I first met Lindsay Hart (of Hart to Hart Photography) outside of a church meeting as we both chased two busy toddlers. We started chatting and I immediately adored her. She too moved here from California and has really set down some great roots personally and professionally. She was decked out in a darling outfit and yet was as kind as could be. I creepily added her on Facebook and we have been social media buddies ever since. You may recognize her from her regular appearances on Charlotte Today! I wanted to get inside her brain today to figure out how she juggles it all as a Mom, businesswoman, great community member and wife! So without further to-do lets get to know the one and only Lindsay Hart!
Smarty Mom Lindsay Hart
Children: Braden 8 1/2, Gavin 6 1/2, Harper 2, Elleanor 12 weeks
Married to: Blake Hart, married 12 years!
Years in Charlotte: 9 1/2 years
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Occupation: Photographer, Graphic Designer
Being a “transplant” to Charlotte, what are your favorite things about living in the Queen City – specifically dealing with family and being a Mom?
San Diego is a hard city to beat, but I couldn’t be happier with where we’ve settled and the life we’ve created here in Charlotte. We live in an, active, family centered community so we don’t have to go far to enjoy ourselves together… We do love exploring uptown or hitting a Knight’s game with the boys–but I also love that my kids are just as content exploring in the backyard, swimming in the neighborhood pool and/or playing sports with friends.
Have you felt like it’s been a good place to grow a business as a Mom?
Charlotte has been the PERFECT place to balance growing my business and raising my children. My family always comes first, but I am fortunate to also get to do what I love. I have the most amazing clients who have become life-long friends and who truly value great photography.
If I’m being honest, early on I shied away from being just a “Mom with a Camera”, but then I realized that was also one of my greatest strengths. My business is “experienced based”, meaning I want my clients: brides, families, kids etc… to have an incredible experience when shooting with me. Being a mom makes me that much more relatable to my clients, and when the professional in me wants that perfect shot, the mother in me says capture the emotion and the connection which isn’t always perfectly posed.
I am also a huge advocate of photography education. A few years ago I started teaching “Mom-ography” workshops to help other Moms learn their fancy camera’s inside and out. This has been a lot of fun for me… I absolutely love teaching photography J
You recently had a new baby, are a busy business women and bought a new house… I am wondering how you managed all of that. What are your tricks to juggling it all?
We just had baby number 4 in April and it has definitely been a huge adjustment. It’s a lot of work and there really is no trick to balancing it all… I have always been a HUGE multi-tasker and enjoy being busy, BUT some days are just plain crazy!! Last year I hired an assistant (delegating has been a big step for me) and thankfully my husband is very supportive and helpful… we do a lot of tag teaming. In the end though, it’s about taking it one day at a time, saying lots of prayers and practicing lots of patience. And of course celebrating accomplishments big and small whenever you can!
Do you give a set time to business and family?
I’m fortunate that most of my shoots take place in the evenings and on the weekends and I do most of my editing after my kiddies go to bed (I’m a night owl so it works for me!!). During my busier seasons in the summer and fall I designate Mondays as my “office” workday… This allows me to catch up and start the week off organized so I can focus on my kids during the rest of the week. It doesn’t always happen perfectly like this each week, but this is the goal!!
Your favorite thing about being a photographer?
Anytime I get the chance to travel with it!! A few highlights have been shooting weddings in Italy, Hawaii, Lake Tahoe and San Diego and last year I shot a week of family session in Dubai.
You are also really active with your church group, have you found that important here in Charlotte compared to living in the West?
Yes! We are very active within our church group and my faith and beliefs are what keep me going! Our church community has become like our family away from family and I love that!
A few things people may not know about me
I am fluent in Spanish and actually lived in Bolivia for a year and half serving a mission for my church! My husband (who also happens to be fluent) and I attended church with a Spanish-speaking congregation for our first 6 years of living in Charlotte.
I always wanted to be a Rockette and was a dance major for my first two years of college. I ended up graduating in PR, which has been perfect for running a business.
I once was a concert pianist
I LOVE chips n’ salsa
The most touching thing you’ve ever photographed
One of the most touching things I’ve ever photographed has been a live birth. I have done a few and I tell you there is nothing more incredible, joyful and even spiritual then capturing a baby being born into this world.
Favorite Blog
Oh there are so many… but if I had to choose one today: centsationalgirl.com. I am obsessed with interior design, refinishing furniture, DIY projects etc… This blog can hang with the best of them!
Thanks for letting us pick your brain Lindsay! One day I hope to juggle it all while making it look so dang good, just like you!
