Inspired, A Very Special Project | Charlene Hardy Photography

This Tuesday I have a wonderful photographer to show off to you all!! Charlene Hardy is based out of Washington and not only inspiring but SO amazingly sweet! I love her soulful portraiture, and the way in which she captures children and family in the most natural ways. She planted roots as a child with a love and passion for film and blossomed in amazing ways as a professional photographer in adulthood. In addition to her beautiful body of work I just love her branding!! Let’s get Started!!

You can find Charlene’s website here and her Facebook page here.

Hi Sweet Charlene!

Lets get to know you! How would you describe yourself in three sentences?

Hi! My name is Charlene Hardy. I am a wife and a mother of four children- 3 girls and a little boy. I love spending time with my family and having little adventures with my kids every chance I get. I am from Michigan but have lived in Eastern Washington for the past 9 years.

“The first four are my children in their Halloween costumes last year. We love creating our own costumes and I love taking pictures of the end results!”

What sparked your passion for Photography?

My passion in photography started young. My Grandfather was a photojournalist for the local paper and my mom was very interested in photography. I kind of grew up surrounded by people who had a passion for photography.

“I found (after lots of digging) the first real photo for a school assignment. I developed this myself and thought it was the best picture ever taken. I was a senior in high school and enrolled in a college photography class. This is when I fell through the ice in a hole bigger then the one in front of the fisherman.”

What’s in your camera bag?

My camera bag is a messed up jumble of items! I have good intentions of being organized but that never really works out! I have a Canon 5D II with the 50 1.2 attached to it and an 85mm in the bag. I also have a Contax 645 with the 80mm lens in there. Along with my gear I have a Holga, film, wet wipes, batteries, a squeaky toy and lots of random “stuff” that gets shoved in my bag during shoots. It is probably time to clean it out.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

I started out borrowing my mom’s Pentax K1000 until I saved up for a “real” camera- a Canon AE-1.

If you could only use one lens an entire session which one would you choose and why?

I love my 50mm lens on my camera. It is perfect for my vision and doesn’t weigh a ton so I can move easily with it.

What advice would go give to someone just beginning in photography and hoping to have a business of their own?

My biggest piece of advice is to practice and then practice some more. There aren’t any magic bullets for success so enjoy your journey!

What was your first official Photographer crush if you had one?

My first official photography crush(es) were Zack Arias and Jonathan Canlas- both very different styles but I loved that they knew there stuff. Technically and creatively they are able to create photos that reflected their vision and distinct voice. I attended workshops that they both did and they are both amazingly talented and knowledgeable.

“Every child is so interesting and unique. I try to get each child one on one during a session and try to capture their personality- in this little girl’s case a very shy and graceful personality.”

What kind of photos do you like to take for just yourself when not working with clients?

I love taking photos of my kids with my film and instant cameras. My degree in photography is worth it- just for the fact that I am able to document the lives of my children-who I lovingly refer to as my muses.

“Children are so curious and fun to work with. I am very relaxed during my sessions and follow the children’s lead.”

If you could photograph absolutely anyone who would it be dead or alive?

I would love to be able to take a portrait of my grandfather. He was such an inspiration to me both in photography and in life. Shoot the people you love TODAY!!

Describe your style in 3 words.

My style is clean, beautiful and honest.

“I love capturing the connection that siblings have especially sisters!”

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

My most embarrassing moment wasn’t during a session but it was on a shoot for an assignment for school. I went out to do environmental portraits and I decided to take a picture of some ice fishermen. I gathered up enough courage to ask them if I could take a picture and I was so focused on composing my picture I backed up right into an old fishing hole. I got stuck in the icy cold water up to my armpits. After they dragged me out I insisted taking their picture even though I was sopping wet and shivering.

Any challenges you have had to overcome to be where you are today?

When I first told people I was going to study photography in college a lot of people laughed at me. I really had some doubts early on if it was a good choice. I studied hard and immersed myself in photography for three years and discovered that I loved it as much as I thought I did!

“A shot for this handsome boy’s modeling portfolio.”

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

I really love to shoot in the evening. I love the soft light and it is easy to find flattering light where ever you are. But honestly, my reason to shoot in the evening is simply because I am NOT a morning person.

If you had to stop taking photos right now, what would you do instead?

If I had to stop doing photography I would be a sad mess! I did stop photographing people after the birth of my second child and I was miserable. It took me about three years to figure out I was really missing a piece of myself by not doing any photography. But if I HAD to I think I would be happiest working with kids in some way or another.

“I like very simple set-ups, window light and plain backgrounds.”

Have you attended college or had any formal education in Photography?

I did go to college for photography. I have a degree in Photographic Sciences, it was way back when film was your only option. I also went through the process of becoming a Certified Professional Photographer, last year. I try to take a workshop every year to keep up on the current trends and changing technology.

What do you do to get your clients to relax with you?

I talk to my clients and am really interested in what they say to me. I love finding out about people by asking questions and listening. I do a lot of families and children so my clients and I usually have lots in common!

“Evening light is so nice to shoot with. I love that I can let the kids go free and not worry about the lighting they are in.”

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

Photography related goals for 2012 include using more film in my sessions. Right now I do about half digital and half film. It is easy to get caught up in the instant gratification of digital but I love the look and ease of film, there is something timeless about the pictures shot on film. I also just bought a 4×5 camera that I would love to use during a session.

“My very simple studio set-up. I like keeping the focus on the child.”

How do you push yourself to keep growing and learning? Any Big Aha! Moments?

I am constantly reading books and talking with other photographers. I love that photography is MY journey and I can chose what direction I take it. One of my big “aha” moments was after I sold all of my film gear to buy a digital camera for the simple fact that “everyone shot digital.” Last year I picked up a used film camera and fell in love with film again- I realized that it really doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing. I needed to discover doing things a way that would help me realize and define my voice and vision. Tools don’t matter the artist does.

“I love being outside but a close second is photographing brand new babies. I enjoy watching the parents holding their newest additions and hearing the parents tell me about their baby’s special traits.”

Digital or Prints?

I do some digital and some film in my sessions, but all of the proofs are delivered as digital files. I am working towards delivering proofs and getting away from the digital files.

“I did a session for a local yoga studio. It was so much fun to do something completely new to me- it really helps me creatively to step outside of my box.”

What do you think your next photography related investment will be?

I just got done investing in a Contax 645 so my next investment hasn’t even been thought about. 🙂

“Every kid I photograph is special but this sweet girl has really touched my heart. She is currently and very bravely fighting cancer. I am so thankful that I am able to meet such inspiring kids and families through my photography.”

What would you say your biggest muse is?

My biggest muses are my children. I love every stage of growing and learning they have gone through. Every child has a beauty about them that I love capturing.

 “A picture taken today with my Contax and my favorite little guy. I developed and scanned this myself-in between making lunch and running kids to friends’ houses. I am so thankful for my busy life.”

Fun stuff:
Favorite Color:
My favorite color is Yellow-it has been since I was very young.

Favorite Season:
I love spring.
Biggest Guilty Pleasure:
My biggest (and I mean HUGE) guilty pleasure is starting the morning out with a large Coke from McDonalds. I am not a morning person and all of that sugar really helps me get going.
Favorite Pandora Station:
Favorite Pandora station right now is Cat Stevens. I love the songs from the 70’s it reminds me of being young and surrounded by loving parents.
Studio or On location:
I do studio for the young kids and on-location for the families and older kids.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was really young I wanted to drive a trash truck (Haha!), but as I got older I knew I wanted to be a photographer.
One thing no one knows about you is:
I’m pretty much an open book so there isn’t a lot that people don’t know.
Pc or Mac:
Mac
Lightroom Or Photoshop:
I use both, every photo is different and I use the different tools in different situation.
Film or Digital:
Film and digital
Props or No Props:
Mostly no props but if there is something that has meaning to a client I will include it.
If you could travel anywhere it would be:
I just got back from Italy last week and am excited about going somewhere foreign again soon. I haven’t thought about where yet.
Glass Half Empty or Half Full:
Glass half full (it has to be with the chaos of having four kids!)
Favorite photo ever taken:
My favorite photo ever is one of my husband holding my third daughter, it was a perfect day of exploring in the woods and looking at it brings back those feelings of happiness and contentment.

Raw or Jpeg:

I shoot RAW with JPEG. I mostly use the JPEGS but having the RAW just in case makes me feel better.
Favorite Music to Edit to:
I love watching Netflix while I edit.
Most valued material possession:
Most valued material possession is my Grandfather’s Rolleiflex camera that he used to take pictures with. My Grandmother gave to me right after he passed away.
Processing Style:
I keep my processing very simple, curves and maybe a little color tweak is all I usually do.
Coffee or Tea:
Coke with extra ice.
If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?
I really don’t have much time to pay attention to celebrities so I am clueless as to who I would like to photograph. LOL!!
What kind of Camera bag do you rock?
I have a LowePro slingback. I tried some really cute ones but I keep going back to being functional.