We talk inspiration, creativity, color & more.
Photography is one of our favorite artforms and having the chance to work with talented photographers like India Harvey is always a highlight. Here, we touch base with India, talking what inspires her, how she moves through the world, what’s shaped her, and the brightness with which she sees it all.
Name: India Harvey
What you do? Creative Recruiter and Freelance Photography
Where are you based? Sunny Los Angeles!
Where we can find you? Sharing my sporadic thoughts, cups of coffee, and film photography on Instagram - @indiadowharvey
Tell us a little about your story. How do you like to move through the world?
I’ve discussed this question so much with multiple people — “what you do” is such an interesting question and, obviously, society has made it much more career-oriented. In that regard, I respond, “I’m a creative recruiter,” but if we talk about what I do in life…that’s such a bigger question! I think I can sum it up by saying I love people! Connecting with others and striking up conversations is extremely fulfilling for me so I’m constantly in search of opportunities to do that. Whether it’s a recruitment call, a photoshoot, a long ride in the mountains, or even sliding into your DMs ;) — it all ends up being worth it.
"Connecting with others and striking up conversations is extremely fulfilling for me so I’m constantly in search of opportunities to do that."
How are you active? Running, biking, swimming…
I grew up in a pretty small town in Vermont, where the forest is your backyard and you have to be creative as a kid for entertainment. Being in this secluded environment was really a blessing in disguise because it instilled a love for the outdoors right from the start. Mud pies and romping in the woods later translated to a love for activities like cross-country running and Nordic skiing in high school.
Now, in my mid-twenties, endurance sports are a huge part of my life, acting as a combination of sharing amazing experiences with friends and having time to recharge or challenge myself on my own. I dabbled in ultra running for a while but, most recently, criterium racing is where I feel most alive and excited. At my core, I think I’m just constantly chasing crazy sends because, at the end of the day, I want to refuel my childlike sense of adventure and wild-ness.
In terms of style, how would you describe yours?
You could say my style is a combination of athletic streetwear and workwear. Basically, classy enough to be worn in public but if I need to physically sprint after someone, or ride my bike somewhere, it would be no problem at all. I like to be really comfortable, but if there’s the opportunity to be semi-fashionable while doing it, sign me up!
This is why I love Article One glasses. They’re fashionable but classic and well-made. They work just as good for a morning coffee meeting as a romp in the mountains - versatility is extremely underrated.
How is creativity and expression part of your life?
Photography is a way for me to be creative and connect with others all at once. Film, specifically, holds a special place in my heart because it seems to truly capture the authenticity of a moment. I’ve been lucky to photograph friends and strangers alike over various projects, hoping to forever preserve this time in my life. I think a lot about all the memories and people that we forget over time making this creative endeavor so much more relevant. When I’m 90, I want to look back and be able to remember things I never would have if not for the photograph. Creativity not only makes me cherish people at the moment now but ensures they’ll never be forgotten.
"I think a lot about all the memories and people that we forget over time making this creative endeavor so much more relevant. When I’m 90, I want to look back and be able to remember things I never would have if not for the photograph."
What’s inspiring you right now?
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, but failure is my end-all, biggest inspiration. It’s in the moments that I mess up or don’t attempt something that drives me to be better. It can be as small as the moves I made in a bike race or as big as how I prepared for a shoot or reacted in a situation. I don’t want to plateau in my life or stay stagnant — I want to always be learning and that, probably, will involve a lot of failures.
Right now, I’m pretty passionate about crit racing. Bikes have become an important part of my life and have given me the opportunity to bond with women (and mentors) in a way no other sport has. The mentality of not trying to be “as good as” someone else, but to be the best version of me while really pushing my body and fears is extremely exciting.