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 no longer accepting applications for this series.
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No.01Tell us a little about yourself and your photography journey.
I’m proud to say that I’m a mom of two! Together with my wonderful husband Ruud, and our children, Ivy (4) and Pyke (1) we call a little village near Amsterdam in The Netherlands our home. My photography journey began when my daughter was born. Suddenly the transience of time hit me like a bomb and I really wanted to capture every single tiny detail. When my son was born, I was already hooked and determined to learn more, but I was still shooting on auto. I started reading tutorials and blogs like Clikin Moms and Click It Up A Notch, and finally switched to full manual. At the first of January I started a project 365 on my blog. Shooting everyday improved my photography skills more than I could have ever imagined. I also finished the course Mastering Manual from The Photographers Element. I finally understand what I’m doing instead of hoping for lucky shots. Now I feel my camera is a piece of me and I’m one of those who carries her camera to the supermarket.
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No.02What is the best advice you received so far on your photography journey?
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Sometimes I can feel pretty insecure. Reminding myself about his quote and thinking about my work as a piece of me, made with my vision and creativity, really helps me feel better.
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No.03Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in many things. In my children, books, nature, LIFE.
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No.04What type of background do you have? Self taught? Formal training? Mentor?
I’m self taught. I did “Mastering Manual” from The Photographers Element in the beginning of this year and it helped me take full control of my camera. I can’t wait to do more courses and I love the break out ebooks of Clickin Moms!
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No.05Are you currently doing any photography projects? If so, what?
I’m doing a personal project 365. It is a huge commission, but I really, really find that it helps me improve my skills, technically and creatively!
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No.06If you could only use one lens for a year, which would you choose?
Without a doubt my 17-55 mm f/2.8. Really love that lens! And I think I can say I’m really a zoom girl.
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No.07Share links to 3 of your favorite photography tutorials and tell us why.
5 Tips for taking outdoor self portraits by Alice Che As a photographer we stand behind the camera, but I’m convinced we shout be more in front! We have to capture ourselves for our children, we are part of their lives!
How to use back button focusing tutorials -For me, this helped me with nailing focus!
Using sky overlays in Photoshop – I always loved to watch the clouds, how they grow, the shapes and colors. Something I wanted to have in my images too. But I didn’t want to use the skies others have photographed as an overlay, to my opinion, then it isn’t my image anymore. This tutorial shows you how to capture the sky yourself and use it as an overlay.
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No.08What is your favorite image right now?
This picture of my daughter Ivy. To me she looks like an angel.
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No.09What type of camera and lenses do you shoot with?
I shoot with a crop! Currently shooting with a Canon 7D mark II. I do want to upgrade to a full frame in the future, but only if I have outgrown this one. I own a lot of lensen but I only have two of them that I use the most. My number one is the 17-55 mm f/2.8 and the runner up the 50 mm f/1.8.
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No.10Let’s light someone else’s candle, who is a photographer you think we should check out?
I’m in love with Candice Zugich work from The Blissful Maven. The way she capture emotions is truly beautiful and breath taking.
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No.11What is your biggest challenge when it comes to photography?
My perfectionism. I always want to do it the right way, even if it’s simply not possible. Time is my second challenge. But which mommy doesn’t need more time on her hands?
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No.12How do you display your photos?
Actually, I have to be very honest that we currently only have one framed image in our house. It’s a selfie my husband and I made on our trip to Paris in 2013. We both love to travel, but our lives are so hectic now and then. This picture reminds us that we sometimes just need to book an airline ticket. Last October we moved in our new house and I didn’t accomplished to print yet. But, when I completed my 365 I’m planning on putting my favourite images of that project on the diningroom wall and designing an album for my children.
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No.13What is the strangest thing you carry in your camera bag?
Baby wipes! They are so, so handy! Dirty faces, smudges, sticky hands…
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No.14What is next on your list of things to learn this year in photography?
Oh, there is so much more to learn! But I really want to learn more about the use of external light and flashes.
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No.15If people want to follow more of your work where should they go?
I would love to have you follow my project 365! www.kimadores.com is were my project is updated every day. To see my business work you can always visit www.kimdevriesfotografie.nl!
I absolutely love Kim de Vries! She’s such a talented photographer. But also one of the best moms I know. She’s a philosopher, a great inspiration, a beautiful woman, honest, caring. And a very, very dear friend.
I’m so proud of you, Kim!
Thank you so much dear Willemke! You made me blush ;) !
This one was right up my alley – on the topics of cropped sensors, 50mm as a fave lens, learning more about flashes…great post! Thanks for sharing!
Good to hear Samantha!