We are so excited to tell you all about our most recent winner of our summer 2016 camera giveaway! Brenda Rivera was the lucky winner of a Canon 5d SR! Congrats Brenda!
Here is some other great information about Brenda and her love of photography! You will also see a few of her photos below as well as one with her new camera! Enjoy!
How did you first get into photography?
"In 2011, my best friend asked me to take some pictures at his Zumba® fitness event. I shot his event with a Canon Rebel XTi. It had been a long time since I shot anything outside of my son having fun, so it was a challenge but it became the start of something big. I shot more of his events and that lead to my work getting noticed and more opportunities opened up. I have had pictures featured in ZLife Magazine - a Zumba® Fitness publication. I have since upgraded my camera to a Canon 60d and have shot numerous fitness events including Zumba® Fitness International presenters, as well as weddings, newborns, families, models, engagements and Quinceaneras."
What is your favorite thing to photograph?
"Zumba® fitness events by far are my favorite. People get lost in the music and they don't realize how beautiful they look. As an instructor myself, I can anticipate the movement and am able to capture shots others may miss. Second to that would be families. I don't shoot in a studio, I look for great places locally so that everyone is more relaxed and natural. Shooting in a studio tends to make people feel stiff and I love when everyone is relaxed because then you can capture love naturally."
What type of style would you say fits you best?
"I don't have a type of style, as I don't like to fit into any box. I love to experiment with all styles. I love learning what new ways I can capture moments and places."
What is your most favorite shoot you have ever had and why?
"This one is a hard question because honestly I can say I have had many but two stand out the most. The first was a shoot I did early this year for 2 international Zumba® Fitness presenters - Loretta Bates and Kass Martin. Their energy and passion for what they do came across in all the shots captured. The bright bold colors and the energy of the participants made this to be one of the most fun events shot. My other one is a newborn shoot I did about 3 weeks ago with 8 day old Dhruv. Newborn photography is one of the most difficult to do. It takes patience but with patience comes reward and some of my best work was done on that shoot. Lastly, I was lucky to shoot Melissa Etheridge as she did a concert at my workplace and I brought my camera that day. Talk about fun!"
What was your first reaction when you found out you won the camera?
"I cried literally. I was speechless. I have been trying to figure out how to be able to afford a better camera to go from crop framed to full frame. Honestly, I was praying on how to take my little business to the next level and then your email arrived. I am beyond thrilled and so excited to take my photography to the next level. Thank you for making this a reality."
Are there any other fun or interesting facts about yourself that you would like to share?
"I am a 2nd degree black belt and a Zumba® fitness instructor. I love traveling and love to teach."
What camera did you choose and why?
"I chose the Canon 5d because I am a Canon girl. The first Canon I had was the Canon Rebel XTi and it just recently died on me. It was the camera that put me on the map. I now shoot with a Canon EOS 60d which has been a work horse and has been through everything from weddings to newborns."
What do you think of the camera now that you have received it?
"I have a lot of learning to do but I am so excited!!! This is what I have dreamed about, taking my photography to the next level and shooting in full frame. I can't stop looking at it and I look forward to shooting my next big event in November with it. It is amazing!"
Be sure to check out more from Brenda and her photography on photographybybrenda.smugmug.com. You can also follow her on Facebook or Instagram.
