Do you love taking pictures of your kids? So does Joey Buckley (and so do I!), she is one of the students in my online course Shoot It Sensational. Not only that, but here work is fantastic, especially the shots of her young daughter which she turns into something magical! Joey not only creates, but helps motivate and inspire others within my private Facebook group for students. She’s quick to help and share her knowledge too! Come learn a little more about Joey and see her advice that will help YOU in your photography journey!
What (or who) was your inspiration for wanting to get into photography?
I would have to say my children first definitely. Second my husband because he always pushed me to do something that I was really happy doing. And of course all the amazing photographers that I’ve met through Facebook like Emily Supiot. She has always been so helpful and kind when she would help me. And Brett Green. I’ve never met either one in person but I feel like I know them pretty well from just talking through Facebook. That’s the kind of inspiration that you want to keep going to pursue what you love.
Describe your photography journey.
Photography has always been a passion of mine. There’s a story behind every picture to me. It isn’t always easy but it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do since I was 15. I was self taught by working for a professional photography company for over 10 years. I trained my employees to operate camera equipment and to shoot events and portraits. I also watched YouTube tutorials. I would stay up late working on editing and improving everything I could. One day my husband asked me why I didn’t just start working with clients so I just started asking friends to do sessions with me to get my work out there. I encourage everyone who wants to be a photographer or learn photography to just keep trying every day. I do not consider myself perfect but I do try to be the best I can be by practicing every day or night.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new photographer?
My advice to anyone who is interested in doing photography and wanting to do it professionally is just keep going and shooting no matter if you feel stuck or you think you’re not good enough. You can do anything that you put your mind and heart into. Find a good mentor to guide you and help you through your journey. I couldn’t have done it without all the help that I had with my mentors. They kept me going and they encourage me when I feel like giving up. You will feel like that sometimes but if you have amazing people that support you and your passion, you will do just awesome.
What type of photography do you enjoy the most and why?
I mostly work with children and families. I absolutely love babies and children. Designing props and costumes for sessions is one of my favorite things to do so everyone has a unique experience with me. Plus children are always happy and make me smile.
How would you describe your style?
Honestly, I don’t know haha. I just edit my images to how I feel like I want them to tell the story. I believe that every picture has a story behind it. But if I had to say, I think I edit my images in a dreamy look to it. I love black and white, and occasionally I’ll edit my images with a little vintage grainy look for engagement sessions, weddings, and adult portraits. For Children’s photography work I love the dreamy style.
What tips do you have that would help others that are looking to advance their portrait photography skills?
Keep going out and shooting every day and practice your editing styles. I do it everyday and even when I don’t have any clients. I will take my daughter out for a session so I have images to work on. Some people believe that you need the best camera to get great images but you don’t. You can definitely do it with a lower end camera. I do believe that investing in lenses is helpful for portraits though. The best one to start with would be the 50mm 1.8. That’s how I started and it’s definitely affordable. And if you can, join a group. Emily’s Facebook group was always really helpful for me when I had questions about my photography work and her workshop/online course. It has a great community of people that have the same passion for photography and support.
Describe how you find inspiration in your work.
I would have to say that my main inspiration is my daughter Lily. She has such an amazing imagination so when I do a session with her I ask her what she likes and then I come up with something that another child may like too. She’s my little muse. I also find inspiration from my favorite photographers and watching their YouTube channels. You can definitely learn a lot from them. I do believe in finding your own style of photography though so you can stand out from everyone else.
Tell us a little bit about the gear you use.
I use two camera bodies at the moment. The Canon 5D Marklll is my main camera and I use the Canon 6D Markl when I do events with my husband. My favorite lens at the moment is my Canon 70-200mm f2.8 ll. It’s awesome for portraits and that’s what I mainly use to shoot. I occasionally use the 85mm, and my 50mm.
Do you have any funny or embarrassing moments to share about a time when you were out shooting?
I am notorious for always leaving my lens cap on lol When I notice that I did, I always tilt my camera down and pretend I’m checking it haha.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new photographer?
My advice to anyone who is interested in doing photography and wanting to do it professionally is just keep going and shooting no matter if you feel stuck or you think you’re not good enough. You can do anything that you put your mind and heart into. Find a good mentor to guide you and help you through your journey. I couldn’t have done it without all the help that I had with my mentors. They kept me going and they encourage me when I feel like giving up. You will feel like that sometimes but if you have amazing people that support you and your passion, you will do just awesome.
Where can we find you? Do you have a website or social media channel where people can follow you?
Take a look and come follow and support Joey Buckley!
My Facebook page is S & J Photography
To read more about students in the Cozy Clicks courses, hear their story, transformation and how they can help and inspire YOU! Check them out here!
