Jackelin Slack Hart

Whether I'm capturing the real moments shared between people, or creating a sensory connection to food through visual elements, storytelling is at the heart of my work.

In 2001, I began shooting lifestyle photography for a European stock photo agency. The same year, my first daughter was born, and my natural instinct was to document her life in this storytelling fashion –weaving elements of our life into the images to tell the story of her childhood. Word of mouth spread about my photography work, and I began getting requests to do the same for other families. In time, a family portrait business emerged.

Over the years, I've been truly fortunate to photograph hundreds of families, babies, toddlers, kids, teens – even their furry family members.

Eventually, as my business grew, I branched out into other types of photography. I've worked with authors, bloggers, small business owners and a variety of entrepreneurs with a range of photography needs. I love the challenge and variety of working with business clients, whether it's creating lifestyle and branding images, headshots, products photos or anything in between.

In 2017, prompted by many daydreams involving food and photography, I launched a food blog called Salted City. Suddenly, my memory cards began filling up with images of food, as did my Instagram feed. I had found a new, delicious love.

How I approach my portrait work

To me, the most poignant and memorable family photos are the ones that capture the in-between moments – the sideways glances, the knowing look, the throw-the-head back belly-laugh, or the laid-back banter. These are the unplanned photos...the ones I try to sneak in...the moments in between the poses.

I also like to deliver images that truly reflect who you are, so I keep the editing process to a minimum so that the final images are fresh and clean, not over-processed or heavily polished.

I know as you look back at your family photos years down the road, you will agree that these genuine interactions captured in an authentic way are the ones that most honestly tell the story of YOUR family. So yes, we will do the poses, but I also invite you to let go, be comfortable in your skin, and trust in the power of spontaneity. 

If my portrait style speaks to you, let's book a session! Drop me line!

How I approach branding, food and product work

My goal when working with business owners is to help you create effective imagery that tells your story so you can grow your sales, brand recognition and, ultimately, your bottom line. When we first connect, we’ll start by having a conversation so I can get to know your brand, its unique personality and your particular photography needs. I’ve worked with restaurant owners, cookbook authors, chefs, food bloggers, health coaches, food truck owners and a variety of food-related companies. Let me help you with your business with your photography needs. Send me an email.

When I’m not taking photos

Born in South America to Chilean parents, I spent the early part of my life on the East coast of the U.S, primarily in South Florida. In the mid-90s I discovered and fell in love with Utah and now live at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountain range in Salt Lake City.

I probably have too many interests and not enough time to do them all as much as I’d like. I love and am constantly striving to improve my skills in pickleball (a summer-time obsession), mountain biking, cross-country skiing, knitting, stitching, and playing the ukulele and guitar. What else? I’m a damn good cook! A day doesn’t go by when I don’t do yoga or pilates. And I LOVE walking in the nearby foothills with my husband and our one-of-a-kind mutt – the most adored, scruffy-faced dog in the history of canines.

Thank you for visiting me in my little corner of the internet.

Enjoy your visit and please contact me with any questions.

Cheers!

Jackelin