Photographer Spotlight: My First Years - Kimber Ouellette

We are excited to welcome Kimber Ouellette of Too Sweet Photography to the Photographer Depot blog today.  Take a moment to learn more about Kimber, and visit her website.  Thank you so much Kimber for taking the time to share your work with us today.

 When did your interest in photography begin?

I would say photography has been part of my life forever. I was the first to jump into a picture at family functions, grab a snap of my children as they were making silly faces or capturing friends and family's pictures just for fun. I found that people were no longer updating pictures in their home, but only on their Facebook timelines. That was SO sad to me. That is when I started photographing more families, which lead into the other areas of photography.

 When did you decide to make photography your profession?

It was in April 2013 when I booked my first "mini sessions." I stepped out of the box and came out on my Facebook photography page that I was ready to start building my photography business. This meant I was going to start photographing people besides my friends & family. I was absolutely scared to death that no one was going to book a session. But then, I got my first inquiry/booking and I told myself, "even if I only book one person, who cares, I am doing what I love!" I feel like that is what has kept me going since that very moment. No matter what happens and no matter who books with me (or doesn’t), it only matters that I love what I am doing.

What were your biggest hurdles when you started your photography business?

What isn’t a hurdle when starting any business? (Insert chuckle) I feel like my biggest hurdle was/is time management. Because I have a serious addiction to taking pictures and the editing process, I have a hard time pulling away from the computer. But, the best part about working for yourself is that YOU CAN! Take time to be with your family, play with your kids, and enjoy life! Your photos and editing will all be there when you get back ;)

What is the the best advice you received when you were starting out?

A great photographer in my area, that has been an influential person to me said, "STOP COMPARING YOURSELF to others!"  You have to tell yourself that everyone has different styles, different personalities, and different photography.   It doesn’t matter how many "LIKES" you have on Facebook.

Are you full time or part time right now?

As of April of this year I am 100% full time. I put God, my hubby, and my 3 beautiful children first, and then I can give 100% to my photography. I am photographing between 10-15 clients per month.

Do you shoot natural light or studio light and why?

I have a Westcott softbox for gloomy days (since I live on the southern Oregon coast), but I mainly shoot natural light. I love adjusting to light. I love seeing it change, and how it can totally change a picture.  In the last few months I have started using reflectors…they can be your best friend!

What changes would you like to see in your business over the next year?

My studio.  I would love to be able to start building a place that my clients can come to, truly relax and be at ease. I would also love to get to the point where I can host workshops and have the place to do them.  Shooting indoors with studio lights is perfect for those long gloomy Winter months that we get here.

What software do you use to edit your images? And what do you like most about it?

I use my iMac with Lightroom 5. I use PS6 for specific things, such as advertisements, custom greeting cards, e-guides for my clients, etc. I love being able to easily adjust my white balance, throw in a fun sun flare overlay preset or just go in and sharpen eyes. Lightroom is so user friendly and easy to use.

What motivates you each day to pick up your camera and shoot?

I would have to say my husband. He has been such an encouragement to me throughout this whole process. His support and love is what keeps me going. When you get a nasty email from someone or you feel like you are just treading water with your business, he is there to say, “it’s just a season, keep your head up.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I would like to see myself with a strong photography business, specializing in maternity and newborns. I would love to offer workshops or tools to other photographers that might help them with their businesses. I feel like I have been blessed by so many along the way, that I would love to be able to bless someone else. 

About the Artist:  Kimber Ouellette is a photographer based out of Oregon.  She specializes in newborn photography and is watching her dream of starting a photography business come to life with the help of family, friends and amazing clients.  For the past year she has been photographing families, couples, seniors, children, and babies.  She has made it her current goal to specialize in newborns, as well as maternity.  Visit Kimber on her Facebook and Instagram pages.