Name: Terrilyn O’Neil
Title: Photographer/Owner of lifeXpressions photography, LLC
Office: 800.487.0064
Website URL: www.lifeXpressions.net
Location: Southwest Florida; Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Estero, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Captiva, Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach, Boca Grande, Marco Island, Pine Island – Hey – The girl gets around!
Birthplace: Michigan
Marital Status: Blissfully spoken for since 1996
Children: Three; Trevor, Nick, & Olivia. And why do we have three children? – Because we did not want four!
(and if you know where that line came from I’m sure we’ll be good friends!)

Favorite quote:

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” ~Aaron Siskind

In her own words:

Hello and welcome to the lifeXpressions blog, aptly named, innerXpressions! I’m going to assume if you clicked this link you want to know a little bit about me. My name is Terrilyn, I am a mother of three gorgeous children, a wife to one very handsome man, and the owner of lifeXpressions photography, LLC. In other words, I’m one busy lady! That’s alright, I’m the type of person that needs to be busy. I thrive on chaos, good thing because my children LOVE to create chaos.

I’m a firm believe in preserving memories. Having lost my father at a young age I understand all too well the importance of preserving your memories for future generations. Time passes so quickly. We go through our lives day to day never realizing that it could all be over in the blink of an eye.

I’ve enjoyed photography since I was a little girl, I took my first class on photography as a teenager and continued to explore my passion through the years with my own family and friends. I’m also an avid scrapbooker, the pictures and the journaling come together to create fantastic heirlooms for my children. They just love to sit down and flip through the big pages of their books.

I am quite honored to have had both my scrapbooking pages and my photos published in several books and national magazines. It wasn’t until 2004 that I decided to turn my passion into my career, this is when lifeXpressions came to be. Now I am blessed to have met so many wonderful families and to be given the opportunity to capture their precious memories through my camera lens.

Behind the scenes…

Image above © Barefoot Photography Used with permission.

Through my lens…

Image above © lifeXpressions photography.

Your questions, answered!

I’ll bite!
What’s your favorite location to shoot at?

Wow. Tough call. I’m the type of person that likes to shake things up a bit. In a previous life I was a nurse, while I really enjoyed caring for others the day to day routine was enough to drive me mad. I crave mental stimulation, having to think fast on my feet, and challenge myself creatively. It would be hard for me to pick a favorite location with my constant desire for new surroundings. If hard pressed I would have to say some place rustic, I’m drawn to foliage and texture.

How did you learn photography? Did you take classes or are you self-taught?

Both. I took my first photography class at the age of 16, completely black and white. Developed my own film in the lab. Loved it! Took a few courses in college to break up the monotony of all the math and anatomy courses I had to take. After college I enrolled in and graduated from two independent photography courses, both were through distance learning. I am also a firm believer in continued education. You can and should teach an old dog new tricks. Keep your knowledge and skills current. Never forget the basics of photography but learn, transform, and evolve those principles until they merge with your own personal style.

I just love your work!
What are your favorite types of sessions?  And what makes a session a “success” in your eyes?

First, thank you! Favorite type of session. I tend to flip flop on this a bit depending on my mood on any given day but I think my absolute favorite sessions are always maternity and newborn sessions. I love trying new angles, lighting techniques, and working with subjects that can’t run away. Well, one maternity client tried to run but I caught her.

Hi Terrilyn,
I really love your work.  You are very inspiring.
I always wondered how do you do it all? You are such a talented photographer, but how do you keep it all organized with running a business, keeping on top of everything with your family and still having time to take care of yourself (you look great, btw!)? You really seem to be one of the few who can do it all!

Thank you so much, very sweet of you to say. Good thing this isn’t a live video feed because I think I’m blushing now! Organization is key. I would be lost without my Microsoft Office and Quickbooks programs. Don’t let the calm exterior fool you though. I may seem relaxed and in charge but inside my brain is running down a list of 10 other things I should be doing at this exact moment.

I’ve been perusing through your website for a couple weeks now and am so in love with your work!
Can you tell me what’s the furthest you’ve traveled for a shoot? I was thinking of hiring you, but my family and I live in California.

Hi there, thank you! To this point the farthest I’ve traveled for a shoot is Orlando (about 3 hours North). My children are still rather young so I prefer to travel within an area that will allow me to return home to tuck them in at the end of the day. Soon enough I will accept assignments to other states. I predict within the next two years.

Wow!
Such awe inspiring work! What is the youngest you book newborn sessions? and how do you go about handling and positioning the baby for these awesome newborn photos? Thanks!

Thank you. I often joke with my maternity clients that they should take my number with them to the hospital. I’ve found myself giggling quietly a few times when they do book from their hospital bed! You’ve got to love that kind of determination! The youngest newborn I’ve photographed was 3 days old. I prefer to photograph them as early as possible, before two weeks of age. At that point they are still pretty sleepy, squishy, and bendable.

Terrilyn, you are an amazing photographer! Do you let aspiring photographers accompany you on a shoot to assist and watch you work? I have visited several local photographers’ websites and I think out of all of them you have managed to capture the spirit of the people in your photographs better than anyone else. You are an inspiration!

Thank you, I’m glad that I can inspire. What a wonderful compliment. At this point and time – I work alone kid – The vast majority of my sessions consist of young children, easily distracted – young children. Fast running – young children. Sweetly timid – young children. These dear souls open up better without an audience which is why parents will sometimes here me say, “Go for a walk Mom and Dad.” The less people around to stimulate the child and draw attention away from me the better!

Why the red? I love your website, your whole look is very classy and fun. What made you pick red for your signature color?

lifeXpressions was built in my head from the ground up. I designed everything from the website to the promotional materials. I wanted something that would be easily recognized, would stick in the brain, be easy to get a hold of for my materials, and would stimulate the brain. Red is a power color and makes a fantastic accent to most anything.

Are you film or digital? Do you sell digital files?

I would say that I am 80% digital at this point. I’ve been known to get the itch for film and processing every now and then but I find that my clients prefer the fast turn around that comes with shooting digitally. The sale of digital files depends on the type of session you are interested in. I do not offer digital files to my portrait clients at this time. I do offer digital files to modeling agencies and corporate clients.

What camera do you shoot with? What is your favorite lens?

I currently shoot with a Canon 5D with the optional battery grip. My backup camera is a Canon 20D. My film camera is a Canon Rebel Ti. My point and shoot is a Canon Powershot S60. Hey, you’ve got to admire my loyalty. My favorite lens…hmm it’s a toss up. I really enjoy the versatility of the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L but I have yet to find a lens quite as fast, sharp, and with the excellent bokeh of the 85mm f/1.8.

I’m afraid I waited too long, are you already booked for the holidays?

That depends on how flexible YOUR schedule is. I have a very limited number of openings available before the holiday cut off. Call me or fire off an email, we’ll go over the schedule together and see if we can find a spot to slide your family in to.

Do you offer any classes or instruction on photography for people who just want to take better pictures of their kids? It seems to me that this is something you would be great at if you have the time.

Strange. You’re not the first person to ask this question recently. I am pretty solidly booked with sessions right now but I had considered in the past offering some basic photography tips at a local Mom’s club or similar organization. If there is enough interest I’d be happy to speak for an hour or so after the new year. Let me know what you come up with.

Do you photograph parties or events? My daughter is turning 4 and we are having a grand party for her. I would like someone to photograph the day’s events.

Awe, happy birthday to your princess! I tend to shy away from weddings, banquets, and events. Mainly due to the fact that I love one on one interaction and expressions. Having said that, I am also a “never say never” kind of girl and if something peeks my interest sufficiently I can be persuaded to change my mind. What’s the theme of your party? Princesses, tea parties, dress up, and castles? Hmmm that sounds kinda fun!

Hey guys, thank you for playing along. The game may be over but you are always welcome to contact me with any questions!