Meet Payton Hartsell

We were lucky to catch up with Payton Hartsell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Payton, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I’ve always been a glass half full kind of person by nature. Jesus saved me and that foundation shapes how I move through life and through my business. It keeps me grounded even on the busiest or hardest days. When you focus on the good, the good grows. That mindset has helped me so much as a photographer, because this job brings a lot of pressure, emotion, and unexpected moments you have to roll with. Instead of spiraling into what else could go wrong, I remind myself that “if this is the worst thing that happens today, I’m still a pretty lucky person.” That shift helps me show up calm, steady, and present for my clients. I think that optimism comes through in my work too. I’m always looking for the light and the sweetness. Focusing on the good helps me notice it everywhere.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a photographer based in Texas and the most special part of what I do is getting to be there for people during some of the happiest moments of their lives. Most of the time when someone hires a photographer, it’s to celebrate something. A wedding, a birthday, a graduation, a marriage proposal. I get to share in that joy and that never gets old.
Knowing that these photos will live on long after the moment passes is something truly special. One day they will be pulled out of a box or shown to kids and grandkids who were not even born yet, accompanied by stories told around the kitchen table. Photography has a way of preserving happiness and letting it travel through time. Being trusted with that is such a blessing, and it is what inspires me to create work that feels honest and full of life.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that have impacted my journey the most are kindness, organization, and creativity. Treating people the way you want to be treated will take you farther than anything else. When you take care of your clients and take care of the work you are creating for them, everything else naturally builds from there. The second thing is organization. In this industry, being organized is not optional. It keeps your clients confident, your workflow smooth, and your art protected. And lastly, creativity. Inspiration is great, but sometimes too much inspo can drown out your own voice. My best advice is to step outside, pay attention to real light and real moments, and let that spark new ideas. Creativity grows when you give yourself room to see the world with your own eyes.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The Bible has played the biggest role in my personal and professional journey. One verse I use to approach my work is Romans 12:6-8. “If your gift is serving others, serve them well.” I carry that with me in everything I do. It reminds me that whatever gifts we’ve been given are meant to be used with intention, humility, and excellence. In my business, that translates to showing up fully for my clients, treating people with care, and using my talent in a way that honors both them and the purpose God gave me.

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Image Credits

Payton Hartsell Photography

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