Meet Kimberly Hardouin | Lifetime Photographer & Middle School Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Hardouin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by the beauty I see in the world around me. In my work, I try to use my artistic eye to not only see its beauty, but to use my camera as a way to show the rest of the world the beauty God has created for us, all around us, every day. As someone who has been through a lot of personal trauma, I am constantly inspired by the way that we are given beautiful moments that are designed to be remembered, even in the midst of personal challenges. Sometimes trauma can cause our brains to not see it, or to not remember it, and that’s why photography is so important. It captures those beautiful moments that we might otherwise miss or forget over time.
I see beauty in every smile, every flowing river, and every sunset. But as a photographer, I also see the beauty in the rainstorm, the tears of heartbreak, the pain of labor, and the inevitable toddler temper-tantrums during family sessions.
I am inspired by all these moments…Every moment is a beautiful gift if you look at it through the right lens.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began my dual career in photography and teaching in 2007 as I was attending the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Both of my careers have had their ups and downs, but in the end they balance each other out beautifully. When I’m having rough days as a teacher, I spend some extra time editing some gorgeous images to make me feel better and more confident. Being a strong photographer and businesswoman also gives me opportunities to show students an example of how fun and empowering owning your own business can be. I have even had the honor of photographing several former students’ weddings – so much fun!

Becoming successful was not an easy road, and I had to learn a lot of hard lessons along the way. I am a much stronger and wiser colleague in my position at Walt Clark Middle School than I ever was in my previous schools. It took me working in 5 different schools, 5 different districts, and 2 different states to figure out where I was really meant to be. Similarly, I am a more confident and personable photographer now than I was when I started 15 years ago. I have learned that I cannot compare myself to other photographers, and that it doesn’t matter how they think I should run my business or operate my camera. What matters is that my clients are thrilled with their images, that I am true to my style, and that I am mentally and spiritually satisfied in my work. I have learned to let go of the rest.
There are three very important reasons that I am so passionate about photography: my faith, my client relationships, and my passion.
I was brought up a strong Catholic woman, and within my faith I have found such beauty in our world. Whether I am out on a walk and snapping pictures of a gorgeous sunset or capturing the precious first minutes of life in a delivery room for a beloved client, I praise my God every day for the beauty that I am able to witness, and thus capture. I try to not only compose a beautiful image for my clients, but to allow God’s masterpieces to come to life through the raw and natural emotion of the shot.
Clearly one of the most important aspects of my career is the relationships that I am fortunate to build with my clients. It is the personal touch of knowing their preferences, their angles, their candid moment triggers, and so much more that allow me to capture beautiful memories for them. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to watch a young child grow, from his or her first 9 months in the mother’s womb, to the newborn photography session, the first-year cake smash, and all the way up to his or her high school senior photography session. What an honor it has been to become a true lifetime photographer!
Last but by no means least, I have an indescribable passion for my craft. I teach middle school full-time for my primary income, but the passion I have for photography is something that cannot be fulfilled anywhere else but behind a camera. I spend countless hours researching the best composition methods, special editing effects, and so much more. I treat my clients’ photos and memories with as much care and attention to detail as I do for my own family’s images.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness! I would have so much fun planning this out for my bestie! Haha… I’d definitely make sure to take her to Rocky Mountain National Park for a day, because it’s such a beautiful location where we could get away and be with nature. We’d strap on our hiking boots and take my camera up for some gorgeous modeling and fun picnicking at the lake. Then we’d spend the evening in Estes Park at a tucked-away cabin with a hot tub so that we could catch up and relax our sore muscles from all that hiking. We’d of course have to take advantage of the beautiful restaurants they have up there for dinner and some drinks before that though!
Then the next day we’d have to go check out the Denver Zoo because we love animals. I’d bring my kids along, because my bestie loves my kids, and they think of her like an aunt! We’d spend the day there, and then that evening we’d catch a live concert at Red Rocks because…let’s be honest…it’s the most beautiful concert venue in the world. We’d either watch a country music concert or a Christian group…either way we love both genres. We’d have to spend the night at the Brown Palace Hotel that night because it’s so beautiful.
The next morning, we’d take it easy and spend time at the hotel spa getting massages and facials. We’d have lunch somewhere in downtown Denver at the 16th Street Mall before heading to the Denver Art Museum since we both love art and creativity. We’d have a late dinner at the Blue Agave so we could have some ceviche and drinks before heading back to the hotel.
Washington Park has to be on the itinerary for the next morning so we could stroll around or go for a jog. We’d have our swimsuits to take a dip in the pool of course. After a picnic lunch, we’d go spend the afternoon at the Aquarium because we both love the ocean and marine life! We’d have dinner there before heading back to the hotel for a night of movies and popcorn.
Finally, I’d have to plan a day to take her to Boondocks, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the Botanic Gardens. Those are such fun experiences that would make us smile and laugh and enjoy each other’s company and the beauty that God has given us.
There are so many other places I’d love to take her to see, but that’s my list at the moment!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe all that I have become to God and Jesus. As many times as life has tried to turn me away from my faith, I always come back to God because I know He is my reason for living. He gives me all that I need, and He always provides. I also benefit from a fantastic support system in my family and my best friends, particularly my amazing husband, Brian, and my two phenomenal children, Stephen and Emma. Without their constant love and support, I would be completely lost.

Website: PhotographybyKimberlyCO.com

Instagram: @photographybykimberlyco

Facebook: Facebook.com/PhotographybyKimberlyCO

Image Credits
Kimberly’s Headshot (with camera): Cristin Spielman Photography All other images: Photography by Kimberly