May 15, 2017

Meet Hilary Wood of Hilary Wood Photography

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilary Wood.

Hilary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After a career in technology and project management, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and pursue my creative side, my passion for photography, working with people and pets. I took the leap and went back to college and received my certification in Digital Photography in 2006. I built my business specializing in high-school senior portraits, family portraits and weddings. On the commercial side of my business. I utilize my technology background by either training or helping several clients (many of them artists) with their digital needs including Photoshop training, organizing their data and building their websites and photographing for their website. I continued my education and professional networking by joining Professional Photographers of Cape Cod, Professional Photographers of MA and Professional Photographers of America, all wonderful resources.

I love the outdoors which is the backdrop for most of my portraits. I strive to get to know my clients providing a relaxing, fun atmosphere and insuring I can capture their personalities during their portrait sessions. Pets are always welcome. They are part of our families after all.

In 2015, I moved to Lakeville and built my photography studio which was a long term dream of mine. I continue to grow my business and in 2015 began photographing sports teams and individuals. My goal this year is to complete the lower level of my studio so I have indoor shooting studio where I will build on my pet portrait business. I am lucky to be making a living at something I love and am so passionate about. It is a challenging line of business which keeps me recreating myself and growing my business each year.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Digital photography has made it very difficult for a professional photographer to earn a living. Many photographers have either retired or just gotten out of the business. Because digital cameras are so accessible, many people call themselves photographers, give their work away which devalues what we do. However, everyone can take a picture but not everyone can take a professional photograph. Lighting, artistic eye and technical aspects of photography (depth of field, shutter speeds, lens length) are what a professional photographer brings to the table. Also with digital photography, I believe people are realizing that digital photographs remain on our computer and get buried and lost forever. It is so important to have prints of our lives and memories that can be enjoyed and passed on through the generations whether it is a beautiful canvas or framed wall portrait or a professional album showcasing your family or life event. It’s all about educating people and I do believe people are catching on.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Hilary Wood Photography – what should we know?
I specialize in family portraits, pet portraits and high-school senior portraits, I also photograph weddings, commercial portraits and sports teams and individuals. On the technology side, I consult and train clients in Photoshop, or help them with technology questions and needs. I have built websites for several clients as well as photographing for their website.

I am most proud of putting people at ease when we work together and having fun during their portrait sessions. Some people come to their session nervous and/or reluctant. They always leave saying how much fun they had and how much easier it was than they anticipated. I believe the ability to connect with people and pets is important and can set me apart from others. My studio is a homey atmosphere where we watch a video of their portrait session over drinks and goodies which is almost always very sentimental especially for mom and dad.

My photography business allows me form long-lasting relationships with my clients. A few years ago, I photographed a couple’s engagement portraits with the sweet dog, their wedding and then after their daughter was born we photographed the entire family. I have high-school seniors that I have run into after they graduated college and started their careers. It’s always so exciting to hear where life has taken them and what they have achieved.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The most important quality I would have to say is being a people person and enjoying getting to know people. However, I could not be successful without being driven, having a business background and an education in photography. It is a very competitive business and if I didn’t possess all of these things, I could not succeed.

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