Member Spotlight: Sharon Gartrell of Sharon Gartrell Photography

This week we had a chance to catch up with the talented Sharon Gartrell of Sharon Gartrell Photography located in Keller, Texas.

Tell us a little something about yourself?
I’m married to the love of my life and have three kids (two daughters and a son). We have two fish and a hermit crab along with various creatures that my oldest daughter catches and brings home. I love hiking and gardening.

How would you describe your style?
I would say that I have a classic approach to photography. I like to add moments of whimsy, but I think that classic portraits will always stand the test of time. I also greatly enjoy landscape photography. I love the serenity of being outdoors and capturing moments that most other people will never see.

What is your standby pose (the one that everyone tends to want from you)?
For my newborn clients I most often get asked for what I call the spotlight pose. The baby posed in a basket with a dark background. I have the light fall off around the baby and put the focus directly on the baby. It’s classic, simple and dramatic.

What gear is in your bag?
Canon 5d Mark II, 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8L, 85mm and 100 mm 2,8.

If you could only use one lens what would it be?
Hands down the 70-200!!!!

Are you considering any new gear purchases this year?  I’ve recently been studying off camera flash and I would love to get a Vagabond power pack and take my strobes outside. I’ve been using my speedlites, but would love the greater versatility of the strobes.

What is your go-to camera shop?
I love my local camera shop, Arlington Camera. The staff is helpful and they have a great rental department.

How do you stay motivated?
I try to learn something new all the time.

Do you prefer to work in the studio, on-location, or both and why?
I actually love both because of the different challenges each one presents. I love studio because of the absolute control you have over the light. I love outdoors because you have to make the light work for you.

Do you use a Mac or PC?
Mac all the way, baby.

If you were not a photographer, then…
I would be a teacher.

What do you do when you first wake up?
Roll back over and hope the kids don’t realize that I’m awake…

Tattoos…
Yep!

Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to chat with us, Sharon.  It was great getting to know you better!  

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