21 Dec December Member Spotlight: Skye Hardwick!
In this month’s Member Spotlight, Skye shares her story, how she juggles it all and how she is pouring her thoughts and inspiration into Soulographer, a new yummy blogsite. As a bonus, doubling as our December Vendor Partner, Skye is wrapping up a copy of her coveted The Workshop Workbook and a Posing Guide for some lucky NAPCP members. Details below!
Making a move from East to West along the way, NAPCP member Skye Hardwick Edmonds transitioned from an inspired film photographer into a focused, successful, and soulful businesswoman. With an open heart and mind to match, Skye is doing what she loves 100%.
Q: Your style is so defined by the locations you choose and the detail and thought that goes behind every shot. Can you tell us how you make it all work? What goes behind the beautiful imagery in your work?
My personal shooting style is to slow down, yet, I’m very efficient in how I work. My film beginnings taught me to wait for the moment and not to overshoot. Overshooting only adds more time behind the computer and makes things “too easy” on me as a photographer. I love the challenge of drawing out a subject, anticipating the right moments, and capturing them.
Q: Tell us your story. How you started and how your photography, successful workshops, and new products have transformed over the years.
I have been in business for seven years this spring. Like many photographers, I have always loved photography, but it was never something I thought I could do as a career. As a matter of fact, I was in my second year of college pursuing a degree in professional writing. Then I had my wake up moment of “this is what I’m supposed to be doing”. I’ve never looked back and I look forward to where God takes me next.
Q: How do you juggle it all? Specifically, the businesses, your children, and being a beautiful new wife.
Put my marriage first. Similar to the raising of children, if you put all of your focus on your kids while they are growing up, ignoring your husband along the way, what happens when they grow up and have lives of their own? (And they do grow up; rather quickly, huh?) You’ll find a stranger in your spouse because of your lack of time spent. I love photography, but at the end of my life I won’t say, “I wish I would have taken on more clients…” No, I would have wanted more time with those I love. I never want my preserving of other people’s memories to supersede the preserving of my own.
Q: What are currently some of the biggest challenges you face professionally??
In the area of being focused I can stumble, but I have found if I at least write out monthly business goals, I am more likely to meet those goals (and then some). I love the feeling of accomplishment and as if I am moving forward in a set direction rather than just floating along.
Q: What is the best advice you have received regarding photography?
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. Master lighting. Don’t wear low-rise jeans on a shoot (I’ve learned this one on my own).
Q: We are in love with the launch of your new blogsite, Soulographer. Tell us about the concept behind Soulographer and what you’d like to achieve with it.
Soulographer was the name of the Workshops I taught all across the country from 2006 – 2009. I’ve since retired from teaching Workshops, however, I wanted the concept of Soulographer to continue on. The design of the blogsite was inspired by things I love …. all things vintage, Anthropologie, faded colors, and so forth. I plan on hosting interviews, product reviews, and such on the blog in the coming year, as well as write informative articles, but I’m very excited about the inspiration aspect — showing (in words & image) creative concepts and how they begin from a concept to how I carry them out at a session.
Q: What advice can you give to those starting out?
Wait until you are consistently getting good results before launching a business. Counting on “lucky shots” or a few good ones in the mix isn’t enough. When you are consistently getting good exposure, good variety of expressions, nailing the focus, etc. then look into the next step.
Q: We love how open and honest you are on the NAPCP forum and with our members. What is your desire and hopes for our very specialized and unique industry?
That the community of child photographers would continue to evolve in an authentic and creative way and would be respectful and supportive of others in their field.
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