Name: Audra Oden
Company: Audra Oden Photography
Location: Houston, TX. USA
Vehicle: Ford Explorer Sport
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Who is 'Audra Oden'?
I am a professional photographer specializing in all things beautiful! I own a boudoir studio that caters to all types of women. I also shoot fitness portraits and glamor style photos. I absolutely love what I do. I make people feel good about themselves and, that to me, is so rewarding! I am a major gym addict, sports enthusiast, and car lover. I'm married to a GT-R collector! So cars are always a topic of conversation. I also enjoy shooting cars with models, the best of both worlds!!
Where are you from?
I am from Nacogdoches, Texas, a small east Texas town. Fortunately, I don't live there anymore (LOL)! I currently reside in Houston, Texas... right in the city. I still have love for Nac though.
Did you go to school to study photography
I went to college in Nacogdoches at Stephen F. Austin State University and graduated with my BFA in Ad Design. I minored in Photography and Art History. After that I decided to pursue photography full time and went to the Hallmark Institute of Photography to become professionally certified.
How did you get into photography?
I took an intro to photography class in college my Junior year, more so as a "blow off" class! And oops, I fell in love! It was film then and learning how to develop, process and print your own work. I was in the darkroom every moment I could possibly be in it! From there, I took another class and another, and took so many hours of photography that it qualified for a minor!
How long have you been a photographer?
I've been a photographer since graduating from Photography school in 2006.
How would you describe your style?
I love color and perfection. I am extremely O.C.D. when it comes to my work, and I don't leave it alone until I feel at peace with it. I love working with light. I mainly use my strobes and make sure the subject is well lit. My editing and retouching process is where the magic happens. I take it to another level! This process is relaxing to me. It's all about creating art and something unique. My style, I would say, is vibrant and bold, always with some sort of mood.
What equipment and software do you use?
I shoot with a Nikon D800 with Nikkor lenses. My "go to" lens is my 24-70 1.28. All of my lighting equipment is Alien Bees. I have the entire catalog of Paul C. Bluff modifiers as well. I love working with different tools to create different effects. They might not be expensive but they do the job!!
The software I use is Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. I use a Wacom tablet for retouching. Best decision ever. (After the frustrating learning curve!)
Where is your favorite location to shoot pictures?
I don't really have a favorite location to shoot. I do KNOW that the more space the better, so I can move lights around easily. But I have shot in really tight places as well and it worked out. I love places with colors and textures that I can work with. A place with interesting furniture, art, or structure is nice too.
Are you a Mac or PC user?
MAC of course!!
What has been your most memorable assignment?
Well, my recent shoot with Bear Dellinger has been on my mind for a while now! My husband purchased an R33 GT-R LM from Rivsu Imports in Sanford, Florida. So, we had the connections with the business. They use Bear for promotional events where I met her. I loved her pictures and became an instant fan! So, not long after my husband and I flew to Orlando with all my equipment, got the team together, got Bear, a makeup artist, the whole nine yards and did the shoot at the Rivsu garage. What made the shoot amazing was the cars they had! There was a good variety of Nissan Skylines from all generations. It became a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to not only have Bear pose with the cars but to have all of these elements under one roof and in one shot!! The energy was great during the shoot and I really feel that the pictures show that!
What would you say to other enthusiast photographers out there who aspire to become a great photographer?
It's okay if you aren't good with the 'technical' part of photography. I am so not technical! It's possible to still be good! You don't need to know the science behind every last thing. Also, try and perfect your shot in camera. Relying on Photoshop later can take a TON of time. I have learned that the hard way. If you see something while you are taking the shot, that is not quite right, FIX IT! If you don't like your lighting, FIX IT! Don't be afraid to stop and fix things. You'll thank yourself later. Also study and stare (LOL)! I look up other photographers, and photos on my iPad at night and just study and stare at them to get ideas, and learn new lighting styles.
Experience / Credentials
I have worked in some of the best commercial photography studios in Dallas such as Heritage Auction Galleries and Fossil. I shot for their catalogs and websites for about 6 years. Currently, I am a contributing photographer for the Houstonia Magazine here in Houston. I also shoot for other small businesses and other publications. Not only shooting products, I have shot models, glamor, fitness, and boudoir for about 8 years now. I am a published photographer and a member of PPA.
Any finals words?
Thank you for taking time to read this!!
Are you a photographer? Fill-out our Photographer Interview and GET FEATURED!
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