We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hailey Lunsford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hailey, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience has been a cornerstone of my journey as a photographer, and I owe much of that strength to my mom. She has always been a pillar of inspiration and support, demonstrating what it means to face life’s challenges with grace and unwavering positivity.
Growing up, I watched my mom navigate many obstacles, always with a smile on her face and love in her heart. She worked tirelessly to provide for our family, always putting our needs and dreams above her own. Her selflessness, support, and kindness, are qualities I admire deeply and am so grateful to have learned from her.
My mom taught me that resilience isn’t never about feeling down or defeated; it’s about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and continuing to move forward, no matter what life throws at you.
As a photographer, I’ve faced my share of challenging situations – unexpected weather, tight schedules, or technical hiccups during a shoot. In these moments, I draw strength from my mom’s example. She showed me that every setback is an opportunity for growth, a lesson to be learned, and a chance to become stronger.
Much like life, photography is full of unpredictability, and learning to adapt and thrive in uncertain situations is essential. I’ve embraced this mindset, finding the beauty in the unexpected and joy in the journey itself. My mom’s resilience has taught me to keep pushing forward, maintain a positive outlook, and focus on creating meaningful moments, even when things don’t go according to plan. Her strength is my guiding light, and I’m forever grateful for the resilience she’s instilled in me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Hailey, a documentary and lifestyle photographer based in St. Louis, and I’m all about capturing genuine moments and telling authentic stories through my lens. I’ve been passionate about photography since I was nine, but it wasn’t until I photographed a friend’s wedding in July 2023 that I decided to turn my passion into a small business.
What excites me most about photography is the opportunity to connect with people and capture the essence of their most meaningful moments. Whether it’s an engagement session, a family gathering, or a quiet moment shared between two people in love, I strive to create images that reflect the unique story of each individual and their relationships. For me, photography is more than just taking pictures – it’s about preserving memories and emotions that people can look back on and cherish forever.
My brand is focused on celebrating life’s adventures and embracing the beauty in the everyday. I work with kind souls who value authenticity an adventure, and who are just as excited about creating lasting memories as I am. I’m always up for traveling to new places and capturing moments in new environments, which adds another layer of excitement to my work.
Overall, I want people to know that my work is all about storytelling, connection, and capturing the raw, beautiful moments of life. I’m here to create images that not only document milestones but also encapsulate the emotions and connections that make life truly meaningful.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey; resilience, curiosity, and connection.
Resilience has helped me overcome challenges, like dealing with unexpected situations during shoots. My advice is to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and keep pushing forward.
Curiosity has driven me to explore new techniques and styles, keeping my work fresh. For those starting out, stay curious, always be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Trying new things will help you grow and find your unique voice.
Connection is about building genuine relationships with clients. Photography is more than capturing images; it’s about telling their stories. Focus on understanding the people you work with to create more authentic and meaningful work.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My fellow photographer friends have been incredibly valuable to me in my journey. They’ve provided practical advice, technical tips, and emotional support. Sharing experiences, brainstorming solutions, and offering feedback have all helped me overcome challenges and refine my skills. Their different perspectives and expertise have inspired me and broadened my creative horizons. For me, connection is key – having a network of supportive peers enriches my journey and helps me grow both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haileylunsford.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haileylunsfordphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haileylunsfordphoto
Image Credits
Hailey Lunsford Photography
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