I would like to introduce "The Dynamic Debbie Eakin of Debbie Eakin Photography" as our Photographer of the Month for the Month of April. Here is the personal interview that we were blessed with. Thank you Debbie. :)
Candie and Michelle: When did you discover you had a love for photography?
Debbie Eakin: When I took digital photography classes at MICA.
Candie and Michelle: Did you go to school for photography or were you self taught?
Debbie Eakin: A little of both. I went to the Maryland Institute, College of Art for graphic design but have always had a love for art in general. I took a few photography classes in college, some digital.
Candie and Michelle: How many years have you been doing it?
Debbie Eakin: 10+ years or so. I have been 'snapping pictures' since childhood but I developed more of an appreciation for photography in college.
Candie and Michelle: What’s the first picture you ever remember taking?
Debbie Eakin: I don't remember the subject matter but I do remember the camera. I had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle camera. It would imprint one of the turtles in the bottom right hand corner of each photo.
Candie and Michelle: How do you balance family life and your photography business?
Debbie Eakin: Easily. The photography I really enjoy is more of a hobby. I work for a golf cart parts and accessory distributor. I take photos at work but that isn't everything I do.
Candie and Michelle: How do you like living in Maryland?
Debbie Eakin: It's a great place to live because you can experience all four seasons. The downside is the taxes but that is a whole other topic.
Candie and Michelle: I have heard several people talk about the seasons who live there. Where is your favorite location in Maryland to your photo shoots at?
Debbie Eakin: There are too many to list but I really enjoy shooting random items or graffiti I find while hiking/exploring new areas.
Candie and Michelle: Has any other photographers influenced your photography style?
Debbie Eakin: My biggest inspiration came from a few people in my college classes. Their level of creativity and originality amazed me. They thought outside of the box.
Candie and Michelle: What are the biggest challenges you face as a photographer?
Debbie Eakin: The biggest challenges I faced were in college. My first photography class was strictly with manual cameras. While it was fun to learn, it was more difficult to wait for the final results. The moment you wanted to capture would be over by the time you saw the final results of a developed photo. If your settings weren't correct, the moment was lost. The other challenge in manual photography were the cost of the materials (paper, chemicals etc.). The studio was free in college but we had to pay for our own supplies.
Candie and Michelle: I can see how that can be challenging. What’s your favorite picture you have ever taken?
Debbie Eakin: I have a lot but some of the ones of my bull dogs will always be favorites.
Candie and Michelle: I like those too. What is the most memorable photograph you ever taken?
Debbie Eakin: The dogs win again on this question. Their personalities come through in photographs.
Candie and Michelle: What is the weirdest photograph you have ever been asked to take?
Debbie Eakin: I think I have a strong threshold for all things weird . . . Some of the oddest things I have photographed come from nature, anything from random insects to eggs that washed onto the shore in Jamaica after a storm.
Candie and Michelle: What is the one thing/place/person you have always wanted to photograph?
Debbie Eakin: Architectural details in France.
Candie and Michelle: Me too. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started out?
Debbie Eakin: Digital photography. I take more risks now than I did before due to the cost of supplies.
Candie and Michelle: Is there any advice you would want to give to aspiring photographers?
Debbie Eakin: There are no rules. Learn the how to operate the camera but take chances when you shoot. Don't always go for the traditional shot. Try various angles and points of view.
Candie and Michelle: Good advice. Where do you see your photography taking you in the future?
Debbie Eakin: I'd like to see my photos in the home decor world but more than just framed wall art. I find beauty in patterns, light and color that I could see on pillows, curtains etc.
Candie and Michelle: Please explain your photography packages for our readers?
Debbie Eakin: I do freelance work on the side and charge on a case by case basis. Most of my freelance work is with different mediums (oil paint, watercolor, etc.). As of now, my photography is just a hobby.
Candie and Michelle: If anyone of our readers are interested in your work what would be the best way to contact you?
Debbie Eakin: Email works best. My email address is holstein1983@yahoo.com.
Thank you so much Debbie for taking the time to sit down with us. We feel blessed to be featuring you this month. :)
-Candie & Michelle
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