Today's feature does lovely work. So inspirational. She has a unique style that sticks out to me. I know her images are hers before I see the name. Her style is dreamy, soft and thought provoking. Please take some time and read a bit about Hayley Hay Photography
How did you come up with your business name?
It’s my name...yes it’s my real name, even if it does sound like a joke name, it’s my name!
What brought you to photography?
I became interested in photography after the birth of my first son. I just wanted to capture every little detail and moment of his life. I became frustrated when I couldn’t quite get the photo that I imagined in my head so I embarked on some photography training and my interest and love for it grew from there!
What do you like to shoot?
People, particularly children, I love their innocence and the fact you can capture their little expressions and personalities all in one image! I also love maternity sessions...I love getting creative with those lovely bumps and taking more time to compose the shots as with children it’s usually a much faster pace!
who is you favorite muse?
Our two little energetic boys are my muses. I could photograph them all day long! Not sure they would feel quite so happy about that though!
What is in your camera bag?
I’m a Canon girl, my 5D mark III is my baby and I’ve got a few lenses but always come back to my nifty fifty! I have some memory cards, flashes, and numerous toys to entertain the kids!
What type of camera bag do you rock?
I have a cool satchel style leather camera bag when I am only going out with my camera and a small lense, I’ve got a big old beast for carting around all my gear the rest of the time. So not rocking anything fancy at the moment but have my eye on a couple that I would like to get! A gal can never have enough camera bags...or just bags in general for that matter!
photoshop or Lightroom?
Both!
Jpeg or Raw?
I used Jpeg for many years but then switched to Raw and have never looked back...gotta love Raw!
In three words only how would you describe your photography style?
Natural, candid and fun!
Top 2 favorite photographers and why?
Now this is a hard question to answer as I have so many photographers that I admire...I think I have a list of around 20 top favourites so I’m finding it hard to pick just two...however…..Adriana Varela is one of my total and utter inspirations. Oh her photos are just magical...every single one of them. Having all boys too I really relate to her photos of her boys exploring in the outdoors, dressing up and generally just doing boy stuff! I love her processing too, you just get totally sucked in to every one of her images!
Another favourite photographer of mine is April Burns, her images are so natural, her use of light is fabulous and those skies that she captures are just magnificent and she is the nicest person!
Favorite season to shoot and why?
I love Autumn, for me it’s all about the colours and the light and it’s not too cold to be outside exploring and playing in the leaves!
what is your non photography related down fall? (example: chocolate, soda..)
Oh dear, this is most definitely wine and biscuits (not together!), I just can’t give them up, however hard I try!
What is your most embarrassing moment at a shoot to date?
Hmmmm it has to be when I was doing a maternity session and I was wearing a dress...as I stepped back I tripped over a rock and went flying backwards, legs in the air, you get the picture...I managed to save the camera but not my dignity but a nice man picked me up off the ground and asked if I was ok, whilst looking at my bleeding ankle! It really hurt but I was too embarrassed so just carried on shooting! I think I put the couple at ease at least as it broke the ice!
What is your one best piece of advice to give someone just starting out?
I think it is so important to be confident in your own style, stick with it and practice practice practice and to keep on learning and growing and to not compare yourself to anyone else!
If you weren't photographer what would you be, any dream careers?
Well my original career was as a scientist. I studied for years as an immunologist and did my PhD many moons ago. If I hadn’t have taken up photography after the birth of my first son I would probably have continued along this path. I still find it so fascinating and like photography you can never stop learning, I love to learn!
What is you goal for photography for the next 3 years?
My goal is to become a better photographer, I still feel like there is so much to learn so my aim is to keep on practicing, learning and improving!
If you would like to continue to follow Hayley, follow her Facebook page here Hayley Hay Photography. Please go show her some love! Until next time, XOXO