Richard's Photographer Spotlight: Lacie Hansen

"While love is a universal human experience, each individual expression of love is unique." This is the philosophy that drives the photographer in today's Photog Spotlight, Lacie Hansen! Lacie strives to reveal what is uncommon in our commonalities through her bright, clean, frank-yet-elegant images.

She's sharing her view on taking on side projects, and what switched her career path from fashion to wedding photography... today in Richard Photo Lab's Photog Spotlight!

Richard: What first sparked your passion for photography?

Lacie Hansen: My passion for photography started at a young age—that age when you just love something without abandon or knowing why. I would always take my friends out for photo shoots around town (I grew up in the Midwest). After I took my first photography class in high school, I knew this is what I was meant to do for the long haul.

R: How did your passion for photography evolve into a career?

LH: I went to Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. I thought I was going to be a fashion photographer in NYC. During school, I started working for Jose Villa. I shot my first wedding assisting him, and I fell in love with weddings immediately!!! I owe so much of what I know about both the craft and business side of photography to Jose Villa!

R: When you aren't shooting for clients, what do you LOVE to photograph?

LH: Going back to my roots as a kid, I still cherish photographing friends and loved ones.

R: How do you find a balance between being creatively fulfilled and paying the bills?

LH: Even though there is artistic gratification in the paying jobs I take on, I think that finding balance is mostly about being selective on the kinds of extra projects I take on. Working alongside other vendors that have a similar vision is so satisfying!

R: What is your favorite camera?

LH: I love using my 35mm Canon IV! But, I also really love using my phone for travel and social occasions—it's pretty amazing that almost anyone can have a camera with them all the time to capture anything.

R: What's your first memory of shooting film?

LH: Processing in the darkroom—threading the film on the spool, the smell of the chemicals, that red light! I did this both in high school and all throughout college.

R: Why is it important to have continuous communication with your lab(s)?

LH: This is SO important!!! Richard Photo Lab has been such a huge part of my art and my business, bringing expertise in both. Communicating about my shooting process/approach with the lab has only made my images stronger! You have helped shape the quality of my work.

R: Do you have any pre-shoot rituals?

LH: My friend Brooke Merrill introduced me to "Sun of Success"—it is an annointing oil. I put it on before every shoot and set my intentions for the day. This puts me in a great mindset.

R: Let’s play a game of “Either/Or”! Savory or sweet?

LH: Sweet.

R: Chocolate or vanilla?

LH: Vanilla.

R: Dogs or cats?

LH: Dogs.

R: Urban or rural?

LH: Rural.

R: Vintage or modern?

LH: Modern.

R: Warm weather or cold weather?

LH: Warm weather.

R: Early bird or night owl?

LH: Early bird.

R: Crossword or Sudoku?

LH: Crossword.

R: Breakfast or dinner?

LH: Dinner.

R: Batman or Superman?

LH: Superman.

R: Historical Non-fiction or SciFi/Fantasy?

LH: Historical Non-fiction.

R: Comedy or Drama?

LH: Comedy.

R: Truth or dare?

LH: Truth.

R: What music do you listen to to get pumped up?

LH: I am a HUGE 80's music fan.

R: If you weren't a photographer, what would you be when you grow up?

LH: I would be working on a ranch with horses.

R: If you were a super hero, what would your super power be?

LH: To clean my house with the snap of a finger!

R: What is your favorite word, and why?

LH: Still thinking... next question!