Tuesday, October 28, 2008

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - 2 OF A KIND PHOTOGRAPHY

What delightful, colorful cards!! I'm sure anyone would be thrilled to receive one of these cards. These are the kind of cards I save forever....probably even frame them!
Let's meet the photographers behind these wonderful cards. Welcome, Shannon and Ralph. To give everyone a bit more insight into these creative people, I have added portions of their profiles from their Etsy shop 2 OF A KIND PHOTOGRAPHY.

Two of a Kind Photography is the creation of my husband and I. We decided to open up a company that would showcase our photography talents and our love of nature. We have a realistic and unique perspective when it comes to our art; hence the name we chose. I like to take pictures of flowers, animals, and close up images. My husband prefers to do landscapes, buildings, and animals.


SHANNON: There are many times when I go out to take photographs when I ask if there are any plants, animals, or anything else that would like to have their picture taken. Within minutes, animals or insects will get close to me or I'll see the perfect landscape out of the corner of my eye.

RALPH: I enjoy nature photography because it's an awsome experience to go out into the calming solitude of nature. I'm at peace with everything around me. It's just the animals, my wife, and myself. It's like a giant meditation room where all my worries go away. Nothing matters except what I'm there to do; relax. Photography makes the moment relivable through my pictures.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

Growing up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, I was always surrounded by nature. Some of my earliest memories are of my father taking pictures of me at the park. I enjoyed going with him to develop his film and I still remember the smell of his darkroom. I loved taking pictures as a kid and it stays with me today. Luckily, my husband also enjoys getting lost in the beauty of nature.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

It kind of chose us. Photography seems to be something that sticks with a family from generation to generation.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

Definitely the photo shoots. We’ve been able to go to a lot of stunning places and observe behind the scene secrets of local zoos.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

We both agreed it would be a pomegranate because it’s exotic, full of passion, and you never know what design the seeds will reveal.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Digital Art. With any medium, you always get outcomes that weren’t the greatest. We’ve found that digital programs like Adobe Elements 6 and Harmware's Tile can give a whole new meaning to something that would’ve been tossed aside. A blurry, dark photo can become a mysterious and unearthly creation.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

There are many aspects of nature, just like there are many facets on a gem. Some are destructive, others peaceful, and sometimes even revitalizing. Nature photography lets you lose yourself in search for that perfect shoot and you discover things about you that you never knew.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Don’t give up on what makes you happy. It may take time and compromise, but you can be successful if you are persistent.

THANKS, Shannon and Ralph for taking the time to share your wonderful photography with us. How wonderful that you both can do something you love as a team!! That makes it even more special. Shannon and Ralph are new to Etsy, so be sure to give them a great welcome. Visit their shop 2 OF A KIND PHOTOGRAPHY to see what lovely items they have to offer.


BLOG

MYSPACE PAGE