Good morning everyone! I’ve been trying for a little while to interview this amazing scrapbooking master, but only today, as she is housebound in a blizzard, and I am housebound sheltering from 104 degree heat, have we been able to “get together”. I am so pleased to be able to interview for you today . . .
If you haven’t already, please go visit her gallery where you will find a delightfully perceptive and thoughtful blend of photography and story.
Let me introduce her and then we’ll ask her a few questions. I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know her a little better!
Debbie is a native Californian. She graduated from San Francisco State with a degree in English. After graduation she got a job with a major bank just for the summer to pay her bills. Twenty-three years later, I suppose we could say she had a career in banking! Debbie married a native New Englander twenty-two years ago (no children) and as she always knew they would; relocated to the east coast 13 years ago. At this point she retired (from her day job at least!). She enjoys gardening and genealogy research but has a passion for photography (I think we guessed that, Debbie!).
So Debbie, when and how were you introduced to digi-scrapping, and how did you find DD?
A couple of years ago I was browsing a gallery at Shutterfly and came across Ali Edwards’ December Daily album. I followed the imbeded links and ended up here at DD discovering something I never knew existed in the process; digital scrapbooking!
Tell us about your photography, are you self-taught, have you taken lessons - how did you get so good??
Oh my goodness Sharon, thank you for the generous compliment! Although, if you could see my delete bin you might not think so! I have really only gotten serious about my photography in the past year. I would say there are three things that have contributed to its improvement over that time: First of all I took Katrina’s “Captured Through the Lens” class which gave me a very strong skill set from which I’ve been able to continue to learn (I’ve also since purchased all of her turorials!). Secondly, I took up the 365 Project after that class which has forced me to pick up my camera each and every day and keep my skills fresh. And most importantly, the kind words of encouragement in the gallery here at DD continue to encourage and incent me to want to learn.
Katrina’s tutorials are great aren’t they? I love her ebook Get Me Off Auto too!
I’m wondering how you start a layout. Looking at your gallery, it seems that you “see” images that prompt particular stories - am I right?
Well now you’ve really made me stop and think about something I’ve not before considered! I ALWAYS start with the image. I then work with it until I find the right story or sentiment to support the image. I have to admit this comes rather easily for me and I think that is because my photography has become more thoughtful with time I am usually starting with an image that is meaningful to me. Sometimes I just have “things” I need to express and the images give those “things” the voice they need. I hope that makes sense!
Yes, I think it does - and ‘thoughtful’ is the word that kept coming to me as I was browsing your gallery.
Do you have an all time favourite DD product? One you just keeping going back to?
Well, I’ve never met a loopdaloop I didn’t care for! But to tell you the truth I’d have to say Cassie’s tutorials are my go-to product. They almost always play a part in my LOs in one way or another. I’ve never not learned something new from them.
I think we all owe a great deal to Cassie! Debbie, I can just imagine your pages as part of a beautiful coffee table book. Have you had any printed - do you plan books or albums?
That’s funny as my husband and I just had this discussion! I’ve actually only had two books printed, both for family, and heritage in nature. I’ve never had any of my photography LOs printed. I plan on continuing the 365 Project for 2011 and would love to have a book of single photo LOs printed at the end of the year. I’d best be saving my discount coupons NOW!
What’s the best thing for you about digi-scrapping (ok, and about DD too)
I’m a bit of a neat freak so this is just perfect for me that I can play like crazy and not have a mess to attend to afterward. As for DD I am continually buoyed by the supportive nature of this community; not only creatively but in the genuine and sincere caring I see expressed every single day.
And what about a favourite layout, Debbie - can you pick one?!
Well, I’d generally choose my latest one but for some reason I just can’t let this one go:
I think that’s my favourite too, Debbie! Although your fairy lights one comes pretty close!
Thanks for spending some time with us this morning Debbie,
It’s been a privilege getting to know you better!!
I cant recommend it enough, myself. Its a habit you fall into, once you get going, that you just cant stop.
