LaWanna Harrod
"The amazing photographic world of LaWanna Harrod"
By Rodney Wayne Branche
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Copa: Where are you from?
LaWanna: Minneapolis, MN by way of Washington, DC. Copa: What schools have you attended?
LaWanna: Metropolitan Community College, University of Minnesota, Abundant Theological Seminary. Copa: What was your first camera and how did you learn to master your skills?
LaWanna: Canon Ti3 I kept taking pictures which started out as a hobby. |
Copa: What were your interests in early life?
LaWanna: I’ve always been interested in singing, that was my dream. but always had my heart set for the more creative side of life. Copa: Photography, when did you gather and interest with cameras?
LaWanna: Since I can remember I've always had a passion for Photography. |
Copa: Would you please describe your method of creating the perfect image?
LaWanna: Location, location, location, subject, lighting and of course, the people. LOL
LaWanna: Location, location, location, subject, lighting and of course, the people. LOL
Copa: When did you get the idea of establishing your publishing business and why?
LaWanna: When I wrote my first book “Junk In MY Trunk” I said to myself, there must been a more economical way to publish books. Then others started asking me to publish their books. When this started, I promised God I would not rob His people. I wanted to see others visions of book publishing come to pass. |
Copa: What type of books do you publish?
LaWanna: Christian Fiction and non-Fiction, children’s books. 
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Copa: What is your philosophy to business?
LaWanna: Always be in a position to learn from your clients. Have an open ear to listen even if it is criticism. All criticism is not bad.
LaWanna: Always be in a position to learn from your clients. Have an open ear to listen even if it is criticism. All criticism is not bad.
Copa: Did you go to school to study photography?
LaWanna: No, I went to business school, taken on-line courses to learn the inside scoop of PowerPoint and other graphic software. Since I can remember, I’ve always ordered graphic software for desktop publishing in my own business and to assist others. I was that go-to person.
LaWanna: No, I went to business school, taken on-line courses to learn the inside scoop of PowerPoint and other graphic software. Since I can remember, I’ve always ordered graphic software for desktop publishing in my own business and to assist others. I was that go-to person.
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Copa: How long have you been a photographer?
LaWanna: Since I can remember but with the intention of doing something with it I think since 2011-2012. 
Copa: Can you describe how and when you use lighting during a shoot?
LaWanna: It all depends on the look I want. In all honesty, there is no rule that will always work, it’s a matter of the look you’ re after, the conditions and then you choose the modifiers and settings. I do always try to get as many looks as possible from one set, meaning I will always play with both strobes and natural light, this way I maximize my shoot. |
Copa: What or who got you started in the field of photography?
LaWanna: Photography as a business and not a hobby, in 2009 two others young ladies started the Divas-n-Diamonds & Denim, a makeup artist, photographer and jewelry consultant. We would go to other businesses and organizations and do fundraising for them. When a contract I was on ended, I sat in bed on a Monday morning wondering what should I be doing now? I was at that very moment reading the manual to the new Canon camera I had just purchased. Copa: What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
LaWanna: Having the studio in my home, but at the moment we are continuing thinking outside of the box and really opening up options and possibilities that you would not have when shooting onsite. I often use my husband, grandchildren and sister as my in-house models to test out new lighting. |
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Copa: What type of cameras do you shoot with?
LaWanna: At the moment the Nikon 7300 and 7100. |
Copa: What is your favorite computer/editing accessory, other than your computer?
LaWanna: Without a doubt a tablet with Photoshop and my cell phone for quick touch ups. |
Copa: How important is Photoshop in your final images?
LaWanna: I’m always shooting to get images with a pop of color. I have, at times, sent the images to my graphic design and asked him to “pop” the color.
LaWanna: I’m always shooting to get images with a pop of color. I have, at times, sent the images to my graphic design and asked him to “pop” the color.
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Copa: Are you a MAC or PC lover?
LaWanna: I am a PC and iPad user. Copa: Do you plan on buying any new equipment and if so what do you have your eyes on?
LaWanna: I always have my eyes open for new lens, and software to enhance the photos. |
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Copa: Can you briefly describe for the readers your photographic workflow?
LaWanna: I’m thinking about my subject and consulting with the makeup artist for the best makeup imagery possible. I use an EyeFi SD Card so once I shoot, the photos are automatically uploaded to my iPad for the clients to view their photos. Once finished with a shoot, I uploads all photos to a Dropbox and will send the link to the clients for their further review and selection of touch-ups, if necessary.
LaWanna: I’m thinking about my subject and consulting with the makeup artist for the best makeup imagery possible. I use an EyeFi SD Card so once I shoot, the photos are automatically uploaded to my iPad for the clients to view their photos. Once finished with a shoot, I uploads all photos to a Dropbox and will send the link to the clients for their further review and selection of touch-ups, if necessary.
Copa: What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such great imagery?
LaWanna: I’m always looking at color, scenes, buildings and landscapes. Everything around me. No seriously… If you really look at things there is so much out there that will inspire you, it can be a form, a material etc. I think I’m blessed with that kind of eye because it helps a lot.
LaWanna: I’m always looking at color, scenes, buildings and landscapes. Everything around me. No seriously… If you really look at things there is so much out there that will inspire you, it can be a form, a material etc. I think I’m blessed with that kind of eye because it helps a lot.
Copa: What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
LaWanna: Without a doubt being invited to shoot at the President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Prayer Breakfast. I was able to get some amazing shots of the guests.
LaWanna: Without a doubt being invited to shoot at the President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Prayer Breakfast. I was able to get some amazing shots of the guests.
Copa: Where would be your dream destination assignment?
LaWanna: Dubai, Paris, and Japan.
LaWanna: Dubai, Paris, and Japan.
Copa: What advice do you have for somebody who wants to pursue photography?
LaWanna: It must be your passion, not just something to do for the money. |
Copa: What is your favorite image you have shot recently? Can you describe its creation in regards to location, lighting, composition etc., also your thoughts when creating the image and what it means to you?
LaWanna: My husband photo was an image that captured the perfect lighting. Yes he was my test shot that day. I was doing a one-day headshot special and I had clients scheduled for every 20 minutes. I needed to test out the lighting and he was available. I believe this image shows that you don’t need expensive lighting, just the right positioning of the lights for a great shoot. |
Copa: Who have you learned the most from?
LaWanna: I've learned the most from Renee Wilhite of RM Photograpers. She gave me a chance to work and learn the art and skill.
LaWanna: I've learned the most from Renee Wilhite of RM Photograpers. She gave me a chance to work and learn the art and skill.
Copa: What does the future hold for LaWanna Harrod?
LaWanna: Looking to grow further in both businesses. There is a phenomenal staff at Harrod Enterprises, who in their own right and skills, love what they do for others.
LaWanna: Looking to grow further in both businesses. There is a phenomenal staff at Harrod Enterprises, who in their own right and skills, love what they do for others.
To learn more about LaWanna Harrod:
Website: www.harrodenterprises.com
Instagram: laharrod
Twitter: drlharrod
Facebook: Harrod Enterprises llc
~Copa