The Monthly: May 2014

from my instagram 

May 

• Finals, final projects, finished up the semester 
• Graduation with my associate's degree in Liberal Arts at TCC 
• A shoot for a homeschool highschool graduation the day after my own, where my photography partner and I may have wandered off the beaten path to explore Suffolk + stand in muddy fields taking pictures 
• Trying to keep one of my succulents alive, which isn't going so well...
• Red Balloons for Ryan 
• Business meetings in Norfolk + walking around sight seeing + learning my new love for Fairgrounds Coffee   
• Choosing a school to start in the Fall on my bachelor's degree...
• My first newborn shoot ever + getting to hold her! 
• Failed miserably at attempting to make macaroons...it was bad guys...
• A very noticeable tan only on my left arm because I put it out the window of my car
• Learned to make my own cold brew coffee and I'm saving the big bucks now! 
• Cracking up at Craigslist adds while I look for a better car (for instance: "chevy pickup truck-will trade for two cases of Coors Light") 

Summer List

Warm summer breezes 

Grill and campfire smells waft through hot air 

Hair thrown back sloppily

Flowers and bushes hidden, tucked away sprung to beautiful, obvious life 

Beaming sun against skin once again, hinting at sunburns 

Stowed away in closets, shorts, skirts, dresses, and tanktops parade the arms and legs again

Always unwelcome flies and mosquitoes come back to bother outdoor adventures

Picking berries straight from fields 

Night comes later and encourages us to stay out 

Glasses of iced sweet tea sweat on porches 

Old ladies sit in creaky rocking chairs

Playgrounds that waited unused are alight with the laughter of children 

Picnics and beach trips are welcomed back to existence

School is forgotten 

Summer takes flight 

 

Friends Friday: Daytona

Name: Daytona Lamade 
Age: 18 
Location: Norfolk
Occupation: Photographer 

How did you get into photography and blogging? 
I loved taking pictures since I was a kid. Like, really really loved it. I got a point and shoot for Christmas one year and started taking pictures of just pretty things. But, my best friend was a total ham for the camera, and would always make me take pictures of her modeling. I initially HATED it! But I fell in love with being able to pose people, and I’ve been all portraits ever since. 

What does your average day look like? 
An average day in April looks so different from an average day in July! I’m a full time student, I work, and I volunteer, so my days are pretty crammed, which is conducive to the “off-season.” However, when I’m in season and shooting multiple times a week (which means I don’t have to work) I’m editing, corresponding with lovely clients, and setting lots of goals. I also try to blog in advance so I can stick to posting daily. 

What are you going to school for and where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
I switched my major to psychology last month and I’m so excited about it! It’s obviously not a practical degree, but I want nothing more than photography to be a full-time job when I graduate and that just doesn’t require a degree (thank God). I’m minoring in marketing which should really help me with the business side of everything. In five years, I would love to be established in my career as a photographer, behind the camera full time and busy enough to shoot only weddings. I’d also love to delve more into the teaching side of the industry! 

Favorite things to photograph?
My heart is torn in two! I love my seniors, because it feels editorial and senior year is honestly the best time ever (and I miss it every day). Also, I am the biggest proponent of genuinely loving yourself, and getting to show someone just HOW beautiful they are is one of my favorite feelings in the world. I know it is cliché, but I hate what the media does to any girl’s self image and photography is my push against that. However, couples have my heart. I love people who are in love, I love everything love does to you. And to get to capture the small nuances of a relationship is the most incredible privilege. 

What inspires you? 
Personality. When it comes to people, I am a super analytical person (which is why I switched to psychology!) and I get to know people with a camera in front of my face. Everything they say and do, every expression or movement they subconsciously make influences the next pose I put them in. This keeps my posing from growing too repetitive or stale. I also explore and drive a lot, so a cool location REALLY helps! 

I’ve seen on your blog that you love thrifting. How do you find such cool stuff? Every time I go to a thrift store all I find is old lady panties (nothing against those, just saying). I’m stumped! 
It’s all about patience! You really have to be dedicated to looking at everything! If you want to buy a new dress, you have to go through every dress on the dress rack. Also, improvisation. I buy high waisted jeans and turn them into shorts, or will put a belt around a dress that’s two sizes too big and call it good! Thrift store city in Portsmouth is the best. 

How do you own a vw bus? It’s so cool and retro chic! 
It was a graduation present! Sort of. The deal between my dad and I has always been that if I got a scholarship, I would get a car. It’s the best because my seniors can change in there and if I ever have an hour to kill I can just take a nap in there. Plus every once in a while it starts a good stop-light conversation. 

How would you describe your style? 
Definitely authentic. It goes back to how integral personality is to my style of shooting. I determine who’s really in front of my camera and I want nothing more and nothing less than that. This usually surfaces as simple posing—all the focus on who that person/relationship is, not the intricate posing or crazy lighting. I’m a totally easy-going, no frills person and I want my photos to feel the same way. Easy-going and simple. 

If you could give any advice to aspiring photographers and bloggers, what would it be?  
Keep going, recognize and seek wisdom from the people who are established in their art, but you are allowed to make your own rules. Find what you are good at, and what you are passionate at and give that everything—you don’t have to shoot EVERY kind of photo imaginable! Make goals, leave business cards in your favorite places and ask the photographers you love if they’d like a second shooter or an assistant!

You can visit Daytona's blog, Instagram, and Pinterest.