Page 15 - Photoshop User December 2016

KelbyOne Community Who’s Who
In our October 2016 issue, Gilmar Smith wrote an article called “Creating Compelling Images of Kids.” We ran a photography contest based on her article, in which Gilmar selected the winner back in November. The winning image was by Erika Thornes (see top opposite page). As chance would have it, Dave Clayton met Erika at Photoshop World back in July and interviewed her for “Who’s Who” here in the magazine. These two unconnected events have led Erika to be featured in this issue of Photoshop User.
So what made you pick up a camera and hold on to it?
My father was an excellent photographer and put a camera in my hands as a young child. I just loved it. I took every photography class I could, and created my own class when there were no more to take. I was the photo editor for my college paper but I couldn’t handle the hours and the lack of sleep. I took a break after college, and started back up again about eight years ago.
Many photographers struggle to find a style.
What inspired your style?
Struggle to find a style? I’ve tried them all. I think when you’re learning, it’s good to emulate, but not directly copy, the style of others. Try long exposure, macro, smoke pho- tography, gelled flash—try it all. When I got back into pho- tography, I spent time learning. If a photo style or technique interested me, I practiced it until I felt confident in it. For my personal style, I like fresh, bold colors and clean edits. I want my photos to still be strong even if the trends change. If an image doesn’t make me feel, it isn’t good enough. It has to have something that makes me pause, reflect, or laugh.
When did you first think, “I’m actually good at this?”
Ha! I sometimes delude myself into thinking I might be quite good, but a lot of that is bravado. I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied. I get great images sometimes, but on the whole, I always see things I could do better, and that’s why I study, practice, and try new things. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to win awards and get recognized, but for me, the biggest reward is seeing the pride in my children’s eyes when they see what I create.
How did your underwater projects get started?
Underwater came about because I can’t stand not knowing how to do something. It’s the hardest thing I’ve shot, and I wanted to solve it. I found a great deal on an underwater
housing for a point-and-shoot camera and I convinced a pregnant friend to get into the pool. My friend and I went in together and bought an underwater bag to hold a DSLR. We worked together to get better and better at underwater por- trait photography. It was a trial-and-error process with a lot of errors, but after about five years, I’m finally starting to see results that I’m proud of. I don’t use strobes and expensive housings, as I don’t want gear to be an obstacle for anyone who wants to try to re-create the underwater work I do.
What do you enjoy shooting the most?
I love shooting joy. I love shooting events, parties, and just capturing life as it unfolds. My favorite image is of my daughter on the beach wearing a superhero cape. She just happened to be wearing a tutu and a cape. She looks so brave. I prefer not to stage my work. My favorite images are created when serendipity strikes. You just need to always have your camera by your side.
What’s your history with KelbyOne?
I adore KelbyOne. I’m not super patient with videos, and I don’t learn a ton through classes, but I love to learn through books. Scott Kelby’s books were the best way for me to jump in deep and fast. Because his books were so good, and I had heard about some of the online classes, I subscribed. Just last month, I watched all of Kristina Sherk’s classes on high-end retouching. It was a wonderful refresher, and I was in love with some of her tricks that I hadn’t thought of.
What made you decide to teach as well?
I love teaching even more than I love photography, and I love photography. There’s something about the joy and sat- isfaction you see in someone’s eyes when they get it, and the genuine thanks they give when you’ve helped guide them to an answer. I don’t feel like my day is complete if I haven’t made someone’s day better, and photography and teaching are great ways to do that.
What’s the biggest challenge for you?
Finding the time to work as much as I’d like. I don’t adver-
tise or promote my photography locally. The best way to
get work is to get out there and meet people. Volunteer.
Network. Find what you’re interested in, and go for it. For
the first few years after I started back up, I just shot for me.
I wouldn’t accept payment. Now, I’ve almost gone to the
other extreme and only pull out my camera for work. It isn’t
a good habit, and I need to start shooting more for myself,
as that’s what I love, and honestly, what pays my bills. ■ 015
in the KelbyOne Community
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