Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Hill.
Haley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I discovered my love for photography while in college. I was working on my bachelor’s degree in Film and Digital Media from Baylor University when I bought a $300 Canon camera at a local pawn shop for an upcoming study abroad. I realized I could make money on the side taking senior photos for other Baylor students and it took off from there. The technical skills I learned in Baylor’s film program paired with the entrepreneurial knowledge passed along from my amazing mother gave me the confidence to tackle my passion.
Ever since then I have been networking, learning from others, and shooting as much as possible. I would describe myself as a creative person that appreciates structure. Owning and operating a photography business has given me both. I am able to bring in viable income and organize something I am proud of while creating images that make others feel beautiful. I also owe a lot of my success to my support network. Friends, family, and other local artists have pushed and encouraged me the whole way. Overall, I am truly blown away at how blessed my journey has been.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I mentioned in the last question, I have been blown away by how many doors have been opened for me along the way. Haley Katherine Photography’s steady growth has been more than I could have asked for. That being said, no road to success is without potholes. I am an overachiever who strives to excel in everything I do.
This is a big part of my success, but also where most of my problems have come from. I have held a full-time day job the entire time I have built my business. The positive side of this is I never had to force my business to provide a full income. The lack of pressure has made the creative process less stressful. The negative side is the lack of free time and rest. My weeks are forty hours at my day job and twenty to forty hours in my photography business.
Balancing work and life if very difficult since I don’t ever want to shut my laptop. I constantly want to get the next client, update my online portfolio, and fill in my spreadsheets to check my finances. While I am a very productive and efficient person, I have definitely lost time with those who matter most because of my self-inflicted schedule. I am constantly battling my work/life balance.
Haley Katherine Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Haley Katherine Photography specializes in a wide range of photography including weddings, corporate events, high school/college seniors, and families. I didn’t want to choose one branch of the photography business because each type brings different challenges and opportunities. I photograph most of my clients in Texas but often travel for destination corporate events.
I am most known for my client experience. I am a friendly and enthusiastic person who could make friends with a rock. These qualities help me make clients comfortable and allows them to enjoy their session versus being nervous about being in front of a camera. I feel as if my bright and airy style of photography matches my personality well.
Whether I am working with an engaged couple capturing emotional moments, or getting candid images of a keynote speaker at a conference, I maintain a friendly smile and calm demeanor. I am most proud that reviews from clients speak not only about the quality of my work but the quality of the experience that they have.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Having my first styled shoot published. It was my first passion project that I created and organized. The feeling of validation that came with knowing the quality and execution of my idea was good enough to be published in a wedding blog as inspiration for real brides was huge.
It made it even more special because I met so many wonderful vendors that donated their time and skills. I still work with and consider each of those vendors friends. It would not have been possible without an all-star team.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages Start at $1200
- Engagement Sessions Start at $300
- Corporate Events Start at $400
- Senior Sessions Start at $200
- Family Sessions Start at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haleykphotos.com
- Phone: 325-338-8084
- Email: haleykatherine93@gmail.com
Image Credit:
ANM Photography
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