Today we’d like to introduce you to Haylee Mcdaniel
Hi Haylee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Photography has been something I have enjoyed from a very young age. My family started to notice my eyes for detail and how I could find beauty in just about anything. I had always wanted to simply ‘capture the moment’ so that I never could forget it. I received a camera as a Christmas gift in 2018; this was fitting as I was very involved with media in school. I still remember each teacher throughout the years who provided nice cameras for students. I like to think that they would be excited to know that I have continued to do my own work and still use all they have taught me to this day.
By 2019, I was taking photos for family and friends. I had never thought to make a business for what I could do until about a year later. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, it seems to run in our blood. My dad has his tile/stone business, one pair of grandparents once owned a cleaning service, another grandpa had an excavation service, even a cousin who now owns her salon, I could probably go on forever about it! Being in this family pushed me to realize that I could turn what I love into my job. However, as the pandemic started to approach in 2020, I took a break from making Haylee’s Photograph into what it is today.
I am now in college at Northwest Missouri State University and I have continuously pushed myself into making sure I am happy with who I am becoming personally and professionally. I finally got my camera back out and started doing photos for my friends and on vacations. I remember thinking to myself “I still got it!” after doing a few random sessions when I could fit them in. That brings me to my current path with Haylee’s Photograph, a rapidly growing business where I can share my love for capturing the moment and the natural beauties of people, places, and things! I have become so lucky to be surrounded with so many amazing people everywhere I go. Not only are these people amazing, they appreciate the utter devotion I have to this art and making each session more than just photography.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As I have stated, the pandemic really took a toll on my developing mind and business. The anxieties and what-ifs of life unfortunately did put my business in a halt for much longer than I would like to admit. I became obsessed over the idea that everyone could watch me fail if I pursued photography and that was terrifying. For context, I was only 15 when I first started photography and I wasn’t ready for the pressures of making my name heard. The isolation I had experienced due to the pandemic did not allow those fears to go away until years later.
Some may know that I also am not one to only have one goal at a time. I decided to restart Haylee’s Photograph during what some would probably say was the worst timing. At NWMSU I am a double major, with a double minor in school, in a sorority, and also have 2 other jobs in Maryville, MO that I am extremely passionate about. I just knew that if I didn’t start now, when would there ever be a good time? I had to develop a schedule for myself to be able to balance all of these pieces of my life. It was hard at first, especially with school. I am so glad that I faced this challenge though, because it has came to be one of the best personal growth opportunities that I have ever experienced.
We’ve been impressed with Haylee’s Photograph, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Haylee’s Photograph means everything to me now! It is a service that I am so proud to offer others. I have grown so much closer to my communities through it and even defeated some of my anxieties when in social situations or pressured environments. I specialize in lifestyle and family photography, but I do just about anything you can think of. I have photographed things from seniors, to events, all the way to a full wedding day! I am still trying to find my exact niche as time goes by, but it has become difficult since I just love doing it all. I also take pride in the affordability that I am able to keep my sessions at. I believe that every person, couple, family, pet, etc, is worthy of having a forever place via photograph. I try to offer the quality of photos that I would appreciate, at a price that I could afford while making my pricing so it is more inclusive for anyone to enjoy.
I am the most proud of who I have become during the creation of this business. I have so much fun just meeting new people and doing what I can to make them feel seen and heard during each session. The service that I am able to give to people is truly worth more than anything. Hearing the testimonials of my clients after our sessions brings me so much joy.
Another thing I would say I am most proud of is my growth as a business owner. As I am going to school to be an educator, it seems a bit silly to say that in writing, but it’s the truth. I have been able to pursue goals such as making a website, creating building plans for a future studio, and so much more. This has all moved very fast for me and it shows my aspirations to make this business blossom into something that I could have only dreamed of years ago.
Pricing:
- Family Sessions (45 minutes) | $100
- Seniors/Grads | $200
- Events (per hour) | $120
- Couples (45 minutes) | $70
- Portrait Minis (30 minutes) | $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/hayleesphotograph
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HayleesPhotograph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Haylees-Photography/100063913902739/?_rdr
Image Credits
Haylee’s Photograph
