We seek out some of the most talented photographers on the planet and ask them to share a bit about themselves and their creative process. Today we have the pleasure of learning more about Manchester, UK-based photographer Rosie Hardy.

What’s the one quote that always fires you up?

“That’s the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?”

Do you have any particular habits that are a part of how you begin your creative process?

Yes, absolutely! My main habits are paying attention, both to life and my emotions that accompany it – that’s the main source of my inspiration for my art. I want my art to be a by-product of living, not the focus, and I think that’s where it’s easy to get lost. I also try and research certain topics in and out, and see how others have interpreted them. Standing on the shoulders of giants!

What do you do when you hit a wall during your creative process?

Go out and live more. When you try try try to create, and come up with ideas, the only decent material you have will be about trying and failing to create. So when I hit a wall, it’s more a reminder that I need to immerse myself back in life some more – in my lovers, in my books, in friends, in learning!

What’s your favorite photo you’ve ever captured and why?

A photograph of my partner a couple of months before he died, with my hand on his cheek looking into the camera. It wasn’t a fancy, creative, arty photo like my others, it was a true moment and memory that I will hold dear to me the rest of my life, a time when his life and mine were together, even if just for the moment.

What book would you recommend any creative person read?

Bluets by Maggie Nelson. It’s pure music in written form, a book about how she experiences life, love, loss all filtered through her experiences with the color blue.

“The half-circle of blinding turquoise ocean is this love’s primal scene. That this blue exists makes my life a remarkable one, just to have seen it. To have seen such beautiful things. To find oneself placed in their midst. Choiceless. I returned there yesterday and stood again upon the mountain.”

You can view more of Rosie’s work on her website.