Herbie Business: Sharon

Posted by:Lindsay S. Nixon
****This giveaway is now closed***** This month's Herbie Business is Sharon from Foelz Studio. Sharon is a nature photographer. Her passion for capturing beautiful images of nature is truly inspiring!

Q: Tell us a little bit about your businesses.

I'm a fine art nature photographer. I sell prints of my work and have a line of greeting cards called "Sunday Afternoons." The name came from my regular little weekend adventures, when I take myself outdoors to shoot something, even if it's in my own backyard. I also sell images through a stock photo agency. Q: How did you get into the business of taking nature photos? I am happiest when I am outdoors with my camera. I'm inspired by the vibrant colors, organic shapes and super abundance of textures and patterns found in nature. When seen in beautiful natural light, moments are created that beg to be captured. I've been capturing these moments for years and have developed quite a library of images. Q: What motivated you to start selling your work? How long have you been doing this? I have always made personal cards from my photographs to send to people. The response I have often gotten is, "You should be in the card business!" I got started when one friend commissioned me to make cards for his business and then prints for his offices. That was about five years ago. Q: Is this a full-time gig, or something you do on the side? a hobby? Let's say it's a pro hobby. No, it's not my full time job. My day job, however, is directly related to photography. I am an art director and much of my job involves directing shoots and working with professional photographers and stylists.Q: How long have you been a member of the HH community? I've always been interested in eating a somewhat vegetarian and healthy diet but I only started eating a completely plant based diet five months ago after watching the documentary "Forks Over Knives." In my hunt for vegan cookbooks, I discovered The Happy Herbivore - that was about four months ago. Q: What advice do you have for anyone interested in pursuing their dreams of being a professional photographer? Find a subject matter you love. Shoot regularly, as often as you can. I would also suggest finding a photography related job to work in even if that business' subject matter isn't in your area of interest. Q: What is the most rewarding part of your business/work? My photographs are a collection of moments I've experienced out in nature. I'm energized by being able to share them with others who appreciate them. Q: What is the most challenging aspect? Marketing myself. I'd rather be out taking pictures. Q: Does your business directly relate to your Herbie lifestyle? Yes. I shoot subjects that interest me. Plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables, and health concepts are all part of my subject matter and many of my successful stock shots involve these subjects. Q: Anything else you'd like to add or share? I believe when we are passionate about something, that interest area automatically opens up opportunities. I am certain that my new found plant based focus, more and more, will become part of my photography. I'm not sure how just yet, but I look forward to seeing how that will manifest itself. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about my photography, Lindsay. I admire your Herbie passion and all the places it has taken you.The giveaway winner is:

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