Lisa Throgmorton is the owner of a freelance photography business "Behind Lisa's Lense Photographic Studio" in Northern California and has been a part of the BetterPhoto community since January 2005. To see more of Lisa's work, visit her website http://www.behindlisaslense.net.
What kind of photography do you most enjoy?
Nature work is my favorite - accents of nature, textures, patterns, designs and fall of light. I'm also partial to portraiture, naturally lit outdoor photography, florals, candid captures, journalistic and sports/action photography. Portraits of graduating seniors seem to be my favorite niche on the business end.
How long have you been a photographer? What got you started?
I've been taking pictures since before I can remember. Being a visual person, when I was young I always favored picture books and still to this day find myself enthralled with photography, art and any other visual media. Six years ago, while writing poetry and stories on a site I frequented, they started up a photographic branch off of artistic expression. It was the turning point when I tucked away my Minolta, purchased my Canon 10D, introducing me to the digital world. I found a way to be artistically expressive, telling a story visually, as I framed the beauty of nature as well as light and the color I'd always been passionate about. After a year or so of exploring, researching and improving my skills I stumbled across a site with the most incredible photography from all over the world. I was in awe. I couldn't wait to take classes with Better Photo. At the time, I was also being approached to purchase my photography - documenting play productions, football, wrestling, choir events and other sports and local community events. I decided to legitimize my business as well as join Better Photo. It was then that I built an edgier web site with a Pro BetterPholio to build up my portfolio as well as my client base, and started to take on senior portraits.
What inspires you?
The light of fall inspires me as well as rich colors, natural patterns and designs. Nature itself. Everything that falls within my vision transpires into a potential shot. The very talented photographers from such diverse perspectives, backgrounds, interests and artistry here at BetterPhoto endlessly inspire me.
What are your photography goals?
I hope to stay current with knowledge of this field, the technology that's involved as well as work on refining the artistic edge I like to incorporate within my photos. Shadow shooting with a main photographer at a wedding - as a journalistic/secondary photographer - is something I would like to experience. I want to continue to explore all there is to know about the art of photography.
How has BetterPhoto helped you attain them?
BetterPhoto is an invaluable resource. I've really valued my experiences with the class work with great instructors at Better Photo such as Jim Zuckerman, Vik Orenstein, Susan and Neil Silverman, always finding myself referring back to the skills taught, bringing my business to a higher level of professionalism. The features of BetterPhoto's Pro BetterPholio web sites are always evolving and improving. I find myself inspired daily with the imagery found at BetterPhoto, surrounded by a strong community of artists and visionaries.
We celebrate Lisa's Second Place award for her image "Designs of the City" for the May Mission "Many Right Answers". Designs of the City received 23 nominations - congratulations Lisa!
What is on my Photography Wish List?
I'd like to eventually build up my studio's set-up, props and backdrops, creativity and uniqueness, as well as try to get out more by taking on more journalistic work. I want to get back to the ocean soon, would love to attend a BetterPhoto Summit for the hands-on shooting and save up for a longer-range lens. Maybe BetterPhoto will return to Monterey/Carmel soon or an area near Northern California.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
When I head out to a shoot or to explore nature, I don't leave without my Lowepro backpack, which carries my Canon 5D body, 28 - 135 mm lens with my 75 - 300 mm long lens for varied shots. I change out the set-up of my backpack depending on what I go out for with my Canon 100mm fixed macro lens, ring light, polarizer, UV haze, 580 EX fill flash, Bogen Manfrotto monopod and tripod w/ ball head, flashpack card case with a change-out of memory cards, extra batteries for my fill flash, extra battery (charged) for the camera, silks to clean my lenses, Giottos air blower, at times my Canon 10D as a second body, 5-in-1 1 reflector set, business cards, general releases. In my studio, my Interfit lighting system proves invaluable where I have my Interfit Flash transmitter handy, varied backdrops, cloth and paper, umbrellas, softboxes and an additional Canon 85 mm EF fixed lens.
What I love the most about photography is it has been a large part of mine and my family's life. My five children, through all their experiences growing up and all those who have touched on and passed through our lives have been framed, affording us invaluable memories. This rich avenue has inspired each to aspire to create, envision, be a part of something big and see things from so many different perspectives. Throughout the years, BetterPhoto has been an avenue for everyone in my house to experience great talent, beauty and explore a window to the vast world out there that we've all shared together, leaving a lasting impression.
