You just might have seen Mary Ann Blevins magical work that she does with children all over Facebook OR you might have seen one of her many positive comments on others work. Mary Ann was a past student in my Perfect Portrait E-course, and more than just creating beautiful and magical portraits she is an incredibly positive and supportive person in the photography community. I love seeing her photos pop up in Facebook and I also love seeing her support to others. Come take a peek at her work and support her too! Plus , read her short and sweet advice for photographers lout there just like you (I think it’s pretty spot on!)
Describe your photography journey.
Started taking photos with a point & shoot camera years ago – Moved up to a Canon 10s Film SLR camera when my son was small. The owner of a local camera shop who developed my film was kind enough to critique my photos and suggest things to try. I worked full time – photography was a hobby I took photos of kids soccer, gifting each child with a photo of them in action – events , plays, friends, family and wildlife. Got my first Digital SLR when asked to do a wedding of a friends daughter. I then used 2 cameras. I was not a professional, did not charge, gifted the albums and pictures, and would not do it unless they had a professional do their formal photos. I have taken photos of family and friends weddings and gifted the photos to family. Traveled to Ireland with siblings and their friends or relatives (14 total) and gave each couple or individual an album of the trip. I retired a little over a year ago and started taking some online photography and editing classes.
What (or who) was your inspiration for wanting to get into photography?
I once took a summer class at our university and was encouraged to enter a contest. I did — no did not win – but my photo was published in a photo book. (my instructor also loved a photo of mine that I thought was no good. ) This was a confidence booster – being told that I had an eye for photography was the inspiration to get a name for my business (Creative Click Photography), build up my profile, get my logo and watermark, and work on a web site and photography page.
What type of photography do you enjoy the most and why?
Children and family photography and doing composites for children. Its Magical
and I love the reaction when a child sees themselves with that Dinosaur, that tiger, that super hero. that fantasy world.
What do you think your biggest struggles are as a photographer and what do you do to overcome them?
Getting my subjects to stand out – getting that wow factor. Practice and taking online classes and purchasing instructional videos. I never heard of compositing until a year ago – I have learned so much in the last year. If I learn one thing in watching a video or in a class it is worth the cost.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new photographer?
Practice and Education
Tell us a little bit about the gear you use.
I use a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera, and Canon 7D Camera, a Canon 2.8 28-70L lens and 85 1.8 Lens.
Tell us some ways or places where you continue to learn more about photography (or editing)?
Cozy Click Photography Support, Creative Live, Lisset Perrier Artistry, Composite Photography, The Creative Photographer, Lily Alvarado, Meg Britton Live, among others where I have purchased classes
Describe how you find inspiration in your work.
From other photographers who post their work.
What tips do you have that would help others that are looking to advance their portrait photography skills?
Practice and continue to learn through education
How would you describe your style?
Creative – artistic – its where I want to be
Where can we find you? Do you have a website or social media channel where people can follow you?
So go check out and support Mary Ann and see some of her beautiful and creative photos!!
And check out other student spotlights here!
