Inspirational Wednesday

I can not begin to tell you guys how much Toya and I enjoy doing Inspirational Wednesday. We look at different stuff all the time to bring you guys a fun, informational show...all while just being ourselves lol, we just have a great time! Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this so far, and who will be a part of this in the future. While on the subject of giving thanks, I want to say a VERY special Thank You to Maria  for this WONDERFUL gift....

and one of my most favorite pages....

Just beautiful! Thanks so much!!!

And now another thank you to Laura who sent me some lovely sock yarn and a pattern. I MUST bite the bullet and make some socks. I am REALLY looking forward to working with this yarn. Thank you!!!!

Next...I'll say thanks to my baby boy, Aj for holding up my cami so you guys could see the progress....

and now I can kill him because he was trying to knit ......

And I did cast on for my KAL...lol, and that is ALL I did lol.

More progress on this  later.

Now for our interview.....

First, let me introduce myself:  My name is Diana Freccia, I was born
and raised on Long Island, NY.  Attended college at the University of
Delaware (1998-2002) and am now married to my college sweetheart and
living in Newark, Delaware.  I am 26 years old (my birthday is 5/22!).
I tutor for the SATs and I also do some photography on the side.

I started a knitting & photography blog in November 2006, after spending
a lot of time reading other people's blogs. I have been trying to
connect with other people by joining some knitalongs and some different
challenges like Photo Friday, Project Spectrum, Eye Candy Friday.I just
joined Mosaic Monday!  There are so many sites and people out there, it
is just incredible!
 
My email address is: diana@photodee.com
My URL is: http://photodee.com/blog
My Flicker URL is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/photodee/


How long have you been shooting?

I started off with film photography when I was in elementary school.  I
always entered the PTA Reflections contest every year.  When I was in
high school, I had a job at a camera store, retouching photographs.  But
it wasn't until I was in college that my interest in photography really
blossomed. I had part time jobs with a few departments, working on
websites and advertisements.

I am very much self-taught.  I am the type of person who will sit and
play around to learn about something.  I am not a big manual reader. I
just fiddle around till I get what I want! I taught myself most of what
I know about both my camera and Adobe Photoshop.

When did you consider yourself a professional photographer? How did you
know you were ready?
The term "professional" is so tenuous.  It is a very tough business to
get into.  I have just done some things on the side. It has been hard to
be able to sell enough to make it my permanent gig.  Many "art" people
turn their noses up at digital photography.  Many regular people will
not buy other people's work because they think they could just do the
same thing themselves.  It is also a very challenging profit margin.
The materials are costly when it comes to printing and framing, and it
is difficult to find people willing to spend money on photography.
(Though I have certainly decorated my home with my work.  And it comes
in very handy to make gifts for other people!) 


What do you shoot with?
I got my first digital camera in 1999.  It was just a simple Sony
Cybershot point and shoot, but it helped me learn some of the ins and
outs.  After I graduated college in 2002, I got an Olympus C5050 camera,
which allowed me to control more settings.....and then I got a Nikon
D100 in 2004 and now I have a Nikon D200.

What are your favorite settings?

I always shoot on the Aperture setting so I can control my f stops and
depth of field and details.

What do you find your self doing on a consistent basis in regards to the
composition of your shots?

I try to give myself little assignments when I go out to shoot, like
trying to get all close shots, or trying to fill the frame, or
concentrating on backgrounds and so on!

Do you prefer black/white or color? Why?

I was never really into black and white.  I am a color girl!

This photo got a perfect score at The Photographic Federation of Long
Island's competition in 2004:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/441283390_7661b2079f.jpg


Do you enjoy shooting still life?
Most of the things I shoot in nature are not moving, so in a way, most
of my shots are still life shots. My favorite things to shoot are
flowers and landscapes.  I love Longwood Gardens in PA, The New York
Botanic Gardens, The Planting Fields Arboretum on Long Island, and Cape
Henlopen State Park in Lewes, DE.

This photo was created for my camera club's tabletop themed competition.
I used my wedding and engagement rings and my husband's wedding band. I
later used this for our wedding thank you notes!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/431362835_ead189b12b.jpg


Do you shoot Raw or JPEG? Which do you prefer and why?
I shoot in JPEG. Mainly because I am such a pack rat and I have a very
hard time deleting images. I also am a big Photoshop guru, so I know
that bad shots can turn into great shots with the right editing.  Also,
sometimes you need a background or a piece to a collage.  You never know
when something is going to come in handy.  This summer I am going to try
to work to tag my images so I can sort them better and eliminate some
too!

My dad, who I got back into photography, shoots RAW because he likes to
have details. But the file sizes are HUGE.  You get fewer shots on each
card.  They also take FOREVER to work with on the computer!


Situation: You are standing in front of your subject ready to take the
first photo, what are you thinking in regards to getting the best shot
possible?
I don't like to over-think.  I just set it up to the best of my ability
and take the picture.

What is your "dream" lens or piece of equipment if given the
opportunity, what or where would you love to photograph?
Tough one!  I am pretty happy with my equipment.  I tend to like to be
really flexible and on-the-go when I go out to shoot.  I love my camera
(though whenever Nikon updates to the next model, I will surely follow
suit.)  Right now I really only have 2 lenses.an 18-200 which I LOVE.
It is VR and very versatile. I also have a 150mm VR Macro lens.  I am
not big on changing lenses in the field.  I like to just be quick and
mobile and get the shots I can.  I don't use a tripod.which I know is a
big no-no.  But I don't care.  I am more flexible and can line up
quicker for shots. 


Who are your mentors if any?
My dad is a big part of why I got into photography.  He used to be very
into film photography.  I got him into digital and we both got our first
digital Nikon cameras at the same time.  We go out to shoot together a
lot.
My mom is a big creative inspiration for me.  She always taught me to be
unique and stand out.  I really do think that my individual voice shows
through in my photos.and I have her to thank for helping me find that
voice.
My husband is also a big inspiration to me.  We like to travel and
explore.  We have been together since college, so he has become
accustomed to traipsing around with me with my camera around my neck.
He has become really good at pointing out some excellent shots to me. 

To this date, what is your best photo assignment, individual photo, or
subject you have photographed and why?
It is hard to name a favorite.  I have done so many projects.  I like to
do custom projects for people, like baby announcements, holiday cards,
name plaques.  All of these projects allow me to combine my photography
with my digital manipulation and design.
Here is an example of my flippie digital art:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/441286148_80c49bdf2d.jpg
 
 
Thank you so much for this chance to share my work and a little about
myself!!  Let me know if you have any further questions.  I am honored
that you wanted to spotlight me on your podcast! I will be continuously
adding to my Flicker site, so drop by to see what I am up to!  Also,
feel free to stop by my blog and say hello!

Thank you so much for a WONDERFUL interview!!!!

I hope you all have a fantastic day! And remember....DON'T FORGET TO TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THE PODCAST ON MAY 2nd....You do NOT want to miss it! LOL

Toodles!

Comments

[Tany]

Great interview, Diana's work is fantastic!! Thanks!

[toya]

Maria is the bomb, Diana's photos are the bomb, girl, we are lucky to have all these talented people to get inspiration from. I will say that, the tank maybe too big for AJ lol,, that is the cutest pic ever!
I am listening to the podcast again,,, I think I laugh to much, need to get a little more serious, talk later

[Lisa D.]

love the interview, and the photos are awesome...gotta checkout Diana's site!

[Isolde]

Lovely gifts you got. And the knitting looks wonderful. Love the color of the yarn. Enjoy your Wednesday, honey!

[Gold]

Good interview love those shots she took. Your son is a cutie pie!

[Melanie S. Smith]

I love the book from Maria, how beautiful!!! Looks like you had a good mail week!!! The interview was wonderful and I will be sure to tune in on May 2nd!!

[Maria]

WOW.....I'm speechless here! Thank you!!! I loved today's IW and I am so giddy to see the album and stuff up there! You rock Adrienne!!! SO glad you liked it all! :) I can't wait to go and listen to the podcast! You and Toya are two totally amazing and talented women! Thanks for all the inspiration! The interview rocks!!! Those photos are dreamy! Your son is so totally cute and Laura's yard is yummy! I LOVE THIS POST!!!

[Jeanette]

I am inspired! Love the photos Diana has captured. She is incredibly talented. Makes me want to go home tonight and play with my camera!

[Greta]

that picture of that rose is to die for.....

[Stacey]

You made A LOT of progress on your cami!

And really like the color for your KAL vest.

Your son is TOO CUTE!!

PhotoDee does some great work!

[Rolana]

Great post today! Thanks for introducing us to Diana! Her photos are just breathtaking! Thanks for more pics of the adorable AJ! He's such a cutie!

Adrienne, can you recommend a book for me to use for knitting. I'd like to get started and I would be a beginner. Thanks in advance.

[cheryl]

Look at all the fun goodies you got in the mail!! Maria's album is just gorgeous!!
LOVE that pic of the wedding ring on the flower. Too cool!
And AJ is too cute!!

[Ronalyn]

I LOVE DEM IW'S!

Girl AJ is so cute!! Check him out! And Maria.. how sweet!!!

I know,a day late.. but I was bummed about LOST.. just getting more lost in the mix.. more questions than answers.. oh and typepad wasn't working last night? Hey girl, it was nice talking to you yesterday!!

Chat later!

[Solidia]

Great job Adrienne! I really enjoyed your topics. I am totally ready for gardening! Too bad we have snow on the ground here in Indiana today.:( Oh well, I am trying to think of it as more water for my plants to get a good start. :)