Excited about our Have You Met series where I showcase YOU, the photographers of our community. We had over 400 photographers apply for the series in less than a week. I can’t wait to showcase the talented photographers. There is a mix of hobbyist and business owners as well as full-frame and crop sensor users. This may be my new favorite part of the site.
This post contains affiliate links. Thanks in advance for supporting Click it Up a Notch. I am not longer accepting applications for this series.
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No.01Tell us a little about yourself and your photography journey.
I was born in Germany, moved to the U.S when I was 20 and currently live in New York City with my husband and two teenage daughters. I studied Fine Arts at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and received a Masters degree in Architecture at UCLA. My photographic journey didn’t really start until about 3 years ago when I purchased my first DSLR camera – at which point I truly felt that I found my passion and calling. The road to what I considered a good photograph was very rocky – a few ups and many downs but I was determined to keep shooting and eventually with the help of supportive teachers and mentors, my work improved. Through this deliberate process and in spite of not always successful results, I realized that I had found my happy place in the act of photographing. Photography is my meditation and capturing a great shot is a wonderful bonus.
180mm | f/11 | SS 1/125 | ISO 400 -
No.02What is the best advice you received so far on your photography journey?
“Compare Yourself to Yourself three month ago” !
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No.03Where do you find your inspiration?
I find my inspiration wherever I am… nearby, traveling, anywhere outdoors….as well as looking at as many photographic blogs that I can get me eyes on. I will take screen shots of photos that I admire and then try to figure out what I like about them; and how I can recreate it in my next shot!
18-200mm | f/3.5 | SS 1/160 | ISO 800 -
No.04What type of background do you have? Self taught? Formal training? Mentor?
I have enrolled in multiple online classes as well as classes at ICP (International Center of Photography, NYC). I was also lucky to have found great inspiration and support from who I would consider my mentor, the fine art photographer and Lensbaby guru Kathleen Clemons. I had the pleasure of meeting Kathleen at a photo workshop and she has continuously supported my work with constructive criticism and praise when deserved.
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No.05Are you currently doing any photography projects? If so, what?
I recently joined http://52frames.com/ a platform for aspiring photographers from around the world who are working together to improve their skills by participating in weekly challenges, photo walks and tutorials.
180mm | f/4.5 | SS 1/4000 | ISO 640 -
No.06If you could only use one lens for a year, which would you choose?
My Tamron 180mm macro lens.
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No.07Share links to 3 of your favorite photography tutorials and tell us why.
I really don’t have a favorite tutorial – I love watching https://www.creativelive.com/photography when I have the time as well as watching the Click it up a Notch tutorial, there is always something to learn, in all of them.
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No.08What is your favorite image right now?
180mm | f/4.0 | SS 1/1000 | ISO 400 -
No.09What type of camera and lenses do you shoot with?
shoot with a Nikon D7100 and use the following lenses:
Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
Tamron SP AF 180mm F3.5
In addition, I just received a Fuji XT1 with a Fuji XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 -
No.10Let’s light someone else’s candle, who is a photographer you think we should check out?
My fellow online student and constant inspiration:
Iris Schoonus http://www.irisschoonus.com/ -
No.11What is your biggest challenge when it comes to photography?
Getting my photos tack sharp (especially macro shots) because I don’t like to use a tripod.
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No.12How do you display your photos?
I just ordered a few large scale prints to be displayed on my wall.
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No.13What's the strangest thing you carry in your camera bag, and why is it in there?
Clothespins – they help me keep distracting leaves or branches out of my shots away from my main subject.
180mm | f/4.0 | SS 1/100 | ISO 800 -
No.14What is next on your list of things to learn this year in photography?
Finding the patience to master the Lensbaby lenses.
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No.15If people want to follow more of your work where should they go?
On Instagram (NinaKling and NinaKling_2) as well as my webpage www.NinaKlingPhotography.com
18-200mm | f/5.6 | SS 1/320 | ISO 320
Awesome photos!!! I don’t think I’ve seen something like that before! Very inspirational:)
Omgosh…. Nina’s images are spectacular….. I cannot wait to hop on over to her web page and check out more of her images..
Thank you Courtney, for this series of “Have you met”
I LOVE the New York photo in no. 12. Do you sell any prints?
Also I have to say, Courtney, this series is awesome. Its great to see that so many amazing photographers are largely self-taught and I no longer feel like I’m at a disadvantage by not have a degree in photography.