Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Hays.
Kaitlin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was in high school, I was at a UIL Solo and Ensemble competition sitting outside with some of my friends. One of the couples I was sitting next to looked at each other in the most captivating way, and I just HAD to grab my little Kodak digital camera to snap a shot of it. After my friends and parents raved over how great that photo was, I just kind of fell in love with capturing little moments and showing the world how I saw things.
I did eventually start to grow distant from photography for a while, and after trying my luck at three different majors in college, I eventually made a full circle back to photography. After hearing how passionate and excited I was, my grandparents insisted on buying me my first DSLR camera (Canon Rebel T6.. I still shoot with this today). Once I purchased a 50mm lens from a friend, I decided just to go out and shoot as much as I could to learn and grow.
Since last summer, I’ve shot four weddings, three engagements, a handful of seniors, and a variety of other unique sessions, each special in their own way. I took this past summer as an opportunity to learn and grow and created two photo series’ in two months. I was also recently published in Flea Market Decor, as well as here on Voyage Dallas.
Each day, I become more and more inspired by the things I see and the world we live in, and I can’t help but feel so blessed to have been given this passion. The progress that I have made in my first year of shooting is crazy, and I’m beyond excited to see where this next one takes me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth it comes easy, and that is something I always have to remind myself. I think the hardest thing thus far has been being confident enough in my work to put myself out there and really believe in what I’m doing.
Confidence has never been my strong suit, and with so many other amazing photographers surrounding me, it’s sometimes hard to separate myself and remember that it’s not about being better than anyone, it’s about what each of us can bring to the table. There are so many different styles and types of photography, it’s all so beautiful.
I’ve also had struggles with being able to make time for my passion and now a business, because of a full-time job that I’m committed to. And of course, there have been occasional run-ins with difficult clients.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Wonderstruck Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
It’s still so crazy to say that I have my own business! I created Wonderstruck Photography in hopes of showing people how I see the world. I absolutely love helping others, and the fact that I get to capture and create memories for them is even better!
I specialize in portrait photography ranging from children to weddings, but my most favorite thing to shoot would have to be children. Their spontaneous, wondrous nature is something I relate to, and I love that they are always so genuine.
If I am known for anything, it is probably a photo series I have done. Within the last year, I’ve created three. Americana, a tribute to different eras in American culture, THIRSTY, which consisted of three different makeup looks from Jeffree Star’s summer collection, and then finally the Twelve Days of Christmas. Overall, I am most proud of how far I have come. Looking back and being able to see my progress is mind-blowing. It’s even crazier to know that the only thing I’ve done to improve is go out and shoot more.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
In the next 5-10 years, I see the photography industry growing even more than it already has. The community that has been formed even over the last few months is absolutely incredible, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. I think that smaller creators will have more of a chance, and I feel that collaboration among artists will become more popular. This industry is full of so much talent, and every single artist brings their own unique story to the table. There are big things coming our way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wonderstruck-photography.com
- Phone: 8173081110
- Email: kaitlinhays@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderstruckphotog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wonderstruck-Photography-1839200676343157/
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