Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Haynes.
Meredith, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My husband, Michael, gave me my first DSLR after we’d been married a few years. We traveled quite a bit and some of my favorite souvenirs were the pictures I’d take on our trips. Around the same time, some co-workers and I started a photography club at work. Several were newbies like me while others had quite a bit of experience and were willing to share tips and tricks. Poor Michael was often my model for the photography challenges – I’m sure he cursed his sweet gift to me daily. Before long I had a few friends reach out and ask me to take pictures of their families. Once we had our B/G twins, I was either holding a baby or holding my camera (taking pictures of a baby). I continued to photograph friends and family but constantly made excuses as to why I wasn’t ready to make it official.
Last October I’d just finished a friend’s fall session and decided to quietly create Instagram and Facebook pages for my photography business. I added my favorite pictures from the last decade and decided I’d keep the pages hidden until I was ready… maybe in year or two, I’d be ready to share. And then 10 minutes later I shared the pages with everyone. I was officially in business! Michael came home from work that evening and said, “So, you’ve been busy…” I’m a part-time Communications & Media Specialist for the City of McKinney, a wife, a mother of three sweet kiddos, and I now have my own photography business. One day I’ll sleep, but right now I’m loving my busy life!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Knock on wood, it’s been a smooth road so far. I never had any intention of having a photography business, I just loved taking pictures. I’ve spent the last ten years practicing and perfecting so the entire process has felt very organic. So many people jump into a new business and learn along the way – and that’s great! But, for me, I look at the last decade as research and growth. I’m not doing anything differently now than I did before except my fee is slightly more than what I used to charge: a grande white chocolate mocha from Starbucks. That being said, my biggest struggle is confidence in my work. I still get nervous before every shoot. I’m not sure that will ever go away. I’m not sure I want it to.
Meredith Haynes Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a family and portrait photographer in McKinney. Most of my clients are young families but lately, I’ve done a lot of generational photoshoots, which have been so sweet. I’m most proud of the time I take with each family. From personal experience, I know what it’s like to get an entire family ready for a photoshoot. I know the nerves the mom feels as they drive to the location. I know how desperately she wants “just one good shot for the Christmas card.” I want that for her as well. I won’t let a shoot end until I know we’re both confident it went well. Sometimes it’s hard for photographers because we see the beauty of the composition – the background, the lines, the lighting, the textures… I consider all of that a (huge) bonus. My main focus is the beauty of the family.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I look to the family’s reaction after they’ve seen their photos as a marker for success. Repeat clients or new clients who’ve heard about me from a client’s recommendation… this is truly the only way I know I’m doing something right.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 918-629-9788
- Email: meredith.haynes@gmail.com
- Instagram: @meredith.haynes.photo
- Facebook: @meredithhaynesphoto
Image Credit:
Main photo: Goldenlight Creative
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