Carly’s passion for art sparked a thriving content creation career

From the sunny shores of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, Carly Dirie has built a vibrant creative career as a lifestyle photographer, videographer and digital artist. Through her lens, Carly captures moments that instantly make you feel something. Her work is dreamy, heartfelt and always unmistakably hers. She is, of course, the talent behind Cloudwalker Creative.

Creativity has always been woven into Carly’s story. Long before she picked up a camera, she was bringing ideas to life as a visual artist. Photography felt like a natural next step, another beautiful way for her to tell stories and share her perspective with the world.

We’re lucky to have Carly as a long-time member of the Creatively Squared community. Her talent, dedication and unmistakable style have never gone unnoticed. Over the years, Carly has collaborated with incredible brands like Bundaberg, Colgate, Poise and U by Kotex. No matter the project, her signature touch always shines through. Her sun-drenched Bundaberg creations are some of our all-time favourites!

Curious how Carly turned her love for art into a passion for photography? Let’s dive into her story and discover what continues to inspire her to create the gorgeous content we all know and love.

Let’s chat with Carly

Hey everyone, I’m Carly! I am a photographer, videographer and digital artist based on the Sunshine Coast. I started as a visual artist, shooting models and talent for reference shots for my paintings and illustrations. I quickly fell in love with photography and after the first few months started receiving referrals and capturing people’s portraits professionally.

I believe my personal aesthetic is feminine, detailed and dreamy. I always say I like to 'find the beauty in the everyday'!

My love of art and design always comes through in my photography, via composition, staging and final editing. I have an aligned contract role with a location hire agency, and am currently getting back to my visual art roots, painting on canvas and learning surface design.

Residing on the Sunshine Coast, I love the beach, sunshine, cooking and everything creative.

Journey with Creatively Squared

Working solely off referrals, I was looking to expand my creative connections. I found Creatively Squared via Google, joined and started interacting with the community there.

I love tackling most projects, but sunset or sun-drenched content is my favourite. A highlight for me was the Bundaberg Drinks project, I loved it!

The most challenging project I had was the Brasilia Coffee project (as I am a serial coffee purchaser, not an at home barista so trying to make a good cup of joe was challenging!)

Tools of the trade

I use a Sony A7ii and a Sony A7iii camera body, various Sony lenses, and a tripod. For post-production work, I use Lightroom and Photoshop.

My favourite products and locations to shoot are styled indoor settings, or outdoor shoots at the beach or in the hinterland (weather permitting!). I shoot wherever needed, but the kitchen and balcony at home are the spaces I consistently use. I usually edit in my living room or at the dining table!

Carly’s creative process

Whenever I have a photoshoot, I definitely use a planner! I have a shot list and work on it too, grabbing extras along the way as I'm inspired. I am very lucky to have my husband and business partner as the tech-head in our duo, and main videographer.

Recently, I’ve also had the chance to work a little more with her partner-in-crime Daniel, and it’s been just as much of a pleasure. They’re such a great team, and collaborating with them has been a real highlight and genuinely a joy just casually chatting with them over emails regularly. - Kate Wilson, Account Manager

If I want to get into the creative zone or overcome a creative block, I always turn to nature, podcasts or nostalgic music.

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Finding inspiration

When finding inspiration, I look up to @modernalchemy.studio and the hashtag #sunshinecoastartist

Top creative tip

Plan well, prep gear, breathe and learn to edit.

Lastly, what’s next for you?

Anything and everything! I love to learn and am a big believer to just keep shooting.

Thank you Carly for being one of the most inspiring members in the Creatively Squared community. We have always admired your work and we’re grateful you shared your creative journey with us.

Follow Carly to see more of her inspiring work on Instagram