Q: What camera do you use?
A: I use my phone now more than I used to. I have a midrange-priced Panasonic Lumix camera, which has a lot of features but isn't terribly fancy and isn't terribly heavy, which is nice when you are traveling halfway around the world.
Q: You are so good at taking portraits. How do you get candid shots?
A: It's a combination of things. I try to establish a relationship with my subjects. I find it quite natural and fun, and it is what I do, so I have learned some tricks.
Q: Such as?
A: I carry things with me. I bring things like bubbles or stickers — things to give them. That is a way of establishing a relationship with kids. With adults, it is smiling and pointing at your camera and seeing how they react. Hang around them a little bit. You don't snap and run. Show them the pictures and be willing to spend a little time doing it. You have to be respectful. The last thing I want to do is have people unhappy. It can be an invasion. The better the rapport you have, the better the picture is going to be.
Q: What tips would you give striving photographers?
A: For me, part of it is finding your strength. I do think people have strengths; you have an eye for color, or landscape, for instance. Also, learn how to look at situations a different way. Angle the camera a different way, and you might be really pleased with your results.
Q: How often do you travel?
A: I travel with my husband (Eric, in photo above) once or twice a year, and I have traveled with a group of women friends for 15 years. I usually take three big trips a year. Travel gives me a whole different perspective on the world. All of a sudden, a place gets on your radar. Once you've visited, Mali or Bhutan becomes of enormous interest. Travel expands your compassion for the world.