We were lucky to catch up with Haley May recently and have shared our conversation below.
Haley, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I still face daily. Every time someone reaches out to me for photos it’s hard to not think “why me?”. But the way I try to overcome it is by just reminding myself that I have worked hard for my career and people like my work for a reason. Every new show or photoshoot makes me more confident in myself and my work and hopefully one day I will see what everyone else sees.
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 Haley and I’m a music photographer based in North Carolina. I started taking photos at concerts in 2021, and said it was my goal to one day photograph my favorite artist, Noah Kahan. What started as a hobby turned into a career as I started to get more experience through working with a publication called For The Punks. I was able to photograph some artists I could only dream of. And I got the chance to photograph Noah Kahan for the first time in 2022 when he opened at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Since then I have had the chance to photograph him 9 more times thanks to his management! Through this experience and gaining more eyes on my work, I have been hired by so many incredible bands and artists. From local NC artists to touring artists such as Franklin Jonas, We Three, and Haley Reinhart. I am now looking to book more shows and get on a tour as soon as possible.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think that networking is super important. It can be as simple as talking to another photographer in the photo pit or the security at the venue you’re always at. Talk to everyone, you never know how they can help further your journey. Also, once you have a decent portfolio, don’t be afraid to reach out to artists and offer your services. I send so many cold emails and dms and I highly recommend it. You would be surprised who will respond and want to work with you. And lastly, create the art that you want to create. Do what makes you happy and you will draw in clients that connect with you and your style.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who shares the same vision as me. If they see my photos and think that they fit their aesthetic as well. It makes the job so much easier if you can edit and create in your usual style and it is the perfect fit as is. Also someone that is easygoing and easy to collaborate with!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haleyontour.com
- Instagram: @haleyontour
- Twitter: @haleymmay
Image Credits
Haley May
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
