We recently connected with Bailey and have shared our conversation below.
Bailey, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
For me, it came through experience and showing up consistently. The more I practiced and put my work out there, the more I built trust in my eye and my creative instincts. No matter the subject, each shoot taught me something new, and over time, that built a solid foundation of confidence. Not every shoot goes as planned, and I’ve learned not to let that shake me. Instead, I see those moments as part of the process—there’s always something to learn.
It’s so surreal getting to do what I love, and honestly, it’s unreal seeing artists and followers share my art. That kind of support—from artists, friends, family, followers, and the creative community—along with honest feedback, reminds me that my perspective has value. That’s been a big part of growing both my confidence and my self-esteem.
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?
I’m a photographer and have been passionate about capturing the world through my lens for over half my life now. Looking back I was always taking “artsy” pictures of something. Throughout the years my work has spanned a wide range of styles—from nature and landscapes to headshots, senior portraits, engagements, and weddings—but in the last year, I’ve been specializing in concert photography! There’s something so surreal about capturing the energy of live music, meeting artists, connecting with other photographers in the pit, and constantly learning with every show.
Alongside photography, I manage two other jobs and run a small jewelry-making business. I also do vendor events now and then for of my crafts! No matter how busy things get, I always carve out time to create because it’s truly what keeps me going, it’s my escape. Whether it’s an eye catching landscape or an intense concert moment, my goal is to create and capture moments that tell a story. I’m excited to see where this path takes me next.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey as a photographer have been patience, resilience, and the ability to observe deeply.
Patience has been absolutely essential — whether it’s waiting for the perfect light, the right expression, or for a story to unfold naturally. Great photographs aren’t always made in an instant; they often require time, stillness, and trust in the process because every shoot is different—you need to think on your feet, adjust to lighting, subjects, and unexpected challenges.
Resilience — or simply, not giving up — has kept me going through all the rejections, creative blocks, and self-doubt that come with the territory. There are going to be times when your show requests get denied or plans change but you can’t be afraid of “no” or let it stop you from trying. If you don’t try it’s going to be a “no” no matter what, trying always gives you a chance. Or the times when you find yourself comparing your work to others, just know that everyone’s art is beautiful but you’re not beneath anyone, we’re all just following our passion and everyone’s eye is different. It’s really about consistency and perseverance. Keep showing up. Even your bad days behind the camera are building something valuable.
And finally, the ability to observe deeply — not just seeing, but really noticing — has shaped the way I tell stories through images. It’s not just about the subject in front of you, but about the mood, the context, the silence between moments. Train yourself to look beyond the obvious. Study light. Notice emotion. Pay attention to what’s not being said. Trust your instincts and your creative eye.
My advice? Practice regularly, seek honest feedback, and stay curious. The technical skills will come with time, but nurturing these core qualities will set a foundation that lasts a lifetime. For those just starting out, I’d say: don’t rush. Let the moment come to you. Practice slowing down, especially in a world that constantly pushes for speed and build from there as you get more comfortable. Also never let what people say stop you from doing what you love. Take what they say and grow from it, never give up.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I start to feel overwhelmed, I take a moment to step back and breathe—it helps me realign before jumping back into whatever’s in front of me. Since I was a kid, it was instilled in me to make lists, and that habit has really stuck. Writing everything down gives me a way to organize my thoughts and see the steps laid out clearly. From there, I can prioritize—what needs to happen now, what can wait. It helps me stay focused on what’s manageable instead of getting caught up in the bigger picture all at once. Also just remember that you’re not alone, we all have something going on that we don’t display. Taking a break, going on a little walk to clear your head, calling someone and talking for a bit also helps me in those moments
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileyb_.photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19aJMRdyg2/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
@baileyb_.photography
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