Meet Amanda Rattigan!

Doesn't this Tropical Summer Paradise look FABULOUS on a cold winter day like today?

I reciently discovered a wonderful new Etsy seller that is sure to be a big hit! I had the oppurtunity to work with Amanda Rattigan durign the holidays. She is such a kind person to work with, and I really enjoyed getting to know her. She is an amazing self-taught photographer and owner of Still in Motion Photography. 
Meet Amanda with my "behind the lense" interview Q&A.
                                                                                                                 Q: When and how did you discover your  love for photography?                                   A: I don’t really remember when; I’ve always loved to take pictures, I would rather          be behind the camera than in front -- I was always the person on the vacation that took “too many pictures” LOL!  I’d be the one that people would have to wait for because I was still snapping away. It started with just wanting to document as much as I could, but then I started to get a feeling of seeing things differently through the view finder. It started to feel like I had a different eye when I looked through the camera – I began to pick up on the little details that otherwise I felt went un-noticed.But in the last three years is when my passion has really taken off…I was lucky enough to get a great deal on a Nikon 5700 & continued support from my family and friends….and the rest is history!
Q:Do you work as a full time artist?

A: Oh no! I still have my full time job – I wish I could do photography full time…but it doesn’t pay the bills yet! :)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Q:What made you decide to start "selling" your photography?

A: Honestly, a girlfriend at work! She has been one of my biggest supporters…I keep telling her I need to hire her as my PR rep! She has a nephew that started up a photography business and website and thought I needed to the same.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Q:When was "still in motion photography" founded and Why did you choose that business name?

A: Just this past year…fall of 2009! After Susan told me I should start a website for my work, I thought I needed a name! I know a lot of people just do “Photography by ______” with their name, but I wanted something different. So, I put out a “contest” to my friends on Facebook! :)  I had a lot of suggestions, but I liked Still in Motion the best. My friend said “its because when I look at some of your photos, they seem to be still in motion” plus, I love the play on words!                
Q:What is your greatest accomplishment as a photographer?

A: I know some people may say it’s a photo that they took that won a prize, or a photo that has sold the most…but to me, it was taking a beautiful shot of my husband with his daughter at sunset a couple years ago…the sky is a gorgeous orange color and there is so much pride and love in my husband’s eyes! I love it!

Q:Where is your favorite place to take photos?

A: Anywhere, really. I love trying to find special details in all the places/things I shoot. Doesn’t really matter where – I found a creative & cool angle in an old wooden park bench, for goodness sake!!

Q: What/ who inspires you to take photos?

A:  “What”: I don’t know…its kind of an inner fulfilled feeling when I am behind the camera. Not sure how to explain it – I just feel complete when I am snapping photos. As for “who”: my husband has always been such a supporter of my “eye” – he knows how much it means to me to capture the “art” in still objects; and with that kind of support, I don’t think I will ever not want to take pictures. Professionally, however, I had an opportunity to “shadow” a wonderfully talented photographer by the name of Steve Beaudet. He has been such a supporter in my wanting to go forward with my art – he is such a nice man! Please visit his site…he does amazing work! (http://www.stevebeaudet.com)                                                                                                                         Q:Do you edit and print your own photos? About how much time do you spend on each photo?

A: I edit all my photos – I don’t print them myself…I do use a 3^rd party printing service. Maybe one day I will, but my little ink jet printer would not do my photos justice :) Time? Who knows! LOL .  I don’t really measure the amount of time I spend; it’s fun to me, so I’m not watching the clock when I am editing.
Q:What is your favorite website and why?

A: Well, again, I would have to say Steve’s site (listed above) is one of my top favorites. http://www.artakiane.com/ is also one of my favorites…my step daughter is an amazing artist, and a friend of ours told us about this young lady as well….Akiane has skills that some life long artists don’t have…just truly amazing! And then of course, Etsy --- love that site!!! :) Oh, and on a separate note, http://www.bengals.com

is right up there!! =D Who Dey!
Q: How can readers contact you? Website, blog, etsy, etc...

A:  -My website is: http://stillinmotionphotography.net

     - My Etsy shop is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/stillinmotion

     - Email is stillinmotionphoto@gmail.com
Q: What do you hope to add to your etsy shop in the future?

A: More photos, of course…I have a lot more that I have taken, I just don’t always have the time to list them in my shop. But I would also like to venture into different types of crafts, or photo items. I understand not everyone has the money for large prints – but maybe someone would like one of my photos on a tote bag, apron, t-shirt, mug, mouse pad…that’s what I would like to start doing soon.
Q:If you had all the money in the world, what would you be doing right now?

A: Well, first, I would be buying the house next door to me that my Dad currently rents…right now he is in a situation that he may have to move and can’t afford to buy the place – he and I are very close and have become even closer since my Mom (his soul mate) passed away in 2004 from breast cancer….but then, photography full time… I know that may sound cheesy, but I would just love the freedom to come and go as I please taking photos here and there and just having fun with this.

Q:Choosing from your photography portfolio, What is your favorite photograph?
A: I have a lot of favorites – but one (that is not for sale) is of a little girl holding a leash of a German Sheppard (the dog is as tall as she is) and they are looking in the same direction as if they are waiting for Daddy or Mommy to come back…it’s just amazing to me – showing how gentle that Sheppard is and the love he has for that little girl.  {Please see photo to the right.}

Q:What is your dream location/ object to photograph.
A: I honestly don’t think I can choose one…I am pretty much a “fly by the seat of my pants” on what I decide to shot or where.

Q: Anything special that you would like to say to readers?
A: If anyone out there is thinking about going forward with a hobby/art they have – go for it!! Don’t let anyone say you can’t do it! With the technology we have today, your work can touch so many people – you never know what possibilities are out there. And if you think, “oh, this is just a little thing I do – I like it, but I don’t think anyone else would” – well, that’s just nonsense :) There are so many people that appreciate other people’s talents – you may think it’s a small little craft -- well to someone else, it could mean the world! It could bring back memories they haven’t thought about since they were a child; it could be the special gift they have been looking for to give that special person in their lives; or it could just bring a smile to their face knowing that their new purchase was a hand crafted item – America was created on people’s individual thoughts and ideas….crafts are no exception! 

 Surprise!

We're hosting a Give Away! 

Up for grabs is one 4x6 print/magnet of your favorite "Still in Motion" fine art photograph!
How would you like to win this great gift?

To enter this giveaway:

-Visit Amanda's Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/stillinmotion

-Choose your favorite photograph

-Return to this post and leave a comment telling us:

{What photo is your favorite and why.} 

*Please remember to include your contact information (email, etsy shop, etc.. ) So We can contact the prize winner! Good Luck!