Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allie Hardesty. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Allie, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from a mix of motherhood, creativity, and connection. Being a mom to Colton and Davina has completely transformed the way I see the world. Kids have this incredible ability to find joy in the smallest moments, and watching life through their eyes reminds me daily that there is always something worth smiling about.
Photography fuels that optimism too. Capturing genuine emotion—real love, real laughter, real stories—keeps me grounded in the beauty that exists all around us. Even on tough days, my work shows me that there’s light in every season if you’re willing to look for it.
And honestly, community plays a huge role. Whether I’m out with friends, surrounded by family, singing karaoke, or losing myself in a live show or a Sleep Token or Bad Omens set, those experiences fill my cup. Music, laughter, and shared moments with people I care about remind me that life is meant to be enjoyed.
All of that together is what keeps my outlook hopeful. My kids inspire me, my art centers me, and my people lift me up—so optimism just naturally follows.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the owner of Allie Hardesty Photography, and what I do is all about capturing the moments people want to remember forever. I work with families, couples, and individuals to create images that feel real and full of emotion—because those are the photos that last. Whether it’s a quiet look between a couple, a child’s belly laugh, or a family being unapologetically themselves, I love being the person who helps freeze that moment in time.
What excites me most is the storytelling side of photography. Every session is different because every person is different. I get to learn people’s stories, help them feel comfortable in front of the camera, and create something that is uniquely them. It’s the kind of work that never feels routine, and I think that’s what makes it so special.
Outside of the studio, you’ll usually find me out and about with friends and family—concerts, music festivals, karaoke nights, all of it fuels my creativity. That energy and sense of connection naturally flow into my work.
As far as what’s new, I’m continuing to grow the brand with fresh ideas, new locations, and expanded offerings. I’m always looking for ways to elevate the client experience—from smoother booking and planning, to more creative shoot concepts, to new products my clients can display in their homes. There are some exciting things in the works, and I can’t wait to share them as they roll out.
More than anything, I want people to know that my approach is grounded in authenticity. I want clients to walk away with photos that feel like them, not a stiff version of them. My goal is to create an experience—and images—they’ll love for years to come.
If folks take one thing away about my brand, I hope it’s this: I’m here to capture your story, your personality, your real moments… and to make the experience fun along the way.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things have made the biggest difference in my journey:
1. Patience — with myself, with my growth, and with the process.
Photography is equal parts art and practice. Your style doesn’t appear overnight, and neither does your confidence. Patience helped me stay grounded through trial and error, learning curves, and the moments where I questioned myself.
Advice: Give yourself room to grow. Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter ten. Keep creating consistently, even when it feels imperfect.
2. Connection — truly caring about people and their stories.
My work is as much about the people in front of the camera as the camera itself. Building trust and making clients feel comfortable is what allows real, emotional images to happen.
Advice: Focus on relationships, not just photos. Talk to your clients, get to know their personalities, and shoot with the intention of honoring who they are.
3. Adaptability — especially as a mom and a business owner.
Life changes, kids grow, schedules shift, and the industry evolves. Being flexible—whether during a session, in editing, or in business decisions—has helped me stay steady and open to new opportunities.
Advice: Don’t be afraid to pivot. Learn new skills, experiment with different styles, and embrace the seasons your life and business go through.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is give myself space to breathe. As a mom of two and a business owner, life can get chaotic, and I’ve learned that stepping away for even a few minutes can make a huge difference. Sometimes that looks like putting on music, taking the kids outside, going for a drive, or just sitting in silence for a moment.
I’ve also learned to break things down into small, doable steps. When everything feels like “too much,” focusing on one task at a time helps me regain control and clarity. And I remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help—whether it’s leaning on family, friends, or outsourcing parts of my business when I can.
My biggest advice is this: give yourself grace. You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Listen to your mind and body, take breaks when you need them, and remember that overwhelm is temporary. Prioritize what matters, breathe through the chaos, and trust that you’ll find your rhythm again.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xo.allie.xo_photographypage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allie.hart.16
Image Credits
Allie Hardesty Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
