Inspired, A Very Special Project | Skye Hardwick of Work of Heart Photography

I honestly can not begin to express how incredibly excited I am to be featuring this VERY talented photographer. I have followed her on Facebook for some time now. Her work is dreamy and emotive and special and her eye for detail is beyond amazing. Skye has an unmistakable style all her own. The way she stylizes her sessions are absolutely gorgeous and it would be a dream of my own to have her photograph my own children. After finding her on Instagram (skye_reverieblog) I feel even more so in love. Skye also keeps an amazing inspiration blog and sells tools for photographers. She is all around just an amazing person and an amazing talent in this industry!

You can follow Skye’s work in many different ways.

Photography Website HERE. Her Workshop Workbook for Photographers HERE. Her Inspiration Blog for Photogs HERE. Her Facebook Fan Page HERE.

Hi Skye!

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

There are two things I don’t do. Role play and describe myself in sentences. Perhaps I am not very self-reflective. I can try words . . . loyal, introvert, passionate, girly, good listener, hopeful.

What sparked your passion for Photography?

I’ve always loved it, but the birth of my son started the fire rolling.

Whats in your camera bag?

My D700 + 50mm f1.4g + 85mm f1.4g lenses . . . also some chapstick, release forms, pens, business cards, wipes, bobby pins, clips and a comb.

What Camera/Equipment did you start out with?

I was exclusively film my first two years in business and shot with a Canon Rebel of some kind. I believe it cost $200 to buy. When I switched to an F100, I stayed with Nikon.

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

My 50mm f1.4g lens, otherwise known as “shorty”. I prefer my 85mm f1.4g lens, but I often find it is too long for the space I’m shooting in.

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

Read your manual. Keep it simple. Keep tabs on the late night editing. Learn to say no. Always be teachable. Know who you are. Stay who you are, at the same time be open to the right kind of change. Don’t wear low-rise jeans on a shoot (I’ve learned this one on my own).

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

Cheryl Jacobs

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

I take about the same kind of images.

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

Jesus. Can you imagine?

Describe your style in 3 words.

I prefer to describe my style in picture rather than words … but, I think vintage, romantic, authentic.

Most embarrassing moment on a session would be?

I shouldn’t say this out of fear of cursing myself, but I haven’t had anything dreadfully embarrassing happen. The only thing that comes to mind is when my client’s toddler fell into a pond and we had to stop by my house to give him a bath (I lived right down the road). My house wasn’t very tidy.

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

My business changed when I realized that I had to embrace the business aspect of my business. Photographers want to go around shooting all the time, but no one will know about if you don’t market or if you allow clients to walk all over you, you’ll burn out. Protect your gift.

Favorite time of day to shoot is?

Golden hour. The final two hours before sunset.

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

Write + sing.

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

I attended college, but for professional writing, not photography. I’m a self-taught photographer.

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

Just be real and approachable, yet carry myself with confidence (someone they can trust their memories + stories with).

What are your photography related goals for 2012?

Continue on in commercial work. I’d love to get back into film once again. Maybe some medium format.

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

If you don’t push yourself you and your work will become stagnant. When I realized how important inspiration was to my creativity, I sought it out more and more . . . now I can be inspired by the smallest thing, like the color of a ribbon on a gift. Being inspired by something doesn’t mean I must run out that day and do something with it, there’s often a waiting game to creativity — and I’m okay with that.

Biggest Photography related insecurity?

Not really an insecurity, but I get tired of my work very quickly. A few images I’ll always love, but for the most part, I move on from my work and am ready for something new.

Digital or Prints?

I adore prints. I wish I could print everything on fine art velvet paper. Yummy.

How do you set yourself apart from other local photographers?

I don’t pay much mind to the local photographers, I’ve always tried to do my own thing.

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

I’m getting ready to buy a new primary camera. The D700 has served me well, but I’m ready for an upgrade.

If you had to recommend ONE thing that a photographer needs in their camera bag what would that be?

Little clips. The clips that are small yet strong from Lowe’s. I use them to clip clothes that might be too big or to hang garlands or tents, etc. Very handy!

You are such an amazing and inspiring person but I absolutely have to say that the way you pay it forward and help other photographers is just so wonderful! What is your driving force behind that?

Paying it forward.

Fun stuff:

Favorite Color:

Pink.

Favorite Season:

Autumn

Biggest Guilty Pleasure:

Saved by the Bell re-runs + luxury bubble bath.

Pet Peeve:

Since moving to Southern California I have a list a mile long about how folks drive around here.

Favorite Pandora Station:

I don’t have Pandora. I do have Spotify, hopefully a redeeming quality.

Studio or On location:

The world is my studio. (on location)

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A criminal psychologist. I have no idea where that one came from and am glad I let that one go.

One thing no one knows about you is:
Pc or Mac:

Mac less than a year. Love it.

Lightroom Or Photoshop:

I don’t even own Lightroom. Eeep.

Film or Digital:

Digital, but I still have a heart for film.

Props or No Props:

I can live with either option.

If you could travel anywhere it would be:

I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland or Scotland. But, here in the US I’d love to head back east for a historical vacation … DC, Gettysburg, Williamsburg, Philly, etc. My husband and I are history nerds. Now that we are homeschooling, we have reason to go. (We honeymooned in Williamsburg – my idea)

Glass Half Empty or Half Full:

Depends on what’s in it.

Favorite photo ever taken:

I have a few of them. All of my son. I think my most recent favorites are from the patriot session I did with my son with the American Flag. I love my country and our freedom and we are raising our children to know and respect our nation’s heritage.

Raw or Jpeg:

Raw all the way.

Favorite Music to Edit to:

Brooke Fraser, Tal & Acadia, The Civil Wars, Katie Herzig, Gungor, Beckah Shae, Owl City

Favorite Quote:

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the sea.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944)

When I first read that quote, I swear the room stopped.

Most valued material possession:

My family snapshots and images.

Processing Style:

Contrasty. (No, that is not a word)

Coffee or Tea:

Coffee.

If you could photograph a Celebrity who would it be?

Zooey Deschanel. Love her spunk.

What kind of Camera bag do you rock?

I love my Kelly Moore bag!