I have had the pleasure of getting to know Deb over the past few months and she is not only an incredibly talented Photographer, but also one of the most kind and genuine people I have ever met. Thank you Deb for sharing with us, you are an inspiration.

Can you describe your style in one word?

I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one word.  I’d describe my style as real, honest, raw, evocative (with hints of hope).

What is something that most people would not know about you?

Something many don’t know about me is that I took a semester off of Undergraduate Nursing School to enlist in the Army Reserves.  No one could believe it at the time.  But I had also applied for and hoped that I would receive an ROTC scholarship.

While at Basic Training, they called me Private Benjamin, which was pretty funny because I did very well and ended up receiving the Leader of Cycle award.  I also did end up receiving the ROTC scholarship, but when I returned home, I declined the scholarship.  I didn’t realize that the scholarship required me to go Active Duty Army after I graduated nursing school (I thought I could stay in the Reserves).  So, for the next few years, I was a Unit Supply Specialist in the Army Reserves (versus an ROTC Nurse Cadet) – until I graduated and decided to sign on as an Active Duty Air Force Nurse.

I know you’ve moved around a lot.  Where is the most inspiring place you have lived?

Believe it or not, I think Kansas was the most inspiring. I had started my photography journey in 2006 in San Diego, and I was just so busy (and often overwhelmed) the entire time there.  Our next military assignment was a one-year tour in Lansing, Kansas.  Since it was only a year, I decided not to worry about launching my business there and instead, just focus on my family. I feel that without all the business pressures, stress, etc., my photography was able to really grow.  I had the time and freedom to explore (not to mention all the space, the beautiful fields, all the trees, etc. that Kansas has to offer).

Are you working on any projects right now?

Whether personal or professional, I seem to always be working on photography projects… I hope to continue photographing underwater this summer, for my ‘flooded reverie’ series. I also hope to continue to expand upon my ‘home again’ series.

After receiving Photo A Day album for Christmas, I recently started doing just that – taking and printing a photo a day (although I’ll print them in bulk).  Within those 365 photos, I’m also going to be sure that I capture a headshot of each of my kids every month (a project inspired by my dear friend, Leah).

And while not exactly projects, I really long to get into film this year. I don’t know what’s been holding me back but I’m determined to figure it out and overcome it.  And last but definitely not least, I’m so super excited to be photographing RIDETZ 2012, for The Foundation for Tomorrow.

How do you balance the demands of your business and personal life?

Balance — always a struggle.  I really just try and do my best.  And honestly, some days are better than others. My dream balance is to ONLY work (be on the computer, phone or ipad) while my kids are in school.   That is what I strive to do in 2012.  My kids deserve it and before I know it, they will be grown up and out of the house.  Time passes too quickly and they grow up too fast.  I really want to be present – fully and completely present – in their lives.

Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?

I have no idea.  I just welcome every opportunity (that is a good fit) with open arms.  I try to always stay positive and continue to challenge myself and grow.  I never want to be stagnant.  I also try to NOT get caught up in the competitiveness and overwhelming self-promotion that seems to make up such a large part of this industry. Where I will be in five years, with my photography…only time will tell.

Can you tell us about your trip to Africa this summer with The Foundation for Tomorrow?

My connection with The Foundation for Tomorrow (TFFT) is kind of a surreal story.  While on vacation in Nevada, I decided I wanted to change my website design a bit.  While doing that, I realized that I wasn’t receiving my contact messages from my website for the past year.  One of those contacts was from TFFT’s Director of Communications, Kaitlin, written in October.  Kaitlin’s message was inquiring as to if I’d ever be interested in photographing for their foundation, more specifically, for their 400-mile fundraising bike ride in Tanzania.

I was so sad that I had missed her contact.  I wrote her back apologizing that I did not receive her message and shared that while I’m sure she’s found a photographer, this type of opportunity is something that I dream to one day do.  Within hours, I got a message back that TFFT had not found a photographer yet and if I was still interested, they’d love to have me on board.

There were quite a few emails between Kaitlin and I and lots of discussion with my husband and his Mom (who will come to Tampa to help with my kids, while I am away). But within a short 1-1/2 days, it was official – I was going to Tanzania in June, to photograph TFFT’s RIDETZ 2012 incredible bike ride.  I still can’t believe it — an absolute dream come true.

A bit about RIDETZ 2012:  There will be 20 bikers, who will complete a 400-mile bike ride from Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean (12 stops).  I will be in a safari van, photographing along the way.  I will stay with the bikers for a while and then proceed to the next village and photograph there.  I’m so excited and feel so very blessed to have received this opportunity!!

 

To view more of Deb’s work and follow her blog (you might just get hooked) visit www.debsphotographs.com