Misty Hopper of Smith & Hopper Photography

Name: Misty Hopper
website: www.smithandhopperphotography.com/
blog:www.smithandhopperphotography.com/blog/

How long been in biz?
My name is Misty Hopper and I am located out of Andover, Kansas.  Smith & Hopper Photography started in 2005 but became an official business in 2006.  I graduated in 2002 from Oklahoma School of Photography and in 2003 moved back to Wichita to work as a photo lab technician for Qualex a Kodak Company.  I also worked part-time for a local wedding photography company as an assistant photographer.  The photo lab downsized and I was laid off and I decided to pursue photography more seriously.  I was off course still paying off student loans from photography school and I thought that I may as well put all that education to use.  In 2006 after lots of love and support from friends and family Smith & Hopper Photography was born.  Susan Smith and I had known each other for over 10 years and we had similar visions on where we would like to take our photography and starting into our third year now we are going strong and finding our style .

What inspires you?
I get inspired by so many things it is hard to pick any one thing.  I tend to have light bulb moments at 3 a.m. while editing a photo session.  I get inspiration from magazines, other photographers, my kids, a pretty neighborhood or while out scouting photo locations. 

The story how you first picked up a camera.
I have always had some sort of camera for as long as I can remember.  I went through about 10 of those little 110 cameras growing up, you know the ones that were like key chains (okay I am giving my age away here).  When I was in middle school my dad bought a Canon AE1 and it was one of the best cameras ever and I own it now today.  Now after digital came into play I'm lovin' my Nikon!

Favorite part of being a photographer?
I think for any photographer the best part is knowing that your job means so much to someone else.  The fact that we are so privileged to be a part of such momentous moments in people's lives and to be able to document those times is so rewarding. 

One area you would like to improve on?
Work flow,  I have got to start getting some sleep.  Would also love some ideas on adding employees as your business grows. Balancing work and family.  I know that's 3 things sorry.