I have been a photography enthusiast for over 30 years. Becoming professional about 10 years ago. Shooting with a little insta-matic left over from the 1960's my mom gave to me, I enjoyed that instant gratification of pushing the button and knowing I had captured something forever. I recently came across a photograph of myself as a 4 year old flower girl. Nothing spectacular of course beyond how cute I was but oddly enough the only photos where I’m smiling are those where I have a camera in my hand. No kidding! I remember being so miserable that day but with the camera in hand, I was happy. Later, much later of course, I learned I could actually manipulate that captured moment and make it more beautiful, completely surreal or catch the ambiance and feeling of that moment. Forever. A loved ones smile.  Forever.  This was just the most amazing thing. I can remember a lifetime from those photos with over 8000 photographs in albums that I utterly cherish more than any other possessions.

 Just with the push of a button.

A little bug was created and through all the trials and tribulations of life, it never left.

Later it became an expensive habit as I worked my way through school studying broadcasting, film and then journalism. Have any of us ever followed the path we thought we would take when we were young? However, through thick and thin that camera stayed tucked under my arm at all times to capture any moment that crossed my path. Always learning something new and seeing something in a new light even though I had passed it a thousand times before.

 Then it clicked.

I knew early that I really had an eye for photography and enjoyed seeing things in a special way that no one else seemed to understand.  After a few years of misguided career choices, I realized photography actually is what makes me happy. It is the only thing I have ever found that satisfied the artist in me as well as providing something technical for the analytical side. As an analytical, untempestuous artist, that is important and I love that I continue to grow with it.

I’ve heard photography is 10% technical know how and 90% eye.

I started modeling at 16 and worked with many different types of photographers from Chicago to New York as well as assisting. This experience helped in my communication skills within the model/photographer relationship and also learning and understanding how the human form, male or female, looks its best.

I know feedback is incredibly important and my job is to make you feel comfortable primarily above all else. I want you to walk away thinking ”Ohh that was fun.” I know the photos will be fine if I can get you to relax   I can’t even say how many times my clients have hugged me after the job was done. Whether a wedding, head shots or pet photos. How much better of a reward is there? I'm just thrilled I can do what I love and what makes me happy and makes a difference in others lives too.

Curves and lines and shapes can be fascinating whether they are human or found in nature. Manipulating a hodgepodge of lines into something beautiful on a flat surface can be truly exciting.

As a lover of natural beauty, I find many inspiring photographs just from walking around or what I call day field trips. Many of my scenic photographs stem from the habit of taking my camera absolutely everywhere. If you have ever been to New York City, you know this isn't easy. The sights and scenes you come across on a daily basis last only for an instant and to not have your camera at the ready and miss your one chance only leads to regret. I have never regretted anything in my life and I surely can't regret missing an image simply because I didn't feel like having my camera with me. You will see photographs from all over the United States and from around the world in my galleries.

 

Misti@MistiLayne  415.225.1128

Misti Layne Photography is based in San Francisco and Los Angeles and serving the Bay Area, Marin, Napa and Sonoma, Silicon Valley, Toronto, New York...the world.