We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grace Woodard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grace below.
Grace, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is a beautiful thing and it is not something in which I operate in on my own accord, but within communion and connection to the Creator Himself. My relationship with the Lord is everything and what I credit to operating in creativity. He is the Creator of the universe and we are His creation that gets the opportunity to co-labor and co-create with Him. Prioritizing time spent with the Lord is the key to my creative rhythm.
There are a few other practical things I have implemented into my business as a photographer that has allowed for me to maintain creativity. One thing I aim to be intentional with is planning a creative shoot (unpaid) with friends about once a month. This allows for me to plan a shoot that I have vision for, add in all the props & ideas, and bless friends in the process. This tends to be my most fun and creative work, and then makes my paid work better. I also do my best to have other creative hobbies outside of photography (my profession) that allow me to rest, enjoy, and simply create, with no pressure of meeting deadlines, growing a business, or satisfying clients. The other practical that I try to be intentional with is rest- physically and mentally. It allows me to come to my work full of life and energy.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I was the girl that picked up a point and shoot camera when I was very young and when I was about 12 years old I started shooting on my dad’s DSLR that he had laying around. The praise I received from family member’s for the photos I would take gave me the nudge to dive a bit deeper into the craft. In both high school and college I spent time taking film photography courses, learning the history of photo, how a camera works, and learning the art of 35mm film. My heartbeat & approach to my current photography style can largely be attributed to this foundation of learning film photography and spending hours in a darkroom in my teenage years.
Post college, I had a Bachelor’s in Fine Art and genuinely no direction to go. Lots of doubt as a creative crept into my life as I navigated career opportunities post college. My life took a bit of a left turn in 2020 and I stepped into full time missions with an organization called Africa Freedom Mission. I spent 2 years working with this incredible ministry and in the midst of my time with them, started shooting again (film first, then slowly picked up digital again). I fell in love all over again with the joy of telling a story through a photograph, this time with my feet in Africa. When I stepped off the mission field, I had no intention of shooting with clients and starting a business, ministry and photography paired well together and that was enough for me. However, more and more people asked to shoot and by the grace of God, I sort of fell into it. I started shooting with clients in fall of 2022 and now 2 years later, I have honed in on my niche and style and have developed a true passion for storytelling through the art of photography.
I primarily shoot weddings and couples – a love story is my favorite thing to document and I truly come alive in this space. I believe that every love story is unique and I love the creative challenge of being able to deliver a gallery of beautiful, timeless, documentary style photos that are also unique to the couple & not just another rundown of typical couple poses. I approach my work as a photographer the way a painter would approach a blank canvas- so much possibility and potential, and a work of art will emerge with time and intentionality. There is so much to photography beyond knowing how to use a camera- color grading, editing tricks, style, building a storyline, really taking the time to know your couple on the front end, and learning the art of making clients feel at ease are all integral components to how I run my business.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Knowledge and skillset is vital to photography, but it also requires people skills! I’ve spent my life around community so it’s fairly easy for me to become a friend with a stranger, which has helped tremendously when working with clients. Knowing how a camera works (and not just settings for good photos) is a huge skillset that will translate into longevity as a photographer. My background is in film photography (and really learning how a camera works) which has built a solid foundation for my business and style. Another important skillset in photography is understanding color theory and how to navigate Lightroom! Presets are great (and I use them) but I believe this is a base and every session needs its own edits, just as each couple and story is different!
For those wanting to get into photography, I’d highly recommend starting out shooting with friends! Grab a couple friend of yours and plan a shoot and just have fun! If you know of other photographers in your area that are willing to allow you to attend a shoot or wedding as an assistant, do it! And investing in mentor sessions is also an INCREDIBLE way to go. All the money I have invested into my business in terms of education has been worth it (+ it’s a tax write off:).
How would you describe your ideal client?
An ideal client is a couple that is madly in love & wants to break away from the traditional poses/stationary style of photography. A couple that values photography as art & are willing to take the time to dream up a session (from outfits, to setting, to props and activities) & leave the rest up to me is who I love working with!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bygracekathryn/
Image Credits
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