Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Hardesty.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Growing up, I always had a creative bent whether I was sewing, coloring or singing. My father and paternal grandparents had a lot of artistic talent and as did my maternal grandmother. Throughout my early tween and teen years, I always had a camera in my hand whether I was at camp or on a mission’s trip. My first paid gig came about on the sidelines of my brother’s soccer game. Someone approached me and asked me to take photos of their parents 50th Anniversary Party at a local restaurant. Education took front stage and I worked to earn a Masters of Arts in Teaching but found myself graduating in 2008…a difficult time to get a job in any field. I bought my first DSLR and started my journey towards becoming a photographer. A couple years ago, I decided to leave the education field and pursue my photography career with my husband walking alongside me as an assistant. I’m looking forward to seeing where I am a couple years from now.
Please tell us about your art.
As a photographer with a clean, simple and natural style, my desire is to capture time for future generations to cherish. I use nature, manmade structures, and sunlight to create the mood that fits each individual client. I want each client to take the time and invest in their family to have photographs for them and future generations to enjoy. Personally, I have only photos to remember my grandfather by and although the technical nature of the photo is lacking, the connection between my grandfather and I in the photograph tells a much greater story.
My goal is that every client receives photographs that touch their heart not just their eyes. Whether I capture a young couple in love preparing to start the rest of their lives together or young children enjoying the simplicity of childhood, if I capture the personality of the individuals, I’ve done my job. Children have unique personalities and as any parent will tell you, one day they are dressing up and running around the house, the next you are sending them off to college to begin the journey towards adulthood. Photographs will ensure that parents can see glimpses of that little one even when they have little ones of their own.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Regardless of the monetary resources you may have, start with the tools and resources you can afford. In this day and age, there is a plethora of free education, Facebook groups and reading materials at the local library. Find other local creatives or artists and meet regularly with them. Whatever gear you have, use it daily and be looking for ways to stretch yourself. As your skills advance, share it with family and friends, get yourself out there and be on the lookout for opportunities that come your way. Be willing to create art for those closest to you and remember that each client is a chance for you to market yourself because every satisfied client, will share your work with others and before you know it, the world is your canvas!
Already feel your skills are ready to be sold to others but know that there is gear or tools that would exponentially grow your business even more quickly? Look at your budget and see if you can find some money to invest into your art. Whether it is foregoing new clothes or the latest gadget or selling things you no longer use around your home, there is always a way to earn a little extra cash even if it means finding a part time job to fund your creative path.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is can be found on my website and social media pages listed below!
I encourage anyone on the fence about hiring a private photographer to join my Insiders Group and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to get to know me and be inspired to have their own session. We can then bring to life a vision they have for photos they want to display and things they want to capture before it is a distant memory.
Every client gets a top notch experience and I walk them through every step of the process so they will always know what to expect next!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.daniellehardestyphotography.com
- Email: daniellehardestyphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/daniellehardestyphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/daniellehardestyphotography
- Other: www.pinterest.com/dhphotography
Image Credit:
Trisha Rose Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
