Have you seen Scarlet O’Neill’s photography? You’d know if you had. Warm, whimsical and full of heart, she specializes in photos of people who care for each other: newlyweds, newly engaged, families and intimate portraits. She’s as passionate about her art as the couples in her photography are about each other, and it shows in her gorgeous, unique, often quirky work! We had a chat with her about the day-to-day of a freelance photographer, what she wears to work, and the art of photography in the iPhone era.

Shedoesthecity: What does your typical Thursday look like, from waking up to going to bed?
Scarlet O’Neill: My days are never regular, but let’s say that if I had to tell you about this Thursday, it started with waking up, throwing on a warm puffy jacket and my “good vibes” hat from SF4 and walking across the street to the Drake to get a coffee and scone with my dog Lucy. Then, I popped over to Bolt for a fresh juice and then headed back home where I fed my pup and settled into my computer chair for a long day of editing.

SDTC: What was your first job out of school/How did you go about actually working  in the industry?
SO: My first job out of school had nothing to do with photography but definitely helped with the events I cover now and the people I work with. Answering how I got into the industry is tricky cause I have been in it for a while but different places and levels of it. I shot my first wedding at 18 years old, but I would say it was about five years ago when my colleague & friend, Dave Abreu, believed in me and my work and was sending me out as a primary shooter on his weddings that I really felt I was in it. Even though I had been shooting my own weddings for years, it was working with him that made it click.

SDTC: What are the three skills you require most to do your job well?
SO: Knowing my camera. There are so many “photographers” out there and so many people that rely on their iPhone thinking that makes them a photographer. But, if you actually know your camera, you understand it, understand light and the business, then you are on your way.

SDTC: Did you have any mentors along the way?
SO: Two people. The first is Lisa Spindler, who is the New York Times photographer I got my start with at a ripe age of sixteen in Detroit. The other is Dave as mentioned above.

SDTC: What do you love most about your career?
SO: I love creating honest portraits of incredible people. I love their reaction when they see the photo and suddenly everything just makes sense why photography is so powerful.

SDTC: What do you find the most challenging?
SO: I am my own worst critic and I sometimes spend too much time working which can make a girl burn out.

SDTC: Do you have any advice for people who want to get into the industry?
SO: Really love it. Like actually love it and its ok to be a good person in it.

SDTC: Ultimate work attire?
SO: Anything I want that makes me feel good. But often the girls at Bicyclette Boutique in Toronto help me with my day to day fashion sense.

SDTC: If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?
SO: A writer. Or, a singer but I cant sing at all. If you ever see me singing in my car, turn around and dont say hi. I’m musically challenged.

You can find Scarlet and more of her work at twitter, Instagram, and her website.