Carissa Byers
No nonsense photographer Carissa Byers brings a discerning eye to her photo business. Shooting lifestyle, advertising and editorial images, she keeps herself busy and her clients happy. Her innate understanding of composition and what works to deliver a powerful image make her a dynamic and interesting artist.
Using Zenfolio as her main website, Carissa loves how easy it is to update and design
her web pages. Having used other services in the past, Carissa appreciates the affordability
and simplicity that Zenfolio offers.
Providing all the tools she needs in one place, Zenfolio has
helped streamline her business so she can focus her time on the parts of her job
that she enjoys best.
Where were you born and raised? Where have you settled?
I was born in Michigan and raised mostly in Arkansas. I'm currently living in Dallas, Texas. Texas is way cooler than I anticipated.
What type of photography do you shoot most often? What type of photography are you most passionate about shooting?
I shoot a lot of portraits. Environmental portraits and food are the things I get most excited about. I love shooting someone doing their job. If that job is being a chef, then all the better.
How long have you been a shutter releaser? What led you to this profession?
I've been a full time freelancer for seven years. I started shooting while I was on maternity leave from my "real job." I enjoyed it so much I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I quit the day job and became determined to make photography work.
How has Zenfolio helped your business?
Before Zenfolio I had a website and another hosting company. They were separate, cumbersome and time consuming. I saw a Zenfolio site and it was EXACTLY like my website, only I didn't have to do any of the work AND it was cheaper. I switched immediately. The fact that my website and delivery to clients could all exist under one snazzy technological roof blew my mind.
Tell us about your work flow, what editing program do you use?
Like, exactly? A typical day would be:
- Download
- Rename
- Backup originals to an external hard drive or to a disc
- 5 star the keepers in Adobe Bridge
- Edit starred photos as needed in Camera Raw or Photoshop
- Upload all the edited to Zenfolio and send to client
- Backup the edited photos
One of the more unconventional things I do is staple a disc of the photos to their corresponding paper contract. This all gets filed in chronological order in a file and gives me peace of mind and often comes in handy when someone asks for an old photograph or if I need to see a release.
Do you have brand loyalty for Canon, Nikon or something completely different?
I've only shot Nikon. It's likely I'll to stick with them.
What is your favorite beverage?
Coffee. A freshly roasted and ground pour-over to be exact.
Are your photography skills self-taught or were you classically trained?
Self-taught. I studied film making in school. That probably laid some foundation for telling a story, composition and lighting.
What advice would you give a new photographer just starting out?
Anyone can take a picture but not everyone is an artist. Shoot until you find your style so that you're the only one that can make that kind of art.
What was your first published work?
I think it was some kitchen interiors on a direct mailer for a remodeling company. Pretty sure I got that gig off of Craigslist. Or the CD cover for Angie Fisher's "Clef Notes," which you can buy on Amazon now for $2.22.
What inspires you as a photographer? Or who?
I love Allison V. Smith's work. She makes it look easy.
What are your thoughts on using a Blog as part of your website? Does it help drive business?
I've been blogging almost daily on the same site since 2004. I think it helps people know you and your work and that’s what helps drive business.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Well if I told you they wouldn't be hidden anymore.
What is the very first camera you ever owned?
Kodak Easyshare point and shoot. It came free with a laptop.
If you are stranded on a desert island with only a CD player, what CD would you wish to have with you?
A mixtape of Darius Holbert, Sarah Jaffe, The Beaten Sea, Wheeler Sparks, Beatles, Tegan and Sara, Ani Difranco, The Decemberists, Mountain Goats, Elliot Smith, Deathcab for Cutie, John Lefler, Weezer, Jellyfish …. how many songs you think I could fit on a mix CD?
What piece of equipment or doohickey do you have with you on every shoot?
The iPhone. It gives directions, calls people who are late and takes credit card payments.
Do you have any final words of wisdom on being a first class shooter?
Don't be afraid to get in there and shoot it. Understand that trends are fleeting. Find the stuff that lasts.
