Today we’d like to introduce you to James Hardy.
Hi James, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My Story of Becoming a Photographer
Growing up in the 1980s, I was always intrigued and fascinated by cameras. I was about 10 years old when I got my first film camera from a garage sale. It was so long ago that I can’t remember the exact model, but it was made by Kodak and came with a few rolls of 35mm film. I would go around taking photos of everyone and everything in sight. I saved my money and took the rolls to be developed at a nearby Eckerds.
The look on my face when I saw the photos I had taken — I knew I was hooked. I would walk the streets collecting cans and bottles to recycle, or rake and mow yards to earn money for film. People used to laugh at me because I would take photos of tree leaves, insects, rocks, and just about anything that caught my attention.
Fast forward to the early 1990s, I wanted to become a male model. I searched through newspaper classified ads for a photographer to take photos of me. I can’t remember the photographer’s name, but we met at a nearby park for the photo session. While he posed me and searched for good lighting and locations, all I could think about was being the person behind the camera instead of in front of it.
A few weeks later, I received my 4×6 prints. While I wasn’t impressed with myself, I was amazed by how the photographer posed and photographed me. He made me look like a supermodel — and of course, I was in much better shape back then. That experience inspired me to look into modeling and talent agencies. Eventually, I signed with Florida Stars Model and Talent Agency, which had a local office in Gainesville, Florida. I landed several small gigs and appeared in TV commercials. Although I traveled for auditions, I never landed a major modeling job.
In the late 1990s, I met a photographer named Jess Anderson of Jess Anderson Model and Talent Agency in Lakeland, Florida. Jess helped me build a composite card, and during our meetings, I constantly asked him questions about camera settings and photography. He shared only a little because he was such a busy man, but little did he know, he shared a lot. I took his advice and started researching cameras. Unfortunately, the cameras capable of producing the quality I wanted were far outside my budget, and I became discouraged for a while.
In 1999, I purchased a Sony Cybershot around the same time I met my soon-to-be wife, Alicia. I began taking photos of our family, nature, and everyday life. I was amazed by the detail the camera could capture. Eventually, I upgraded to a Canon camera in the early 2000s. At the time, I was still too nervous to offer photo sessions because I didn’t feel ready.
Fast forward to around 2010, when I became a Sheriff’s Deputy in Alachua County, Florida. Even though I still loved photographing wildlife and nature, it wasn’t until I started watching photographers on YouTube — such as Manny Ortiz, Tony Northrup, and Derrel Ho-Shing — that I truly became inspired to sharpen my craft. I started offering free photo sessions, free weddings, and free event photography to gain experience.
As people continued praising my work, I finally felt confident enough to pursue photography as a second career. I was also inspired on the business side by talented local photographers such as Cortney and Nita Brown with NitaB Photography and Film, Travis Mullins with Exklusive Photography, Jimmy Ho Photography, and Ryonanne Cobia with Candid Soul Photo. When you learn from some of the best, you have no choice but to grow and improve.
After several years of holding photo sessions in my garage, I finally took a leap of faith and opened my own photography studio. To have clients travel over 100 miles just to be photographed by me is truly an honor. Whenever I’m behind the camera, my goal is to tell a story through every image I create.
Now, almost five years into owning my own studio, I feel blessed and grateful to have built a successful photography business. I can’t imagine my life without a camera in it. I especially want to thank my wife, Alicia, who has always been my biggest supporter. Most of all, I thank God for the blessings and success He has given me throughout this journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Having the talent behind camera doesn’t mean that you the business acumen.
Some of my obstacles were financial. I eventually overcame with discipline and more business mindset.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in family portraits, weddings, and events, and I’m known for capturing every important moment. One client even nicknamed me “Mr. Don’t Miss a Thing” because I strive to capture every emotion, detail, and angle throughout each session or event.
What I’m most proud of is having clients return year after year. My goal is to make every experience even better than the last and to create lasting memories that my clients can cherish for a lifetime.
What makes you happy?
Capturing memories means everything to me. I do not have any photos of myself as a baby or toddler, and only a few from when I was around five or six years old. I often wish my family had been able to take more photos of me growing up.
That’s one of the reasons photography is so important to me today. Every time I pick up a camera, I smile knowing that I’m capturing memories that will last forever — moments that families, children, and future generations will always be able to look back on and cherish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.jameshardyphotographyllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_hardy_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FUTXTPz4y/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jameshardy2339?si=RXtekfmvo_1ZWswT
