Once upon a time I was “tagged” by our very own Meghan Davidson to answer 11 questions about myself and then in true chain mail like fashion I had to tag people and then they answered and tagged people and so on and so on.  I recently saw the 11 questions making its rounds again in the blogosphere which makes me happy. I love to learn something new about someone. When it came to arranging for our special guest Muse this month I knew exactly who I wanted Kellie Hatcher. Kellie is married who lives full time with her family on the island of Maui. Kellie has a special talent for capturing the love of a family in her photography. I became a big fan when a mutual friend who is also a photographer, hired Kellie to do her family photo. You can bet the first thing I did when I found out my vacation destination would be in her zip code was to book her. this pass summer was schedule a session with Kellie. Our first family portrait. Ever.

Visit Kellie’s site/blog she does a great job sharing her life on the island with her daughter in little vignettes she calls “Slice of Life” those are the posts that keep me coming back. Here’s a few more things I learned about Kellie recently.

Describe yourself in no less than 11 adjectives.

Outgoing
Bossy
Happy
Crazy
Funny
Comfortable
Compassionate
Moody
Kind
Loving
Hungry

When did you get your first camera and what was it. Bonus if you have photos.

It was a old Ricoh film camera my step-dad gave me for a photography class in college.  Ever since that class in 1998, I thought I was a photographer.  So, naturally when I got my Nikon D70 in 2004, I slammed that thing in to P mode (pssh, auto shmotto, program was where it was at) and started jumping to get the shots I thought the event photographer was missing at every event I attended. I wish I had some of those shots. I had so much confidence back then.

What do you find is the biggest challenge to photograph and why.

My kids. They hate the camera.  They were the reason I learned how to really use my camera…well, maybe they weren’t the reason, but they were perfect subjects. Now, I get dirty looks or a sprint for the door, especially when I tell them to look at me.  And no, they are not teenagers.

How would you describe your style?

Mmm, I can tell you what I am aiming for in my style.  Relaxed, fleeting, dynamic, emotion filled, soul shooting. That’s all. 🙂 I love images that tell a story. One image that can make me sit and stare at every detail, the light, the emotion, the movement. I am not saying that I am making these images already, but that is my goal. To get there someday.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow.  I remember singing this ballad as loud as I could on the front porch when I was around 6 or 7. I really thought that a talent scout might just walk by and recruit me to be the next Annie.  That was where my music career ended and sadly, I must have stopped paying attention. I love good music but could not tell you a single song I love that would be included on my life soundtrack. I wish I were that cool.


What would you name the autobiography of your life?

“Move Over Shirley Temple” From the time I was a little girl I was told I could do or be anything I wanted. My grandparents proudly compared me to Shirley Temple and later, wanted to sponsor me to be a speed skater (still makes me laugh and has to do with how strong my legs are). Somehow, I believed everything they told me and took it to the next level.  “Why have a stylist cut your hair when I can do it?” And “I was a graphic design major, it can’t be that different than interior design…let’s open a staging company”. The weirdest part of this is that people really let me cut their hair! I would never let my friends or relatives cut my hair unless they went to school.  My grandfather had a camera in his hand everywhere he went and I like to think I am carrying that on for him…they are the reason I have done everything in my life. And I hope to be able to instill some of that in my children.

Where is the farthest place you have traveled?

Spain…  or is Portugal farther than Spain? I don’t know…Just those two places in Europe.  That’s the farthest I have been.

Where is your happy place?

In the middle of a good book while the kids are sleeping. Or a good TV series like Downton Abbey. Omg, I am so not cool, anymore.

Name 3 of your favorite photographers (well-known or not).

These are people whose work I could stare at for hours.

Darcy Padilla
Jessica Todd Harper
Vivian Maeir

If you are a photographer and want to learn more about composition and light from Kellie is about to teach an online class that begins on 10/15.  For more information visit the Define School. Registration for her class opens on October 1st.

Thank you Kellie for musing with is today!

-Lindsey