A Dozen Details with Barb Stellmach...

I am fascinated with the lives of others. The details behind an artist's life and work are like getting to see how candy is made! I'd like to introduce you to a new feature here at Life Set to Words which will allow you to take a peek into the lives of some very inspiring artists. Each month I will ask one inspiring artist to share a dozen details about his/her life. I hope that these interviews will inspire you, encourage you, and inform you about artistic living!

Our first Dozen Details is with the incredibly talented photographer/jewelry maker Barb Stellmach of Ginger Lee Photography. Barb is a dear friend of mine and a true inspiration. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to get a deeper peek into her creative life...

~1~ What made you first start looking at your camera as something more than a snapshot shooter?



I suppose it was when I began selling jewelry online a couple of years ago. I wasn’t getting the results I wanted with my point & shoot so I did a few art fairs and raised enough money to purchase my Nikon D60. Also, after discovering the flickr community, I realized photography was a way to express myself and my interests.

~2~ How did you learn more about photography and using a dslr?

I did a lot of googleing. I also refer to the website digital-photography-school.com and have purchased a book for my specific camera. I’ve also learned a lot through flickr. The people that I’ve formed relationships with are always there to lend a hand with any questions I may have. Honestly, before I was involved with flickr I didn’t have a clue as to what textures, dof (depth of field), bokeh, and conversion even were. I still have SO much to learn.


~3~ What’s in your camera bag?

I guess I don’t technically have a camera bag. I usually just throw it in my purse if I’m going somewhere. However, I do use a few different things. I have a Nikkor 18-55mm and a 55-200mm lens that came with my camera but rarely ever use. I also have a Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro lens that I love and it’s probably on my camera about 90% of the time. I recently purchased a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 that’s great for everyday use and still produces that beautiful blur that we all love. I have a Nikon SB600 speedlight flash that I occasionally use as well as two batteries. I also use a vintage Kodak Duaflex II for ttv (through the viewfinder) shots as well as a recently purchased vintage Argus Cintar 50mm that I’m really excited about. Note to self… must buy film!

~4~ What kinds of things do you like to photograph?

I’ve really taken a liking to food photography. It would be so fun to take pictures for restaurants and food magazines. Bon Appetite… are you reading this? :) I also enjoy still life photography, thanks to you Meg. I love all the details that go into setting up a shot. The colors, the props, the backgrounds…. you can really tell a story through such a picture. Simplistic and portrait photography is also something I’ve delved into that I really enjoy and I’m looking forward to experimenting with it more in the future.



~5~ You also make jewelry. How did you first get into that?

A good friend of mine taught me how to make earrings for the bridesmaids in my wedding. That was only three years ago. Like photography, I’m completely self taught and had mostly made things for myself until I realized I wanted a new camera. Knowing my husband wasn’t going to buy me one, I decided to sell online and do art fairs to earn some cash. I realized this is truly what I was made to do… sell my jewelry to people who can appreciate somebody’s craftsmanship. Art fairs are SO FUN!

~6~ Where do you look for and/or find inspiration?

For me inspiration is everywhere. Lake Superior has inspired me to create unique, one of a kind jewelry. The food I eat and my household decorations have inspired me in my photography. I’m inspired by nature, magazines, blogs, flickr… Everyday someone posts a new photo where you think, “I wanna do that”! So you set up your shot, grab your camera, and put your own unique spin on it. It’s a lot of fun!

~7~ You are a busy mommy! How do you fit creativity into your day?

It’s hard, especially now that the baby’s more mobile. If I’m lucky I can get some jewelry made/take pictures while the kids nap or while Maria’s playing and Ginger is busy chewing on something. :) After the girls are in bed, I often make jewelry while watching TV. I’m also very thankful for such a wonderful husband. He’ll happily watch the kids so I can go out on a photo walk/drive or take some still shots. He’s a real big help around here and I seriously don’t know how I’d manage without him.

~8~ You recently began selling your prints and jewelry on Etsy. Many of us are looking to take our hobbies to the next level. What made you take the leap?

I had every intention of sticking with it the first time I started selling on Etsy, but I quickly realized that the pregnancy of my second child was kicking my butt, so I decided to close up shop. Now that things are back on track, I knew I wanted to do more art fairs this summer and needed a place where buyers could find my artwork all year. Although it’s hard to get noticed on Etsy, it’s easy and affordable and I didn’t think twice about reopening. I mostly sell prints online because it’s less time consuming and with two little girls, time is not something I have a whole lot of. I do hope to keep some jewelry pieces in the shop at all times. I love the preparation of an order. I package everything with love and I’m a big fan of details. Picking out fabric and sewing the jewelry bags, finding ribbon to match, the earring cards, the thank yous… it all makes a difference. Your buyers (myself included) appreciate a nicely packaged product.

~9~ Where else do you sell your art?

I currently sell jewelry at Wintergreen in Duluth, MN. and I’m working on some pieces for their store in Ely, MN too. It’s a winter clothing boutique that makes all of Will Steger’s expedition wear. I’m hoping to sell in more stores here in Duluth as well as out of state. As I’ve mentioned, I enjoy doing art fairs over the summer and autumn months. There’s a few in Duluth and one in a neighboring town that I’m crossing my fingers I get accepted to. I’ve also sent in an application for a fair in St. Cloud, MN. which is roughly 3 hours south of Duluth. It should be interesting to see how other cities react to my products.

~10~ What advice do you have for someone just starting out in photography? Jewelry?

Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions has definitely worked to my advantage in the recent months. Practice is only going to make you better. Don’t be afraid to step out of your box either and try something new. I quickly realized that selling jewelry was a tough market because it’s everywhere. I knew I needed my product to stand out from the rest and I believe I’ve achieved that by using Lake Superior rocks in my designs. I hope that it’s the same story with my photography.


~11~ What are three words you’d like people to use {either now or someday} to describe you and/or your photography?

fun, creative, inspiring

~12~ What does success look like to you?

I suppose I consider myself a success in some regards. I’ve produced a product that people like and because of it, I’ve been able to reimburse my husband for all of my supplies. I’m not the type of person who usually finishes things. My goals are always changing, as are my interests, so to achieve something like that is a pretty big deal. I’m pretty happy with where I am in my teeny tiny business. I’m able to enjoy the summer art fairs without feeling overwhelmed, and at the same time sell a product that I enjoy making. I’d hate for something I’m so passionate about to become another chore. So I guess success to me is taking something you love doing, sharing it with others, and making a small profit. However, if I ever do experience success on a larger scale, I’ll welcome it with open arms.

And now for a special GIVE AWAY!!!
For two very lucky random drawing winners, Barb is generously offering up one of her 8 x 10 Where's The Love prints as well as a Lake Superior rock necklace {shown above}.  All you have to do to enter is take a peek at Barb's Etsy shop and tell us which is your favorite item in the comments on this post. You have until Friday, March 26th at midnight EST to enter at which point two names will be randomly selected for these two amazing prizes. I have both a necklace handmade by Barb and prints from her shop and I can testify that she is a quality babe and her goodies are awesome! Enter, tell your friends, blog this...and we'll announce the winners here on Sunday, March 28th.

Until then, you can visit Barb at her blog, on her Flickr stream, or at her shop {where she happens to be having a buy two, get one free sale going on}!

Thank you so much, Barb! We have loved learning these Dozen Details about you!!!