Last week's challenge winner was Jess of Jessica Hachey Photography and she wowed us with her gorgeous version of minimalism. Read on to find out all about her style, her gear and more!
1. Please tell us about yourself...
I’m Jessica, but most of my family and friends call me Jess. I recently left my corporate job to be a stay at home mum to my beautiful girl, Elizabeth. I married my very best friend Eric, over 12 years ago. I’m addicted to tea, I love to read, my vinyl collection is growing by the minute it seems and I’m obsessed with all things photography.
I’m just starting up my second 365 project documenting my daughter’s daily life.
I am working in photography part time, mainly focused on documentary family photography and second shooting some weddings as well.
I’m also a bit of an introvert so answering these questions is tough!
2. Can you describe your style in 3 words? Why those words?
Hmmm….lets see…
Quiet - I tend to be drawn to the quiet and intimate moments when I pick up my camera, things that may go unnoticed but are kind, or sweet or sad. Though I do enjoy some of the silly things to!
Moody - My mum always said it while I was growing up and its still true today. I sure am moody haha! And I’m drawn to the deep tones, muted highlights and deep rich colours that most would describe as moody or emotive.
Narrative - I strive to tell a story when I pick up my camera. I would like all of my photos to tell a story, or a little piece of a larger story, so that once you’ve looked at the photo, you feel like you’ve learned a little something about the subjects.
3. What sparked your passion for photography?
I used to love playing with a camera when I was little, and was always that person with a camera in their hands at parties, concerts, events with friends. I have boxes and boxes of photos I developed while growing up. But it was always just a point and shoot kind of thing.
Five or six years ago I got my first DSLR and started trying to learn. But it wasn’t until my little brother passed away, about four years ago, and then having my daughter who is now 2 1/2, that I really dug in and became more serious and intentional about what I was shooting and why. Time goes by so quickly and you never know who or what may come in or out of your life at the blink of an eye. So I’m trying to document this all too short life as much as I can.
4. What's in your camera bag right now?
I’m currently shooting with a Canon 6D and mainly my Sigma Art 35mm. I would say that is what is in my bag and in my hand 95% of the time. And depending on where I’m headed I’ll also carry my Canon 24-70mm L or Canon 50mm. I also recently picked up a Sigma Art 85mm as I have been second shooting some weddings and it is a beautiful lens for portrait work.
A pen and notebook, usually my Kindle with a few books loaded, ear phones for music on the run and to get myself pumped before a session and a snack!
Other than that, and because my camera bag is almost always my purse/diaper bag too, I also have a spare diaper, wipes and kleenex…they have come in handy for non-baby related things as well!
5. What is your dream shoot or project?
There are so many things I would love to shoot and so many projects in my head! I suppose what I would love most is to take a year or more with my daughter and husband and travel to as many different countries as we could, and document our travels and all of the different cultures and families we encounter. I’d really like to expose her to as much culture and adventure and experience as possible and documenting that journey would bring me so much joy.
Another project I have in my head is to do something to promote the of awareness and support for mental illness. I haven’t figured out how I’m going to do that yet, what it will entail or what it will look like, but its an idea that has been building in my head since my brother passed away, and will be dedicated to his memory.
6. What are some of the misconceptions you had about photography and photographers at the beginning of your photography journey? Have they changed, and how?
I think the biggest misconception is that there is one right way to do something, or that you MUST follow specific rules.
I love family photography, and all I had really been exposed to when I started was posed work, which can be so beautiful and wonderfully done, but it just didn't spark my creativity behind the camera. Once I discovered some amazing documentary family photographers out there, it was a total game changer. There are so many different ways to photograph any subject. Find what speaks to you and go for it!
Also, the “RULES” as it were. Proper exposure, rules of thirds, balance etc. They are important to know, yes of course, and they will help you be a better technical photographer, but all rules are meant to be broken and can be used in different ways to express your creativity.
7. What advice would you give to newbie photographers? What advice do you wish you'd been given at the very beginning?
I would say never stop learning. Pick up your camera every single day if you can and try something.
One of my favourite things about photography is there is always something new to learn or try, a technique to master or a subject to look at in a different way.
Its super corny but photography is definitely a journey and not a destination so enjoy the ride and keep an open mind to where it might take you next.
Find more of Jessica's gorgeous work here:
