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

Hi Holly, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am originally from Arizona, but moved to NYC when I was 18 to be in a Broadway show. I feel so fortunate that I was able to dance in 6 Broadway shows back to back for 15 years. I met my husband in 2007 and moved to San Diego..That is when I started my photography business to photograph dancers. I wanted. a second career to do while having kids. It was a perfect choice. I love that I can still schedule my shoots around my family life. Being a dancer first has helped me so much with the timing and posing of dancers for photos. It also really comes in handy when posing families and Bride and Grooms. If feel the dancer in me, knows the flattering ways to stand and where to put arms and hands to make every body type look their best.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For my dance photography, I wanted to show dancers in their most flattering poses. I see amazing photos of dancers all the time but the position of the dancer is just not right so I know the dancer’s do not like the photo. I pride myself in directing the dancer to get into these positions that the dancer will love. Dancer’s are the most critical people about themselves. It is so fun for me to be around dancers. They are a unique breed and I will always feel connected to that world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would start each day with a hike. My favorite local hikes are Annie’s trail, Calavera trails, and Elfin forest. We would then go to the beach. My favorite local beaches would be South Ponto or Moonlight. For lunch we would eat at Fish 101 in Leucadia. Then get Handles Ice Cream. For dinner we would go to Wrench and Rodent and have the amazing sushi chef just make us anything he wants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Bruce Ireland. He has always supported my crazy ideas of starting this business. When I said one day that I am going to be a photographer he said “awesome go for it”. Then I literally went to the local camera store and spent 10k in equipment. Even though I know he thought that was a little crazy at first he quickly saw that I had a plan.

Website: https://www.hollyireland.com/
Instagram: @hollyirelandphotography and @hollyirelanddance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-cruikshank-ireland-11913813/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dancingphotos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holly.ireland.photography
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/holly-ireland-photography-carlsbad
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqG6H2XZkuXgW17BarHm6XA?view_as=subscriber
Other: Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/hirelandphotos/

Image Credits
On my family photos with me in it. Marisa McBride Photography

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