Meet Wendy Hope

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wendy Hope. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Wendy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

This is a great question and one I ask myself often!
After a 25+ years career in advertising photography, working in beauty, fashion and celebrity, I found myself exploring my next chapter. I had moved from Brooklyn, NY to sunny Los Angeles, and eventually I was persuaded to give my “long distance relationship” a bit more consideration and explore the city of New Orleans.
Within 1 year of moving, we were engaged, and I was beyond excited for this new chapter of my life. It was the first time I let anything slow down or compete with my career, but I knew in my heart, I had to give it a shot 💫📷💫 (no pun intended). Until the pandemic I thrived, as it was all discovery, art, culture, music and new flavors of everything. I had immersed myself into the vibrant energy of New Orleans and absolutely loved it! During the pandemic, we were displaced and moved north of Lake Pontchartrain, for rural Louisiana, I found myself lost, isolated and and craving any and all creative expression and human interaction. While in New Orleans, my fiance had bought me a huge kit full of canvases, watercolor paper, water colors, acrylics and a plethora of brushes, knowing I was exploring and revisiting old but new mediums, without being a part of my previous industry. The pandemic brought a period of unexpected reflection, boredom, back to reflection and exploration. I rediscovered my artistic roots in watercolors and acrylics, and I reconnected with the thrill and journey of the creative process.
While photography still holds a place in my heart for personal projects, cows, ice storms, timelapse of hurricanes during sunsets, my artistic passion lies in the vibrancy of color, texture and the exploration of new mediums. This newfound focus led to a series featuring bold colors and mixed media, exemplified by my first large scale mural on the back of the shed, “somewhere in the middle of nowhere” which became our new home for that period we fondly refer to as “the Chesbrough Years”. I called it “Freida Cow-Lo,” a playful homage to Frida Kahlo. This led me to the challenges of large scale murals, in spray paint and acrylic, which further fueled the urge to create. Eventually this led to unexpected opportunities for additional large scale murals back in Brooklyn, NY which was an adrenaline rush of satisfaction and excitement. I felt alive and rejuvenated, relevant and reinvented.
Fueled by a lifelong love of learning, I strive to constantly expand my artistic horizons. My background in art (LaGuardia High School of Music & Art, AKA LaGuardia, the Fame school, ) and art history (including studies abroad) inspire my approach to color and composition. Additionally, my passion for languages and music influences and always inspires my creative vision.
While the path ahead may not be fully defined, I embrace David Bowie’s sentiment: “I’m not sure where I’m going, but wherever it is, it will not be boring.” This journey of exploration is the essence of my artistic purpose.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve been a working photographer and I’m still connected to my teams and colleagues NY/ LA. and now that we are post Covid, I’ve managed to purchase a home in an old railroad town in Independence, Louisiana #lovewins. I have discovered some really amazing people, and I’m currently in the GPS coordinates of all of the cows of Tangipahoa parish. I’ve segued into personal projects of people I know, their lives, passions, hobbies and continue photography in the guise of personal projects. They have become more journalistic, and I’ve taught myself In Design and Premiere Pro for video and Mid Journey for absurd surreal imagination of AI generated art for fun. Exploration, learning and discovery are a constant for me, especially in finding a sense of purpose. I’m back to eating 90% plant based and a bit more spiritual, cerebral and tranquil.

My life has become quieter and slower. We have a bullfrog that lives under the house who’s become my 4:30 am alarm clock and Roosters across the street!
Sometimes I feel bored like I’m losing my mind, compared to the high energy lifestyle of my previous life in NY/ LA in my 20’s, 30’s. (You can pull the NY’er out of NY..lol, but you’ll NEVER take the NY out of the NY! ) and other times just really ok and peaceful. I’m mediating more, practicing yoga and pilates, walking (We have SIDEWALKS here!) reading about Quantum Jumping, relearning Creative Visualization, Manifestation and thinking a lot about a lot. As a homeowner with some stability, I’ve discovered an entirely new life “learning curve.” Mowing, gardening, plants, nature, going to sleep early to name a few and I’ve also reconnected with some truly inspiring and intelligent people from my past with super deep and fascinating conversations that I’m incredibly grateful for.

I just went back to school, through LSU to learn Digital Marketing Science and Creative Strategy. I love the data backed numbers, and the blend of science, tech and creative. I’m still learning and creating so my imagination is always active. I’m apparently moving into the other side of my industry, while still holding on tight, but ready for this next chapter. I still have fantastic & prestigious clients that I will shoot together with for for a lifetime. They are people I hold close to my heart, because the EXPERIENCES are so profound and they have become long term friends! I’ve just confirmed my 3rd year for the BMAC Gala…I’m proud and excited to be a part of a growing non profit for equality in the music industry in the African American community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Just be kind. Just be kind to everyone and constantly foster those relationships. They will serve you well in the future, you have no idea how important this part is! Be kind, be friendly, be humble and extend yourself. Keep learning and never stop exploring new tech. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or find a career coach or mentor when you need one. These are the MIA part of my journey I WISH I knew about in my 20’s! I only want to surround myself with authentic people, who are intelligent, motivated and spiritual and kind individuals. This is our next chapter. Let’s make it amazing!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Ohhhh these are straight up from my brother!!!! Rich Dad, Poor Dad…The mentality of entrepreneurship vs being a “slave to the man.” The other is The Richest Man in Babylon….. Both books on personal finance should be an integral part of Americas school curriculum. I wish I read them sooner but grateful to know the content now! Finance in a freelance entrepreneurial world is imperative learning material. My parents were both in NYC education, so as freelance entrepreneurs, my brother and I had ZERO experience or guidance here!

Contact Info:

• Website: wendy@wendyhopephotography.com
• Instagram: @wendyhoperocks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyhope/

Image Credits

I’m sorry, too many to credit…Margina Dennis make-up, Honey Nails, Chiharu Nails, Wella Corp Global Education Team., Anthony Cole Hair, OGX shampoo, Kandee Johnson OGX Shampoo and Revlon Sinful Colors, Murphzzz, model, Ash Foo, model, Fashionette, model, Christina ionno, model, Make-up Brian Duprey, Paul Innis, Bombpop, Kiss Cosmetics, Cows and UFO’s and Cuba with Pink Cadillac, Mid Journey AI art…Concepts, lighting, photography, and AI by Wendy Hope Creative