Holly Howard of Holly Howard Photography knows the art of juggling. Between sunset photo sessions on the beach, studio work, capturing memories for local sports teams at her alma mater (Go Vikes!), and caring for a toddler and a teen, her days are anything but routine.

• In our latest “How I Work” feature, Holly shares how she structures her mornings first with hot coffee and computer work, why she chooses silence over music while editing, and the career advice that keeps her focused on creating art that makes her happy.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

Photographer, Holly Howard Photography

What’s your morning routine?

Wake up entirely too early, get the toddler and teenager to their respective schools and sit down with coffee at my computer and start working.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

Everyday is different but one thing that is a constant is that I try to spend most of my mornings doing work on the computer: emails, editing, scheduling, etc. Some days I have sessions either on location or in my studio, some nights I’m on the beach for sunset sessions. In the in-between, I’m in constant contact both with clients and my youngest’s teacher(s) as she is a Type 1 Diabetic. When she was diagnosed last year I got to add one more job to my resume: I’m now her pancreas (LOL)

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

Make coffee. I need my hot bean water so I can open my computer and get to work.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

Photoshop, Lightroom, my digital calendar

Apple or Android?

Stuck in the Apple ecosystem but would switch full to to Android if I wasn’t so deep with Apple

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

My coffee at home and it MUST have Silk Almond Creamer (vanilla)

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

Heavenly Croissant is a favorite, Crackers, Corner Cafe…I’m a soup and sandwich girl even in the summer

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Lately it’s been Small Batches, DreamCoast, All Things Fancy

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Never stop educating yourself about your career; keep learning and implementing what you learn

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

You could be the juiciest peach in the world and there’s still going to be somebody out there that hates peaches…keep doing what you love

How do you unwind after a long day?

Hot shower and scrolling mindlessly for a bit

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

When I first went to college my intention was to become a high school history teacher

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

Favorite tradition: luminaries in Northgate every Christmas with my family

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

Jaison Sterling– I took one of his workshops and learned so much. He’s a wonderful teacher and mentor

Early bird or night owl?

Neither, but forced to be an early bird

Most used emoji?

😂

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

No. I sit in silence mostly. I have loud kids, it’s nice to hear nothing.

Favorite motivational quote?

For success, attitude is equally as important as ability

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Sitting

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Create the art that makes you happy and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Your clients will come to you!