I am really excited about this week’s Foto Friday interview. As an amateur photographer, Donna Boucher is an inspiration to me. Let’s get to know this homeschooling amateur photographer extraordinaire!

Me: Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My husband of 27 years and I have four children ages ranging from 25 to 8 years old.
I like just about everybody and everything and I’m easily amused ;o)
I have loved photography most of my life.
I think of photography as the most accessible of art forms.

One year ago I bought a digital SLR camera when I saw Ree’s beautiful photographs on thepioneerwoman.com website.

I was totally surprised when she wrote me and asked if I would help her write tutorials for her website. I love sharing what I have learned and I love having a place to talk about something I love so much.

Me: Photography at The Pioneer Woman is an art form. I love the tutorials there!

How long have you been blogging? Homeschooling?

I have been blogging at www.booshay.blogspot.com for nearly five years. I started blogging to encourage young women to love their husbands and children in the spirit of Titus 2.

I have been homeschooling for 14 years. Wow.
My boys were home for a few years, my daughter Emma went from K-12 and Katie is in 2nd grade, currently.

Me: Wow! You have been blogging and homeschooling for quite some time.

You take amazing pictures! What kind of camera do you use?

I have a Nikon D80.
Two lenses.
50mm 1.8
17-55mm 2.8

Me: This is the same camera that I now own and the reason I love your photos and tutorials - you make me believe that I can do that, too.

What are your favorite photo editing programs?

I like both Lightroom and Photoshop CS3.
My goal is to shoot nearly perfect straight out of camera.
But that rarely happens.

Me: Approximately what percentage of your photos do you enhance with photo editing software?

90% edited.
It may be just a sharpen or a lightening or a contrast.

Me: What are your favorite things to photograph?

People especially my little girl. She is my muse.
Landscapes and Cities. You know Paris for instance.

Me: Do you have any tips for composing better shots?

Notice your surroundings. What is in the background?
Are there shadows on the faces? Is the light abundant and pretty?

Me: What is a simple, “anyone can do it” trick for enhancing photos on your computer? Can you show us an example?

Anyone can learn to find the light! Look for the light in your subjects eyes.

[Donna says, "This shot I think anyone can do. I know that the light in my garage is really sweet. So I take a lot of picture in my garage :o) Make sure you are exposing your shot well (enough light) and focus and shoot with a steady hand."]

Me: Now show us something fancy – impress us!!

Backlighting

Me: That’s awesome! I love the glow on top of her head. When I aim people towards the sun I tend to get a lot of squinty eyes.

Do you have any photos that are your particular favorites?

[Donna says, "I took this in Paris a few weeks after I bought my camera. It remains one of my favorites. I shot it on Auto."]

Me: Donna, now I don’t feel so bad about still being in auto modes with my new camera. Thank you for teaching and inspiring your readers!

What is your best advice for an amateur photographer like myself?

Learn all about your camera.
Go out and practice every single day.

I promise you will improve!

Me: Thanks, Donna, for a wonderful and informative interview. Didn’t y’all love it? Visit Donna at Quiet Life and Pioneer Woman Photography.

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