We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Mitchell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Hi Maria , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

A recent trend I have seen in my line of work is the use of A.I. technology. I’m really not sure if this is even a trend! A.I. has definitely created some waves of controversy in the photography community. At first, I didn’t know what to think and many photographers were (and still are), skeptical or even against it. But after learning more and trying it out for myself, I have found it to be very useful in my business!

I use an A.I. program to do a pre-edit on most of my photos, then I go back and tweak them before saving. This has been a great time saver for me, especially during the busy season! The program is still learning how I like to edit and it works from me by uploading my settings from thousands of photos that I have manually edited.

Another new tool has been the generative fill in Adobe Photoshop. I have used it to remove background distractions and sometimes to expand the canvas of the photo. These are things I have been doing in Photoshop for years, but it can be very time-consuming. Now, in most cases, editing time has been much more efficient! On the other hand, this tool has become the topic of much controversy, because it is so easy to create something completely new and “fake” that was never in the photo to begin with. So, you see how this can become a way for some to be dishonest or give the impression of a portfolio that may not be completely real.

The debate continues, but I try to stay positive and take advantage of the benefits this gives my business to save time in the post-production process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When I was a kid my Dad had National Geographic magazines around the house. I would look through the pictures and imagine what kind of life the photographers must have had. It seemed so exciting, and I always dreamt about traveling to new places to take pictures when I grew up. In 2009, I finally got a nice camera and started taking pictures for fun. In 2012, I became more serious in learning the proper techniques and manual mode of my camera, as well as taking a photography class. Later that year, I experimented with photographing people, different settings and different lighting. As time went on I improved and turned it into extra income. I have had Shadowraven Photography since 2012 and it has been my full-time career since 2018.
I still love nature photography and I will always try to make time for it, but my main focus is people and the special times in their lives. Obviously, my career is nothing like a Nat Geo photographer, but it’s still an adventure and I wouldn’t want to do anything else!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Back in 2012, I did not have much disposable income. I had my first nice camera, but not much else. While I was in college, taking my photography courses, my teacher entered me into a contest (without my knowledge). I won $500 from the Cape Fear Photography Club! With the help of that money I invested in a new lens. As I booked more sessions, I invested even more.
Most people assume that photography is a cheap, easy way to make extra money. But if you are serious about making it a business and a career you have to invest a lot before making a consistent profit. I can honestly say that it took me a good three or four years of pushing myself, buying the proper equipment, education, experience and trial and error before I began to turn a good profit from all of my hard work. Not to mention, continuing education and learning the business side of everything.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Some of the sources of my inspiration are photographers who’s style and skill that I admire, but they also know how to market and run an efficient and profitable business.
I have learned a lot from others through Youtube, Creativelive.com and online groups that focus on lighting skills, marketing, client experience and business efficiency.

I am always on the look out for inspiration and education in my field. The learning never stops!

Contact Info:

• Website: shadowravenphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowraven_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShadowravenPhotography

Image Credits
Salty Star Photography (photo of me with camera)