Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Hays.
Kaitlin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey with photography about 4 years ago, and quickly discovered that documenting milestones for people was what I wanted to do for a lifetime. I feel like almost every photographer starts out shooting senior and family photos, but as we grow, our style evolves and we ultimately figure out what speaks to our soul. For me, that’s creative portraits and elopements.
I’ve always loved the imaginative part of photography- having a vision spark in your mind and bringing that to life. That’s why creative portraits have been so fun for me. I think that’s also why I love elopements and intimate weddings so much because there is a very creative and imaginative aspect to them. They are kind of built on this foundation of freedom and the desire to have an experience that is all about that specific couple. When I got to shoot my first elopement, I just had this moment of realization where everything felt right. I was on this creative high and my work was better because of it.
It took so much experimenting before I actually discovered what I loved shooting most, and most of that came from just shooting what I felt like shooting at the time. I started out doing small scale, low budget shoots in my house or down the road that were usually focused on a holiday, and now I’ve been able to transition into styled shoots on a much larger scale.
Over the last 4 years, I’ve taught myself nearly everything I know through lots of trial and error, and through not being afraid to take risks. I think the greatest contributors to my success thus far have just been staying true to myself and my brand, and constantly reminding myself to create art that I enjoy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think my biggest struggle throughout the last 4 years has been navigating the unknown of Covid. I actually was thrown into making the decision to go full time last spring, and although it was the best choice I’ve ever made, it’s been terrifying.
In December of 2019, I was working 2 part time jobs on top of photography. I was serving at a local restaurant and working at the Fort Worth Zoo, photographing in the stingray exhibit. At the end of December, my restaurant ending up being bought out, and closed down, leaving me a bit frazzled. When mid January came around, my zoo job went into off-season, and I was no longer needed due to lower crowds. From there, I went to work at a hotel for a few weeks and didn’t love it, so I ended up leaving. Shortly after, Covid happened and the world was put on hold for the summer.
I was put in this mindset of “well, it’s now or never,” and decided that I would make it happen, despite all of the obstacles that were thrown my way. I spent so much of quarantine going through my branding and really fine tuning a lot of the behind the scenes aspects to running a business, and I think that really helped me. When things opened back up, and fall came around, I was busier than ever and have been so thankful for that.
Navigating Covid for any business owner is absolutely terrifying because there is so much unknown surrounding it. One of the most important factors in being a full time photographer is being able to schedule events and sessions months into the future, but when your world is facing a pandemic it can change everything very quickly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Just recently, I made the transition into focusing on elopement, creative portrait, and boudoir photography! It’s no secret that my favorite part of photography has always been the imaginative part behind it all. I love getting to dream up a concept and make it reality, and want my clients to know that no idea they have could ever be too out of reach.
I’ve met so many brides and other creatives who have so many incredible ideas, but don’t know how to bring them to life, and that’s where I come in. My goal is to bring a sort of styled element to my sessions and weddings, guiding the couple along the way of what all is possible within their overall vision. And that could be something simple like bringing a white sheet out to a park and creating a picnic scene, or going all out on their wedding day with disco balls and funky sunglasses.
Either way, I want my clients to feel heard and valued, and I want them to walk away with an experience that was fun and memorable.
What’s next?
The future of my business feels exciting! I just want to continue focusing on creating work that inspires me, while still being the best resource possible to my clients.
Wedding season is here, and I’ve got some fun ones coming up! In October I’m going to Marfa, TX for an elopement, and that alone has me buzzing! I’m also working on some really fun concepts for the rest of this year into next, and cannot wait to share more on those.
Pricing:
- Portrait Session- $250
- Boudoir Session- $350+
- Wedding Photography- $1500+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kaitlinhaysphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaitlinhaysphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaitlinhaysphoto
- Other: www.pinterest.com/kaitlinhaysphoto
Image Credits
Blushed Arrangements
Lilies and Co
Dee Flowers
Get Pretty With Kylie
Rowan Beauty
