Meet Haley McKay | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haley McKay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
The biggest factor for my motivation and to keep going in my career was changing my perspective on things! Whenever I feel down or feel like giving up I try to do a fun creative session or I try and change my thought process. Times are hard in this economy right now- and it can be easy to just quit and to get a full time corporate job, but I would not enjoy or put forth as much effort in my photography if I had a 9-5. I have a lot of friends in the industry that have lifted my spirits when I feel like giving up. I have a passion for photography and it is what allows me to keep going. I can get caught up in comparing myself to other creatives- but instead of focusing so much on others I try to strive for more education and skill building. That is why it is so important to find other friends in the industry that can build you up! You have to have hurdles to get where you want to go. If it was all easy you wouldn’t have respect for it. It is the tough times that make you realize how important it is to keep pushing forward.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started photography in high school and knew after I studied AP photography, that I wanted to continue this as a career. So in college I studied Marketing- I received my B.B.A from SHSU in 2016. After some corporate jobs, I went full time with my photography career in 2019. I never looked back! I have been photographing weddings, lifestyle, newborns, families and portraits. I love being a wedding photographer- It blends very well with my personality. I love to stay busy and I love educating and helping others. I strive in a busy environment which makes sense why I do well as a wedding tog. I opened up my studio in 2022 for maternity, newborns and family. I have loved photographing newborns and families since I have little kiddos as well. Life is so dang fast and I really love documenting all the moments that life has to offer. It is so important to try and get one professional photoshoot done a year (at least)- because time FLYS by and if you can capture these moments from a professional camera that is print worthy- its worth it. I love looking back on all my kiddos professional photoshoots that I have done- in the moment is feels crazy sometimes but when I get the pictures back- I am in awe of how they look. When I reflect back from years ago- I forget about all the details- so I am happy to have them documented. I am most excited about the next few years, I have significantly decided to step back in the wedding industry and take on less weddings a year. So instead of 30+ weddings I wish to do 12-15 weddings a year. This will allow me to focus on my brides and give them the best possible client experience. I wish to take on more family sessions and more newborn/maternity clients. I have loved newborns and have invested a lot of money and education with newborn photography. As far as owning my business and getting to where I am today- I owe a lot of my success to my family and husband. My parents have helped so much with my business to being an advise loaner and watching my little ones while I work. They have supported my business since day one. My husband has always supported my dream of being a photographer- he has never doubted my success at all. He is there 100% of the time being my biggest fan and cheerleader. It has not always been easy being a business owner, but I have so much love for what I do and who I do it for. There have been some challenges along the way, but when those arise I always lean on my support system to help me steer through. I have prayed for this business for so long and I would not be where I am today without all my amazing clients that have turned into life long friends.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of the best places to see in Houston is in the heights or downtown. I love going to all the cute boutiques in the heights and little whole in the wall shops and restaurants. Houston has some really great places to visit or even in the outskirts of Houston there are some fun places to see. If I had a friend come from a different city, I would take them to the heights first- we would grab some local grub and coffee. We would check out all the cool local shops and boutiques. I would take them downtown to walk some fun trails with the skyline as the background! Houston has a lot to offer!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout series to my business partner, Christi Moore. You inspire me to strive more in my business and to keep going even when times are hard. I also would like to thank my parents who have always pushed me to focus on my passion and been there from the very beginning. You guys make this career possible! Lastly, I would like to thank my husband for always supporting me and being my unpaid assistant for 11 years. You’re the real MVP babe!

Website: https://www.haleyleannephotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyleannephotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleyleannephotography

Other: email: info@haleyleannephotography.com