I would say my interest in photography started about 11 years ago. That's when my twin daughters were born. One afternoon I went to check on them as they were napping. They looked so adorable, facing each other nose to nose and holding hands in their sleep. I found my camera and took a picture of them. The image that I got back took my breath away. I realized it was possible to capture an emotion and a moment in time. I was hooked. That's when I realized what an impact a photo could have.

I use a Nikon D300. But I've learned that it's not the camera a photographer uses, but what they see through the lens that matters.

My daughters were my first inspiration. There is nothing like seeing two identical babies at one time. I used to get butterflies looking at them because they seemed so amazing to me. What gives me inspiration are situations that invoke a feeling. I love to photograph pregnant women. It is such an incredible time in a woman’s life and I love to capture that feeling of beauty and the majesty of her body. I am inspired by the softness and purity of babies. I am inspired by relationships and the emotions that come along with them whether they are lovers, friends, grandparents, children, siblings or parents. I guess what inspires me the most would be emotion. I love the quote from Paul Cezanne: ”A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.”

I would first say – just go for it! Art is so subjective you just never know what others are looking for and your image could be the one. I would also say find your own style, get inspiration from what's around you and in you, but get your own style. It's so easy to talk yourself out of doing something when you think you might fail. We are all our own worst critics. But if you have the attitude “the worst they can say is no thanks,” you leave the door open to possibilities.

Without a doubt the best advice is follow your passion. We all make our own reality so why not add some enjoyment to our lives by filling it with something we are passionate about, what ever it may be.

I am putting the final touches on my Maternity Fine Art Collection for the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) wing of the Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne Florida; it will be complete in October 2008.I will be a featured artist showing at the Maxwell C. King Center of the Performing Arts-Harris Art Gallery, opening February 5th 2009.

I love to be with my family. I also love hanging out and laughing with friends, it's one of my favorite ways to recharge my batteries.

Thanks for asking; my Web site is http://www.jeaneej.com