Aug 16, 2011

Spotlight on... Terry McKaig Photography!

I'm super excited about this spotlight interview!!!  I have been a HUGE fan of Terry McKaig's gorgeous photography for years.  She is such an inspiration to me.  When I finally "met" her on a forum we are both members of I was so excited - and definitely a bit intimidated given her amazing talent.  But she is such a sweet, down to earth kinda girl... and I'm happy to now be able to call her my friend.  So, if haven't seen Terry's work, you're in for a real treat today!  




Tell us where you live?  What do you love about living there?

I live in sunny Arizona……..Peoria to be exact.  Peoria is a suburb of Phoenix on the Northwest side of the valley.  The people are very friendly here and when it gets hot for the few months out of the year we can be at the beach in California in about 5.5 hours or up in the mountains in 2 hours.  The desert is gorgeous and I love the sun…..it makes me happy…….all of that vitamin D I suppose!! : )



Describe your photography style.

I would describe my photography style as chic, modern and stylized. Magazine style comes to mind as well.  I come from an interior design background and love to stylize a session when my client is up for it.



How did you get started in Photography?

I got started in photography when my husband and I started traveling to New England in the fall to experience the beautiful fall colors and small, quaint towns in Vermont that seem to have not changed in the last 80 years!  I wanted a “good camera” so I could take “good pictures”.  Boy was I in for an education about photography.  Having a good camera will no more produce amazing images than a high end oven/stove will give you a gourmet meal but that is another subject all together!

After learning landscape and macro photography and learning about my “good camera”, I started photographing models and seniors.  I now primarily photograph engagements and weddings but will photograph seniors and families now and then.



Do you shoot professionally?  Describe what you do and why?

Yes, I am a professional photographer.  I love to make people feel beautiful or handsome and for them to have an amazing photography experience with me on their wedding day or for any given photo session.  My goal is for my clients to have images that are works of art, not just pictures that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. When they see their images and feel beautiful and confidant in who they are and the images bring about emotion that they will want to see and experience over and over………..that is amazing!!  Just a few days ago a mom of a bride said to me, “you made my daughter look and feel beautiful and even though we have always told her how beautiful she is her entire life, for the first time in her life, I think she believes it” 
That is what I do and why!  :  )


What’s in your bag and what one piece of equipment could you absolutely not live without?

I’m a canon shooter.  I have two camera bodies on me while shooting.  One 5D Mk II and one regular 5D.  Normally the 24-70 is on the Mk II and the 70-200 on the 5D.  I also have the 35mm in my bag for portraits, 50mm for getting ready images and the 100 mm macro for detail images.  I also have two 580EX II flashes and Radio Poppers for my OCF (off camera flash) along with a Sunbounce reflector for natural light.

My go to lens is the 24-70mm lens with the 70-200 being a close second.


What is your best post processing tip?

While developing your own processing style, learn enough along the way to make your own actions. It will save you a lot of cash and the knowledge you gain is priceless.  Lighting is everything, not only in design but also in post processing.    



Was there ever an “aha’ moment when you knew you had found your photographic voice?

When I stopped letting fear have influence in my photography experience…….my photographic voice came to the surface.  Fear stifles creativity and does not allow the freedom you need to have a voice.  Once the fear is gone…….amazing things happen!



What is your best advice for those who are new to photography?

Photograph what makes you happy, be original in that expression.



If you could spend your life doing anything you wanted to do with no financial concerns, what would it be?

Probably nothing very different than what I’m doing now, I enjoy my life and consider myself very blessed.



What inspires you?

Nature inspires me.  The beauty that surrounds us each and everyday is amazing.  It gives me the energy and joy to be creative.

Show us your favorite image made by you.

It was pretty much impossible to pick a favorite image. My favorite images end up being the last images from the the most recent engagement or wedding I photographed, then the next engagement or wedding images are my favorites........I wonder if that is weird? Anyway, I blew this one up big to show clients, so It must be a fave!! : )


Thank you so much Terry for inspiring us with your incredible artistry!  Be sure to check out Terry's website at the link above, and leave her some love here in the comments!

8 comments:

Cindy Harter said...

so much fun reading your interview ! Gorgeous work !!!! Thanks Denise for giving us a closer look :)

meggie said...

Terry, I have always adored your sense of style, light and compositions that you see through your lens. Great post Terry and Denise!!

Marla said...

Terry does such amazing work, love it! What a great interview with a very special lady. :)

Anonymous said...

Loved this interview! So fun to read the responses and see the thoughts behind the camera ;-)

Julie Monacella Photography said...

I'm also a fan of Terry's. I loved reading this interview and getting to know her a bit through it. Thank you Denise and Terry! :)

Terry McKaig said...

It is such a pleasure to be a part of Denise's inspiration blog! Thank you Denise and for the warm welcome and comments from everyone!! : )

Hayley said...

Love your work Terry, great feature :) Thanks for sharing Denise!

Laura Lynne Photography said...

LOVE this interview! thank you to you and Terry for sharing! And wow, gorgeous, gorgeous, work!!! so inspiring! :)

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