• {What the blog is about}

    -Pay It Forward verb- 1. to repay the good deeds one has received by doing good things for other unrelated people. 

    Most photographers spend loads of money on gear, camera equipment, and other photography related needs.  Its the relationships and sense of community that makes being a photographer unlike any other profession.  Lets Pay It Forward and make our industry a better place.

    If you have information, an action or experience that you feel others can gain from, please forward it to us to post on the PIF site.  If you have benefited from or been inspired by something here on this site, we ask you to pay it forward when the opportunity presents itself.


Tamara Lackey’s Big Give {…part one}

*** GIVEAWAY:  You will LOVE this!!! Tamara Lackey has offered us the hugely popular Inside Contemporary Children’s Photography DVD which we are awarding to one lucky winner —>

Join Tamara Lackey for some detailed hands-on instruction as she photographs a variety of children and families in the studio, on location, and at a client’s home.  Along the way, Tamara will explain – and show you – what you need to know to run a successful portrait photography business, including studio and lighting set up, interacting with a diverse mix of children, shooting specifics (composition, posing, technical settings), digital workflow and how to manage the growth of your business.  Produced and directed by the Emmy award-winning Rex Ballard.

TO ENTER THE RANDOM DRAWING, simply share your comments below. Drawing will occur next Tuesday, 9/07/2010. ***


She’s all that, I assure you.  Timeless, lively, full of heart, playful, warm, compassionate and genuine.  When I started to describe this photographer and her images, it struck me that they are one and the same.  Seriously.

Tamara Lackey’s photography shares her subjects beautifully while giving us an unintentional glimpse of Tamara herself. I’ve come across many talented photographers but know so few who are intertwined with their images like a storytelling, double helix the way she is.  They are inseparable.

I’m warning you. Meeting Tamara is a bit electric with her bubbly enthusiasm, southern charm, and quick wit. She emits a positive, real-deal energy that breaks down barriers makes you instant friends. She’s free of guise the way children are naturally.  She’ll make you laugh. Here’s the Q & A with one of my heroes.


{Leigh} Tell us about what lured you into photography and what keeps you passionate about it now?

{Tamara} I was lured into photography because it requires little emotional investment, only a few hours a week of focused time, a huge guaranteed salary, and the always comforting consistency of knowing that the industry never changes. Also riding unicorns to work was a nice perk.
What keeps me passionate today? All kidding aside, the fact that I happen to know I’d shrivel up with boredom if that fantasy land were actually true. (Well, the unicorns would be awesome – but, y’know, the rest.). I think we naturally tend to yearn for solid ground when things are really unsettling – yet rarely feel truly joyful in a moderately content state.  Photography is a profession that many choose because it IS a passion.  It consists of a whole lot of ups and downs, financially and emotionally.  We can pull off a killer shoot and be thrilled with our results one day and then tumble into a major unexpectedly client issue the next day that leaves us reeling – and it’s so up and down because it’s our work and our reputation and our profession and, in the end, that really, really matters.
That’s one big reason why I feel passionate about photography now.
{Leigh} What part of being a photographer, business owner, writer, teacher, and mom makes you think “dream job” and what part makes you want pull your hair out?

{Tamara} Hah. Let’s start with the hair.
I’ve come to terms with recognizing that my biggest problem is that I want to do a great many things – be there for my children and watch as they change daily, engage in some very meaningful conversations with a lot of people, travel all over this world, write, write, write – and shoot some damn fine photographs along the way.
The dreamy part is that I actually get to do these things I love – I was going to either be a teacher, writer or photographer.  And I was always, always going to be mommy.  Somehow I’ve found a way to naturally blend these roles.  I just want to tear my hair out when I make the mistake of trying to perform all those roles at the exact same time – it’s not very enjoyable to try to do so, and I get worse at everything when I try to pull that off.  I’m tuning into that now more than ever.
{Leigh} Having watched your fabulous DVD Inside Contemporary Children’s Photography countless times, I find that it serves as a tremendous reveal for photographers in all areas of portraiture, not limited to children. In fact, I’ve taken your advice and have started chasing/play fighting with the grown ups I photograph and I can tell you that is working very well. (kidding. kind of.) But back to you, tell us about the expeirerience of making the fabulous DVD with Producer/Director Rex Ballard and your reaction to it’s rave reviews.

{Tamara} First of all, thank you. I quite love that you’ve enjoyed it.

Basically, we wanted to create an experience that walked viewers through the in’s & out’s of contemporary children’s photography, presenting either new ideas or just re-invigorating shooters to experience their sessions differently.  We wanted to offer the entire production in a “shadowing the photographer” kind of way.
We both needed it to feel very real, which is why Rex just filmed me in everyday shoots in the studio, on location and at a client’s home.  We had zero scripting – Rex would ask me questions, I’d answer them, he’d edit out my awkward/inappropriate responses (my sense of humor can get weird) and what was left provided much of the content of our voiceovers and walthroughs.  He basically pointed the camera at me, said go, and the cut it all together in a way that seriously surprised me. In such a good way:)

{Leigh} What quality would you consider paramount to your success as a photographer?

It’s funny, the things we take for granted about our intuition, our ability to read people and respond in a way that’s deeply true to what they’re constantly telling us. ~Tamara Lackey
I don’t get visions or messages transmitted to me from the spirit world, mind you (although omg it would be AWESOME if I did/could), but when I really focus on observing and emotionally responding to all my subject isn’t verbalizing … that’s when I capture images that I know have led to my success in this field.
{Leigh} Not many people can pull off wearing braids during a photo shoot but believe me it works for you. Tell us what keeps you so young.

{Tamara} Good question!:) My 8 year-old went through a big phase of wearing braids all the time, for years – and she often wanted me to wear my hair that way, too.  So, um, I did.  Now, of course, she’s moved on to more elegant hair fashions – yet here I remain.  It does keep my hair out of my face on shoots, though, which I appreciate.  In terms of just youthful energy, though, so many of us know that like acting like a kid is just more fun. But of course we also know we have responsibilities and deadlines and bills to pay and mountains of emails to climb through and it’s sooo easy to get stuck in the exhausting cycle of overwhelmed and over-busy.  I call it the rabbit hole of negativity, and goodness knows I have peered in quite closely.  But the type of work I do and the type of relationship I want to have with my children doesn’t allow me to stay stuck in super adult for long, and it’s simply not in my nature to have much patience with the dryness of it.

{Leigh} When you were a little girl, what did you dream of being? Now what do you dream of being?

{Tamara} I used to dream of riding my horse to my busy office, where I’d sit at my desk and stamp on papers and type out memos.
I’m dead serious.  I had an imaginary horse that I’d ride everywhere (and I will not even tell you how long my imaginary friend existed, but let’s just say I was often seen riding an invisible creature past the age of 10) and I found the business-type work of paperclipping documents to be deeply satisfying.
Now I dream of simply being myself without apology – I know I’m a better person to those I love when I am.
I just have to keep reminding myself to do that.
{Leigh} Your talk with Dane Sanders on {ASKDANE.COM} about the notion of stopping the multi-tasking madness was very intriguing.  Was there a balancing act tipping point for you? What made you hone in on single-task thinking?

{Tamara} Absolutely.  I started realizing that the tight feeling I’d get in my chest when I was trying to juggle everything at the same time was a flippin’ alarm bell that was telling me to stop.  Mostly, I realized that I had a created this illusion with my family and friends that they could always jump right into whatever I was doing and ask a question or hand me something to review, or start a full-on discussion while I was mid-involved-task.  It had been my fault, because I had successfully projected this image of myself as someone who could really do everything without missing a beat.  I was feeling overwhelmed but just kept saying, “I got it, sure, what’s up?”.
It took me a while to recognize that I had to change my behavior and better communicate to everyone around me, “Sure – but, in a minute, please. I’d love to finish this first”.  A small thing, but it really helped to know that was even an option.  Once I realized the difference that felt like internally, to be able to finish one thing before the next task, I got really interested in studying single-task thinking – only to learn some dramatic things about how multitasking is making us all a bit (more) crazy.
{Leigh} Clearly you contribute generously to your community of photographers and organizations like WPPI, PPA, NAPCP and DWF leaving the industry better because of it.  We adore that in you. What impact has your work with these organizations had on you, personally?

{Tamara} I don’t think you can underestimate the value of community.  There’s all kinds of talk out there about online communities, social media, etc.  But at the heart of it, we feel less alone in this world when we can genuinely connect with others.  I don’t think that receiving a handwritten note in my mailbox is necessarily more “real” than a heartfelt email I receive from someone in any number of these communities.  The feeling that others care about you, the work you produce, and your relationship with them …. that’s a really big deal.
{Leigh} Do you mind sharing with us your bag of tricks (camera & goodies.) What might we be surprised to find in there? …

{Tamara} I shoot with Canon gear – the 5D Mark II and the 1D Mark II (which I joke is actually a vintage camera, now that it’s five years old).  My favorite lenses are the 24-70 2.8 and the 85 1.2, although I’m kind of a lens junkie.  I have nearly the whole line;) I use a reflector quite often and am using scrims more and more.  I carry backups of everything.  Lens cloths & cleaners are mandatory because something is always licking my lens.  Feel free to read into that whatever you wish.  And Lipstick!  I tend to interact a great deal with my subjects, and I’m addicted to lipstick, chapstick, gloss.
I firmly believe that dry lips lead to out-of-focus shots.
{Leigh, who is searching for lip gloss…} Your myriad of portrait subjects ranges from children, families, celebrities, orphans, brides & grooms, heads of state. Your images all end up full of personality, depth, poignant emotion, exuberance, and calm.  How do you approach a photography session with President Barack Obama and one with a reluctant child differently?  What remains the same?

{Tamara} First of all, a sincere thanks for that kind assessment.  What is different typically tends to be the amount of time you have with a subject, which can affect the pace of a shoot.  With a reluctant child, I can wait them out and still get what I’m seeking.  When I’m granted 15 minutes with a high-profile individual who cannot veer 2 minutes off their schedule, then I need to make it work in that time period.
What remains the same is that you’re approaching a human being on this planet, and it’s really as plain as that.  I will definitely feel the sensation of “I want to get this right”, but I rarely feel intimidated photographing more high-profile individuals because I have yet to meet one person who doesn’t feel the all of it – the hype of their branded name is there, sure, but the other side of what makes them human doesn’t show up in the glossy press. The discouragement, the embarrassment, the disappointment, the loneliness.  We all share that lower range of our emotions, and it is the great leveler between us.
Since I see so much more of the emotional body of an individual rather than anything formally written up about them … well, I just photograph what I see.
My images may have personality, but my subjects are the goldmines.
{Leigh} Who/What inspires you?  Who/What energizes you? Who/What fills your heart with laughter?

{Tamara} I’ve said this before, but it’s the base of what inspires me and it’s incredibly true for me:
I am inspired by individuals who uplift others through their kindness, courage, and strength.
I am inspired by people who care less about what is socially acceptable and more about what is true.
I am inspired by people who try.
I am energized by heart and spirit and people doing more than they thought they could.
And my heart is flooded beyond measure with the laughter of my three astonishingly beautiful children.

{Leigh} Tell us what’s around the corner for Tamara Lackey in the coming year?

{Tamara} Well, in early October, my production partner Rex Ballard and I will finally be releasing a consumer-based project that we’ve been working on all year.  Even longer, with all the planning.
A very different thing than I’ve ever done before, full of potential but absent of sure-thing-ishness.
I have no idea what will happen, but we’ve been working really hard on it – and we’re going to try:)
We are so grateful for the opportunity to get to know Tamara better, to share that with you all here on the Pay It Forward Photography Resource blog and to get to give away this yummy gift to one of you lucky people. Here are a few ways to connect with Tamara:
Written by PIF blogger,
resident social media evangelist,
Leigh Caraccioli { @fleurdeleigh }
Share and Enjoy:
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August 31, 2010 - 7:56 am

Catherine - Wow! This truly is a BIG GIVE! As I watched Jasmine Star for 5 straight days, I couldn’t help but wish for someone to do a child session. I would LOVE to win this. Her photos are so inspiring and full of emotion!

August 31, 2010 - 7:58 am

Becky - ME ME ME!! I would love this incredible DVD!!

August 31, 2010 - 8:01 am

Diana - I would SO love to win this! I am a huge fan of Tamara!

August 31, 2010 - 8:03 am

PaveiPhotos - Great interview! Quite inspiring! Love your personally Tamara!

August 31, 2010 - 8:22 am

Joani Woemmel - I met Tamara at WPPI and found her exciting and entertaining. Now having read about her and seeing some of her work I am truly enthusiastic about seeing and learning more. Thanks for the chance ; ) Joani

August 31, 2010 - 8:25 am

Melissa E - I would absolutely love to win this DVD. Im jsut getting started as a photographer and I know this information would be priceless.

August 31, 2010 - 8:32 am

mariana herrera mosli - Thanks for sharing so much info Tamara! You have lovely work! :)

All our best,
Mariana & Khaled
Kismis Ink Photography

August 31, 2010 - 8:32 am

Clark Sanders - Oh WOW! A Tamara Lackey DVD – that would be AMAZING!! I purchased your book and absolutely love it! I heard you speak at Imaging USA in Nashville and you were so amazing. As soon as I heard you were going to have a DVD, I was so excited.

Have a great week!

August 31, 2010 - 8:32 am

Helena Knox - I’m a neophyte photographer and have so much to learn; I’d love to learn from the best!

August 31, 2010 - 8:33 am

Heather Byrd - I absolutely LOVE Tamara Lackey! I had the honor of seeing her class at Imaging this year and she is just phenomenal! Her work is amazing but her personality and how she relates to people is what makes her a fabulous photographer.

August 31, 2010 - 8:33 am

keri - tamara is so inspiring – she is a gift to industry :) grateful to follow her adventures..

August 31, 2010 - 8:34 am

Melanie Holtsman - What an inspirational photographer. Her images here are stunning.

August 31, 2010 - 8:34 am

Jennifer Lebron - I absolutely LOVE your answer for “What inspires you.” Atypical, love it. ;)

August 31, 2010 - 8:35 am

Sarah T - I love these photos! I just got back from a vacation where I took lots of pictures of my friends kids. Seeing how excited the parents were for the pictures makes me want to learn more about child photography!

August 31, 2010 - 8:35 am

Luke Orwin - Great interview and amazing photos. Looking forward to learning more when I win the DVD (Power of positive thinking).

August 31, 2010 - 8:35 am

Karen Savignon - what a great interview!! Thanks for sharing!!

looking forward to the giveaway!

August 31, 2010 - 8:36 am

Brianne - What a great interview. I’d love to win the DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 8:38 am

Hilary Mercer - I love Tamara. She’s awesome. I would love to get my hands on that DVD. Thanks!

August 31, 2010 - 8:41 am

Brad Patrick - Love her work and will eventually make it to one of her classes or photgraphy talks. Thanks for the excellent article.

August 31, 2010 - 8:42 am

Mei - Great interview with Tamara! I love it!

August 31, 2010 - 8:44 am

Mei - Thank you for this great interview with Tamara Lackey!

August 31, 2010 - 8:46 am

Meredith Daniels - Wonderful, inspiring article!

August 31, 2010 - 8:48 am

Pamela Davis - I loved reading and rereading this! I seen Tamara at WPPI this past year and was so inspired. I always research other photographers and their work hoping for inspiration. Sometimes, I fall away from what I feel/believe in and get discouraged because of the competition. Tamara has steered me from this. I have to remain true to myself, my work and my clients. I have to be who I am and what I want to capture. I think about her class at WPPI often and apply what I learned from there. Thank you for being wonderful!

August 31, 2010 - 8:53 am

Fabrizio Bellocchi - Tamara rules! You’re simply the best, better than all the rest, better than anyone!

August 31, 2010 - 8:53 am

Megan - What a wonderful giveaway!! :)

August 31, 2010 - 8:54 am

Ray Ferguson - I love Tamara! She is one of the most amazing women I have ever had the priviledge of meeting. So inspiring and sincere! Thanks to her, I decided to fish instead of cut bait, and launched my new website TODAY! Wonderful post, Leigh! :)

August 31, 2010 - 8:55 am

Cherie-Lynn - What a great interview, thank you. I have to admit that I have Tamara’s book and loved it so much that I bought the kindle version as well for my iPad. Tamara you are a kind & generous person, thank you.

August 31, 2010 - 8:56 am

Melissa Howlett - Thanks for the Q&A!

August 31, 2010 - 8:58 am

Yvonne Carreiro - Tamara! it is so gracious of you to offer your DVD as a giveaway!

I am actually watching your Kubota webinar in just a few minutes… I can’t wait!

Keep up the good work.

~Yvonne

August 31, 2010 - 9:00 am

Julie Rhodes - Tamara has the ability to capture people for who they are and tell their story. Her images are beautiful!

To own the dvd and watch Tamara behind the scenes would be incredible!

This is a huge giveaway!

August 31, 2010 - 9:01 am

Tina Ryan - I love Tamara’s work and have been eyeing this DVD up after reading her book The Art of Chuldren’s Portrait Photography. What an amazing giveaway!

August 31, 2010 - 9:02 am

Maria Pisano - I love Tamera Lackey’s style! I heard her on Dane Cooks show a little while ago and enjoyed listening to how she runs a successful business and homelife.

Thanks for providing inspirational photos! I hope one day to be as successful. In my business, I just realized I needed to raise my prices to make this work for me. I was getting crazy busy and appreciated it but really needed to change the situation up a bit. I’m definitely feeling like I’m in a slump now, having to start all over with people willing to pay what I need them to. I know it will get better, but this awesome dvd will just be incredible and help shine a little light! I’ll probably just buy it anyway…

Thanks!
Maria

August 31, 2010 - 9:03 am

Jodie Lagana - A great interview – thanks for sharing :) We can all learn a lot from Tamara

August 31, 2010 - 9:04 am

michelle - Tamara is one of my favorite photographers.

August 31, 2010 - 9:04 am

April Williams - Tamra does such beautiful work. I would love to win this DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 9:06 am

Terri Beloit - Tamara is an incredible and inspiring photographer…I had the pleasure of seeing and listenting to her at WPPI last spring! I would love her DVD…I’m in awe of her style and what an amazing person she is!

August 31, 2010 - 9:07 am

Debra Shaffer - Looking forward to your webinar today using Kubota tools. Would Love a copy of your DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 9:11 am

Amanda Norman - What a great giveaway!!! Images are amazing!!!

August 31, 2010 - 9:12 am

Christine DeLessio - Thank you for sharing this interview! I heart Tamara and her work.

August 31, 2010 - 9:14 am

Karin O’Brien - Incredibly inspirational! I think she’s my new hero too!

August 31, 2010 - 9:15 am

Chelsey - oh please pick me! i need this DVD in my life right now!

August 31, 2010 - 9:17 am

Noelle Bell - I absolutely love the images that Tamara captures and would love to win the DVD. My passion has been stirring for a long time with a degree in youth ministries and strangers children who will engage me in a grocery store, all of whom I never turn down no matter how silly the conversation! I am working on moving my business from part time to full-time, and going to school in the evenings for a photography degree. I learn so much be engaging with and seeing things set up instead of reading a how to in a book!! Tamara, your passion, humor and talen is energizing and I look forward to continued times of learning from you and your work!!!

August 31, 2010 - 9:17 am

jay beadnell - I love Tamara’s work and energy. As an up and coming photographer in the Triangle area I hope to learn as much as I can from the most successful photographer I know of.

August 31, 2010 - 9:19 am

Nicole Miles - Love your work and your willingness to share. I saw you at WPPI in March and have been thinking about your DVD ever since… if only I could afford it. To win it would be a dream!

August 31, 2010 - 9:19 am

Yannick Lacas - I love what you do Tamara, you are able to grab so much emotion in your photo. I would like to be able to take nicer pictures of my little son. I could learn a lot from your DVD.

August 31, 2010 - 9:20 am

Michelle Bowman - Comment, Comment, Comment !!!!! Keeping my fingers crossed that I win !!!

August 31, 2010 - 9:20 am

Michael Seneschal - You guys ROCK! :)

August 31, 2010 - 9:21 am

Holly B Phelan Johnson - hope i am the lucky one :)

August 31, 2010 - 9:22 am

Jen Otchy - Great interview, Leigh. I attended one of Tamara’s workshops – Not only is she a super talented photographer, but a passionate, humble person. Truly inspiring.

August 31, 2010 - 9:24 am

Sue Greetham - I saw her speak at SWPP in London in January. The man next to me leaned across and whispered ‘ You can see why the kids love her, I am completely smitten!’
Would loooooovvvveee the DVD to watch again and again and again.

August 31, 2010 - 9:25 am

Sue Greetham - Iaw her speak at SWPP in London in January. The man next to me leaned across and whispered ‘ You can see why the kids love her, I am completely smitten!’ Would loooooovvvveee to own it so I could watch it again and again and again.

August 31, 2010 - 9:26 am

Donna Lere - What is a photograph without some insight to one’s soul? Tamra without a doubt, never misses the mark!

August 31, 2010 - 9:27 am

Gary Kurtz - Truly incredible work!

August 31, 2010 - 9:28 am

Brad Matthews - Hey T! Great read. I’m trying my luck at winning the DVD, because the book kicked ass!

August 31, 2010 - 9:28 am

jill rosell - Thanks for sharing your blog interview – well done, I feel like I have a much better feel for Tamara. I would be honored to win, watch and learn from her DVD.
thx
Jill Rosell

August 31, 2010 - 9:30 am

sarah - Great interview. I loved hearing more about Tamara, I simply love her work! She seems like an amazing woman, it was really refreshing to hear about her inspiration! Thanks for posting this.

August 31, 2010 - 9:30 am

Joe Copeland - Thank you Tamara & Leigh, your work creates a challenge in me that has been missing. I have settled the so many in the past, but I am striving to be the best that I can be. Learning new things and challenging myself to create anew.

The PIF concept is one that we have been striving to live by. If we would all PIF we could make this nation the great nation that it used to be, where people cared about each other!

Thank you!

August 31, 2010 - 9:30 am

Joyce Bohm - I love everything Tamara does and was fortunate to see her at Imaging USA this year. What a treat! I would love to win this DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 9:32 am

Kristin Radermacher - Awesome. Thanks!!!

August 31, 2010 - 9:34 am

Amy Dungan - Tamara is amazing! Her work just draws you in! As someone who is working to specialize in children and families, this DVD would be a great help for me. I find children to be so much fun – they are so honest and those expressions come through so strong. I’d love to learn how to really bring that out to it’s fullest potential!

August 31, 2010 - 9:38 am

Johanna Burleson - Tamara is by far one of my favorite photographers. She is so inspiring.

August 31, 2010 - 9:38 am

Erika - This interview was great! I would love to win this DVD… thanks, PIF

August 31, 2010 - 9:39 am

CA - Giveaway is awesome! But the article is fantastic as well. My fave: “I firmly believe that dry lips lead to out-of-focus shots.” Now I know why I am addicted to lip gloss.

August 31, 2010 - 9:48 am

Nicole - Throwing my hat in the ring, so to speak :)

August 31, 2010 - 9:51 am

Kristen Johnson - I read Tamara’s book, Children’s Portrait Photography, in literally one day. I was so excited to read her insight on photographing children. Such a gift she has and so wonderful of her to share.

August 31, 2010 - 9:57 am

Toni B. - Thanks for the inspiration! Wonderful stuff!!

August 31, 2010 - 9:59 am

Kevin Bair - Tamara’s style is very unique and she’s one of my favorite photographers.

August 31, 2010 - 9:59 am

Ajit Singh - Great to see you pushing the line and being true and adventurous. Good luck with it all.

August 31, 2010 - 9:59 am

Jennifer Bonstein - Thanks for the giveaway, you are my favorite person to follow on twitter. Thanks!

August 31, 2010 - 10:03 am

Hope - I’ve met Tamara at a workshop — what a lovely person and what beautiful work. Would love a copy of her DVD.

August 31, 2010 - 10:03 am

Shannon Foote - This DVD is almost like an answer to a prayer right now!! Thank you so much for this opportunity to be able to learn from Tamara!!

August 31, 2010 - 10:03 am

Jenn Galloway - Gorgeous work! Would be fantastic to win! :)

August 31, 2010 - 10:04 am

Natasha Leigh - What a wonderful post about an amazing photographer! And thanks to Tamara for posting the link to this blog, it’s awesome too!! Please consider my name for her DVD, it’d be an awesome to watch her work!!

August 31, 2010 - 10:12 am

Debra Dean - Love you Tamara!

August 31, 2010 - 10:14 am

Jen Farnam - Tamara is so inspiring. Her DVD would re-awaken me from my stagnant days !!

August 31, 2010 - 10:15 am

Dustin Meyer - Tamara, you’re a beautiful soul and we are very fortunate to have you share your passion with us. You’re an inspiration :)

Dustin Meyer

August 31, 2010 - 10:20 am

Heather - I love her comment about single-tasking. I have a 4 month old baby and am learning to separate things more than ever so I can do things well and not lose my mind. :) Great interview!

August 31, 2010 - 10:22 am

Alisa Ogburn - You always amaze me Tamara….your images, your style, your grace. I’ve loved watching your photography & business grow and grow!

August 31, 2010 - 10:29 am

Michelle Johnson - Oh.my.heck! I’ve been drooling after this DVD since the day it was announced! Thank you so much for the opportunity!!

August 31, 2010 - 10:34 am

christy - I am fortunate in that I don’t need to make a salary from my photography, therefore, I hope to do mostly charity photography work and join with local hospitals to photograph children/babies/families. I KNOW your DVD will help me reach that goal and give families the chance to document fleeting moments.

August 31, 2010 - 10:37 am

Arden Prucha - Oh this is right up my alley and I am a contemporary photog myself. Yay!

August 31, 2010 - 10:40 am

Maria Pisano - I just read through the interview here. Very nice, thank you! I already commented on here and mentioned “dane cook” in my previous comment. shows how much I constantly keep up with him and where my head is at the moment I guess, I meant to say Dane Sanders!!! Sorry bout that!

:) Maria

August 31, 2010 - 10:41 am

Robin Arm - I’d like to win! I could use a new trick or two… ;-)

August 31, 2010 - 10:42 am

Lee Ann - Love all the tips! So insipiring!

August 31, 2010 - 10:42 am

Mikelangelo - I have two little boys and many family friends have youngsters as well. I’d love to learn more on family/children photography. Tamara’s book is on my Amazon wishlist as well…

August 31, 2010 - 10:47 am

Candice - Very inspiring! I would love to experience the DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 10:53 am

Hope - I’d sooooooooooooooo love to win this!!!! Pick me! I adore tamara’s style!

August 31, 2010 - 10:55 am

Thomas Garza - It was great to meet you when you came to Dallas. Would love to win one of your DVD’s. Hope to see you again soon! Thomas

August 31, 2010 - 10:58 am

Gina Yesnik - What an amazing give-away! Her work is truly timless and heartfelt…. you feel it when you view her images and her personality is so genuine!!! What a blessing she is to all the lives she touches with her images!

August 31, 2010 - 11:03 am

Jason Dail - You are an inspiration to us all Tamara. I would love a copy of the DVD.

August 31, 2010 - 11:10 am

Leigh - OMIGOSH!!! Thank you all for chiming in and for entering the contest to win Tamara’s DVD. There is an invisible line that separates people in our community. On one side, you have the people who seek to gain. On the other, you have the true givers who seek to give to others and make the community as a whole better.

We are fortunate to feature Tamara and to share her generosity with you all.

Good luck when I pull out the super randomizer to pick a winner next Tuesday!

Leigh

August 31, 2010 - 11:13 am

Priscila - Awesome work. I’m grateful to have a chance to win.

August 31, 2010 - 11:16 am

Kristin - very inspiring! I loved this interview!!

August 31, 2010 - 11:17 am

Dana - Wow! Amazing talent! Thanks for sharing! Looks like the DVD will be a fabulous tool for us photographers!

August 31, 2010 - 11:24 am

janet wisner - oh my. would SO love this. such generosity.

August 31, 2010 - 11:30 am

Ashley McKnight - Leigh & Tamara are both so amazing. Tamara thanks for this interview- SO inspiring! CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!!

August 31, 2010 - 11:31 am

Debbie Herring - Love your work! You are truly an inspiration! I’m just starting out and would love a jump start with the DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 11:33 am

Courtney - Tamara is truly an inspiring individual.

August 31, 2010 - 11:35 am

Sandy - So amazing that you can actually feel what a positive person Tamara is to be around, just by reading the interview and looking at her beautiful work. I bought her book a while ago and loved it. I would love-love-love to win her DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 11:40 am

Alison Henrie - Genuine=happy

You are the real deal. Great interview. The DVD looks fabulous!

August 31, 2010 - 11:41 am

Iris Hicks - The emotional connection you make with people while simultaneously getting your camera tech parts just right is awesome.

August 31, 2010 - 11:49 am

Lydia - What an awesome giveaway! I’m so excited to be tuning in to her webinar with Kevin Kubota!

August 31, 2010 - 11:51 am

AmyS - Love her. Would really like the DVD.

August 31, 2010 - 12:08 pm

AimeeJ - I have to admit, I’ve just learned about you…and I truly love your work. It really is beautiful. You’re also pretty cool being from Chapel Hill! ;-)

August 31, 2010 - 12:21 pm

Amy Driscoll - As I am with children all day and always with my camera this DVD would be such a wonderful tool for learning more. Tamara has such a gift and for her to share it is even more so.

Amy

August 31, 2010 - 12:40 pm

Christina - Thanks Tamara for sharing and for creating another great resource!

August 31, 2010 - 12:46 pm

juanita - OoOoOOo!!

August 31, 2010 - 12:53 pm

Theresa - Ive been around long enough to hear her name mentioned plenty of times but never took the time to find out who she is and why she’s special, but reading some of the answers to your questions, I am more impressed with what type of person she is than what her photography is like. WOW, its very refershing to read about such a grounded and giving individual.

August 31, 2010 - 12:55 pm

sherry boles - I got the opportunity to see her at Imaging USA…She was so sweet! I’m actually listening to her right now on the Kevin Kubota webinar and she just mentioned this post!!

August 31, 2010 - 12:57 pm

Erica Erck - you’re always up to something good, Tamara! I know I could learn something new! miss you, loved the interview!

August 31, 2010 - 1:18 pm

Cayce Elms - I would be SOO grateful if I won this!

August 31, 2010 - 1:28 pm

Darci - What a great opportunity to win a wonderful prize! I’ve been interested in adding children photography to my portfolio and this would be so helpful at learning how to work with children while trying to take their pictures.

August 31, 2010 - 1:29 pm

Andrea M - Okay, maybe today will be more lucky for me than yesterday :) Thanks for continuing to share the details of your life. I love learning more about what makes you sparkle and tick! thanks,Andrea

August 31, 2010 - 1:33 pm

Carissa Miller - I’ve heard Tamara speak on a couple different occasions, and she’s just great! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

August 31, 2010 - 1:34 pm

Nadia Wilkerson - Tamara is so inspirational. Love watching everything she puts out! Can’t wait to get my hands on this DVD and see what else I can learn from her. Thanks for letting us all into your creative! :)

August 31, 2010 - 1:43 pm

Marc Archambault - Hi Tamara… love your work and style. I got your book a a few months ago very nice work.

August 31, 2010 - 1:45 pm

Christie - Thanks for this inspirational interview and the amazing chance to win Tamara’s DVD! I have been saving my pennies for the DVD for a while now!

August 31, 2010 - 1:53 pm

Kate B - I enjoyed Tamara’s book and would love to see the info put to use in DVD form. What a great giveaway – thanks for the opportunity!

August 31, 2010 - 2:17 pm

Brad - I would love to win her DVD. Her book is great!

August 31, 2010 - 2:29 pm

Melanie - Love Tamara’s work! Have her wonderful book and would be thrilled to win such a fantastic DVD!!!

August 31, 2010 - 2:40 pm

Breanna - Love these images!

August 31, 2010 - 2:56 pm

EBPitcher - She’s so down to earth! Love the interview!

August 31, 2010 - 3:00 pm

Jonana - I would love to win!

August 31, 2010 - 3:43 pm

Jeri H - Oooh. I’d love to win this! Thanks for the chance.

August 31, 2010 - 4:09 pm

Jennifer - Thank you for that fabulous interview with Ms. Lackey. :) I think her personality really came through and it’s nice to see the human side behind the fantastic photographs. She’s really inspiring as a photographer; you can really see in her photographs that she connects with her subjects. I really hope to achieve that some day with the people I photograph. :)

She commented that she writes. Does she mean instructional nonfiction or does she also do fiction? Does she have anything published besides her photo instructional? I’d love to read it if she does.

Please, include me in the drawing for the DVD.

Thank you!

August 31, 2010 - 4:15 pm

Kristin - Love Tamara! Saw her at WPPI last year and she was a huge standout.

August 31, 2010 - 4:18 pm

Susan P - Awesome interview! Who wouldn’t LOVE to win Tamara’s DVD? Thanks for the chance!

August 31, 2010 - 4:35 pm

Kimi Boustany - wonderful images!!!!!!!
thanks so much for the give-away!
~kimi~

August 31, 2010 - 4:58 pm

emily ceravolo - Love Tamara and always inspired by her interviews and her images. Would LOVE to win her DVD!!

August 31, 2010 - 5:02 pm

Emily S - Wow, Tamara is amazing. what a great giveaway. Thanks so much!

August 31, 2010 - 5:05 pm

jkziel - A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

August 31, 2010 - 5:21 pm

John - Boom! sign me up!

August 31, 2010 - 5:47 pm

Karen Ard - I want a unicorn!!!!!!!!! And that DVD. Nice interview you too. You both rock!

August 31, 2010 - 6:00 pm

Vicki - Thank you! That’s a terrific interview.

August 31, 2010 - 6:09 pm

Nancy A - What a neat article! I feel inspired already. I feel like I could learn so much from this DVD.

August 31, 2010 - 6:12 pm

ajira - What a wonderful interview! I’m dying to see a pic of Tamara with braided hair and so curious to learn more about single-tasking. Any recommendations? *hoping unicorns will let me win this DVD!* :)

August 31, 2010 - 6:13 pm

Tamara D. - Tamara’s work is inspirational! I have been drooling just thinking about owning her DVD I would absolutely freak if I won!

August 31, 2010 - 6:14 pm

Bob Thompson - Wow! My wife really enjoyed taking a workshop from Tamara and I know she’d love the info in the DVD.

August 31, 2010 - 6:18 pm

Rose - Oh my gosh, I was excited to see this post this morning and had to wait to now to sit and read it! (first day of Kindergarten) I would SO LOVE to win this DVD! I, too, have pined over it since she released it.

yes, yes, yes!

August 31, 2010 - 6:19 pm

Paul Glavin - Being a bloke I can really get the single tasking. Finishing just one thing with a 4 week old baby would be a miracle!

August 31, 2010 - 7:00 pm

Lara McAllister - I have always loved her work. It was great getting to know her a bit more, thank you for such a great interview!

August 31, 2010 - 7:27 pm

ambermb - Great q&a. The dvd sounds so informative! Would love to win!

August 31, 2010 - 7:38 pm

Angela - This would be stinkin’ awesome! I am so excited!

August 31, 2010 - 7:49 pm

Kari - Yes please! I would love this! Great giveaway, Thanks so much!

August 31, 2010 - 8:29 pm

kirsten - this was so refreshing – just what I needed. tamara has such a real presence and you can tell she is driven by passion. thank you for the chance to win this DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 8:30 pm

Jill - I would love to hear an expert talk about their business! Love Tamara’s images!

August 31, 2010 - 8:31 pm

Michele - Great interview! Crossing my fingers that I can be the lucky winner!

August 31, 2010 - 8:46 pm

Jessala - I want to win this so bad!!!

August 31, 2010 - 8:58 pm

Tracy Kelly - Just from this little, teeny interview, I have two or three ‘nuggets’ of information that I gleaned from Tamara’s responses — what in the world would I do if I had the whole DVD ?!? Wow. She’s very inspiring :) Keep up the good work !

August 31, 2010 - 9:06 pm

BJ Adkins - Love your work – the seminar today was the bomb!!

August 31, 2010 - 9:07 pm

Belkis Hull - Love this site and love the interview! Thank you Tamara and Leigh for inspiring us.
Belkis Hull
BHullPhotography

August 31, 2010 - 9:14 pm

Jennifer S. - She’s one of my favorite photographers – so enjoyed this post, and I know I’d enjoy that DVD!

August 31, 2010 - 9:22 pm

kirsten - such an inspiration – what a great read. and thank you for the opportunity to win the DVD!!! wooooo :)

August 31, 2010 - 9:23 pm

Traci Branscum - Thanks for the insight and interview! Definitely makes me want to learn more from Tamara!!!

August 31, 2010 - 9:26 pm

LeighAnn - great interview. Thanks for sharing

August 31, 2010 - 9:28 pm

Jeff East - Tamara loves children and loves her work and it Shows! I would so love to win this one. I am cautiously adding children to my bag of tricks and need all the help I can get!

August 31, 2010 - 10:13 pm

Melissa S - Wow – great interview! Thank you for the opportunity!

August 31, 2010 - 10:19 pm

Missy - Oooo!!! This is an amazing giveaway!
Wonderful interview too!

August 31, 2010 - 10:28 pm

Dana - Would love the opportunity – thanks so much and love your work!!!

August 31, 2010 - 10:59 pm

Patrick Farrington - I had the good fortune to be introduced to Tamara by Dane Sanders one night at this years WPPI in Las Vegas. We didn’t really get a chance to talk but it was still memorable. I don’t remember seeing her unicorn though.

August 31, 2010 - 11:03 pm

Vanessa Lee - crossing my fingers!!! this would be so fabulous to win! Love Tamara!!!

August 31, 2010 - 11:53 pm

Christina - Would absolutely LOVE to win this!!!!! This is such a great interview, and after reading it and the comments I have to go find the book! :)

September 1, 2010 - 12:42 am

Julie Johnson - what a fantastic giveaway. Truly inspiring interview :)

September 1, 2010 - 2:51 am

Dinea - This is great insight you have shared…I really want to hear more!
BTW I love love love the unicorn part…totally could not agree more! <3
Dinea

September 1, 2010 - 2:52 am

Dinea - This is such great advice! I could not agree more, and would love to hear more!
BTW I love the unicorn part!!! :)
Dinea

September 1, 2010 - 6:57 am

Laura - I could so use this!!! Thank you so much for sharing your gift of time and knowledge. They are rare gifts that are not given freely much any more. So Thank you thank you:) Oh yes, and Tamara, you are my kind of gal.

September 1, 2010 - 7:08 am

Dawn - I would love to win this!

September 1, 2010 - 8:13 am

Stephanie cooper - Beautiful images! I would LOVE to win this!

September 1, 2010 - 8:40 am

Kori - I so wish I could win this! I need inspiration……

September 1, 2010 - 9:16 am

valerie - i have her book and read it straight through-twice! i would love to have the dvd, too!! thanks!!

September 1, 2010 - 9:34 am

Tamara Lackey - wow … huh?

i so hope no one thinks that i went and printed out Leigh’s stunning intro and then every single one of these comments and then taped all of this unreal gloriousness to my bathroom mirror about 15 minutes ago because i would not do something like that.
(ish). (what a gift).

September 1, 2010 - 9:52 am

domenica - What an awesome interview. Tamara is a true inspiration and what a generous giveaway too! :) Thanks for sharing!

September 1, 2010 - 9:53 am

joey - i am a huge tamera fan! wish i could win!

September 1, 2010 - 9:54 am

Raquel - Wow, this would make my year if i won! You are truly inspirational Tamara =)

September 1, 2010 - 9:56 am

Vickie - Oohh…I would love to win! I love Tamara’s work.

September 1, 2010 - 9:57 am

Rebecca Knowles - I really enjoyed hearing more about Tamara! What a great giveaway!

September 1, 2010 - 9:57 am

Jessi Weithman - Looove Tamara’s work. So inspiring. I would be all giddy to win a copy of her DVD.

September 1, 2010 - 9:57 am

Christine - Love Tamara, her sense of humor and her all around loveliness!! thanks for sharing this interview! :)

September 1, 2010 - 9:58 am

Jason Davis - What a great post. Love Tamera’s enthusiasm and spirit.

September 1, 2010 - 9:59 am

Cindy C - Tamara is not just an amazing photograper but an incredibly kind and generous one. I can only imagine how amazing her DVD is.. would love to win it!

September 1, 2010 - 9:59 am

Emily Rose - Would love to win this DVD! Fingers crossed :)

September 1, 2010 - 9:59 am

Abby Evans - What a great article. Between this and the Kubota actions workshop yesterday I am officially a huge Tamara fan!

September 1, 2010 - 9:59 am

Emily Rose - Would love to win this DVD! Fingers are crossed!

September 1, 2010 - 10:00 am

Lia - Thank you for such a great, insightful interview with the lovely Tamara, and the giveaway. I read Tamara’s book (what the DVD is based on) and loved it. Children are some of my favorite subjects, so this DVD would be amazing!

September 1, 2010 - 10:01 am

Sarah - This is an amazing interview with the great Tamara Lackey. I am truly inspired by her work and to win this DVD would help me develop even further. Fingers crossed! Great site!

September 1, 2010 - 10:01 am

Eileen cicutti - Great interview! I Loved Tamaras book! Can’t wait to see her DVD

September 1, 2010 - 10:01 am

Tony McCollum - Would absolutely LOVE to win this! I’m just starting out and this would help me so much. Thank you for doing this.

September 1, 2010 - 10:04 am

Cassandra - Tamara is always so inspiring and encouraging. I would LOVE to see what she has to say on her DVD!!!

September 1, 2010 - 10:05 am

Kwame - The best thing I like about her is the willingnest to share with others. Great q&a.

September 1, 2010 - 10:06 am

Mindy A - Her passion exudes like no other! And so contagious… Rock on Tamara!

September 1, 2010 - 10:07 am

Scott Muhs - Thanks for being real. The book was great im sure the dvd is just as helpful.

September 1, 2010 - 10:08 am

Gregory A Kalmbach - Great Interview. Great Photos. Great Photographers.. Thanks for doing what you do.

September 1, 2010 - 10:08 am

autumn - Tamara is such a gift to our industry – so talented, compassionate, and incredibly inspirational ♥

September 1, 2010 - 10:09 am

Angie K. - Thank you for this! I would love to win this DVD

September 1, 2010 - 10:10 am

Angie K. - Thank you so much for this! I would love to win the DVD

September 1, 2010 - 10:12 am

jessie baldwin - Tamara, you are an inspiration! Thank you for your generous spirit and your willingness to share with others. ♥

September 1, 2010 - 10:13 am

Brent davidson - What an amazing offer.! So good for the winner and man do I hope it’s me.

September 1, 2010 - 10:15 am

Beatrice - Tamara is a great teacher and amazing photographer. The fact that she gives the proceeds from her book to children’s charities makes me love her even more.

September 1, 2010 - 10:17 am

R. Alvord - I love Tamara. Truly a blessing to the industry. I would lOVE to win this!

September 1, 2010 - 10:19 am

R.Alvord - Tamara is truly a blessing to the industry. I would LOVE to win this!

September 1, 2010 - 10:23 am

William David - Hello Tamara. Just watched the webinar you did with Kubota, and I’ve heard you on a few podcasts.

I really love your work and your openness to share your thoughts and ideas.

Thanks for the post.

September 1, 2010 - 10:27 am

Doug Arrington - Wonderful interview! Tamara is the photographer that inspired me to put away underwater wildlife and nature photography (at least for a while) and vigorously pursue learning the art of portraiture. Of course, if it was easy, everyone would be producing Tamara-quality portraits. I’m reading everything I can get my hands on, but winning her DVD would give me a giant lift.

Following Tamara keeps me motivated, inspired and, yes, entertained. Imagine… My own unicorn! WOW!

September 1, 2010 - 10:29 am

David - Tamara is without a doubt a massive inspiration… between her style, character, and killer images she’s on a whole different level of greatness. Her success is well deserved! It was a pleasure reading this!

September 1, 2010 - 10:33 am

Matt - Great interview! I’ve heard Tamara on Digital Photo Experience and the Photofocus podcast and read her posts on Photofocus. Now I understand how she resonates with me–our inspirations are very close. “I am inspired by people who care less about what is socially acceptable and more about what is true.” Being true to yourself and open to the people around you is what allows you to explore the light and the shadows fearlessly and confidently.

Sure, I’d love a copy of the course for free, and would value it immensely (as would my wife, since it would be free!), but I really love hearing the stories and advice from Tamara and others like her. It helps me realize that any problems I experience have been experienced by others, and that neither myself nor anyone else is alone in all this…

September 1, 2010 - 10:33 am

David Pearson - Wow ths is a great give away. I’m currently reading Tamara’s book so the DVD would be a great companion.

September 1, 2010 - 10:36 am

Kanani - She is so talented! Would LOVE to win her DVD!

September 1, 2010 - 10:38 am

Maureen - Keeping my fingers crossed…. Pick me please! :)

September 1, 2010 - 10:42 am

Jamie - WOW! This is a fab giveaway!! Tamara is an incredible photographer. Loved the QA.

September 1, 2010 - 10:49 am

Roseanna - You are truly an inspiration thanks for sharing!

September 1, 2010 - 10:50 am

Chrystal - Tamara’s work is awesome and it seems like she is great at PIF!
PIF looks awesome and I can’t wait to follow this blog and maybe one day have something to contribute!

September 1, 2010 - 10:52 am

Jenn - I just need some new ideas! Could use the inspiration, and ideas!

September 1, 2010 - 10:53 am

Amanda Griffin - I would be more than ecstatic to be the proud winner of your educational musings!! PICK ME PICK ME!!! (arm straight in the air jumping) :)

September 1, 2010 - 11:09 am

Julie - I loved your interview and meeting you in person at WPPI! You are awesome Tamara and an inspiration to all! *HUGS*

September 1, 2010 - 11:22 am

Julie S - Love the interview! I was so grateful to see Tamara in action at the PPO (Ohio) conference last year. She is inspiring on so many levels!

September 1, 2010 - 11:30 am

Angie - Thank you so much for a great interview! I would absolutely LOVE her DVD’s! You guys are awesome here at PIF. :)

September 1, 2010 - 11:40 am

Shannon - Awesome!! would love to win-Tamara is amazing! :0)

September 1, 2010 - 12:25 pm

Krista - i love tamara’s work! i’m just getting started in photography and could use some inspiration & guidance!

September 1, 2010 - 2:05 pm

cristina Sullivan - love the interview!!! and would also love to win the dvd ;)

September 1, 2010 - 2:20 pm

pooja - Wow! That’s a wonderful giveaway! Thanks Tamara! You are amazing.

September 1, 2010 - 2:34 pm

Cecile Janicek - Pick me!!! I would love to win this DVD. And Tamara – you absolutely do rock!

September 1, 2010 - 2:55 pm

Shannon Whittington - This is my first time to your incredible site and I can’t wait to see if I might win:)

September 1, 2010 - 3:07 pm

Ashley Gillett - Tamara’s work is do simple and happy. Love her!

September 1, 2010 - 3:26 pm

Christie Lewis - Tamara Lackey is so talented!!! Her photos are wonderful and I’m sure her clients LOVE their photos. I’ve wanted to purchase her DVD since I first saw it but have not been able to get it yet. I would love to win it. I know I could learn so many things from her.

September 1, 2010 - 3:27 pm

susie crichton - Great Job on the Kubota Webinar :)
Thanks, for your time and this BiG giveaway !

September 1, 2010 - 3:27 pm

Amanda - Thanks for the wonderful interview!
What a great tool this would be to have!

September 1, 2010 - 3:29 pm

Christie Lewis - Tamara Lackey is so talented!!! Her photos are wonderful and I’m sure her clients love them. I always enjoy listening to her and learning from her.

September 1, 2010 - 3:33 pm

stacyZ - Thank you for this great giveaway. Tamara is fantastic and I love hearing more from timeless classic children/family photographers. Thank YOU!

September 1, 2010 - 3:58 pm

Sandra Costa - Hope to win but first of all want to thank you for sharing with us all your talent

September 1, 2010 - 4:08 pm

Charlene Hardy - Great giveaway!! I loved reading the interview.

September 1, 2010 - 4:20 pm

Jeff - What a great article. I am truly amazed by the work that Tamara offers and all that she gives back with these interviews, the website, webinars and such. Thank you.

September 1, 2010 - 4:44 pm

Candy Howard - Big fan of Tamara’s. Would love her DVD.

September 1, 2010 - 5:08 pm

Brooke Patel - Oh Tamara, Tamara you’re so inspiring,
Passion so infectious our cameras start firing!
I have learnt so much from reading your book,
I can only imagine how your DVD will look:)
Please come to Oz soon and do us a class,
With your talent & humor we’d all have a blast!
I look forward to seeing that unicorn too,
To win your DVD would be a dream come true!

September 1, 2010 - 5:13 pm

Victoria - Wonderful interview-love her work too! Hope I win :)

September 1, 2010 - 5:21 pm

jenney - What an amazing giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!!!

September 1, 2010 - 6:24 pm

Susan - highly entertaining – love it!

September 1, 2010 - 7:01 pm

Christy Hutcheson - Tamara, you are a fantastic photographer and an even more fantastic person!

September 1, 2010 - 7:23 pm

Lisa - This is on my list of things to get…and now I could possibly win it? It’s a good day.

September 1, 2010 - 8:30 pm

Kristi Pope - Love, love Tamara Lackey’s work… she has always been a big inspiration to me and will continue to be. I would love to win the giveaway!

September 1, 2010 - 8:51 pm

kim schmidt - I heard Tamara speak both at Imaging and WPPI this year and I am so glad I did. She has such a huge heart and I absolutely adore her work! What a fabulous interview. Thanks PIF Photo!

September 1, 2010 - 8:53 pm

jan - umm…yes please!!! love it, need it!

September 1, 2010 - 9:07 pm

Katie Fulton - I love Tamara, I have been lusting after this dvd since it came out! It has been so hard not to break down and buy it, but I know I need some new lenses so I have had to keep myself from purchasing. Would Love to win it!

September 1, 2010 - 9:12 pm

Carol C - I’ve been a fan of Tamara’s work since her studio shot my daughter’s wedding. I’m approaching a crossroads in my career commonly called retirement, while contemplating how to fulfill my passion for photography. What an opportunity!

September 1, 2010 - 9:15 pm

Jennifer - Thank you so much for sharing gift with all of us! You are a inspiration! :)

September 1, 2010 - 9:35 pm

Galya - Tamara and her work always inspire! Thank you for a great interview.

September 2, 2010 - 1:25 am

Rebecca Faulk - LOVE your work Tamera. I always enjoy when you update your blog just to see what you are up to. Thank you for sharing and what a great opportunity for someone!

September 2, 2010 - 4:35 am

Tammy S - I am JSO and this would be PERFECT!!!

September 2, 2010 - 7:17 am

Jocelyn - I would so love to win this too…I have been a fan of Tamara’s for about a year now and I see others posted above about spending the 5 days with Jasmine..another favorite…I shoot weddings too but children are my favorites…and this dvd could only add to my training…thanks..

Be the Master of your Domain… er, Blog!

Hey Everyone, it’s Dustin Meyer, your favorite tech geek, with a new PIF exclusive post on how you can master your blog by remote. Actually, by remote, I mean your iPhone.

First off, you’ll need a few apps for your iPhone. My absolute favorite for this sort of thing is Prowl. Prowl is a neat little app that allows you to receive push notifications on your iPhone when someone leaves a comment on your blog. Awesomeness, I know!Next, you’ll need to install the WordPress plugin WPTouch for your blog. You don’t need to buy the pro version, the free version works just fine. WPTouch is a great way to create a mobile friendly version of your blog. To check it out, go to pifphoto.com on your iPhone. This free plugin will allow you to enter the API key you’ll receive when you register for Prowl via their website. After you register, just copy the API key into the space on your blog under WPTouch Settings.

Also, if you like the option of having people direct message you through your blog via their iPhone in the form of a push notification to your iPhone, just click the “Allow users to send me direct messages” option. This allows mobile readers to message you from your blog app on their iPhone and send it directly to your iPhone via push! Cool beans!

Make sure to register the same username and password in your Prowl app for the iPhone that you used to register with on the Prowl website. And the only thing the Prowl app doesn’t do is let you moderate your comments. However, you can download the free official WordPress app for your iPhone to allow you to approve or reject comments on your blog from your phone. (Just make sure you check the option to check the XML-RPC option under Settings>Writing>Remote Publishing. )

And Bam! Now you can moderate comments on your blog from your iPhone, as well as receive push notifications when people leave comments and when they direct message you via your blog on their iPhone to your iPhone! You don’t have to be tied to your computer just to moderate your blog comments and your readers can enjoy your blog in a mobile friendly version!

So remember, you’ll need the Prowl and WordPress apps for your iPhone. Also, install the WPTouch plugin for your WordPress blog. And you’ll be good to go! I hope this helps, and I hope it’s not too confusing. Don’t forget to install the PIF Photo app on your iPhone (instructions here).

Post your comments and questions below!!!

Cheers!

Dustin

Dustin Meyer

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August 30, 2010 - 7:50 pm

Debra - Can this be done with a Blogger blog? I don’t have a wordpress blog, but this would be so awesome, if I could master my blogger blog from my new iphone!

WPPI Road Trip 2010 – Have you registered yet?

Can you believe WPPI is only 6 Months away?   The excitement never seems to die down for WPPI and I know I am already planning February’s trip.   But did you know you don’t necessarily have to wait until February? 

WPPI is heading out on its 2nd Annual Road Trip and will hit 10 cities across the country, bringing along the hottest speakers in professional photography.  (Are you excited yet????)
While you can find all the information on the WPPI Road Trip Website, here is a breakdown of the the tour:

Each stop on the tour will host a full day of educational
classes covering important topics including:
• Business and Marketing
• Lighting
• Posing
• Wedding and Portrait shooting
• Photoshop and Postproduction

Lunch and a mini trade show are included

$149*
*Includes free registration to WPPI 2011 in Las Vegas!  (Hello.. did someone say FREE WPPI registration…. what a deal)

You can bring a guest for $75 and that also includes a free registration to WPPI 2011
in Las Vegas!  (Seriously?????   what are you guys waiting for)

August 23rd- Irvine ,California
August 25th- Sacramento, California
August 30th- Seattle, Washington (Guess where I will be? Stop me and say hi, wave or throw things at me,well maybe not unless its candy)
September 1st- Dallas, Texas
September 13th- Washington, D.C
September 16th- Chicago, Illinois
September 20th- Atlanta, Georgia
September 22nd- Orlando, Florida
September 27th- New Brunswick, New Jersey
September 29th- Detroit, Michigan

Honestly, this is an amazing opportunity to take a day to listen to some amazing speakers, a chance to meet with fellow photographers from your area (always a good thing to be networking) and a chance to get your creative juices following.

So check it out WPPI ROAD TRIP 2010

p.s  Don’t forget to mark your calendars for WPPI 2011 February 17th-24th.


~Emma

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August 5, 2010 - 3:13 pm

Ryan - A great photograph needs a great frame. Check out Eli Werner’s new Iphone and Ipad(HD) app that allows you to place your photos in Werner’s antique and custom frames.
“Eli Wilner is the foremost American authority on historical-period framing,” says Benjamin Doller, a vice chairman of Sotheby’s. The auction house buys or borrows about 100 of his frames every year for its painting sales. Now you can borrow his frames too and make your photographs into instant masterpieces.
Read more about Wilner —

http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703954804575381322348566824.html

to get the app— http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photo-frames-hd-by-eli-wilner/id380921140?mt=8

August 23, 2010 - 12:53 pm

Cape Town Wedding Photographer - It’s so sad we don’t have something like the WPPI in South Africa :(

August 23, 2010 - 12:54 pm

Cape Town Wedding Photographer - Its so sad we don’t have something similar in South Africa!

Its nice to get awards!!!

PIF was nominated and one of the winners for Top Photography Blogs.

Online Schools
Online Schools

Can we get a woot woot?!! I dont care where the award came from, its nice to get one! lol

We are also listed first page on google for “Photography Resource Blogs”. Rock on!!!

-Lindsay

*our summer hiatus is almost over. this just motivates us more to get back to blogging!!

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July 30, 2010 - 3:33 pm

Dustin Meyer - WOOT WOOT!!!! Just had to be the first to do that :) Love you guys!!!!!!!

July 30, 2010 - 3:34 pm

Dustin Meyer - WOOT WOOT!!! Just had to be the first to do that :) Love you guys!!!!!!

August 31, 2010 - 7:04 am

photo tips - woot woot!! was the next. congrats.

Winner of the Deco Mobile website is…

IS NUMBER 20!!

May 12, 2010 – 2:12 am Je Neuhaus – Cuuutttteee! I’ve been looking for something for a mobi site, too cool!

Je, please contact me to claim your prize!! Lindsay@pifphoto.com

Congrats to you and thank you to all that entered!

Thank you to http://www.decomob.com/ for sponsoring this pay it forward contest.

-Lindsay

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June 4, 2010 - 5:05 am

Harry Hilders - Wow, looks like a cool Deco! I really want this for my phone!

August 5, 2010 - 3:15 pm

Ryan - A great photograph needs a great frame. Check out Eli Werner’s new Iphone and Ipad(HD) app that allows you to place your photos in Werner’s antique and custom frames.
“Eli Wilner is the foremost American authority on historical-period framing,” says Benjamin Doller, a vice chairman of Sotheby’s. The auction house buys or borrows about 100 of his frames every year for its painting sales. Now you can borrow his frames too and make your photographs into instant masterpieces.
Read more about Wilner —

http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703954804575381322348566824.html

to get the app— http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photo-frames-hd-by-eli-wilner/id380921140?mt=8