Today we’d like to introduce you to Haylie Meyer.
Hi Haylie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was handed a nice camera to play around with at the age of thirteen, but it wasn’t the only gift my parents gave me. I was also given the knowledge that integrity coupled with a strong work ethic would get me far in life.
As I began to use that camera, doors that I didn’t know existed started to open. Not only was I intent on learning how to be a good photographer, I also fell in love with the idea that I could be an entrepreneur. That I could own my own business, be my own boss, and that my job wouldn’t have to be something I dreaded going to every day. I worked towards my goal of photographing weddings all throughout high school, using the money I earned from small photoshoots to upgrade my equipment & create a brand that would eventually serve couples in the Kansas City area. I remember the joy I felt the first time I booked a wedding for someone who found me online, and honestly it’s the same feeling I get now anytime a couple chooses me to photograph their wedding day.
My business has steadily grown over the years, and I love to look back and see how I’ve grown as a person as well. I worked as an office assistant at an engineering firm for a few years, editing at night and photographing weddings on the weekend. Those days in the office taught me so much about professionalism and the world of business in general.
I took a daring leap at the age of 20, and decided to leave the Kansas countryside for the hills of Uganda in East Africa. I felt specifically called by God to go and experience life in a different way, build relationships & interact in the lives of the people there. I volunteered my photography skills at an organization focused on educating & providing for vulnerable children in their community. I treasure every photograph I took, every story I documented, and every opportunity God used to show me how much He loves His people.
2020 was going to be the year where I brought my business to a new level – I was going to come home from Africa and be totally self employed! Unfortunately I came home to a very different world than I had left five months earlier. My adventure loving soul had to learn some hard lessons, but looking back I can see how valuable they were. As entrepreneurs, we have learn what it means to be flexible and have resilience.
I was anxious to get back to being busy, and truly, this year has been incredible. The biggest year Haylie Meyer Photography has ever seen coupled with the aggressive rebound of the wedding industry has created a whirlwind of work & energy in my life! There’s a joy in this line of work that is hard to explain, but every time I witness two people committing their lives to each other, I feel it. Every emotional moment with a family member, every cheer from the groomsmen, and every crazy move on the dance floor, it’s there. I’m convinced I have the best job in the world.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As a kid, I remember being told that loving photography was a phase and I’d soon grow out of it. That gave me all the more drive to push towards my goals.
I’ve found that it can be intimidating to put yourself out there in an industry where your personality and people skills matters as much as your product or service. I learned that I had to be myself and stay true to who God created me to be because that was what would set me apart from every else.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Haylie Meyer Photography?
I photograph the weddings of wonderful people in the Kansas City area. If you are down to earth, crazy in love, and believe that your marriage is the most important part of your wedding day, I might be the photographer for you. I’m passionate about building relationships & creating timeless portraits for my clients to cherish for generations!
I do my best to be efficient, organized and in charge when I need to be, and behind the scenes in a documentary mode when it’s appropriate. My clients often say they love my personality & presence on their wedding day! My signature is to get a wedding gallery back within a couple weeks (or even a couple days!) of the wedding. Most of all, I have fun. Count me in on all the action!
Pricing:
- 4000 average
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.hayliemeyerphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hayliemeyerphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hayliemeyerphotography
