I love what I do

I love what I do

I’m a people person. I love getting to know people, listening to their story, gaining their trust and allowing them to find their easy place. You’ve chosen me to see your life through my eyes and I’m honoured to come to your home to wait patiently and capture that something special. Japan is such a wonderful collection of cultures and it’s such a privilege for me to document family histories and memories at home. If you’re here for a few months, a few years or if Japan is your forever home, it is these time-stamp photographs of life that will be cherished for generations to come.

 

Having shot jobs throughout Australia, USA, Singapore, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Italy, Mexico and Zambia, I’ve worked with an amazing tapestry of people, customs, cultures and places—and enjoyed every minute of it. I’m originally from Australia, but spent eight wonderful years in San Francisco and four fabulous years in Singapore before making a life with my family in Tokyo.

I’m a people person. I love getting to know people, listening to their story, gaining their trust and allowing them to find their easy place. You’ve chosen me to see your life through my eyes and I’m honoured to come to your home to wait patiently and capture that something special. Japan is such a wonderful collection of cultures and it’s such a privilege for me to document family histories and memories at home. If you’re here for a few months, a few years or if Japan is your forever home, it is these time-stamp photographs of life that will be cherished for generations to come.

 

Having shot jobs throughout Australia, USA, Singapore, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Italy, Mexico and Zambia, I’ve worked with an amazing tapestry of people, customs, cultures and places—and enjoyed every minute of it. I’m originally from Australia, but spent eight wonderful years in San Francisco and four fabulous years in Singapore before making a life with my family in Tokyo.

Why work with me?

I love capturing everyday scenes and the unpredictability of people in their own environments, not staged in a studio. In fact, I never shoot family sessions in studios—I only ever want to photograph in your home setting and your local neighbourhood. And I know that not all houses look like a magazine, and that’s okay—my job is to find the good stuff wherever I go, and there is always good stuff.

 

I’m compassionate and realise that not everyone loves having their photo taken. I sometimes feel like clients have walked in to see their dentist when we first meet. I see the fear and loathing and ‘wishing it was over’ before it begins, all over their faces. But honestly, it’s my job to bring out the best in you. I’m easy going and really experienced, so I know how to find the right light and offer gentle direction to capture you at your very best. When we do the shoot, we’ll have fun, and it will show in your beautiful images.

 

I understand the importance of great images for business and branding. I have a wealth of experience working with brands and know what you need to shine in a competitive market. I will help you create a shot list and develop a brief so we stay on track. But I also really enjoy that life isn’t scripted. So when I’m on a shoot, I can take the key shots, as well as the unscheduled moments in between—often that’s where the wonder is and it’s why you hire me—to see ‘beyond’ the schedule.

Why work with me?

I love capturing everyday scenes and the unpredictability of people in their own environments, not staged in a studio. In fact, I never shoot family sessions in studios—I only ever want to capture your crew in your home setting and a bit of your local neighbourhood. And I know that not all houses look like a magazine, and that’s okay—my job is to find the good stuff wherever I go, and there is always good stuff.

 

I’m compassionate and realise that not everyone loves having their photo taken. I sometimes feel like clients have walked in to see their dentist when we first meet. I see the fear and loathing and ‘wishing it was over’ before it begins, all over their faces. But honestly, it’s my job to bring out the best in you. I’m easy going and really experienced, so I know how to find the right light and offer gentle direction to capture you at your very best. When we do the shoot, we’ll have fun, and it will show in your beautiful images.

 

I understand the importance of great images for business and branding. I have a wealth of experience working with brands and know what you need to shine in a competitive market. I will help you create a shot list and develop a brief so we stay on track. But I also really enjoy that life isn’t scripted. So when I’m on a shoot, I can take the key shots, as well as the unscheduled moments in between—often that’s where the wonder is and it’s why you hire me—to see ‘beyond’ the schedule.

Hayley Durack is an award-winning professional photographer based in Singapore and on assignment around the world. A background in product, set and industrial design underpins the strong creative style and composition woven through Hayley’s palette of editorial and art documentary photography.
hayley_portrait_1_med_res
Hayley has worked as a professional photographer since 2001 in almost every corner of the globe and her work has been recognised with gold and silver Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) awards, exhibited in commercial galleries and acquired by private collectors. On every job she takes her trusted baby to help create the photos.. a Leica SL with various lenses (and Canon 5D mark IV for back up)
  • Business owner, Hayley Durack Photography (formerly Polkadot Photography), going strong since 2007!
  • Photographer and studio manager for Anni Payne, Milk & Honey Photography, weddings/portraits Sydney, 2001-2006
  • Assistant photographer, to Chris Franklin, commercial/portraits, Melbourne, 1999-2001
  • Assistant to photographer: John DeLombardo, commercial/fashion, Melbourne 1999
hayley_portrait_1_med_res

My background

Hayley Durack is an award-winning professional photographer based in Tokyo and on assignment around the world. A background in product, set and industrial design underpins her strong creative style and unique compositions woven through her documentary portrait photography.
Hayley has worked as a professional photographer since 2001 in almost every corner of the globe and her work has been recognised with gold and silver Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) awards, exhibited in commercial galleries and acquired by private collectors. On every job she takes her trusted baby to help create the photos.. a LEICA SL with various lenses (and Canon for back up)
  • Business owner, Hayley Durack Photography (formerly Polkadot Photography), going strong since 2007!
  • Photographer and studio manager for Anni Payne, Milk & Honey Photography, weddings/portraits Sydney, 2001-2006
  • Assistant photographer, to Chris Franklin, commercial/portraits, Melbourne, 1999-2001
  • Assistant to photographer: John DeLombardo, commercial/fashion, Melbourne 1999