Our February Photographer & Prop Junkie of the month comes a touch late… but so more than well worth it!
Prop Junkies.. I introduce you to Andee Tate | Crave Photography… one of my constant inspirations! With her mix of modern and vintage, blended with eye popping colors and contrasts or softly vintage textures, Andee Tate | Crave Photography is a constant work of art!
So lets start our interview.. and get to know her better…
Andee… oh Andee how excited I have been to interview you!… So lets start by a quick intro to YOU and get “snapping” on your work!
1) What is your photography site, blog, and any other sites you own that you’d like to share with us?
*I am a home body who loves spending time with my three children and husband. I also love the outdoors and traveling! I’m kind of, sort of, just a little tiny little bit obsessed with photography and photo editing and I love teaching others about photography and photoshop too!
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CRAVE-PHOTOGRAPHY/132825876747487
BLOG: www.cravemyphotography.com/blog/
2) Your work is just gorgeous, 100% high fashion magazine worthy! How did YOU get started in the photography business, and when?
*I loved taking pictures of my children and started doing little shoots for friends and family with (dare I say) a point and shoot camera (cringe). It was mainly just for free and for fun but I really enjoyed it. I got my first DSLR camera just over 2 years ago and have officially been in business now for 1 year. When I started out, I focused on learning all that I could about photography. Then I focused on Photoshop and fell in love with editing! Photography has been an incredible creative outlet, an amazing journey, and a huge blessing in so many ways.
3) And we have to ask, as everyone wants to know… WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH, and what is your favorite lens?
*I am an uber proud Nikon gal! I shoot with the D700 and currently my favorite lens is the 85mm 1.4. It’s a fantastic, sharp, fast lens with such creamy bokeh. I call my little combo of the D700 with the 85mm 1.4 the “dream team”!
4) Peeking at your portfolio, you have an array of subjects from babes to tweens, to couples… what is your favorite subject, and why?
*I adore working with couples! They can take direction, hold still, and just have fun! I love to pull people out of their comfort zones and try new things and couples are always so good to just let me do my thing!
5) Your photography always seems to adorn some sort of unique & fabulous prop. From the outfits you work with, to the simple props like suit cases, etc. Do you have a favorite prop that you use in most sessions?
* I love adding props to my sessions when I can. I think they add so much detail, create eye candy, and help tell a story. Props are amazing for helping create a look or mood to your shoot. I have hired a professional to stylize some of my sessions and some of it I have done on my own. I am always dreaming up stylized sessions!! My favorite prop right now is a bright red antique typewritter. I haven’t even used it yet, but soon…very soon!!
6) Do you have a favorite “PROP SHOP” that you regularly work with? Please share…
*I shop at several local antique stores and frequent them often. I’m kind of obsessed with different era’s so I like picking up old things. I also like to look at resource sites such as Etsy. It doesn’t really matter the site or store, if I see something I like enough, I’m going to snag it! I also use a lot of Gracylu Originals hair pieces on my shoots and love working with Tristian. Her pieces are a must for baby/child sessions on up to weddings!
7) Do you have a studio, and if so.. where is it? In your home, in a retail spot?
*I do not have a studio at this time, but I am a “never say never” kind of gal! Perhaps some day I will, although I personally like the gritty versatile look of natural light on locations shoots over the polished look of studio.
CONGRATS on your GROOM SOLD SEPARATELY feature! As well as being featured on MCP. Do you have any future projects in the works?
*YES! I am collaborating with several photographers and forums on a variety of things from sessions, to interviews, to writing articles, to classes/online workshops! I will be plenty busy this year with the projects I have planned, and at the same time I am taking on way less this year so that I can focus on expanding my business in other areas and mainly to spend more time with my family.
9) As we obviously love to follow your blog… who are a few fellow photographers whose work you adore and like to follow as well?
*My goodness there are so many amazing and talented photographers out there. I just popped on Jose Villa’s site the other day and was blown away by his ability to capture light. He is simply amazing! My friend Gina Oh from California is incredibly talented at capturing life, real raw moments. I also really admire the work of Gina Kolsrud. I’ve never seen anyone work with color and textures quite like her.
10) Any fabulous information you can “share” with fellow photographers, just starting out and looking to break into the photog world?
*When I first started I always heard others say you needed to have a specific “signature” look and stick to it. I say BS! I happen to like a very bold rich look at times and other times I like a soft vintage look. Sometimes I’m all over the map! I say do what makes you happy! My editing style depends on so many factors from the subject, clothing, locations, props, lighting, my mood, etc… I am very eclectic in my style and frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way! I love being versatile and free and feeling like I can create any kind of art I want!! I refuse to have any boundaries or fit any kind of mold! So listen to your own heart, experiment with different looks, and have fun on your journey of creating!
11) Hey Andee…. Who are YOU? Other than a photographer.. are you a mother, wife, animal lover, or other sort of artist?
* I have been married for almost 16 years to a really amazing and supportive husband. He is a very hands on dad and is so helpful to me, especially during my busy times. We have 3 incredibly wonderful children and recently added a cute little Daschund puppy to the family! I really enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family. Camping and hiking are two of our favorite things to do together. I’m an incredibly blessed person and thank God for everything wonderful in my life.
12) What is your favorite session you have done?
I would say it is hands down my Ghost Angel session! I had no idea how it would all turn out, but came away very pleased with the imagery!
Ghost Angel HERE
A close second would be my kids Coca Cola shoot
Coca Cola Kids HERE
Lastly… any fun or extraordinary talent, or obsession, that you’d like to share with us? IE: can you touch your tongue to your nose, or do you snowboard, maybe run marathons? 
*Actually I CAN touch my tongue to my nose! I used to be obsessed with Rock Climbing many years ago. That’s about it….I really have zero other talents!
Andee
www.cravemyphotography.com/blog/
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