Willow Portraits and Photography

Name - Kim Handley

Business name – Willow Portraits and Photography

Location – Gold Coast Queensland  Australia

Website – www.willowportraitsandphotography.com

                                                          This is Kim...

What gear is in your camera bag?

Canon 5Dmii, Canon 50mm f1.4,.Canon  24-70mm, Canon 28-135mm, SD cards, Canon Speedlite 430EXii, batteries, insect repellent, and mints.

 What is your favorite lens to use and why? 

I don’t have a favorite as it depends on what and where I’m shooting. The 50mm and the 24-70 do get a lot of love though.

Give us one sentence to describe the style of your photography. 

My style is still evolving I guess. I would like to think it’s honest and focuses solely on my subjects and their personalities.

 What caused your interest in photography? 

Haha My initial interest in Photography was more to do with getting out of sewing class in high school. It seemed like the better option back then. I found a love for it slowly over the years and with the introduction of digital I found myself falling in love with it all over again.

What is your favorite thing to shoot and why?

 People and in particular children. Children don’t have insecurities about themselves like us adults and I love the little adventure they take you on with their imaginations and personalities.

How long did it take before you felt that you established a solid portfolio? 

I don’t think I will ever have an established portfolio that I’m completely happy with.  I feel I still have so much to learn. My website is a like a revolving door of “out with the old and in with the new”

How long did it take you to discover your style of photography? 

I don’t strive to have a style as such. I just love to take beautiful photos.

What inspires you most?

Constantly and always I am inspired by beautiful light.  Dreamy, hazy, yummy, late afternoon light that you can almost physically touch. Swoon.

How long does it typically take you to edit a portrait shoot? Weddings?

I don’t shoot weddings but a portfolio or portrait session can vary on what it is I am trying to achieve creatively. Commercial work in generally pretty quick as its quite uniformed but an individual (fine art) portrait can take me many hours .“Gasp”.

Do you use studio equipment? If so, what would you say is the most crucial piece in your studio and why?  

I do have continuous lighting and there are times when it is necessary (shame on those rainy day’s) but I love natural light and will work only with that whenever possible.

What are you looking most forward to this year...Both professionally, and personally? 

Always I’m looking forward to travel and I would say that would be both personally and professionally.

Do you ever get "bored" with your work? If so, what do you do to shake things up? 

I never, never, never get bored taking photos. I’m so lucky to do what I love.

What's the one thing about your work that you feel sets you apart from the big sea of photogs? 

I really don’t know that’s something I’d like to ask my clients. I would like to think that my clients would choose me like they would a puppy at the pound. You see the pup and you just know it’s the right choice for your family.

Do you have an idea for a shoot, but have no clue how you are going to make it happen?

Always. Constantly. Everyday. So many ideas, So little time.

How do you balance your personal life with your work life?

I try not to talk shop with my husband. When on occasion I will ask his for advice I will generally find myself telling him he doesn’t know what he is talking about.  ; )   That being said I’m  lucky that I have a great supporting family who doesn't mind the occasional take away meal when I’m busy.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Italy. Definitely Italy.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Refer to previous question

What are you most proud of? Both professionally and personally?

I’m most proud of my children and the way my husband and I have raised them. They are our best work. In a professional sense I am proud of my ability to move forward in a job I adore and not giving up even when I have doubted my skills and abilities. "Plough on", I say.

Describe in one paragraph what a perfect day for you would look like. 

Family, Food (Lots of cheese) and fine wine shared under the giant olive tree in the garden of my chateau in the Italian countryside. Insert sun flare here. : )

What turns you on the most creatively and what turns you off? 

Other creative people always inspire me to push myself a little harder.  I try not to let things turn me off and just to stay focused on my own big picture.

As far as marketing your business goes, what would you say are the most important and beneficial things to do when you want to get your name out there?

Word of mouth is huge in this business so remaining professional at all times is definitely a must. Also we live in a virtual world these days with so much of our life being lived on the web. Get out and about, introduce yourself to local groups, day-care centers, establishments, etc. and present yourself and let the community know who you are and what you do.

What's the one piece of advice that you feel a person just starting a photography business would benefit from?

Do not let your emotions become your worst enemy.  Never stop learning, Never stop trying and never give up on your own big picture…..and never ask your spouse for critique  ; )

 Kim's work is some of the best I have seen. We are inspired by you Kim...Thank you Willow Portraits and Photography for letting us get to know you and what goes on behind that lens!