Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Wright.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started when I picked up my mom’s camera in high school… and never put it down. I’m thankful for my parents believing in me and providing me with my first camera. After a few years of practicing photography on friends and my sister at home (sorry!), I purchased a new camera on my own. Photography has been my creative outlet, my passion, and my side job for the past 10 years. I have explored other avenues in life, but I have come to find that I am most comfortable and passionate behind my lens. This year, I finally decided to pursue photography full-time and I couldn’t be happier! Being a photographer has always been my dream job… I just didn’t think I could do it. As my business started growing, I finally realized that it was time to let go of fear and to go for it! And here I am today, with a growing business and a heart full of joy + gratitude. I can’t wait to see where this year leads me!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to success is never easy… and if it is, well, then the road was probably paved for you by someone who means well. However, I firmly believe that you don’t grow when you’re comfortable. This has probably been my biggest struggle in photography. Being comfortable is easy and growing (in life, in business, in relationships) is not easy! I would definitely consider myself an introvert and more on the shy side, but this business has grown me in ways that I cannot express. I am so thankful for the hardships because they have taught me some of the most valuable lessons (that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise). Being a business owner and doing the behind the scenes work isn’t easy, but I’m thankful to have entrepreneurs in my family to help (Thanks Dad + Jensie!).
Putting yourself out into the world and giving it your all is s-c-a-r-y. I’ve had to let go of the “what if’s” and the comparing to others who are further along in their journey than I am. I can tell you one thing that has made the biggest difference in my journey, though, has been to make connections in my area! Instead of comparing yourself to someone else in your field, ask them to coffee! Get to know them. Make friends. Ask for help. No matter what avenue you’re in, you don’t have to do it alone. Life is better with friends!
The bottom line is this: Be afraid and do it anyway! Don’t let the doubts that fill your mind keep you from chasing your dream. There will be days that you feel so alone- but you’re not. Money may be tight, but you’ll survive. There will be days that being a business owner overwhelms you with stress. IT IS WORTH IT AND YOU CAN DO IT!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a storyteller and a romantic at heart. Capturing your love, a piece of your life, and your story is what I’m here for. I want to showcase the real, the raw, and the authentic. For me, photography is a way of collecting some of life’s most precious moments to be cherished for all time. It is an absolute honor to be chosen to capture these memories for others. To me, images are not just images but rather memories and stories we fail to put into words.
Providing people with timeless images that tell the story of honest relationships is so incredibly important to me.
Although my main focus is weddings, I photograph families as well. Following my clients through their engagement, wedding, pregnancy, and then parenthood is one of the greatest joys that I have as a photographer. My clients are not just clients- they become friends and part of my HDP family.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
As I scroll through social media lately, I see more and more girl bosses! It’s so exciting to see so many women chasing after their dreams and running thriving companies. I truly believe that if we are afraid and do it anyway, we will see the fruits of our labor! A little courage and a lot of hard work go a long way. We can succeed at anything we put our mind to!
Pricing:
- Wedding Collection begins at $2,500.
- Individual engagement sessions begin at $350 when booked without a wedding collection.
- Lifestyle sessions begin at $275.
Contact Info:
- Address: Senoia/Peachtree City/Fayetteville/ South Atlanta
- Website: www.haleydawnphotography.com
- Phone: 404 354 0951
- Email: hello@haleydawnphotography.com
- Instagram: @haleydawnphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleydawnphotography/
Image Credit:
Haley Dawn Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
