Today we’d like to introduce you to Arielle Hayes.
Hi Arielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My first real introduction to photography was in high school when I joined yearbook. I really took to it and begged my parents to buy my first camera, a point and shoot Sony. I took pictures of anyone and thing I could. In college, shoutout to my HBCU Claflin University, I was one of the camera operators for our volleyball and basketball games.
After graduating, I got into sports photography to take a different approach to capturing sports and action. I was shooting leisurely until last year when I decided to take my craft more seriously. I started working the earliest shift at my job to catch earlier games and invested the income from my job into my photography. From there, I started networking and reaching out to various teams and schools for media credentials. I also started to step outside of my comfort zone and approach other photographers while shooting. Because of my networking, I had the opportunity to be a sideline shooter for the 2019 Georgia High School Football State Championship and have media credentials for DeKalb County High School Athletics and Clayton State University. When I’m behind the camera, the feeling of joy and peace I get is unexplainable.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest struggles for me are finding the strength to focus on building my brand after I get off of work and consistently posting on social media. I’ve never been a big social media person, which kind of sucks for me because it is an IMPORTANT tool when it comes to building a brand and getting your work seen on a larger scale.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The biggest and most noticeable thing that sets me apart in my field is being an African American women. When I’m shooting the majority of the time, I’m the only women covering the event. Hopefully, my presence can inspire some young girl or women to follow their dreams of being a sports photographer.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Don’t be afraid to talk to other photographers while at an event. Starting off, I was shy about approaching people, but I realized if I wanted to build my brand, I had to reach out to people and start building genuine connections. Whenever I see other photographers at games, I approach them either before a game or during a break. If we vibe, I get their social and contact information to stay in touch. You never know who the person is you’re introducing yourself to and how you all could benefit each other. I’ve met plenty of great photographers and had great opportunities because I stepped outside my comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Email: ariellehayesphotography@gmail.
com - Instagram: ArielleHayesPhotography
- Facebook: Arielle Hayes Photography
