Kate Hailey

Finding the light. 

To me, one of the best uses of a bright sunny day is to seek out bright light and deep shadows.

Sometimes when we travel, we get busy with the travel and forget to just make time to explore.

This image of the Haier Buildling in Manhattan caught my eye, because of that contrast of light and shadow.

I love how the light highlights the details on the columns.

Manhattan, NY | 31 May, 2026
📷: FUJIFILM X/GFX USA GFXRF

September Photowalk | SEPT 26, 2026

This photowalk is in collaboration with Foto, as a part of their 2nd Annual World Wide Photowalk.

For our first autumn outing, we will head to Alki Beach.

This area of Seattle has views of Elliott Bay, the Seattle skyline, as well as the mountains. Even on an overcast day, it’s quite beautiful.

We will meet outside of Alki Coffee Co on Alki Ave SW; from there we will stroll North, along the Alki Beach Path towards Alki Beach Pier.

This time of year, the weather tends to be a little more unpredictable, so please consider dressing for the weather and bringing things like a cover for your camera, in case there’s a little drizzle.

WHEN:
Saturday, September 26
10 AM - 12 PM

WHERE:
Alki Coffee Co
2742 Alki Ave SW #100, Seattle, WA 98116

WHAT TO BRING:
Bring your fave film, instant film, digital, or mobile phone camera. Consider wide-angle lenses for the broad landscapes.

alkibeachseattle

On my spring trip to New York, I made a point to visit the 9/11 Memorial and this space, The Oculus. 

A visit to this space is conflicting, as it is a beautiful , thoughtful design in memoriam; yet, it is still so devastating to think of all those lost as a result of that historic attack.

I do not believe I will ever understand why some individuals choose violence over learning and understanding. Let’s have more open conversations and support each other instead of tearing one another down.

Many of us possess an open, curious mind and heart, but so many keep themselves closed off to the possibilities of embracing the joy of their individuality, and that individuality in others.

It’s our differences that make us wonderfully unique. 

As we remember and reflect on the past, (and the present!)…

What we can do to create and curate a better future, for oursevles and the next generations?

☮️❤️

Kate

NYC on Polaroid

In late May I spent several days in NYC. I was out there partly for PolaCon, a weekend of instant film fun. But if I’m travelling from one coast to the other I always want to have time to wander on my own and experience a ariety of things. 

One day, I met up with a friend and went to see Girl, Interrupted (which was amazing, go see it!). 

I did a little shopping (of course).

As a result I didn’t use any film! 😳

The next day, I did!

I headed to 1 World Trade Center, Oculus, and the Battery (park).

I went through 2-3 packs of film. Starting off with an aging pack of Peanuts frames, to reclaimed blue.

PolaCon Polaroid

NYC | 31 May, 2026

Another viewpoint from the same space, here I love the hues and all those reflections.

📷: FUJIFILM X/GFX USA GFX RF

NYC | 31 MAY, 2026

Sunset view from the hotel I had in Manhattan back in May. 

Each morning and evening, I’d take in this view. I espeically love the warm glow on the buildings, and that layered cloudy sky. 

📷: FUJIFILM X/GFX USA GFXRF

NYC | 29 May, 2026

Views of the Manhattan Bridge and of Manhattan from the Manhattan Bridge.

In May/June I was in NYC for PolaCon NYC. I took only two cameras: the i2 & the lovely FUJIFILM X/GFX USA GFXRF.

These are a few frames captured on the GFXRF, during one of the PolaCon photowalks.

So much fun to cross these bridges and take in new (to me) scenes.

Flashback to May/June 2026 for PolaCon NYC.

These photos are from Day 1.

I started with a stroll around Dumbo, found some coffee at maman, before capturing this classic scene of the Manhattan Bridge. And spent a little time taking in the views of Manhattan from Brooklyn.

From there, I headed to the event venue, 26 Bridge. Each day of the PolaCon schedule was filled with demos, lectures, and presentations. I was scheduled to do a short demo on Lighting for Film and Instant Film.

I was fortunate to have a few awesome Pola pals be willing to sit in for portraits!

Swipe to see the portraits.
Frame 1: Manhattan Bridge from Dumbo
Frame 2: Martin Souza
Frame 3: Ellayne Ganzfried
Frame 4: Shaleia Divine | Artist
Frame 5: Gay S**t Club
Frame 6: Sharma | Geek Photographer

It was definitely a really fun day!

PolaCon Polaroid

Who ya gonna call?

Ghostbusters, with instant cameras.

Back in May I was in NYC for PolaCon. I took the red-eye, then LIRR/Subway to Manhattan, dropped of my luggage at my hotel, then headed to the New York Public Library for the “Day 0” photowalk with the NYC Ghostbusters & Martin Souza. 

These are some of my fave digital images from that outing. Captured on the FUJIFILM GFXRF.