As our photography team continues to grow, our team leaders are always trying to find ways to unite members, promote the group and create interesting collaborations. We thought it might be fun to do a series of interviews to introduce ourselves. First up, meet Diane Miller:
How long have you been doing photography? How did you get started?
I started in High School when I took my first photography class. I became interested in it watching my father develop prints in our basement.
What are your biggest influences and how have they shaped your photography?
My biggest influences are my love of animals and nature. I also like horror movies, especially vampires and zombies.
How did you develop and how do you maintain a photography style that is truly your own?
Time. It took time and I still feel like my style is all over the place. I like a lot of different subjects and styles. I have noticed with time though that my shop looks cohesive and so I must have developed some style even if I feel like I'm doing different things with different photos.
Who are your favourite FPOE photographers?
Oh my, I love Irene Suchocki, especially her horse photos. I also love all of Lisa Sieckza's work. Honestly, when I started, her Elle Moss shop was the featured shop on Etsy and I was in awe. Those are two but there are way too many FPOE photographers I admire for me to even begin to list.
How do you contribute to the team?
My role with FPOE includes being active in the Facebook group to support and help members. I would like to see the team to maintain its supportive atmosphere as it continues to grow. I also help with a variety of projects, such as the FPOE Collective, and assisting with many behind-the-scenes tasks, such as the membership review and more.
How do you promote your work?
I promote on social media, mostly Facebook, although I'm on so many different sites. I try to post regularly, not just listings, even though that can be hard at times.
What is the best advice you’ve been given and would like to share about photography or running your own business?
For both I would say have patience. It takes time to learn how to take good photographs. You need to truly know your equipment, how light and exposure work and develop your artistic vision. That doesn't happen the day you buy a DSLR. When I look back at the work I was listing when I first started and compare to my work now there is a huge difference. You are always learning and developing. With regards to running a business, I'd say the same thing because you can't just post a few things and expect the sales to just roll in. It's work and you'll do a lot of wrong things before you figure out the right things. I don't think I'm there yet but I'm learning more day by day.
See more of Diane’s photography:
The Shutterbug Eye
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Dark Raven Photo
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