We recently had the chance to connect with Lily Hayes and have shared our conversation below.
Lily, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My mornings begin at 6:15 a.m, getting our 13- and 14-year-olds ready for school. Once they’re off, I spend about an hour or two tackling household chores or running errands, depending on the day. When there’s no scheduled photo shoot, most of my day is dedicated to operational work—sorting and editing photos, managing websites, blogging, and following up with clients. By 2:30 p.m., I shift focus to preparing dinner before heading out to pick up my boys from school. We’re usually not back home until around 5 p.m, and then it’s straight into the whirlwind of homework, practice, training sessions, and skill development that come with raising athletic kids. Once the evening hustle begins, it’s nearly impossible to get back to work, as family life takes priority.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lily, the heart behind Lily Hayes Photography here in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I specialize in maternity, newborn, cake smash, and family photography, with a focus on creating timeless and heartfelt images that celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones.
At the core of my brand is the belief that photography is more than just capturing images—it’s about preserving the love that defines your life and the moments that make it extraordinary. Whether it’s the serene beauty of an expectant mother, the delicate details of a newborn, or the pure joy of a baby’s first birthday, my mission is to create authentic, emotional, and love-filled photographs that your family will cherish for generations
What makes my work unique is the way I blend natural posing with lifestyle-inspired storytelling. I want my sessions to feel relaxed and enjoyable, allowing personalities and connections to shine through. I also put great care into designing a warm and welcoming studio experience, complete with thoughtfully curated props and setups that allow families to simply enjoy the moment while I handle the details.
Right now, I’m especially excited about expanding my creative offerings for families—bringing more variety into cake smash themes, adding fresh styling options for maternity sessions, and helping parents preserve every stage of their little one’s journey.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I would honestly say that I’ve taught myself the most about work. I’ve always believed that the moment you become complacent in your craft, you risk becoming irrelevant. Photography, especially in maternity, newborn, cake smash, and family sessions, is such a personal and evolving art form. My desire to keep learning, experimenting, and innovating as an artist has never stopped. Each session challenges me to see things differently, to create something unique, and to push my creativity further. That constant drive for growth has been my greatest teacher.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I deeply miss, that not many people know about, is truly appreciating my boys when they were babies and small children. My oldest is 21 now and my other two are 13 and 14. Essentially irish twins 14 months apart. During that season of life, I was so caught up in the day-to-day struggles of just trying to survive mentally that many of those moments feel blurred in my memory. Looking back, I wish I had someone in my life, remind me to slow down and soak in every little milestone and cuddle. It’s one of the reasons I value photography so much now—because I know how precious and fleeting those moments are, and I want other families to have what I wish I could go back and give myself.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m very much the same person in my work as I am in my personal life. I’m naturally an introvert. I enjoy peace, quiet, and my alone time. Photography, however, gives me the chance to connect with others in a way that feels meaningful and authentic, without having to step outside of who I truly am. Behind the camera, I can embrace my quiet nature while creating a calm, welcoming space for families and little ones. The version of me you see in my work is entirely real. It’s the side of me that finds joy in transforming simple, quiet moments into timeless, beautiful art.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
As much as I cherish being a wife and a mother, I’ve learned how easy it is to lose yourself in those roles. For me, it’s always been important to remain true to who I am as a person outside of those titles. Having that balance allows me to show up fully for my family and also pour myself into my passion as a photographer. It’s about making sure that while I love and embrace those roles, I don’t let them completely define me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilyhayesphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyhayesphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-hayes-photography-242768b9/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilyHayesPhotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lily-hayes-photography-rowlett?osq=lily+hayes+photography&override_cta=Get+pricing
