Blue Ridge Member Spotlight

Laura White (Blue Ridge District - Roanoke, VA)

How did photography first become part of your life, and when did you begin to think of it as more than a hobby or a creative outlet?

My parents gave me a Kodak Brownie camera when I was five, and once I was a teenager, they gave me a hand-me-down Yashica J-5. I loved using the camera to share my observations of the world. It was so much fun to try to artistically capture our travels and family events. I lost touch a little through the college years, but when I moved to Roanoke and discovered ballet again as an adult, I thought I would try my hand at capturing my two passions together. I asked the ballet company I danced with if they would mind, and they welcomed me and my camera with open arms.  

You have a background in dance as well as photography. How did those two parts of your life eventually come together in your work?

Social media had a lot to do with it. So did age. I saw what beautiful images photographers were creating with dancers and wanted to do the same. A photographer out of NYC named Rachel Neville had a workshop that I attended, and I was hooked. I found some strobes on Facebook Marketplace, and the dance studio lent me space on Sundays. A lot of experimenting happened in that little studio, and I still love some of those first images that were created.

What do you think your experience as a dancer allows you to bring to dance photography that you might not have learned behind the camera alone?

As a dancer, I have been there - I know how much work goes into the craft. I understand technique and know which body lines look best. Dancers appreciate that I can "speak their language." It is also important to be able to hear the music and anticipate the steps as they come when capturing a live performance.  

You’ve been a VPPA member since 2020. What initially brought you to the association, and what has kept you involved?

I was looking for not only friends but mentors who could help me grow my photography skills. VPPA has been a good community for that and as I spend more time in the organization I find more opportunities to learn.

What’s something you’ve learned through your own photography journey that you especially enjoy sharing with other photographers?

My journey has taught me that it takes a village to create a great photograph. It is the dance between your model and you, using lighting patterns you may have learned from multiple mentors. When it all comes together, it is like magic.

What’s something outside of photography and dance that is an important part of your life or that fellow VPPA members might be surprised to learn about you?

My work as a PA in Cardiothoracic Surgery is an important part of who I am; it is an honor to take patients through such an intense time in their lives and to help them enjoy more time with their family and friends. My husband and my two greyhounds are also an unending source of love and support.

Is there a photograph, session, or experience from your career that has stayed with you for reasons beyond simply creating a great image?

Last year's performance of Sleeping Beauty was very special. LeeAnn, the company's principal dancer, retired after the performance. I had photographed her maternity session, taken photos of her and her little daughter (which earned me my first merit), and been her onstage mother for many performances. We created some special onstage photos of her taking her final bow that weekend, and I got to photograph her onstage beside her daughter. At the end of it all she asked me to be the one to deliver her final bouquet of flowers to her on stage. It is relationships like this that make me truly love what I do.

What are you excited about right now, whether it’s something you want to photograph, learn, create, or experience outside of photography?

I started my business in March of 2020, and growth has been slow. It feels like this year I am starting to hit my stride. I earned my M.Photog. this year and business is picking up. I'm hoping to see continued growth and finally break even in the next couple of years.  

Some of Laura’s Favorite Images She's Ever Taken

Jennifer Stoneman (Blue Ridge District - Roanoke, VA) 

You’ve been part of VPPA since 1991. What has kept you involved and connected to the organization over the years?

I think what has kept me connected to the VPPA has for the most part been the people I've met over the years. People from different facets of the business. When I became a member I worked for Mike Kessler of Kessler Color in Roanoke. At the same time I worked part time for Jim Markey Photography, also in Roanoke. So I guess you could say I jumped in with both feet.

Photography has changed dramatically since the early ’90s. What changes have had the biggest impact on how you work or create?

I think everybody would agree that digital has had the biggest impact on the business. It has opened so many new avenues of creativity. AI image making is surging as we speak. I myself have been experimenting for about a year with AI. It's been great fun and made me enthusiastic about creating images again. On the flip side, there are a lot of supposed professionals out there who tend to think they can always "fix" their images in post-production simply because it's digital. They are not taking the time to educate themselves. (Pet peeve).

Many members may not know much about your life outside photography. What kind of work do you do, and has it shaped the way you approach creativity or storytelling?

After Mike retired, I became employed by Roanoke City Public Schools. I am currently assigned to 7^th grade in a local middle school. For about three years I shot for the school yearbook; I did teams and special events. The kids were accustomed to me anyway and we all had a lot of fun with it. As far as my level of creativity I think working with the kids every day offers a new perspective on how I see things. The light coming across the front lawn in the afternoon, or the really nice view from a third floor window and how could I get a really cool angle on a shot out that same window.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned through photography that has also carried over into other parts of your life?

My art crossed over into my outside life years ago. How I decorate my home, the color pallet I use. I arrange my art on the wall like it's a wedding album page, what is the best balance for the space. I can be out and about and see inspiration for a piece and put it together in my head.  However, the idea can get lost in translation before the final result. Just have to be patient.

What part of the creative process do you enjoy most once the camera is put away?

With the advent of digital, we all know how many creative tools there are out there. Once the gear bag is put away, I really enjoy experimenting in post-production.

Is there a type of image, subject, or project that consistently re-energizes you creatively?

I think what re-energies me right now is AI and the literally limitless possibilities. 

Looking back, is there a risk, opportunity, or decision in your photography journey that you’re especially glad you took?

The best thing I ever did in my photographic journey was obtain my BA in photography from Virginia Intermont College. My professors opened the creative door for me and then let me decide if I was willing to walk through it. The second-best thing was joining the VPPA.

What continues to motivate or inspire you to keep learning and creating after so many years in photography?

I think at this stage of my life the thing that keeps me creating is the simple fact I enjoy it and it makes me happy.

Five of Jennifer’s Favorite Images She's Ever Taken

Knyla Harris (Blue Ridge District - Gretna, VA) 

How did you first find your way into photography, and what made it stick as a career?

I started my photography career literally by accident. I was a cake designer and I needed better pictures of my cakes for social media. I decided to buy a camera to take better pictures and realized I really liked photography. In 2013, Knyla Harris Photography was born.

Before photography, were you involved in any other creative work that shaped how you approach what you do now?

Before photography I was a cake designer which in itself is works of art. Being able to manipulate cake into the vision that I or my client had was no small matter. Also, I have been doing obituaries for local funeral homes for 27 years. Designing those programs brought out my creativity as well.

What surprised you most about running a photography business once you were fully in it?

What surprised me most about running a photography business was that it is so much more involved in it than I thought from the beginning. When I first started, I just thought I would make beautiful portraits for clients and be done, not realizing there was a whole other side which was the business side of photography.

What do you feel most confident about in your work today compared to when you started?

I feel most confident in knowing that because of what I have learned about photography through the years such as how to light properly, posing, knowing my camera and the basics of photography helped me to grow to where I am today. But I cannot stress the importance of having my mentor Lisa Carter, helping to guide my career all these years. Also, through prayer and faith and trusting in God to lead me on this path, has just been amazing.

How has being part of VPPA shaped your growth as a photographer and businesswoman?

Being a part of VPPA has been nothing short of amazing. I love how we are just one big family. I know that if I need help with anything anyone of my fellow photographers would be right there to help. Another benefit has been the seminars and conventions. Being able to go to those and learn from some of the best photographers has really helped shape my photography and business. Last but not least, Print Competition has been a tremendous blessing. Just being able to submit images and learn what is right about your image and what you can improve on, has been the most rewarding.

What’s one skill, habit, or mindset that has made the biggest difference in your growth?

I think the biggest mindset for me has been learning my value and my worth. So many times, I doubted myself and felt undervalued but having that confidence in who I am and the art I produce has allowed me to stand tall in who I am as a creative artist who just happens to be a photographer.

What kind of work or subject matter excites you the most right now?

I love being able to create different works of art with women. Although I like photographing men and have won awards with men’s portraits, I still love being creative in photographing women.

What advice would you give to a photographer who’s a few years behind you on the path?

To an up-and-coming photographer, I would say, LEARN YOUR CRAFT!!! It’s more than just pushing a button and charging money. There is so much more to photography than that. Also get a mentor, having a mentor is priceless. Having someone who can praise you when you have done well and also give you that hard critique so that you can grow. NEVER STOP LEARNING!!!!!!!

Five of Knyla's Favorite Images She's Ever Taken