Meet Hena Tayeb of Hena Tayeb Photography - Featured Artist

Today I am pleased to feature Hena Tayeb of Hena Tayeb Photography.


Through her camera lens, Hena's vision of nature and the urban environment is unprecedented.  A fellow member of The Artisan Group, Hena takes photos of of the ordinary and transforms them into works of art.


Read on to find out what inspires Hena.

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art? 

I discovered it while in college on my way to being pre law. Many of my friends were artists and it just seemed so much more phone that what I was learning.. so i switched things up and studied graphic design and photography instead. I graduated about four years ago.. I took a year to figure things out.. get married.. move to a different country etc after that I jumped right into selling my work.

Black & White Metal Gate

Do you remember the first piece you ever made? 

Of the photographs that are currently for sale.. the first I took was this  http://www.henatayebphotography.com/#!__art-gallery/autumn-tales/productsstackergalleryv211=2 I took it in Thailand. At that time I was still using film and it was my first time experimenting with black and white. I only recently recovered this when I was at my mother's place sorting through my old things.

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours? 

Mine is quite simple really.. I take photographs.. usually while travelling. We try to travel at least twice a year. The hundreds of photographs taken during that time plus others taken here and there. They are then sorted through and narrowed down. They then go through the first process of editing and are further narrowed down. The ones left go through a second process of editing. Sometimes they are further narrowed down..  what is left. The ones that I think best represent my vision and are of the best quality are then listed for sale.

Portuguese Pillars

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them.  How has your work changed since you began? 

I haven't been at it that long.. I have tried doing landscapes and zooming out to take the whole picture rather than zooming in to focus on the details but I am not satisfied with that style and have always gone back to my original view point. 


What inspires you creatively?  

Everything. I am inspired by the way a chair sits there with the sunlight highlighting its shap.  I am inspired by architecture both new and old and the details that we overlook. I love to find patterns and create depth in ordinary scenes and objects. The world is a beautiful place it just depends on how you look at it.

Little Birdhouse on the Pond

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work? 

I have created a website. I have had the wonderful fortune of exhibiting my work in a gallery and my business card will be included in the swag bags for the 2012 Golden Globes.

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why? 

It is impossible to choose favorites. There are so many inspiring artist out there. I am always in awe of those who can sew and create such wonders out of a piece of cloth or felt. I am inspired by all the mothers out there who show me that I too can do it.. the work that we do.. creating and crafting is an inspiring occupation and I am just honored to be apart of it.

Tan Twine Balls

Any goals for the future you would like to share? 

I would certainly like to get my work shown in more galleries. I also aim to drive a lot more traffic to my website.

What do you do in your spare time? 

I spend just about every spare moment with my little boy and my husband.. watching movies, reading books and planning our next trip. 

Steam Train

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art. Where?

 I sell my photographs on my website http://www.henatayebphotography.com and on Etsy http://www.henatayeb.etsy.com


If you sell online or at physical store.  How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side? 

It varies. When I have a fresh batch of photographs more time is spent editing them.. other times I focus more on the business side. Currently I have two cities worth of editing waiting for me but I have so many marketing/business things in the works that I simply haven't had the time.

Canadian Landscape

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art? 

Do the research. Be patient, success does not come immediately. You need to give it time and you need to make an effort to bring people to your store. Social Media is your friend, you need to embrace it. 

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Thank you Hena, your work is inspiring to look at!
Be sure to check out Hena online at her:

• Website
• Etsy Shop
• Blog
• Facebook Page
• Twitter

(note:  All photos in this feature is copyrighted to Hena Tayeb)

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Be sure to visit on Friday, January 20th for another great feature with Nikki Cutro of 13 Black Cats Designs who is also the Managing Partner of The Artisan Group

Melissa Montgomery - Artists in the Boro Member - Featured Artist

Melissa Montgomery is a "Photographic Artist" and is the force behind Melissa Montgomery Photography, a fellow member of *Artists in the Boro in New Westminster, BC.  I am thrilled to feature her and her work today.

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
I've always been creative and had my "head in the clouds" so to speak, but I found my passion in photography when I was pregnant with my first son 8 1/2 years ago. I started taking courses and classes while I was pregnant and once he was born I couldn't get enough of capturing his moments.

Do you remember the first photo you ever made?

The photo that started the idea that this was more than just a hobby was of my boy was when he was three months old, laying on the bed, gorgeous window light flowing on his skin and I knew this passion was going to lead into something more.

Melissa Montgomery, Photographer

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?

A big part of my approach is of course to capture the impromptu moments of your wedding day or family photo session, but I also like to stylize and create a vision that reflects who you are. Sometimes I use props, other accessories and remote locations to emphasize your session, other times it may be the setting and nothing is required. My unique creativity will always be a part of my photography and I strive to create dreamy and romantic fine art images.  I love to capture people, their expressions, the moment and shoot in locations that reflects who you are.  We create a scene, a vision and then let it come to life.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them.  How has your work changed since you began?

I've tried allot of different types of photography but have narrowed it down to weddings and lifestyle photography.  I love being a part of a wedding and people's lives, there is nothing more magical then capturing the love between a couple or family.  Having said that though, capturing the innocence of a newborn or the beauty in a portrait session is as equally fulfilling.   My work has changed significantly in the last two years because I breath photography.  I update my courses, take workshops, work on my technical skills, upgrade equipment and have a great way of brining out the best in people, especially when they are in front of my lens.

What inspires you creatively?
People. Everyone has a story and I want to capture it.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?

I have been featured on numerous wedding sites last year which not only makes me excited and proud for the recognition, but makes me strive harder to accomplish more for the years to come.  Recently featured on: Wedding Bells, One Stylish Bride, Bride & Joy, La Belle Bride, Lucy Dylan Weddings, Wedding Fashion Files, Naughty Monkey (shoes), Delectable Events (cakes).

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?

I love searching the web for photographers who inspire me. Jasmine Starr, Joe Buissink, David Jay, Jinky Art just to name a few, my list really goes on for miles.  We all have something to share and I love it when others can share their knowledge on how to get better and teach others in the process. Inspirations is everywhere!

Any goals for the future you would like to share?

So many! I always have set goals in mind.  I plan to attend more hands-on workshops this year to get better at my craft.  I also attend numerous photography conventions every year.  I plan to dive deeper into the art of wedding photography and hope to continue getting recognized and featured for my work.

What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time? Lol…I have two beautiful boys and a husband that continue to inspire and support me.  If I am not with them, working or on a photo shoot though you can catch me at the gym, reading a great book, blogging or watching a romance movie. (Hey, I am wedding photographer, can you blame me! I love…love).

Where can we see your work?
Please visit my website or my blog that updated weekly at http://www.photographybymm.com

How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?

The creative side is the pre-planning, getting to know my clients, stylizing a session or a wedding, the pre-scouting of locations and ensuring I have everything in place to create the vision.  The business side is everyday.  I spend hours doing research, learning, blogging, editing, marketing and all other business related functions that you need to make your business successful.  You can take a great and beautiful photograph but if you can't market it properly you're business won't go anywhere.  I definitely spend more hours on the business end of things.  I love what I do so it really doesn't feel like work! I am so thankful for where I am today.

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?

Do it. Take the risk, take the plunge and dive into the art of what you love.  Practice, research and get involved.  There is nothing more rewarding than accomplishing what you set out to do and in the end you're doing what you love.

If there is anything else you want to add, please feel free to do so.

Along with photographing your wedding day (or family session), I am also a director and creator so you can concentrate on what is important – each other and absorbing every moment. For wedding photography, I can also refer recommended vendors and offer wedding planning solutions to make your planning easier. It's all in the details! My perfectionism and outstanding organizational skills allows me to be extremely efficient on and during the planning of your beautiful day or other sessions.

Put your trust in me and allow me to create meaningful photographs that will ignite and elicit your emotions but more importantly capture the perfect visual essence of who you are.

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Thank you Melissa, your work is amazing.

Be sure to visit Melissa's Website for more information.  

Plus be sure to visit her Facebook Page and follow her on Twitter.

(note:  All photos in this feature are copyrighted to Melissa Montgomery)

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*Artists in the Boro is an inclusive group of individual artists from all mediums who reside in the neighbourhood of Queensborough in New Westminster, BC., Canada.  Next featured Artists in the Boro Member will be Terry Erickson on Wednesday, January 18th.

Meet Rebecca Nash of Rebecca Nash Photography - Featured Artist

Rebecca Nash of Rebecca Nash Photography is our Featured Artist today.  A fellow Canadian and fellow member of The Artisan Group, Rebecca's camera is her muse as she captures moments in time.

Rebecca Nash, Photographer

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?

I have been a hobby photographer since I was a child. I loved photos looking at them and taking them. There was something about that captured moment in time that lured me in.

I began pursuing my passion more seriously after the birth of my daughter. I want to capture everything she did in a way that really conveyed everything that was so exciting and magical about that time in our lives. At the time I was back in college and then working as an Early Childhood Educator. My business (or even the thought of turning this passion into a business) never really happened until I was speaking to parents admiring the photos of their children hanging on my classroom walls. Over and over it became "Wow! I've never seen that good a picture of _____, could you come out to our house and take some photos?"Pretty soon it was clear that this was going to be the way I could incorperate my passion for photography and my joy of spending time with people into my dream job!

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?

The first set of portraits I was paid for I did a 2 hour on location shoot and only charged $50 including prints and a disk! My first Fine Art Piece I sold for only $10

"Amazing Orchid" 16x24 Gallery Wrap

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
Wow...thats a tough one. It really depends on what kind of project I'm working on but I guess the basic overall process would be:

1) Deciding on the subject - sometimes it's commisioned and this isn't my option but other times it's finding something that really speaks to me

2) What kind of tone do I want to create or emotion do I want to evoke? This really helps shape the direction I take with a piece

3) Scout out locations and props - I will drive/walk around town looking for locations, browsing through stores for complimentary items to my subject and purpose of the photo

4) I sit down and sketch out ideas of things to try with notes of different possibilities - This is always in my back pocket - sometimes I'm really inspired and never touch it but sometimes it helps me step outside the box and get the creative juices flowing

5) Setup lighting, subject and start shooting!

6) Download and back up every image

7) Start sorting images - I have a rating scale I use to help me narrow down the one image of the subject that really captures my goals and any other images that have interesting potential

8) If I'm happy with the image it gets printed and starts appearing online - if I just havent got the shot I want I repeat step 4-7 as many times as needed!

Rebecca Nash Photography

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them.  How has your work changed since you began?

When I first started shooting I would shoot anyone or anything that would get in front of my camera. I hadn't figured out yet what things that made me most excited and what I had an eye for. Don't get me wrong I love looking at landscape and wildlife photography but this just wasn't for me...my heart wasn't in it and my images were just mediocre. They didn't tell the story I wanted. For me I need those people or things that tell a story for me to be able to put my passion into it.

"Antique Rose" 6x9 Photo Paper Print

What inspires you creatively?

Inspiration comes from all around me! It's the music I listen to, the books I read, the shows I watch, my everyday life, watching my daughter, talking to people...anything! It's all about people, stories, emotions, and connections for me.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?
Some of my greatest goals I've achieved thus far include selling my first fine art piece, building a collection of pieces which could form an online store & collection, building my own website, and being hired to photograph the wedding of a stranger (they aren't doing it to be nice, they honestly enjoy what you do!).

Rebecca Nash Photography

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?
A few of my favorite artists would definately include Jay Maisel, Cliff Mautner, Jeremy Cowart, David Zisers, Monet,  Divinci. They all have found their way to capture a moment in time not simply as a frozen moment but as a piece of art which evokes emotion, thought, conversation, and/or contemplation. This is while I aspire to achieve in my own work.

Any goals for the future you would like to share?

Some of my biggest goals including continuing to build my collection of fine art images, creating an off site studio, photographing celebrity portraits or weddings, and publishing a book of images, among others. I'm a dreamer and there will always be another dream to work towards.

"Floral Radience" 8x12 Fine Art Paper Print

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time? What's that? More seriously, in my spare time I spend as much time as possible with my family - they are the joy of my life! I also spend time reading, hiking, camping, shopping, and writing whenever I can.

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?

At the moment my artwork is only for sale through my website at www.rebeccanashphotography.com but I'm working on an upcoming Gallery Exhibit and hope to have prints available throughout the tour and various galleries.

Rebecca Nash Photography

If you sell online or at physical store.  How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
Unfortunately, lately more of my time has been spent on the business side of things, probably about 75% of the hours I work. Now that the online store is set up I look forward to getting back behind the camera more often.

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
Follow your passion, learn everything you can, find a great support system, and reach for the stars! It's always scary starting out but if you have a team of supporters behind you, a true passion for what you do, and are willing to ask for help or advice from others when you need it then anything is possible!

"This Old Fence" 16x24 Fine Art Paper Print

If there is anything else you want to add, please feel free to do so.

I'm a stickler for quality of product that I'm offering and for this reason I've now taken the whole process into my own hands. All prints and gallery wraps are created in my home office/studio. This way I know that what I'm sending out is something that I'm truely proud of!

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Thank you Rebecca for sharing your art to the world.  More information about Rebecca Nash Photography can be found:


Website
Facebook
Twitter

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