Collages.net recently had the chance to talk with Lacy Dagerath of More Than An Image Photography about her studio and her blog.

How would you describe your studio style?
PJs, a bed, and 5 dogs. Yes, I really have 5 dogs: Tyco, Bella, Brody, Little Man, and Chanel. All joking aside, I would say “non-boring.” I was 23 years old (4 years ago) when I started my business. My mom showed my website to my grandpa who was also a photographer and the first thing he said was, “Those people are not going to like those pictures. They aren’t even looking at the camera!” I thought, I don’t like creating moments, I like capturing them, creatively. It is not my job to coordinate every single shot that I take so that its redundant. It is up to me to make sure the couple, the bride, the family, the children feel comfortable with me so I can get the most natural shots and the best expressions possible. I’ve been told I have the ability to be able to capture people at the peak of their expression. This goes much deeper than knowing how to work my camera, it has everything to do with how you, as a photographer, relate to your clients. I’m vulnerable and I’m honest. I think because of these things, my clients know they can trust me.

What type of photography are you most passionate about?
I don’t think there is a type I’m most passionate about, but I will say this, it’s a toss up between two complete extremes. I love capturing emotion. When you look at a photo and it makes you feel something, in my opinion, it’s what makes a picture great!  There is something very irreplaceable about that. I try to always capture the heart and personality of the person. Many photographers get so caught up in the technical aspect of photography that they lose the reason they are shooting. Again, that’s just my opinion. The other extreme I love is taking pictures as art. One of my favorite pictures was taken while I was in Venice. We were riding on our little boat to get to our hotel and I saw this rusted, blue-green door on this white wall and it intrigued me. I love finding beauty in the mundane, everyday things that people far too often take for granted.

Where did you find your inspiration for your blog’s design?
Sometimes I just need a creative outlet. My mother and I went to a high-fashion home store in downtown Houston and I found this fabric that I absolutely fell in love with. It is a black fabric with an ivory baroque-style pattern. Because I was craving another creative outlet (other than photography), I bought the fabric and made a headboard for my bed. Then, I found a similar black pattern and wanted that as my background for my blog! The blue I use is the blue that is in my current logo.

What was important to you when looking for a blog vendor?
I really wanted something that was incredibly easy to maintain on the back end. I knew it was something I was going to be updating almost daily, so I wanted it to be very easy and manageable. Also, I don’t like advertisements cluttering my space. I pay a yearly fee for my blog to keep that from happening.

Which entry has been your most popular entry this year?
People seem to be terrified of leaving comments, so really I don’t have any idea!

What do you write about on your blog?
I generally post my favorite ten to fifteen shots from every shoot. I know what it is like to be disappointed when I visit a blog and there are no updates so I try to update the blog regularly. Also, from a client’s perspective, I know how great it makes them feel to be featured.

How do you see the blog benefitting your studio?
I think blogs are becoming more popular than studio websites for photographers. Usually a blog means you are continuously changing and updating your work and people want to see the latest and greatest. Aside from that, when you feature clients on your blog, they tell everyone they know to go view your blog. They also let friends and family know about your post through social networking sites and word gets around. It’s really great exposure for any studio.

Do you have any blog stalkers?
I typically have anywhere from 75 to 200 visitors to my blog daily.  I’m not sure who everyone is though!

What advice would you give to photographers who are looking to start a blog or revamp their blog?
Find a blog that works for you. I was recently talking with a friend and fellow photographer who said he wouldn’t consider having a blog because he thought he couldn’t manage it. I think if you choose a blog that is manageable, updating is a breeze! I also think you should find one that you can customize to reflect your style. Details in this business are key. You definitely want your blog to reflect your studio’s style and personality.

If you had to lose one hand in a freak elevator shaft accident which hand would you lose?
My left! I shoot with my right, so I’d be jobless and handless. They don’t make left handed cameras!

If you could drive any car in the world without paying attention to price what would it be?
The Oscar Meyer Wiener mobile. Really!

If you could choose any career other than photographer what would it be?
A professional golfer. A very poor professional golfer. I think I’ve held a golf club once during a game of mini golf, but I won! Only because I cheated, though.