Anita Cline

 I'm overjoyed to bring you this month's featured artist Anita Cline of My Three Sons Images.  I have long been a fan of Anita's work and the way she creates such dreamy images full of light and movement.  She is a queen of freelensing and just has a unique way of capturing human connection that is so real and honest you can't help but feel it.

You can follow Anita and view more of her spectacular art on

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How did you get your start in photography?

Like a lot of photographers, I got my start in photography because I wanted to capture my family. I had always taken a lot of pictures & documented our life that way. But, with news that I was about to have a little grandson, I wanted to really step it up. I had no idea then the journey it would take me on! I couldn't learn fast enough and I'm still learning something new every day or at least trying to!

What artists have influenced your journey in photography?

How have they inspired you? There are so many artists in our community that inspire me daily. When I first started shooting, I became involved in a P52 project. It was Sarah Cornish's group. I was blown away by her art and her kindness. She is a beautiful inspiration to anyone in the photography community. As I got more involved in different groups & developed a style that I loved for me personally, (oof, blurred, soft, dreamy images) I was hugely inspired (and still am!) by artists who create this kind of work. Artists like Kelly Akers, Sarah Landa, Sharon Convert, Kelly Tyak, Julie Ormonde & Erin Hensley...and that's just to name a few! They consistently put out inspiring work!

What is one thing you wish you know when you first started taking photographs?

I wish I would have known it's ok to be unique and see things differently. I can't tell you why I love blurry images...I just do! If you put two images side by side and ask me which I like, it will always be the one that is a little out of the box. It's OK to be an out of the box thinker. Follow your heart, put art out there that YOU love!

What does photography mean to you?

Photography is my creative outlet and I think I'd be lost without it!  But, even more so, it's something I can give to my family. I'm their memory keeper, of sorts. That's the beauty of photography. Moments & memories are frozen in time.

What is the best thing about being a photographer?

Being a storyteller. To me it's like being a writer...but with a camera instead of pen and paper (or computer!) Whether you are photographing your family, someone else's family or even a complete stranger, you are telling their stories through those images. That's an incredible gift.

If you could shoot with any photographer, who would it be and why?

If I could shoot with a famous photographer, it would be Sally Mann. She's such a bad ass photographer. She breaks rules all over the place and doesn't apologize for it! She shoots on her own terms and does what she loves. And..her b&w images are to die for!

What inspires your photographic vision?

I'm inspired by many things honestly. I love collaborating on projects & staying involved in a few groups! I have an on going freelensing project with Kelly Akers that has really helped to keep the inspiration going! Being involved with artists that have a similar artistic vision is so great, I think!!

How do you feel about breaking the perceived rules of photography?

Do you have a favorite flawed technique? Breaking the rules?!?! In life I'm a total rule follower, in photography I'm the biggest rule breaker ever! So, I'm all for it if it's your thing! My favorite flawed technique is most definitely freelensing! That's how I shoot 95% of the time. That would be followed up by using slow shutter to give that ghostly effect in images!

What is your favorite photograph you have taken to date?

I love this photograph for totally personal reasons. While it's freelensed, making it a little soft & dreamy feeling, it's more about the connection here. This was right after she was born & seeing how much love he has for her just tugs at my heart strings. Now, every year around Aubrie's birthday, we recreate this image showing how much they've grown!