Meet & Greet {with Carrie Bayless}

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Spring Lake Park, MN a Minneapolis Suburb, and have been living in Zimmerman, MN about 3.5 years now. I find that unless you live North West of the Twin Cities people are unfamiliar with where Zimmerman is located, so to give you an idea it is just North of Elk River about 10 miles.

Are you married? Do you have children? Any pets?
Yes I have a wonderful husband and 2 adorable children. My daughter is 2.5 and my Son is almost 6 years old. At this time we don't have any pets but I love animals! I grew up having a dog and up until recently we had 2 cats.

What made you decide to go professional?
I could probably give you a list of reasons why I decided to go professional but over all it was for my love of photography and wanting to share my God gifted talent with others. But my drive to making it happen is from my children and husband. I'm in transition of making my business a full time operation, I know I will have some long busy days but I also know that being able to work at home will allow me to be there more for my family. Family is very important to me and I don't want to miss out on my children's lives!

You seem very busy, how do you manage to balance your career and being mom?
Some days it doesn't feel very balanced, as my days are long and seems like I have little time with my family. But thanks to my awesome husband for his support and help, we work together to make it happen and keep it balanced.

How long have you been a photographer?
Before starting my business I have been doing photography on the side for over 3 years. Officially it hasn't quite been a year since I started my business, so I'm fairly new for being classified as a professional.

What would you say your style is? What inspires your style?
I would say that it is natural, emotionally intimate and personable. For the most part I just like capturing moments. I find it fascinating how people connect and interact with one another. I just look for the true natural beauty of people with their personalities and relationships with one another as I'm taking their pictures. Although I feel I have my own style I do look for inspiration from other photographers, as there is a lot we can learn from each other.

What do you like to take pictures of the most?
That is a hard question, I love taking pictures of everything I see. But over all, babies and kids just seem to bring such joy to my heart. They are all so irresistibly cute and they can be so much fun to work with!

What is a photo session with you like? And where are your session taken?
My sessions are on-location to where ever my client wants them done at. Whether it be in the comfort of their home, a park or some place that is special to my client. If they don't have any ideas and would like my suggestions, I am more than happy to recommend some places. After we meet and talk a little, I usually will encourage my client to just be themselves. If I see they are having a hard time, feeling a little nervous or uncomfortable I will help assist them in posing naturally. Keeping a conversation going with my client helps keep them relaxed, so the focus isn't on what they are doing or how they think they look.

What is your favorite product you offer?
There are so many fun products but I would say the gallery canvas wrap is by far one of my favorites.

What do you do when you aren't taking pictures?
I spend a lot of my spare time editing and enhancing pictures. However I do like to relax when I get a chance watching a movie, playing games with the kids or just chatting and hanging out with my friends.

What would you tell someone about following their dreams?
That it isn't easy but so worth it! If you really want it, figure a way to make it happen as it isn't going to happen without you. If you aren't going outside of your comfort zone you aren't giving it your all. Don't give up, stay positive, focused and take every experience in your journey as a learning experience to grow.