Meet Sarah Hays

We recently connected with Sarah Hays and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and I experience it in the photography industry all of the time.

Our world seems to be built around measurements, what is “good” and “bad” or what is “right” and “wrong.” We grow up learning that we did a good job if we pass the test, or if we answer the question right.

But in the realm of photography, and the world of art, there’s no handbook of what is good or bad. Art is subjective, and there simply is no “right” or “wrong.” And honestly, that can be terrifying. What I think is beatiful work, could be ‘bad’ work for another artist. Someone else might capture the exact same moment in an entirely different way than I do, and neither are technically right or wrong.

This has caused an avalanche of imposter syndrome for me, time and time again. But when struggling with this feeling, I just remind myself that I create in my style because I love it that way, and if others like that, then that is amazing! And if they don’t, then that’s okay too, because if every single person felt the exact same way about everything, nothing would be unique. And what is art if not unique?

In this industry, we need to remember that we create what we feel, and if someone else doesn’t like it, then that’s okay. Because it isn’t about them – it is about expressing your inner self.

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 am a wedding photographer based out of Seattle, Washington. However, most of my clients are from the Midwest, because I just moved to Seattle a little over a year ago.

I started my business from scratch in 2016. Since then, I have built a photography business that has photographed countless memories. I specialize in wedding photography, but have photographed seniors, family sessions, maternity sessions, and even groundbreaking research.

I focus on bold colors and emotions in my work. Photography is truly about capturing moments, and I love capturing the emotions behind those moments, too.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe there are two skills outside of technical knowledge that were crucial to success in my journey.

Commuication truly is key. Managing timelines, asking questions and setting expectations truly sets you up for success, and ensures you and the client are on the same page.

Adaptability comes second. Weddings are unpredictable — lighting changes, timelines shift, and moments happen quickly. Being able to adapt and problem-solve under pressure is vital.

Both of these skills come with time. I would recommend shadowing other photographers to learn how to adapt and communicate in the moment, on the fly.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

I feel like my biggest area of growth has been my confidence in stepping outside of the box the past 12 months.

While I previously would be very critical about my work, and afraid to step out of my comfort zone, I am starting to build confidence and create without giving myself boundaries of trying to stay in what society calls ‘normal.’

Never be afraid to try new things – because trying new things can save you! While we can be afraid of criticism and harsh judgements, what we all crave in the end is someone to be a beam of uniqueness. That beam can be you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sarahhaysphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: @sarah.haysphotography