Featured shop: JudyStalus

Peony Shadow, a Fine Art Photograph

Nasturtium Bouquet, a Fine Art Photograph Note Card

Yellow Iris, a Fine Art Photograph Note Card

Lilac Bouquet, a Fine Art Photograph

I am so very honored to introduce JudyStalus (http://JudyStalus.etsy.com) etsy shop, which features Fine Art Garden and Flower Photography. I am a big fan of Judy's work and love every single piece in her beautiful shop. What is really amazing is her unique ability to photograph flowers and gardens as works of art. Many of her pieces look almost like impressionistic paintings created in watercolor or soft-colored pastels. You can feel emotions, moods and feelings in her works. Hope you enjoy this interview and visit her etsy shop!

Q. How did you hear about Etsy?
A. My friend Loribeth told me about Etsy. She is a wonderful fabric and doll artist http://www.etsy.com/shop/maminkagirl.

Q. What made you decide to sell on Etsy?
A. I am always looking for new galleries to show and sell my work. Etsy is the only on line gallery I have tried with enough traffic to justify the time and effort. I have three shops on Etsy my photographs at www.judystalus.etsy.com; graphic design www.blackiris.etsy.com and jewelry and knit wear at www.beadedwire.etsy.com

Q. How did you originally get into photography (specifically, fine art garden and flower photography)?
A. I began photographing in 1970 when a friend leant me a Leica and introduced me to his darkroom. Although I practiced law as my career I also practiced photography throughout my life printing all of my work both black and white and color in my own dark room. I switched to digital gradually seduced by the magic of Photoshop and now rarely shoot film except Polaroid SX-70 and occasionally my toy cameras - Dianas and Holgas.

My subject matter has changed over the years depending on life changes. When I lived in Boston I was influenced by the city. I now live in an 18th century farmhouse on fifty beautiful acres and have become a somewhat obsessive gardener so I photograph the flowers I grow. I even blog about the garden sporadically. http://www.newhampshiregarden.blogspot.com/

Q. What motivates and inspires you to create?
A. I suppose the simple answer is need, I am not happy unless I am making something. My inspiration is my land, my garden.

Q. What are your interests outside etsy?
A. My family, my garden of course. I am also a member of The Walpole Artisans, a local cooperative gallery, which has given me a wonderful community of artists and artisans to work with and lean on. Art can be lonely work and having a source of support and friendship is invaluable.

Q. What is your best advice for new etsy sellers?
A. I am far from an expert here but here are a few thoughts. Concentrate on creating wonderful, unique products. Learn to take beautiful photographs. I think the greatest difference between photographers and others who photograph their products is that photographers take many many more photos. I know my friends who are not photographers may take 10 or 20 photos of their product (or less) while I will take 100+. I try different background, angles, light. Digital photography is free, no film costs, don't be stingy with your time here. Also relist everyday.

Thank you very much, Judy, for this wonderful interview!