The phrase "Super mom" is what comes to mind when I think of Caroline Pivovar of Oh So Graceful Photography. She's the mother of two beautiful little girls, a busy photographer and graphic designer. She also isn't too shabby in the kitchen, always whipping up something fun for her kids and husband. If I need a healthy recipe or want to share one- she is my go to girl. Caroline is my first cousin, her mom and my dad are siblings. We grew up together and since we are only 3 months apart, we were super close. We have always been buddies and looked similar enough to tell people we were twins. I remember one time, we went golfing with Caroline's Uncle Tim on her dad's side and former basketball legend, Matt Geiger when we were 12. We told Matt we were twins and then we bonded with him because he is a twin also. I actually ran into Matt when I was 18 and reminded him of this story and had to confess we weren't twins when he asked how my sister was doing. We had a good laugh and he told me Uncle Tim had ratted us out and told him I wasn't even his niece let alone Caroline's twin. Good times.

BB: You're a graphic designer, a photographer and a mother of two beautiful girls. How do you juggle it all?

CP: Lots and lots of coffee. But really what seems to be working for me recently is developing easy to maintain habits that make our days easier to manage and keep stress under control. Waking up early and making sure the house is clean (well, cleanISH), dishes done and getting a workout in seems to make busy days flow easier. Then there’s nothing weighing on my mind that I need to complete before work projects. Also, dedicating any time the girls are sleeping to work keeps me on top of all my projects.

BB: Do you tend to love one career more than the other?

CP: It’s hard to pick! I sort of combine both specialties into each other frequently. For my graphic design business I will use my own photography for website designs or flyers. For my photography business I am able to utilize my graphic design skills for my logo, website and social media. I love them both!

BB: What do you think of SnapChat filters?

CP: Love how they entertain my 3 year old. That’s a win in my book!

BB: Which is your favorite lens and why?

CP: My Nikon 35mm f1.4 HANDS. DOWN. I use it for 99.9% of my shoots.

BB: Among the gadgets that you own, is there something you wish you hadn't bought?

CP: (Praying my husband doesn’t read this…) Probably my iPad. With iPhones as advanced as they are now it just isn’t really necessary. I had visions of being able to edit photos easier and maintaining my schedule on there but I usually end up using my Erin Condren Planner for my schedule and there’s just no comparison to editing in Lightroom on my computer. It mostly just collects dust until the battery dies. OOPS.

BB: Are there any big photography purchases you are saving up for right now?

CP: I’m saving for a new camera now. I purchased a new wide angle lens recently that didn’t end up being compatible with my camera because it is a little older and that was a sign that it might be time to upgrade.

BB: Whose work has influenced you the most?

CP: There are too many to name. With social media now I follow a TON of family photographers and it is really inspiring for me to see their progress from just starting out to owning their own studios. It gives me something realistic to strive for because the majority of the photographers are woman and Mom’s - just like me.

BB: What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

CP: To know my worth. When you start out you tend to undervalue yourself and your pricing. But if you’re talented and know you produce quality images then you need to price them accordingly. Otherwise you will get return clients who will wonder why their first session was one amount and now it is higher for subsequent sessions.

BB: Do you get annoyed when all your relatives ask you to Photoshop them?

CP: Not at all! And it happens often! haha

BB: In your professional artistic opinion, do you think the picture of Rose from Titanic could have really survived in muddy water?

CP: No way. Have you ever used charcoal? It wipes away the second you touch it. I can’t imagine it stayed perfectly intact after years under water. Also, thank you for the hard hitting questions.

BB: Your husband is a podiatrist, does he ever ask you to photograph random feet?

CP: No THANK GOD. Although he frequently shows me pictures he has taken in the OR and OH MY GOSH. Gross doesn’t even cover it. I try to keep it together though because to him it isn’t gross and he is proud he is able to help people. But DAMN.

BB: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

CP: We were having a cookout at my in-laws recently and my 3 year old asked for more “corn on the Bob”. We DIED. And from now until the end of time it will be known as “corn on the Bob” in our house.

BB: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

CP: I would love to own my own photography studio with elaborate, beautiful backdrops and props. But then the other half of me would love to work at a really cool, hip marketing/design/branding company and design amazing graphics and logos for companies.

BB: What is a photography trend you wish would die right now?

CP: FaceTune pictures! I can tell the SECOND I look at them if someone has used an app to change their skin, eyes and teeth. Instead, hit me up for some professional Photoshopping!

BB: Who do you want to write your obituary?

CP: My boss. She is my biggest inspiration and mentor and has the most beautiful way with words. She can move you to tears with a single sentence.

BB: Who is your girl crush?

CP: Jeanette, the mastermind behind the Instagram account @shutthekaleup. She is beautiful and amazing and the epitome of health. She inspires me to live my healthiest life.

You can follow Caroline on Instagram @oh_sograceful and check her website out at www.ohsograceful.com

Blithe Babble: Photography and Graphic Design