Colleen Miniuk-Sperry
Email: cms@cms-photo.com
Phone: (480) 726-7961
Q1: Where did you learn to do photography?
A1: I have loved making pictures my entire life. My family will joke that, despite my love for photography, I have broken every camera I've ever owned or borrowed! Despite my luck with cameras, I have piles and piles of photographs, so it's been in my blood for some time.
In fall 2001, I decided to take an introductory class at my local community college, where I had the chance to receive excellent technical instructions, solid practice in black & white processing and development techniques and never-ending support for creative applications. The class was so much fun because of the instructors and students, I continued to take the class though fall of 2003 (5 semesters).
Now, photography for me is a never-ending cycle of learning, experimenting, and evaluating. I learn every time I go on a photo shoot, I try different things, evaluate the results, and then determine what I need to do next to further improve my work. When I'm not able to be outside shooting, I have learned through experimenting and routinely reviewing my extensive collection of photography books, including technically-focused, philosophical and simply "coffee table" photography books. I also subscribe to numerous photography magazines, which I also review for technical tips and creative inspiration. Talking with other photographers almost always yields interesting ideas as well.
Photo workshops were very useful in my early learning as well, as they provide an opportunity to be with other photographers who share your passion for a particular subject and/or location, but hold very different perspectives that tend to stretch your imagination and creativity.
Q2: How long have you made photographs?
A2: Since I was able to hold a camera in my hands. I've been capturing photographs for professional purposes, however, since about the middle of 2003.
Q3: Are you a full time professional photographer?
A3: Yes, as of March 1, 2007!
Q4: What kind of camera do you use?
A4: While I don't consider myself to be "equipment-happy," I have somehow managed to collect several different cameras.
For editorial work, I primarily use my Wista 4x5 large format camera and my workhorse, my Contax 645 medium format camera. Both of these film-based formats enable publishers to work with higher image quality and allow me to print larger photographs for my collector clientele.
For commercial work, I almost exclusively using my Canon 5D digital SLR.
I also own a Mamiya C33 TLR which provides exciting square images but is even more difficult to take out into the field due to its size and weight. And then finally, I have an old Lubitel 2 that I'm not certain yet is functional...
Q5: What kind of film are you using?
A5: For color photography, I'm a big fan of Fujifilm Velvia 100 color transparency film because of the contrast, sharpness, and saturation it provides. I will revert to Fujifilm Provia 100 color transparency film if I want lower contrast in my images.
Q6: What does "CMS" stand for in "CMS Photography?"
A6: The initials from my name – Colleen Miniuk-Sperry - which would have been excruciatingly long to put into a business name!
Q7: How long have you been a professional photography business?
A7: We opened our doors for business in November 2003 with our first art show in Phoenix, Arizona.
Q8: How often is the CMS Photography newsletter published?
A8: Quarterly (four times per year)
Q9: Why should I join the newsletter?
A9: You have the opportunity to hear first hand information about news-worthy events, updates to our website and our schedule of shows and exhibits. Those on our newsletter distribution list also receive special offers and discounts throughout the year not offered to the general public.
Q10: At a recent art show, I saw a note about how you donate back to the National Park System. Can you tell me more about that?
A10: For each CMS Photography photograph sold that was taken within the U. S. National Park System, we donate a portion of the proceeds (currently 10%) back to the U. S. National Park System.
Q11: Why are you donating a portion of your proceeds back to the National Park System?
A11: The National Park System is severely under-funded. We've been lucky to see a number of our national treasures within the National Park System, but in talking with the rangers at several of these parks, we've learned there are so many more out there not offered to the public due to lack of funds. We love to see more of our lands with additional funding. YOU can make a difference!
Q12: If you are an individual photographer, why do you use "we" in your communications?
A12: While I do take the photographs myself, I would be misleading you if I said I did everything for this photography business myself. I could not be successful without the incredible support I receive from my family and friends. For their support, I am eternally grateful.
I often use the term "we" to represent all of this support I receive from my family and friends. I don't always feel comfortable saying "I" when in fact it's taken a team of people to support my endeavors.
Q13: If I like a photograph, but would like to mat and frame it differently, can you support my custom request?
A13: Absolutely! And at no additional charge! We've tried to present our photographs in the most eye-catching manner, but we encourage your creativity in matting and framing as well. In fact, some of our customer's requests have led us to change the way we matted and framed a photograph – we've liked it that much!
Q14: Can you ship your photographs to me?
A14: Of course! For shipping to mailing address within the continental U.S., I ship via ground through UPS or Fedex, which provides a tracking # for you and me to make sure it gets to you. I also insure the contents to ensure it gets to you safely. Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery, longer if I'm traveling on photo shoots. You can view the current shipping rates on our pricing and ordering information page.
For orders being shipped to P.O. boxes, Alaska, Hawaii, or non-U.S. based address, please contact us for a formal shipping quote as the shipping rates listed do not apply.
Q15: What is your favorite photograph you've taken?
A15: This is a hard question!! Each and every time I go out to take photographs, I see something new and exciting. I've had so many unique experiences while making photos, it's difficult to name one single photo I like the best. That said, as you browse my galleries, you'll notice I'm quite partial to nature in general, dramatic light, rocks, cliffs, mountains, water…
© 2008 Colleen Miniuk-Sperry || Terms of Use