Celebrate International Women's Day with us as we interview inspiring women from all walks of life.
When you see images that absolutely pull at your heart strings and it leaves you wanting more and you just fall in love with every shot...this is how I felt when I saw Ingrids work. I couldn't stop looking. Ingrid is such a talent and I am so honoured she agreed for me to interview her for International Women's Day. Her work is magic and her words of wisdom for any budding creative will surely inspire.
Particularly take note of her greatest lesson learnt so far....definitely something thats hard, but so important to follow.
If you have a creative passion and or business this is the interview for you.
Join us as we get to know Ingrid coles from @ingridcolesphoto
Studio work by Ingrid
Tell us a bit about you? Where are you from? Who’s in your family?
Hello, I’m Ingrid! I’m half Australian half Swiss girl living in Brisbane. I am a professional photographer specialising in portraits with a documentary approach. I live in a small country town north of Brisbane called Dayboro with my husband and two dogs.
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Tell us about your journey, how did you get into photography? Have you always dreamt of being a photographer?
Capturing images has always been a passion for me. As a little girl I was running around taking photos of everything and anything - moving or still, beautiful or otherwise. Taking photographs not only taught me how to express my thoughts, but it gave me a medium to express my creativity in this world. This was something I had never experienced - to be able to show people how and what I see. To be able to capture people as the individuals that they are. I grew up in a fluid and creative household and was surrounded by art and photography my whole life. My Mum especially helped me to plant and nurture my creative outlets, guiding me through life, always encouraging me to express myself. Slowly I started to weave my graft into my career which I consider to be an enormous privilege, and for the past 8 years I have been utilising my craft on a professional level by capturing weddings, families and love.
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Where do you seek inspiration?
From other photographers and artists. I love the colour palettes that Goya uses in his works, so much depth and mood. I seek inspiration from photographers like Lily Callisto - the way she captures people and light is incredible. Some of my other favourite photographers are Lisa Sorgini and Amy Woodward.
How do you navigate creative blocks?
I take walks in nature and take breaks from shooting. Generally a walk in the bush will clear my mind and I tend to find inspiration in that space or ideas start flowing in.
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What’s next for Ingrid Coles? Personally and professionally.
Personally, I am off to Switzerland for the whole month of May. It’s been 22 years since I’ve been back to my home away from home so I feel like this will be the beginning of something new. Not quite sure what it is yet, but I can feel it.
Professionally, I have a few projects in the works and I am so excited to share more at the end of this year. I’m working towards an exhibition showcasing some new works of mine.
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What’s the greatest lesson you have learnt to date?
Learning to say no, I still haven’t mastered this yet but I believe the more we say no to things that don’t feel right for us opens up more opportunities.
What are your 3 Tips to help women gain confidence in a creative field, whether photography or something else?
Don’t stop working towards your goals, keep practicing even when you feel like you are failing. All criticism is good, helps us grow.
"Don’t stop working towards your goals, keep practicing even when you feel like you are failing"
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What are four things you can’t live without?
My mum, my husband, my girlfriends and my naughty dogs.
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What’s on your manifest board?
Travel, discovery, create new personal works, open up to more international clients, happiness & health.
Follow along with Ingrid on her Instagram @ingridcolesphoto
Or for more information on her stunning photography head to her website