Kristie Serra Photography Blog »

It was January of ‘08 and I was ready to take my business to the next level… [insert Cheryl Muhr and the Secret Workshop].  Attending the Secret and meeting Cheryl changed my life like I never could have imagined.  My dreams were coming true… I was inspired, motivated, determined, filled with JOY and I had Cheryl to thank for that!!  She has this amazing radiance like no one I have ever met and the incredible ability to empower those around her.  And, her JOY… oh boy… it is absolutely contagious!

What an honor it is to call this AMAZING Austin, Texas photographer a friend and to feature her on the blog this week! Read on to meet Cheryl Muhr and catch some joy while you are at it…

[1] What lead you to a career in photography?

I went to college for many years to become a chiropractor. I practiced for a number of years and while I enjoyed it, I never felt like it was my passion, my love, my purpose. Only when I am behind the camera do I feel a sense of rightness in what I am doing. That feeling….and that alone….is what led me to my career in photography.

[2] In five words or less, how would you describe your photography style?

Clean, modern, fresh, fun, contempoary.

[3] You put so much of your heart in your work, what drives your passion?

My strong desire to capture my children’s lives in pictures….and my intense need to do the same for others.

[4] Who are you influenced by or who do you admire in the world of photography?

Jeremy Cowart, Mario Testino, Jay Reilly, Stephanie Rausser, Fred Egan

[5] What do you love the most about working with children and families?

I love being invited into people’s homes and lives…laughing with them, sharing in their joy, playing with their children, and seeing them love one another.

[6] After so many years in the business, is there anything that still amazes you about photographing children?

I am continually amazed at the beauty of the spirit of children….the wonder and awe in their eyes….the way in which they see the world….and the depth of their laughter.

[7] Your Secret Workshops are so wildly successful, what was your vision when you started the workshops and how have they evolved in the last year?

I first wanted to do workshops because there were so many things I WISH I’d have known when I started my business. I wanted to condense everything I had learned into a neat little package for other people. And I wanted to share the secrets that no one ever would tell me when I was new to photography and new to the business. I don’t think I could have ever imagined how popular the workshop would be and I am continually in awe of the number of people wanting to attend. I have seen the workshops evolve since they began as the attendees now are coming sooner and sooner into their business. Many of my attendees are coming now even before they launch their websites!

[8] What do hope that the attendees gain from attending your workshops?

The most important thing I want people to take away from the workshop is the strong, deep belief that what they do is an amazing gift to the people that they do it for.

[9] What advice would you give to someone starting a career in photography?

Never ever underestimate the worth of your work. Ever.

[10] What would your dream photography session be like?

Honestly, every single session I have (difficult kids or snotty faces or impatient parents alike) feels like a dream session to me because I still can’t believe that I GET TO DO THIS FOR A LIVIING!!! That being said, if I could design a session right now that I’d like to shoot tomorrow, I’d say a 5-day-old sleepy newborn with a little swirl of hair, living in a huge, bright home and whose mom has knit her oodles of chunky hats and booties and blankets (one of which is white) and who so in love with her new little bundle that she cannot stop kissing her little rosebud lips. Or her button nose.

[11] Is there one lens, in your magic camera bag, that you use the most?

I shoot every session with the 24-70mm f/2.8 and the 85mm f/1.4. For newborns, I also use the 60mm f/2.8 macro.

And for fun…

[12] If you were given three wishes, what would they be?

I would wish for more kindness, less anger and that my children always follow their hearts.

[13] If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Austin TX. Because we CAN live anywhere in the world and this is where we chose. Why? I can’t say, other than that it’s where we belong. It’s home. (And it doesn’t snow here)

The most beautiful setting, the most amazing mama and the sweetest little kiddo = one perfect morning!!

It’s always such a pleasure to work with J. and her incredible family. I’ve been looking forward to her maternity session for some time now. This location couldn’t have been more perfect — it was like the sunshine was dancing throughout the park that morning. It was filled with spirit, beauty and peace — so very fitting for J.
 

It won’t be much longer before the newest addition to the K. family is here… be on the look out in the coming weeks.
   

I wasn’t sure if they’d be able to sleep the night before — the thought that their mommy and daddy had made them cards and there would be presents waiting in the morning was enough to drive them nutty (all the candy from their party at school that day didn’t help either)!
 

I’m hoping you all had a wonderful day filled with lots of hugs and kisses — and chocolate too!! The peanut M&M’s are stilling calling my name and I just can’t seem to ignore them!! 

Yep,  he’s five and his mommy isn’t the only special “girl” in his life… *sigh*

xoxoxo,

Kristie 

I just might beat my own personal record for the most blog posts in a week! Watch out!  

This is such a wonderful session to share around this time because there isn’t anything more genuine than the love from grandparents. If L. looks familiar to you it is because he had a session with his other set of grandparents last year. What an honor for me to be able to spend time with both sides of his family — they are truly amazing!! This was such a fun morning, spent in such beautiful surroundings. I have to say that I am really enjoying this cool weather! 

Look for L. and his mommy again on the blog next week, I shot J’s. maternity session today! Okay, on with the little sneak peek…  

JOY! JOY! JOY! That’s what I feel every time I visit Erin’s blog. Erin Vey is an AMAZING Dog Photographer based in Seattle, Washington. Her work is soulful, it’s inspiring and it will most likely make you squeal – seriously!

To keep things fun, Erin and I decided to do a little “Q & A” segment. I am thrilled to share her answers with you…

[1] Ok, so the obvious, why dogs?
I’ve loved dogs all my life and we speak the same language. Plus, dogs are a lot more flexible in life (vs. children). I don’t have to wait around for naps, they don’t worry about acne on their face, they don’t get sick, and they never have fat days.

[2] Growing up, did you have a favorite pet?
I’ve grown up with Basset Hounds my entire life. They were all different but I think Reggie sticks out in my head as being one of my favorites. He was the biggest love ever and put up with my sister and I laying on him, doing his nails, and pulling his ears.

[3] And now, who are the four-legged family members in your life?
Miss Gracie of course! My beautiful 5 year old Great Dane. We also have Winston, my nephew the Boston Terrier (Terror) and Margie + Morning are my parents Basset Hounds. There is also Little Sophie, my Mother in Law’s little Rat Terrier…and Baby Girl, the White Dog standing in the road with the pink dress, is my niece. Sam, Lola, DeeDee…they are all part of my 4 legged extended family The list goes on!

[4] What led you to begin a career in photography?
 
Being absolutely depressed and uninspired in a flourescent filled cubicle at a major cell phone company. I needed to do more than the 9 to 5 and pursued it relentlessly.

[5] Where do you find your daily inspiration?
Everywhere! I constantly have my photography googles on. Vanity Fair + Domino Magazine, any of the 150+ Blogs I subscribe to, Movies, the field on my walks with Gracie, and I always think of my best ideas in the shower. Inspiration is everywhere!

[6] What makes you say, “wow!” when you see an image? Is it the lighting, the subjects or all the above?
More than anything, when I see a connection between the photographer + the subject, that makes me say wow. Anyone can take a good picture, but to take it a step further and develop that relationship, or study that landscape, or delve deeper into what makes up a flower, that is a true connection and the viewer walks away understanding that connection a little bit deeper. 

[7] You must have so many stories from your photo sessions, what’s the funniest thing that has ever happened?
They all involve poop! LOL.

[8] As I dog lover myself, I think a dog’s eyes are so full of expression. What is your favorite doggie part to capture in a photo?
Eyes for sure! Eyes make a portrait, whether it is humans, babies, families, or giraffe’s. If you can’t see their eyes, or they aren’t sharp, you really can’t see the soul behind them. I feel it is the single most important aspect to people/dog photography.

[9] There is such an apparent connection between you and your subjects (doggies and humans), how do you connect with your clients?
I think to connect with my clients, they have to trust me from the very beginning. This starts with a solid portfolio that I have built over time. Then they must trust me in their homes, trust me with their precious dogs, and trust that I will get fantastic shots that capture their dog(s) perfectly.

[10] How do you prepare for your sessions? Do you research the breed or meet with your clients beforehand?
Over time, I have learned that the only thing I should do before a session is make sure I have my batteries charged. I never go into a home with preconceived notions or ideas because 99% of the time it never works and that only leaves a photographer feeling frustrated. I always go into a shoot with an open mind and as an observer. The rest seems to fall perfectly into place.

[11] I know giving back is so very important to you, what charities are near and dear to your heart?
Really, anyone that contacts me with a serious interest in benefitting and serving dogs. I have worked with big organizations like the Humane Society to tiny little ones all the way on the east coast. Being able to use my art to help shelters raise money is so very important. 

[12] What advice would you give to someone starting a career in photography?
Make sure you know deep in your heart that you want to be and have a pssion for being a small business owner first. Evaluate whether you are prepared to deal with taxes, licenses, forms, and all the other paperwork that goes with owning your own business. If you aren’t prepared to be a business owner, then keep photography as a passion and serious hobby. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that choice.

And for fun… [13] If you were given three wishes, what would they be?
1) To retire, shoot dogs for free, and live on the water. (I have a deep love for the water).
2) Shoot Sasha + Malia Obama and their soon to be new puppy.
3) Spend 1 Month in Italy eating all the pasta I want and drinking all the red wine I want. 

WARNING: You are about to see some of the most adorable dogs on the planet… be prepared to smile and maybe even squeal!!! 

… to torture, uhh… I mean photograph their kiddos. Yes, we photographer moms like to do that from time to time. We come up with these genius ideas (so we think) and hope and pray that the kiddos will cooperate. This time it was surrey bikes and photo booths with one of my favorite photographers. Between the two of us, we had five spunky kiddos! Needless to say, we got our workout in that day and I have to admit, I was sore for a couple of days after! The surrey bike did me in… and, this coming from a former mountain biker, so sad. Ha-Ha!! 

I was able to get in a few shots on the run, so I thought I would share…  

… I absolutely adore! Spending the morning with the T. family was like spending the morning with old friends. And, really funny friends at that! They had me laughing the entire session. Not only were they fun and playful, but so very sweet too. I’ve never met such an amazing big brother as C. and D. couldn’t have been more adorable. Can you tell that I heart them?!!  

The idea behind Johnny’s music is to provide children great and familiar tunes, with a new twist. You’ll recognize most of the songs – these versions have a bit of roots, folk, blues and jazz in ‘em. They are organic and fresh – and best of all, there are NO cartoon voices singing annoying harmonies. I’m sure they will get you all dancing and singing along!

And so, without further ado it’s time to meet the Artist…

Johnny Bregar was born in Houston, Texas and a mere month later moved with his family to Madison, Wisconsin. At age seven, the Bregars headed west and settled in Corvallis, Oregon. But long before then, a three year old Johnny was crawling up onto the piano bench to plunk out Beatles melodies with one finger that he picked up from listening along to his parents’ records.

His early influences were artists like The Beatles, Ray Charles and BB King, and as time wore on REM, Aimee Mann, Wilco and Tony Furtado. It was BB King who convinced him that he needed to learn how to play guitar. He started playing guitar at 16 and was soon picking up Blues riffs and practicing them over and over and over again.

As a senior in high school, Johnny formed the Stickmen – the only high school band to play homecoming… And soon after that he and his brothers were an annual favorite at the summertime Beatlesfest in Corvallis.
 

While attending the University of Oregon, when Johnny wasn’t studying environmental science, he played more and more music with friends, honing his guitar and piano/keyboards skills and whenever possible, getting behind the bass, drums and just about anything musical. After graduating, he moved to Seattle and soon joined a popular folk/rock band called Big Spoon. Big Spoon enjoyed 8 years of playing the local festivals and clubs and reveled in their claim to fame when they served as an opening act for the Allman Brothers at a 4,000 seat venue. In 1998, Johnny met his now wife Maura, a music devotee herself, who shared his love of well-crafted songs. Five years later, Maura took a break from her work to have a baby boy they named Tobias. It didn’t take long before these new parents were looking for good tunes for their little guy. And Johnny quickly discovered that a ukulele is a fine instrument for entertaining a fussy baby!
  

Those spontaneous performances for Toby turned into home-spun recordings and this one-time folk/rocker was now in his studio making Stomp Yer Feet!, a soulful, groovin’, fun record that his friends and their kids could enjoy. With Johnny playing whatever instruments and implements he could find, and with lots of guests singing and playing along, Stomp Yer Feet! is engaging, imaginative music that will get the whole family dancing.