Interview with Photographer Kelly Czupkiewicz

This week I get to interview another wonderful, and very talented, New Jersey photographer, Kelly Czupkiewicz. I was introduced to Kelly, virtually, by a mutual friend, Dave. You may remember Dave from earlier posts, he is a singer-songwriter friend. One day Dave was telling me about a friend who was working on his social media presence and mentioned that Kelly was also a photographer. Well.... As soon as he told me that I wanted to check out her work and asked for a website. I was blown away by the images I saw and immediately get ahold of Kelly via Facebook DM and asked to interview her. She was kind enough to agree - I should have known she would, she shoots with Canon and we're the best! ;-)

I think the best way to characterize Kelly's style is to use some of her own words - whimsical, honest, candid. Once you take a look at her body of work I think you will agree. You can tell that photography isn't just a job and her subjects, not just clients. She clearly loves her work and nothing is more important than delivering masterful images to her clients. Don't take my word for it, go to her Facebook page (see link below) and read the testimonials yourself. Her studio is in the wide open spaces offering unlimited possibilities and challenges.

I could go on about how impressed I am with her work and commitment to her craft but I think it is still to get out of the way and let Kelly speak for herself. Please keep Kelly in mind when you are looking for a wedding or portrait photographer.

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I have so many!! Very difficult to pick. This might be cheating just a little bit, since it's a series of memories and not a specific one, but I was brought up in and around boats, and we always went to this place called Tice's Shoal by boat. I still go there today as much as I can in the summertime, and I've inherited the boat, so I keep the tradition alive as much as possible. It's changed significantly, but those days when there were only a couple people anchored there and it was still kind of a secret are really fond memories for me.

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

• Cheese. I am such a cheese freak. I eat it every day. All kinds.
• Dark chocolate.
• Turkey and cranberry - I'm pretty sure I know every 'Thanksgiving sandwich' that every restaurant offers in the county.
• Sushi.
• Meatball pizza.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

I love reading, and I feel like one of my favorite quotes is also really sound advice. So, from Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail."

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

Boating! I hope to be a licensed captain by this February!
(Joe: I'm with you there - I love being out on the water, though it has been years. I hope you get your license!)

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Freddie Mercury, no contest.
(Joe: I didn't see this one coming! Very interesting choice.)

Professional questions

Why photography?

I have always loved taking photos, for as long as I can remember. I had a film camera, and I used to love shooting film and then having the photos developed and seeing what I'd gotten. When digital camera became more affordable I couldn't wait to get one, and I took it everywhere with me. I have always loved reliving moments through photos, so I love being able to do that for other people. I honestly never thought that I would be able to own a photography business, because taking photos has always been my 'reward' for myself. So to be able to do this, and make a living doing it, is amazing for me - I'm not sure I'll ever get over that.
(Joe: Kelly, I hope you never get over it! I find the same with my photography - just being out and shooting is enough; having others enjoy the images is icing on the cake.)

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

Light, bright, airy, whimsical, authentic, honest, romantic, candid, organic, and consistent! Phew.
(Joe: Looking at your work, I couldn't agree more!)

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

Honestly any time I deliver a gallery I think it's my greatest achievement! This is such a competitive industry to be in, so I consider it an honor any time I get to document a time in someone's life, be it a wedding or a portrait session. I consider myself an artist, but I also know that ultimately I am in this for my clients, and being able to deliver the best possible product to them is the most important thing to me. That being said, I have a photo that will be in the spring print issue of The Knot New Jersey magazine - so I am pretty stoked about that! Getting published is definitely super exciting. I've also been featured in Contemporary Weddings Magazine, Brides & Weddings, and several others.

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

Jose Villa is definitely a favorite photographer of mine and I am super inspired by his work!

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?

I love authentic, real moments. I like to take the seemingly ordinary and find the beauty in it. I did bridal portraits in a Walgreen's parking lot once, and they were amazing! I've enclosed two. I love that I never need what most would consider a beautiful location to make something gorgeous! I love having to think on my feet, and being able to see and take photos of the dynamics of relationships.

What is your favorite location to shoot?

There is this place called Sayen Gardens in Hamilton. In the springtime, there is just nothing better! I am a sucker for blooming flowers.

But, one of the best and coolest things about wedding photography is that I am constantly at new places and I get to see new things and shoot in new places all the time. There are so many spots that I have visited for the first time and just loved.

What is your favorite piece of equipment?

Current obsession is my 1dx Mark II, but my steady always seems to be my 50 1.2L. Such a versatile lens!
(Joe: I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a 1DX Mark II, myself. The 50mm f/1.2L sounds intriguing, I love my old 85mm f/1.2L.)

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?

I knew absolutely nothing about photography and taught myself absolutely everything. It was not easy, and it is not for everyone - but I am proof that it's possible!

I have built my business over the course of 6 or 7 years now, and I am still amazed every day. I had literally put an ad on Craigslist around 6 years ago for family portraits, after only ever having done landscape photography. This family ended up responding, and I remember being SHOCKED and also terrified! All I really had going for me was this crazy idea that I was going to have a business, and I was going to take photos of people, and it was going to work out. They ended up being the coolest family ever, and I still do their photos once a year! Honestly I credit so much of my journey to them, because I lucked out with getting amazing people who believed in me from the beginning, and that gave me so much confidence to continue. All of my early clients really took a chance on me - and there are still so many of them that I get to do sessions with regularly to this day. I seriously credit my business to them!

I do as much mentoring as I can to beginner photographers, because I know what it's like to just be starting out and have no clue what to do! The advice that I always give anyone who is just getting started, is that you get what you give to your business. You can absolutely not sit still and think you're going to be successful. You have to work at it every day.
(Joe: Great advice! I love the fact that you also mentor those coming up, I think it is so important to pass along our knowledge and expertise to others.)

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

• Toys in the Attic - Aerosmith
• Let it Bleed - The Rolling Stones
• Prolonging the Magic - Cake
• Philadelphonic - G Love & Special Sauce
• The Game - Queen

Links

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyseaimages
Instagram: @kellyseaimages
Website: www.kellyseaimages.com

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Engagement and Wedding images are (c) Kelly Sea Images 2016.
Images of Kelly are © Bryan Romeo Photography

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Interview with Portrait Photographer Ruth Nyce

This interview is dedicated to the memory of Stephen DiStefano.

Ruth Nyce is a New Jersey-based portrait photographer but she is so much more than that. Her first love is nature photography but the field is fiercely competitive and difficult to break in to. She did well but decided to turn her attention to people and portrait photography. One look at Ruth’s portfolio on her website and you will see that Ruth’s portraits do more than capture what her model looks like, they capture their personalities. This is an innate talent and not something you can learn. Whether posed in and around her studio or shot on-location at your favorite getaway, you can see the love she has for her models and her craft.

As I mentioned, portrait photography is what she does for a living but her underlying passion is nature. It would seem she was born to be a photographer – her father was the photographer for the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. You can see by some of the images included here that she is also an accomplished nature photographer, even if a bit too daring for her own good sometimes. When others are running for cover from an impending storm, she runs out with her camera to capture the drama. The intrepid woman standing on the jetty tempting fate is Ruth. If you have ever been out on a wet jetty, you will understand how dangerous it can be, let alone having waves come at you like they are here. The images of the crashing waves were made during a hurricane along the Jersey Shore.

I normally begin with a headshot or portrait of my subject but not this week. I have a great shot of Ruth with her son, Stephen. Stephen was killed in a one car accident early morning on July 4th of last year. He was 25 years old and working two jobs to pay off his college student loans and fell asleep at the wheel - he was on his way to work when the accident occurred. This interview is dedicated in his honor.

So. Let me introduce to you, Ruth Nyce – in her own words.

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Ahh, this question is easy; being a part of history in Atlantic City - Captain Starns. Growing up I always had a camera in my hand. I started photographing as a part of my fathers business; taking pictures of the guests on the boats at Captain Starns as they departed for their adventure into the Atlantic Ocean.

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

I LOVE pasta! That would be my number one food. A very close second would be ice cream. I will visit any place that serves it, even in the dead of winter. Next would be pizza. A good pizza on a Friday night after a rough day at work is just nice! Next would be seafood, not fish, but shrimp-scallops-lobster, all together if possible. Dipped in butter all of them are just amazing. Last would be soda. As bad as it is for you, I just love it!
(Joe: I had to make sure this wasn't something I had written. This is the best answer to this question EVER! I would replace soda with cheeseburger, though....)

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

The best advise that was given to me was by my friend Olga who lives on the other side of the world. She tutored me on a website that we both were a part of. She is simply amazing with everything that she touches. When I questioned her about my abilities and talents and what I should better to move forward she critiqued a little but then she said something unexpected. She said "You know that you have the talent and a gifted eye, let it out and don't be so afraid to use it. Let yourself shine!" She saw something I needed to move out of the way - that being myself!
(Joe: great advice. This question has become one of my favorites and I am never disappointed with the response.)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?

I love the outdoors. What better way to relax and unwind after a long day! I can just sit out on the jetty at the end of West Cape May or Brigantine for hours just watching the waves.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

That would have to be Jesus. It is totally amazing how a person who lived so long ago is still revered so highly and followed so lovingly by so many people today. His knowledge is astounding and it would be an honor to just sit and chill and have Him teach me!

Professional questions

Why photography?

Photography allows you to be yourself. You can photograph your world and show others just what you see. I find that totally amazing! Its telling a story without using words. Secondly, I love to make people smile through my work. You can sit and watch people just being themselves and capture memories that they will cherish for a lifetime!

Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?

Fun, happy, beautiful, dramatic, captivating, colorful, memorable, family, amazing, and we can't forget detailed!

What is your greatest achievement in photography?

Mastering my fears of working in "Manual Mode" is up there for that opened up a whole new world in quality. My real accomplishment was learning to get myself out of the way.
(Joe: shooting "manual" is a good skill to have but for my money you also need to know when to use it. I think "get myself out of the way" is probably the hardest thing.)

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

That most certainly would be Ansel Adams!!!! His photography is stunning and absolutely amazing! There is so much to learn from a talent like that!
(Joe: I had the pleasure of seeing an exhibit of original Ansel Adams prints 25 years ago - what an absolute thrill. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to have my work hang alongside his!)

Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?

My inspiration comes from my father. He is an amazing photographer and has taught me so many things over the years. We photographed together at Captain Starns in Atlantic City and we also photographed together the Miss America Pageant when I was young. He has this eye for the perfect shot and his wisdom on the art of posing your subjects has been priceless. My favorite part about the process? I love the final product-being able to present the final work to my clients. Theirs smiles are what I live for!

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?

My start came through nudges of my friends and family believe it or not. I was always that "go to" person when parties were happening. I was told that I shouldn't let my talent just be used on them; I should share it with the world! My advise to those seeking a career in photography? Do not get discouraged. It takes time and diligence to move forward. I am starting later in life for I let myself get in the way. Don't be afraid to chase after your dreams!

Bonus question

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

I love Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, and Keith Urban! If you cant tell I am a big country fan but also love modern Christian artist Michael W. Smith. My favorite albums would be Cosmic Hallelujah, Platinum, They Dont Know, Ripcord and Stand. This would give me a balanced beat to dance around to as well as music to sooth my soul. I find music to be a healing remedy during any time in ones life!

One last peek into Ruth using a quote from her National Geographic - Your Shot bio: "I have had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember, venturing into the unknown to capture amazing shots. Some say that I am a little too adventurous, but I call what I do 'fun' and exhilarating!"

Check out the websites below for more of Ruth's work and contact information:

• Studio Website - https://ruthnyce.wixsite.com/homepage
• RC Creation website - http://www.rccreation.weebly.com
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ruthnycephotography/
• Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-nyce-631b88a3/
• National Geographic - Your Shot - http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/profile/1334786/

Studio Location: 109 New Jersey Avenue, Atco, New Jersey
E-mail: rcphotography1220@outlook.com

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All Images are © 2017 by RUTH NYCE.

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