We sat down with creative Holly Blanshard to discuss her journey as a photographer, how she fosters her creativity, what self care practices she uses to stay grounded and her hair goals for the year.
What does your morning routine look like?
Every day looks really different for me. The nature of the photography industry is quite spontaneous which can make it challenging to find structure in my daily routines. I have learnt to embrace this and I find so much joy in every day being different. On the days I am not up early for a shoot I go to yoga, coffee with friends and enjoy slow mornings before I start my day editing pm.
What activities do you find most regenerating?
Exercising, watching a good film, bathing, reading, listening to music, spending quality time with my family and friends.
How has your approach to self care evolved over time?
As I have gotten older and I have a better understanding of the way my body and mind works, I have realised that self care can mean so many different things. Some weeks self care looks like seeking solitude, reading, bathing, journaling, being kind and patient with my brain and body. Other weeks self care is going for dinner and drinks with friends, socialising, working on personal creative projects and pushing myself a little more physically/mentally. Self care doesn’t need to be structured, it can and should look different for every person and change depending on what feels good for you in the present moment.
What led you to create your business?
It all happened very fluidly. During my senior years at high school I did a major work in Visual Arts Media where I submitted a video projected through glass sculptures. I was super passionate about this subject in school so thought I would love a career in the creative fields. I studied graphic design for a year after school, and while I loved certain aspects of the course I realised this wasn’t what I was best at. Photography was a subject within it, and I really loved learning about that so I followed that instinct. I started shooting, bought a camera and have now been a full time freelancer for nearly 5 years.
Favourite podcasts and why?
I listen to shameless podcast pretty much every week when I am driving. Simply love listening to some pop culture - love the celebrity drama.
As a small business owner what tools help you stay organized each week?
Writing a lot of lists. I have a notes app that has a checklist of my equipment which I use before I leave for shoots. Then I have a checklist of things that need to get done in order of priority for editing.
What practices or tools help you tap into your creativity?
Creativity is something that ebbs and flows for me. I have times where it’s important for me to recognise I am depleted creatively and I lean more into a restful period where I take my mind away from creative things. When I need to revamp my creative brain I will watch films, listen to music, get in touch with nature, observe what other creatives are doing in the industry. There’s so much happening around us constantly and its important to know when you need to step away and when you need to dive into it.
What is your favorite form of physical exercise, and why?
My favourite form of physical exercise is definitely yoga, it’s peaceful, meditative and I leave feeling really in tune with myself.
What is your next vacation destination?
I will be travelling to Europe next year for a few months which will be part vacation and part work. I did a lot of travelling last year so this year it is really nice to just stand still and be present in my life in Sydney.
What are your go-to practices for ensuring a good night's sleep?
A clean space, magnesium bath, tea and some light reading before bed always does the trick.
Can you share a self-care practice that you enjoy doing with others?
My favourite self-care practice to do is with my roommates/best friends. We have cards called ‘we’re not really strangers’ in our home, they’re filled with questions about life that reconnect us with each other and ourselves.
When do you love your hair the most?
I love my hair most when I am caring for it properly and putting effort into how it looks everyday.
What's your go to hair style?
A slick back plait or bun.
Can you share a simple self-care practice that anyone can start today?
Pen to paper. I find journaling to be one of the easiest tools to self care, it really helps to disassemble our thoughts which sometimes can weigh a little heavy on us. I always feel lighter after writing them out.
Warm beverage of choice for this Winter season?
Peppermint tea
