with them while they still want to hang out with me!
I also learned that in order to attract the type of client I wanted, I had to be very consistent with my branding across the board. I worked with an incredible graphic designer who helped me re-brand and re-launch my blogsite. I simplified a lot. In the past, I had a website, a blog and then a separate site for Seniors….. that was just too much. I wanted ONE site where I could showcase my work, blog and have all the information my clients needed that was easy to navigate and maintain. It was a long work in progress and finally launched in August of 2012. So far, it’s proven to be extremely positive for my business and I love the simplicity of it!
If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Business. Hands down, this has been the hardest part for me…. I mentor young photographers a lot and the one thing I tell them is to get some kind of business training, whether it be in college while they’re getting an art degree, or finding a business mentor to learn these essential basics. The “business” side of my business has been the most challenging for me. Let’s face it – the reason most of us got into this is because we are CREATIVE…. and while there are a few of us photogs who have a natural knack for marketing, biz, etc…. I’m not one of them. I had to teach myself all the important aspects of running a business – and it’s exhausting.
My advice is to get some training on this – save yourself the headache of trying to figure it out for yourself. Chances are, if you’ve found yourself embarking upon this journey, it’s because you already have some natural ability – while shooting and workshops and finding your style are ALL important …. if you don’t know HOW to sell yourself or your images, you’re stuck. All of these elements are equally important. Also – and I feel this is very important – if you are going to study under a photographer, find your OWN style and don’t just copy theirs….I see a lot of photographers taking workshops and their work ends up looking JUST like the photographer they studied with….keep shooting and stretching your creative muscles and find your own style.
What do you love most about being a photographer?
I love when a client finally “falls” into the shoot…. there’s always a moment – and sometimes that happens sooner than later, but it always happens – when I just know that I’ve got them. I’ve got their trust, I’ve got them relaxed and in the pocket. I talk the entire time I’m shooting….and I have my camera UP most of the time when I’m posing people – it’s those in between moments that are golden for me. BUT, without question, I love making people happy (see question #7 – this is why I have a hard time saying no!) I just love creating images that people love. Seeing their faces when they see their images (especially Moms of their daughter’s Senior Portraits) – that’s like a drug for me.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, my twins will be graduating from high school and my oldest will be in his first year of either college or trade school (I hope!)….. I’ll probably be curled up in a ball somewhere having a nervous breakdown.
Once I recover from that, I honestly think I’ll be in my most creative period. I’d like to do more personal projects – and I’d love to work on a gallery showing at some point. Sometimes it’s hard for me to access the creative part of me when I’m trying to deliver product to a client; I’m sure this is the case for many of us….. I’d love to spend more time on pushing myself creatively in the future. But who knows? If the last 5 years are any indication of how dramatically different my life could change, I might be in for a few surprises!
About Renee: I’m a natural light photographer located in the ‘burbs of Los Angeles and I specialize in Senior Portraits…..although I also shoot weddings, bar mitzvahs, head shots, families and boudoir. My style is photojournalistic in nature, with a dash of fashion and emotion. I prefer natural poses and yearn for perfection (it’s a curse). I’m ridiculously happily married to an actor who I met in a bar (true story) and I’m also the Mom to an amazing 14 year old boy with autism and boy/girl 12 year old twins….life is crazy and chaotic and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Looking forward to connecting with you all!
And don’t forget, you can “Ask Renee” anything you like in the Pretty Forum for the entire month of February!
Wow, thank you for introducing this amazing photographer to me. I’m in love with her work!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am literally tearing up in reading this. There have been so many moments where I have wanted to quit, especially since the birth of my twins 5 months ago. I am self-taught and struggling to keep up somedays. Finally a photographer who admits her struggles, triumphs in her learning, and shares real life! Thank you!
Thank you so much for such great info! I love how you share the balance of doing what you love, being a mom that is loved and a great wife too. It is a hard balance sometimes!
Thanks for sharing. The photog tips were great too. I’m getting back in after 10 years of being out of photography!