There is more to being a photographer than just taking great photos. Have a read through today’s Q&A feature and find out all about the talent behind the lens.

PETA NIKEL PHOTOGRAPHY – HOBART, TAS

How did you get started as a photographer?

I’ve always loved to try new things, just to see if I could do it. I’ve had an interest in taking photos since my father gave me my first camera as a teenager, but I never knew about the art of photography until I ventured into the photography section of a parenting forum when my children were younger. I saw that there was so much more to taking photos than I ever knew about and I needed to learn how to do it! I bought my first DSLR and it all went from there.

What did life look like before photography?

I worked in accounts before photography. I have a love for numbers, business, organisation and all of these things now cross over into my photography business.

Tell us about a day in the life of a professional photographer …

My days usually consist of checking emails, a morning newborn session, afternoon ordering sessions, culling and editing images, posting to social media, ordering clients products, packaging orders, as well as some future planning and admin.

Any memorable moments?

I’ve met some beautiful family’s through my rainbow baby project over the last few years. I feel honored to capture and share in the joy of these families finally holding their much loved and longed for babies in their arms after so much heartbreak to get to that point.

If you could photograph 1 thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Without a doubt, it would be newborns. It’s such a fleeting time that deserves to be captured.

What is the best thing about your job?

The best thing is the people I meet. My clients are the best. I love that they feel comfortable enough to chat to me like an old friend. I love that I get to watch their children grow. There are so many families who I still keep in touch with years later.

Tell us something we don’t know about professional photography …

There is so much that goes into a photography session behind the scenes than most people would know, including email communication, session planning, prop buying, sorting through images, editing, file preparation for ordering and so much more. It’s so much more than just pressing the shutter.