Lee the Photographer?
Well, if you are going to choose me to photograph the most special moments of your life, I suppose it is only fitting for me to tell you who I am as a photographer. To explain who Lee the photographer is though, I need to share more aspects of myself first. A little bit of" Lee history" if you will. Don't worry, I am not writing a book here.....(I could probably write several books!!)
Lee the person has all kinds of ragged edges and imperfections. I have lived on this earth for 48 years (that is so mind blowing to me!!) Through those years, I have loved, been loved, hated, been hated, struggled, thrived, failed, succeeded, fell, but always got back up. I raised 2 boys on my own! Yeah, I did that! Was I a perfect mother? Heck no!! I'm sure my boys will both tell you that I scarred them. I made many, many mistakes! I also loved them and did so many good things as a mom, even though I had my own struggles. Some were much more difficult than others.
I have been abused, I have dealt with addiction, I struggled (and still struggle) with my weight, I had horrible, debilitating anxiety that i thought I would never overcome, I have been hospitalized with pancreatitis more times than I can count, and I have suffered incredible loss! I have also experienced intense love and joy!
All of these things have shaped me into the person I am today.......Lee the Photographer.
What has had the most profound effect on me has been losing my mom 3 years ago. You do not know how truly difficult that is until you experience it. My mom was only 67 years old! She didn't get sick. We had no idea we would lose her. I talked to her one night, and the next day, she slipped away. I can't put into words how incredibly devastating that was! It sent me into this spiral or insanity, depression, addiction, and self harm. I wanted to die. I did not know how to stop feeling the way I was feeling. I was so lost!! The good thing about being lost though, is that someone usually finds you. In my case it was God! He saved me!! He is the one with all the glory! He has always been faithful! I am so grateful to have Him walk by my side. Many people don't believe in Christ, but I proudly share this with everyone.
A year and a half after my mom passed away, I decided to get a dog. If you know me, you know that I am a clean freak, and have never wanted a stinky dog! Hahaha! My son and my sister both have dogs, and I just hated when they would visit and bring their dog germs to my house! Hahaha! I get it now! I am a dog person! I got a golden retriever puppy in February 2022 and named him Asher. (Asher means happy and blessed by the way) His name is very fitting for his personality. My dog stinks sometimes, he is messy, he sheds like crazy, he drools, and the smell that comes out of his butt at times is nasty!! But, I love him so much!! He also saved me! He has no idea how he did that, but he did. I work at home, so he is by my side pretty much 24/7. I often take him on outdoor photoshoots with me too.
Of course, a dog wasn't enough! hahaha! I got the cutest little kitten in October of 2022, and named him Atlas (his name doesn't have as much meaning.) He fit right into my little family. He torments Asher constantly, but he loves him. He makes me laugh, and brings me so much happiness. I love my baby kitty!
Ok, this might be turning into a book! I promise, I'm almost done.
I am an educated woman. I went to university and got my bachelor's degree in psychology. I also did a social work program. I worked in this field for a few years, but the world ate me alive! It was so hard out there for me! So, I needed to make a change. I opened a home daycare in 2017 and have been doing that full time every since. I have always been good with kids, and kids are so much more pleasant to deal with, so I figured this would be a good change for me. It also allowed me to stay home, away from the big bad world! Lee the Childcare Provider is busy!! These kids keep my on my toes! I put a lot of time and effort into my daycare. I have always been very passionate about it.
Now, this leads me to Lee the Photographer. I have always loved taking pictures. Ask my friends and family. I was always the one making everyone get together for a photo, or stop what they were doing to take a photo, or just snapping photos of people doing their thing. I have always loved capturing moments! When I look at a photo I took, I can't explain the feeling that comes over me! So much joy! I am so incredibly happy when I am taking photos! I didn't take it seriously over the years though. I just did it as a hobby. I bought cheap cameras, and used my smartphones. The cameras on phones just kept getting better and better, which made it even more exciting for me. I don't know why I didn't make a career out of it sooner. I knew in my heart that this is what I was meant to do! I think I was just too cheap to buy the equipment I needed. hahaha!
Anyway, I spent a couple years studying photography and all aspects of it! I can't even tell you how many hours I spent studying, researching, watching videos! Then, I finally bought myself a professional grade camera and lens. That changed everything!! Wow! How much better photos look with a professional camera! Because I had spent so much time studying photography, it didn't take me long to create amazing images!
People have been telling me how much they love my work, how talented I am, and how beautiful my photos are. My oldest son Gage said to me "mom, you were always supposed to be doing this!" That hit me a certain way! Every client I have worked with has been so happy with their experience with me and they have raved over their photos. I love reading the reviews people leave for me. They really validate me as a photographer.
So, who is Lee the Photographer? When I have a camera in my hands, I am filled with joy and confidence! It's like I transform into this different person. A person who has never been hurt or deceived. A person who did not lose the single most important person in her life. I feel free!! I feel creative! I feel on top of the world! I feel like this is exactly where God wants me!
If I am blessed enough to be chosen to capture your special moments, I promise you will have a wonderful experience. I will take you on this ride with me! Are you coming? A photo session with me is fun, and playful. If children are involved, my sessions are 100% child led. I can relate to kids in a way most people can't. Kids just gravitate towards me. When I take photos of you, I will squeal when they look amazing! You will see the passion in me! I will make you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera, just by being me. I will guide you through the entire process. I always come prepared and organized for my sessions. I can also handle chaos and disorganization which often occurs with children. You will leave the session happy and grateful that you chose me to be your photographer. And lastly, you will receive beautiful images of you and your family, or partner, or pets, that truly showcase your connection.
Lee the Photographer is someone who will not only photograph your special moments, she will also form an authentic connection with you and your family that you will feel in your hearts, as she does in hers. :)
I know that the options can feel overwhelming as you search for the perfect fit for your newborn and family photos. I want to provide as much help as possible.
If you would like to reserve your maternity, newborn, or family photos, outdoors in North North Bay, or inside your own home- you can contact me here
Lee Hardy Photography provides lifestyle newborn, family, and couples photography in North Bay, Ontario for busy moms who want a stress-free and fun portrait experience. Also offering maternity, and baby photography, I work closely with you to personalize your experience. I serve families in North Bay, Callander, Powassan, Corbeil, Astorville, Sturgeon Falls, Mattawa, Timmins, Iroquois Falls, New Liskeard and all throughout the Northeastern region of Ontario.
I offer a high-end, full service experience including a pre-session consultation, a beautiful gallery of story-telling images, and an array of family heirlooms such as albums, prints, custom framing and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, birth, newborn or family portrait photographer near North Bay, and are wanting to create memories for your family, I can’t wait to serve you.
