Children's Photography with Guest Lynne Williams - The PRO EDU Podcast S10 E11

Embarking on a journey in the realm of photography often begins with an aspiration to capture moments and preserve memories. For Lynn Williams, a photographer with an affinity for bokeh andportrait photography, this venture initiated with the simple desire to photograph her children. Fuelled by the enchantment found in her own wedding photographs, her passion swiftly transformed from a budding interest to a heartfelt pursuit, leading her to acquire a Canon 600D. Despite initial technical challenges and the demands of raising a young family, Williams's dedication never waned. A constant thirst for knowledge propelled her to improve her craft through resources such as tutorials and camera clubs. Watch episode here.

Today, with the Canon 135mm F2 lens as her favorite tool, Williams carves out a niche in the photographic field, specializing in children's portraits with a timeless, vintage aesthetic. Her journey from hobbyist to professional is a testament to the power of resilience and community in the arts. Camera clubs and a supportive family played pivotal roles in her development, allowing her to hone a distinctive style amidst a supportive backdrop. Venturing beyond people, she now gracefully integrates pet photography into her portfolio, leveraging the close bond owners share with their furry companions.

Key Takeaways

• Lynn Williams is recognized for her bokeh-rich portrait photography, primarily focusing on children and branching into pet photography.
• Her evolution as a photographer was bolstered by her community, especially camera clubs, and her dedication to learning.
• Williams's style is distinguished by its vintage flair and natural settings, reflecting her preference for timeless imagery and connection with nature.

Overview of the Podcast Conversation

In the latest installment of the ProAdu Podcast, listeners get a glimpse into the world of portrait photography through the lens of the acclaimed lens artist, Lynn Williams. Renowned for her exceptional skill in creating enchanting bokeh effects, Lynn shares insights about her craft, her equipment of choice, and her journey into photography.

At the heart of her photographic toolkit is the Canon 135mm F2 lens, a piece of equipment she holds in high regard and attributes to the distinct look in her portraits. While her portfolio prominently features children, Lynn has recently expanded her scope to include pet photography, tapping into the affinity people have for capturing memories of their beloved companions.

Lynn's narrative of becoming a photographer is both personal and relatable. Without any formal equipment in her early days, she embraced the joy of capturing moments on film. This passion endured and grew, leading to a pivotal moment when her second wedding photographer inspired her to pursue photography seriously. Gifted with a Canon 600D by her husband, Lynn embarked on a transformative journey, honing her craft with relentless dedication, research, and community support from a camera club. This club played a pivotal role, offering a weekly gathering of like-minded enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and camaraderie among a diverse array of genres.

As she refined her artistry, Lynn developed a signature style with a vintage flavor, drawing influence from historical aesthetics and nature. Her work weaves a nostalgic tapestry reminiscent of bygone eras, with settings and costumes that transport viewers to a world both familiar and fantastical. While possessing a studio for indoor captures, Lynn finds her muse in outdoor settings, crafting vibrant narratives within the Welsh landscapes that surround her.

Listeners are invited to delve into Lynn’s Instagram to behold her compelling style, where each photo commands an unmistakable identity and a testament to her clients' adoration. This episode not only illuminates Lynn Williams' expertise but also provides a warm encouragement for emerging photographers to immerse themselves in continuous learning and to find their distinct voice in the vast world of photography.

Greeting Lynn Williams

Let's dive straight into our latest ProAdu Podcast episode, where we've had the pleasure of engaging with the talented Welsh photographer Lynn Williams, affectionately hailed as the monarch of bokeh. Lynn's gifted hands and keen eye for depth of field are shaping the portrait photography landscape, specifically with the use of her favored Canon 135mm F2 lens. It's no wonder the lens ranks highly in her toolkit, considering the enchanting results it delivers.

During our conversation, Lynn candidly shared her profound affinity for f/2 as her aperture of choice, shedding light on how this preference influences her aesthetic. It's clear that Lynn's body of work, particularly her stunning child portraits, emanates a unique, cohesive style. This, coupled with her recent foray into pet photography, has expanded the realms of her expertise, with a playful nod to the ease of collaborating with canine subjects.

Focal Points	Details
Lens of Choice	Canon 135mm F2
Specialization	Child and Pet Portraits
Signature Style	Vintage and Nature-Inspired

Lynn's journey into photography narrates a tale of passion ignited from capturing moments of her offspring, cementing a love for the art form through eras of both film and digital. The turning point came after marveling at her own nuptial photographs, prompting a venture into the craft, supported by her spouse's gift of a Canon 600D. Lynn's relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery over her equipment is both commendable and inspiring, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning and community engagement through her active participation in a local camera club.

The club, steeped in camaraderie and diversity of practice, offered her opportunities to refine her skills and indulge in varied genres alongside her peers, with frequent meetups adding richness to her experiential journey.

Lynn's stylistic evolution into creating timeless portraits with an antique allure, dovetails with her distaste for modern design and preference for the alluring charm of the past. This thematic choice is thoughtfully integrated into her styling choices, harkening back to era-specific attire and settings that collectively craft a deeply nostalgic tableau in her composition.

Evolutionary Milestones	Descriptions
Early Days	Motivated by capturing childhood memories
Inspirational Turn	Transfixed by wedding photography excellence
Development Phase	Enhanced skillset through active learning and engagement
Style Realization	Embracing vintage aesthetics and natural elements

Beyond the outdoor wonderment of the Welsh landscape that lends itself to her photography, Lynn is equally proficient in conjuring magic within the confines of her studio, choosing to showcase her personal vision on platforms like Instagram, while catering to client demands through her Facebook page. Thus, her works on social media become a narrative, an intimate glimpse into her vivid, creative world.

Exploring Optics and Image Aesthetics

In the realm of portrait photography, the selection of apertures and lenses plays a pivotal role in defining the aesthetic of an image. A particularly beloved aperture among photographers is f/2, renowned for its capacity to create a shallow depth of field and produce a creamy background blur, popularly known as bokeh. This effect is highly sought after, especially when capturing portraits that exude a soft, magical atmosphere.

The Canon 135mm F2 lens stands out for its exceptional ability to render this effect, elevating it to a prominent status among portrait photographers. It is often hailed as one of the top choices for its remarkable sharpness and clarity, while simultaneously allowing for a beautifully blurred background, which helps subjects stand out.

Specializing primarily in child portraiture, the employment of this lens has become a signature aspect of photographers who aim to capture the whimsy and innocence of childhood. The choice of gear is deliberate to ensure that each photograph resonates with a sense of timelessness and enchantment.

Not only confined to the portrayal of young individuals, this optical preference has been extended to encompass the world of pet photography. The universal appeal of pets and children as subjects is well-recognized, with many willing to invest significantly in preserving cherished memories of their furry companions and offspring.

The journey to mastering portrait photography often starts with a passion for capturing personal moments, like those with one's children, which then blossoms into a more profound exploration of the craft. The progression from entry-level equipment to professional-grade gear like the Canon 5D Mark III represents a leap in both capability and creative potential. As photographers navigate through the intricacies of their tools, from understanding camera settings to refining composition, the value of resources such as camera clubs and educational content becomes indispensable.

Camera clubs, in particular, provide an invaluable community for photographers to acquire knowledge, practice various genres, and participate in social activities, reinforcing the art of photography as a collaborative and ever-evolving journey.

In the development of one's distinctive style, influences such as a preference for vintage aesthetics can guide the artistic direction. The desire to evoke the charm of bygone eras can be meticulously reflected in the stylistic choices made for each photo session, from wardrobe to location. Creating visual narratives that transport viewers to a different time and place becomes part of a photographer's unique imprint on their work.

As photographers establish their visual identity, their skill in creating distinct, immersive worlds within their images garners appreciation from both their subjects and a wider audience. The interplay between the technical functions of a lens and the photographer's creative vision culminates in a portfolio that not only showcases expertise but also portrays a realm where every photograph tells its own enchanting story.

Embracing the Art of Child and Pet Portrait Photography

Portrait photography is a realm where the photographer's skill merges with personal vision to create art that is both timeless and evocative. Welsh photographer Lynn Williams has distinguished herself in this field, becoming known for her enchanting portraits that seem to whisk us away to bygone eras.

Williams's commitment to childhood wonder is evident in her work. Specializing in child portraiture, she captures the innocence and curiosity of youth with a nostalgic flair. Outdoor settings, often rural or reminiscent of idyllic storybooks, serve as the perfect backdrop for her subjects, embedding each photograph with a sense of narrative and timelessness.

Photography for Williams began as a personal quest to document the lives of her children. Filled with passion but constrained by equipment, it wasn't until a personal milestone that her path shifted. A gift from her husband, a Canon 600D, marked the start of a transformative journey into the professional sphere. The pursuit of improvement led her to upgrade her equipment further, eventually choosing the Canon 5D Mark III as her trusty companion.

Her preferred tool of the trade, the Canon 135mm F2 lens, is essential in creating her signature bokeh, the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photo. This lens choice conveys a depth and softness that gently isolates subjects, integrating them harmoniously with their surroundings.

Beyond children, Williams has ventured into pet photography, sparked by the companionship of her own dog and the realization of how much people value their pets. Her pet portraits echo the same artistic sensibilities found in her child portraits—fulfilling the desires of clients who view their pets as cherished family members.

Williams attributes part of her photographic development to the support of a local camera club. The club fostered a sense of community and provided practical knowledge to navigate her equipment effectively. This camaraderie and shared learning experience propelled her forward, complementing her autodidactic immersion into photography through online resources.

The vintage essence that permeates Williams's work is intentional, reflecting her personal tastes for older, Edwardian and Victorian styles. By weaving these elements into her portraits, she ensures that each piece is more than a sum of its parts—it's a portal to an era she holds dear. Her Instagram, curated as a visual diary, showcases this personal aesthetic, while her Facebook page addresses the commercial aspect of studio photography.

Williams continues her artistic journey, ever-evolving and refining her style, which remains rooted in an affinity for nature and history. Her unique vision, coupled with a dedication to her craft, solidifies her as a prominent figure in the world of portrait photography.

Photography Pursuits

Photography is not merely a profession, but a continuously evolving passion that transforms and shapes the vision of an artist. This transformative journey has been realized by Lynn Williams, a photographer renowned for her mastery of depth of field and her unique crafting of bokeh in portrait images. Bokeh is the artistic quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph.

As an artist specializing in capturing the delicate innocence of childhood, Lynn has chosen to focus primarily on children's portraits. Over time, she has expanded her subjects to include our beloved pets, acknowledging the deep investments people make towards their companions.

Lynn recalls her photographic aspirations beginning with a simple desire: to create lasting memories through the photographs of her children. Despite originally lacking high-end equipment and dedicated cameras, her pursuit was fueled solely by this passion. After all, photography for her was about the sentiment imbued in each print, a tangible gateway to the past.

The turning point came post her second wedding, as she found herself inspired by her wedding photographer's exceptional work. Gifted with a Canon 600D by her supportive husband, Lynn embarked on a self-driven quest to improve her craft, despite the initial frustrations met at the crossroads of creativity and technical skills.

Encouraged to reach new creative heights after witnessing the impressive works of Elena Shumilova, Lynn felt compelled to upgrade her gear to a Canon 5D Mark III. This significant move marked a new chapter, dedicated to mastering the camera's capabilities. Membership at a local camera club provided her with a community of enthusiastic peers, offering guidance and creative camaraderie. Their weekly gatherings and excursions became a fertile ground for honing her skills across various photographic genres.

Lynn's lyrical narrative is chronicled through the vintage essence of her photos. She intentionally styles her subjects and selects locations that evoke a sense of a bygone era, transporting viewers to an almost mythical time. Despite her periodic use of a studio for certain assignments, her preferred canvas remains the great outdoors. Instagram serves as the primary platform showcasing her signature style, which weaves natural scenery with her love for the vintage aesthetic.

Tool of Choice

Camera & Lens:

• Canon 135mm F2

Preferred camera settings:

• Aperture: F2

Community Involvement

Camera Club:

• Benefits: Skill enhancement, creative support
• Activities: Photography excursions, genre exploration, social events

Crafting a Unique Style

Elements of Style:

• A vintage look reflecting past eras (Victorian, Edwardian)
• Natural and rustic settings

Photography Domains:

• Outdoor and studio sessions
• Platforms: Primarily Instagram, studio work on Facebook

Subject Matter:

• Focus: Children's portraiture, pet photography
• Approach: Creating timeless images

In conclusion, Lynn Williams' artistic journey is a testament to the alchemy of talent, dedication, and unending curiosity. As she continues to capture images that resonate with emotion and a sense of timelessness, it is evident that her journey with the camera is far from over. Each frame is a reflection of her commitment to growth and her unwavering pursuit of creating ethereal moments frozen in time.

From Casual Photography to Full-fledged Profession

Photography has always resonated with me, since the days of film cameras and the pure joy of capturing moments. It began with snapping countless pictures of my children, creating albums filled with precious memories. Despite the desire for an SLR camera, financial constraints limited me to more modest equipment, but my passion for photography never waned.

Years later, a renewed inspiration struck upon seeing my own wedding photos, captured by the talented Russell Bradley. The images stirred a deep desire to create similar art. Fortunate enough to have a supportive partner, I received a Canon 600D as a gift. Eagerly, I experimented with various lenses and techniques, albeit with more enthusiasm than skill initially.

As life progressed, photography was temporarily placed on hold, but interest never faded. Discovering Elena Shumilova's work was a turning point, pushing me to pursue photography with renewed vigor. Convincing my husband that a camera upgrade was necessary, I acquired a Canon 5D Mark III, which presented a steep learning curve without the automatic settings I was accustomed to.

To master this new tool, I joined a local camera club. The meetings were a hub of knowledge, and the members, though mostly retired and therefore available for daytime gatherings, became my mentors. Together, we explored a plethora of photographic genres – from portrait sessions to macro photography, enjoying a blend of camaraderie and creativity. It became clear that such clubs offer invaluable experiences and I urge any enthusiast to become involved in similar communities.

Personal growth in photography demanded dedication, and I devoted years to absorbing every bit of knowledge—composition, settings, and all facets related to the craft—often favoring educational YouTube videos and blogs over television.

Embracing a specific visual theme, my work predominantly spotlights children and recently expanded to include pets, particularly dogs. This decision was influenced both by personal interest and economic logic, as people invest significantly in cherished companions. My affinity for vintage aesthetics strongly informs the styling of my images, where I create timeless portraits with an almost historical essence, favoring natural environments and vintage attire. Even with a well-equipped studio for indoor shoots, my Instagram gallery showcases outdoor adventures – a personal narrative crafted with careful attention to a style that whispers of bygone eras.

As for lens preference, the Canon 135mm F2 stands unrivaled, a faithful companion that consistently delivers the enchanting bokeh defining my portrait work. The results of this creative journey resonate with clients who treasure the unique portraits, evidence of a clear, established style that sets my work apart.

My journey in photography remains an unending quest for improvement and discovery. With the ever-evolving array of products and techniques, this art form continues to present new horizons to explore and master.

Photography Enthusiasm and Club Participation

Photography has become not just a means to capture moments but also a medium to express creativity and emotional depth. Among enthusiasts, especially those fascinated with portraiture, certain lenses have become tools of choice. An esteemed portrait photographer, widely recognized for their skill in creating a distinct bokeh effect in child portraits, swears by the Canon 135mm F2 lens. The enchanting blur it provides backgrounds, brings the subject—often children or, increasingly, pets—right into the viewer's focus. This choice of equipment signifies an unwavering dedication to a specific aesthetic that transcends mere technique into a style bearing the individual stamp of the artist.

Engagement in the Community

• Joined a local camera club
• Weekly meetups with a variety of experience levels, including retired individuals
• Exchanged knowledge and improved photography skills
• Explored different photography genres
• Enjoyed social aspects like going out for coffee

Photographic Journey and Learning Curve

• Transitioned from a basic camera to a professional Canon model
• Initial challenges in operating advanced camera features
• Commitment to self-improvement through extensive research and practice
• Mastery of composition and camera settings

Contribution and Impact of Camera Clubs

• Camera clubs serve as nurturing grounds for budding photographers
• Offer hands-on help and mentoring
• Promote trying new techniques and genres
• Foster a spirit of camaraderie and shared passion

Personal Style Development

• A vintage aesthetic inspired by a love for history and nature
• Crafting images that evoke a sense of the past
• Cultivating a personal narrative through outdoor and occasionally indoor photography

Shared Knowledge and Growth

• Encouraged others to join camera clubs to learn and grow
• Emphasized the importance of continuous learning in photography

In essence, the involvement in community clubs and personal photographic endeavors has not only honed artistic skills but has also built a network of support and shared learning, illustrating the significant role that community interaction plays in the development of a photographer's craft.

Cultivating Your Photographic Identity

Photography offers an endless journey of creative exploration. One aspect central to my work is the use of a signature lens, the Canon 135mm F2, affectionately known as the "queen of bokeh." This exceptional lens is pivotal in shaping the unique look within my portraits, particularly when shooting at my favored aperture, F2. This tool is a constant companion in my photographic endeavors, contributing to the consistent style that others have come to recognize in my images.

Specializing in Portraiture:

• Primary Focus: Children
• Expansion into Pet Photography: Due to their ease as subjects and the value owners place on pet portraits.

The evolution of my photographic journey commenced with a simple desire to capture moments of my children, which spanned back to the days of film photography. The turning point was witnessing the artistry in my wedding photos, which sparked a profound desire to pursue photography seriously. With the loving support of my husband, who gifted me with a Canon 600D, and later on, a Canon 5D Mark III, I was propelled into the world of professional photography.

Community Engagement:

• Camera Club Membership: Weekly meet-ups with a diverse group, ranging from hobbyists to retired enthusiasts.

Cultivation and Education:

• Self-Study: Dedicating two years to learn about composition, camera settings, and various genres via resources such as YouTube and photography blogs.
• Focus on Improvement: Reaching a level of confidence in my craft while acknowledging it's an ongoing process.

Creative Direction:

• Vintage Aesthetic: Favoring scenes and stylings from older, bygone eras, primarily Victorian and Edwardian.
• Natural Elements: Incorporating nature into my photography to enhance the timeless quality I seek.

While I do maintain a studio for indoor portrait sessions and engage with clients primarily through Facebook for studio-related work, my personal love is for creating outdoor scenarios that exude a vintage charm. These outdoor settings, as shared on Instagram, are where I freely express my creative visions.

Photography is not just about capturing what's in front of the lens; it's about crafting a window into a moment in time, a hinted narrative, or a whispered story. Establishing a theme, be it vintage in my case, requires persistence and consistency, ensuring that every photo tells part of a greater story.

Preferences for Photographic Tools and Environment

As a Welsh photographer renowned for the enchanting bokeh in my portraits, the choice of equipment is pivotal to achieving the signature aesthetic. A prime lens, specifically the Canon 135mm F2, has become the cornerstone for its remarkable capacity to render out-of-focus areas. Admittedly, this lens has earned its place as my sole tool for capturing images.

Primarily focusing on photographing children, I've recently branched out to include canines in my portfolio. The simplicity of working with these subjects complements my approach and contributes to a growing clientele interested in pet portraits.

The journey into photography began with a desire to immortalize my own children's moments. Progressing from a simple camera purchased at an electronics store to the technologically advanced Canon 5D Mark III, the evolution has been a commitment to excellence. It was following the profound impact of my wedding photography that the shift from a casual enthusiast to a passionate professional started to unfold.

Joining a local camera club became a pivotal step, offering guidance and support which was invaluable to my growth. These encounters, coupled with relentless self-education through online resources, were instrumental in honing my craft. This learning curve underscored the importance of mastering the technical aspects such as composition and camera settings.

The choice of f-stop, the aperture setting on my lens, is integral to the style curated over the years. The f-stop I prefer is F2, which allows for a shallow depth of field that helps highlight the subject crisply while rendering the surrounding milieu into a soft, dreamy backdrop.

Stylistically, the pursuit to evoke a vintage aura in photographs shapes my approach. My preference for timeless themes and natural vistas dictates that I outfit my subjects in a manner reminiscent of bygone eras, particularly the Victorian and Edwardian periods. This style preference seamlessly melds with the bucolic landscapes of Wales.

While outdoor photography remains my primary milieu, where the landscapes of Wales offer an idyllic canvas, I also maintain a studio for indoor portraits. However, my online presence, especially on Instagram, is reserved for showcasing the personal and whimsical narratives that I craft, which reflect my vision and creative philosophy.

Participating actively in a community with shared interests continues to be rewarding. The experience provided by camera clubs is valued for its camaraderie, diverse experimentation with photographic genres, and the opportunity to collectively indulge in our craft.

By consciously merging technical mastery with a distinct stylistic choice, I have carved a niche within the realm of portrait photography. The pursuit of this vision continues as both a personal endeavor and a professional offering.