We were lucky to catch up with Bailey Hill recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bailey, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive is extremely important as a wedding photographer working in a busy industry. In the thick of busy season it can begin to feel a tad repetitive so I go out of my way to create unique galleries for each client that best tells their story. Early on I remember hearing that only one of five businesses make it past their first five years in business. I have kept that statistic at the top of my mind to help drive me and stay focused. I was determined to be apart of the 20% and that couldn’t have happened without fueling my creative side frequently. I often try to engage with other creatives, come up with fun concepts that speak to me, and let the “rules” go out the window when doing personal work. This looks like hosting styled shoots, creating unique setups, and playing with light or other things I’d usually avoid to challenge myself. Some of my most favorite work is work that I have done pro bono.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Bailey Hill and I am Northern Indiana photographer who specializes in weddings and education. I opened a studio Downtown Elkhart in the Enterprise Building earlier this year which has been a fantastic addition to Blackbird and Rye. It was not originally my intention to have a full time photography business as I was a nursing major at Ball State back in the day. Life had other plans for my family, we welcomed our oldest daughter, Rylan, in 2014 and I was determined to make a livable wage to stay home with her. Once her sister, Lennon, joined the party three years later I found myself dabbling with the idea of turning this little camera hobby of mine in to something bigger. At the time I didn’t know just how much bigger that was going to be.
I originally believed I wanted to be a newborn and senior photographer which looking back in funny now because it’s probably what I document the least of. I find great joy in seeing the same families annually and meeting new couples for their wedding day year after year. I believe what sets me apart from others in the industry is the relationships I develop with my clients along the way. I am not a “click and go” person who delivers a gallery and then disappears from their lives. I am extremely fortunate that some of these people have become my closest friends and most welcome me back year after year to watch their lives and families grow and change. This is something I never take for granted. It is so special.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three areas that were most impactful on my journey thus far have been connections, networking, and vulnerability.
I have kept connections are the forefront of why I do what I do. Connections with my clients and maintaining strong relationships with them is what keeps me going. Many of my clients have turned in to friends and even some friends that now feel like family.
Networking with other photographers and vendors in the wedding community have made the lack of coworkers feel less isolating. This one ties in with connection as mentioned above. I look forward to going to work even more so when other trusted individuals I know and love are apart of the day’s vendor team.
Vulnerability has allowed me to be transparent in an industry that often shows the highlight reel of every day life. I strive to be relatable and a safe place where others can feel at home. Where they too feel comfortable to show me and be in front of my lens as there most authentic selves.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I start to recognize the anxiety associated with feeling overwhelmed I know it is time to take a step back and acknowledge what underlying issue is causing these emotions. Often if it is poor time management and overbooking my work and personal life schedules. I have become aware of this and instead of avoiding “doing a better job” I now intentionally leave days for time off to regroup. This helps me avoid burnout as a creative!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackbirdandrye.com
- Instagram: @blackbird_and_rye
Image Credits
Blackbird and Rye
