Life & Work with Haley Sparks of Kansas City Metropolitan Area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Sparks

Hi Haley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love for photos. It started with a little camera, taking photos of random objects while growing up and has evolved into a career as a professional photographer covering much of Missouri and Kansas.

What fuels my love and passion for photography is a unique blend of motherhood and caffeine. These two essentials drive my sessions and keep me grounded. My children have always been my top priority, and they always will be. When designing my business, I made sure to book sessions only every other weekend to keep other weekends reserved for family. Additionally, I offer weekday evening sessions to accommodate various schedules.

Each client relationship is deeply valued. My goal is to capture those cherished moments in a way that evokes joy every time you view your photos. I invest my heart and soul into every session, going the extra mile to ensure your photos are not only stunning but also treasured.

I believe I have the best job in the world because it allows me to balance my passion with my family life. It’s an enjoyable chaos of kids, travel, sleepless nights, and extensive editing. Over the past nine years, I’ve progressed from a self-taught hobbyist to a respected professional, complemented by some formal education to enhance my skills.

Comfort is fundamental to my process. My style may be more casual and laid-back than traditional professionalism, but this defines me. I prefer to be comfortable and let my clients shine in their own natural styles. I have a profound love for nature, wildlife, and everything outdoorsy—I embrace a bit of a hippie heart. I cherish campfires and earthy aesthetics, which align perfectly with my vibe.

My husband has been one of my biggest supporters since our high school days. He’s the driving force behind everything I do and my partner in this wonderfully chaotic life of raising children and pursuing photography, always encouraging me to be my best.

Every photo session represents an opportunity to create something beautiful. I am deeply passionate about my work, and I infuse intention into every shot. While my approach might be considered unorthodox, with a heart-on-my-sleeve demeanor and a desire for genuine connections, it is this authenticity that makes my work so fulfilling.

Photography has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I have always been drawn to the small details and beauty of the world around me. So, if you hire me, rest assured that I will not only capture your photos but also the most beautiful, heartfelt moments of your life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road certainly hasn’t been smooth. I think a lot of people have a misconception that photography is simply about pointing a camera and hitting the shutter. In reality, it’s a form of art that requires talent, dedication, and a lot of hard work. Every session involves adjusting the camera settings and understanding how to manipulate light to capture the best shots. It’s also crucial to adapt these skills to suit different lighting scenarios and maintain a competitive edge.

One of the challenges I faced was the unspoken pressure to chase trends or edit in a style that’s currently popular. It took a significant amount of time for me to develop my own unique style and learn that stepping away from the norm is perfectly okay. Running a photography business has taught me to have thick skin and effective communication skills.

Understanding my worth was another hurdle. Many people don’t realize the significant investment photographers make in equipment and the countless hours spent editing photos. Being comfortable with charging what I’m worth has been a journey in itself. It also takes considerable time to grow a clientele base; building a solid book of business doesn’t happen overnight.

Over the past nine years, I’ve learned these lessons and continue to learn something new every day. The world of photography is constantly evolving, and staying open to learning is key to staying ahead.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in a wide variety of photography types, including families, newborns, maternity, kids, milestones, engagements, weddings, seniors, boudoir, product photography, headshots, and branding photos. As a mom of three, I have always felt a deep connection to family and milestone photos. These moments are incredibly special to me because I understand how important it is to have those pictures to look back on as your family grows.

In addition to my love for family photography, I have a strong passion for supporting small businesses. Highlighting local businesses has become an integral part of my work. I enjoy capturing the essence of what makes each small business unique, and I always make it a point to support and network with small businesses, no matter where I am traveling. I truly believe every small business has a story worth sharing, and I take pride in bringing that story to life through branding photos.

Wedding photography, while challenging with its long hours, is another area I specialize in. There is something incredibly rewarding about capturing the love and commitment between two individuals on one of the most important days of their lives. It’s an honor to be part of such significant moments.

Beyond people-focused photography, I also have a passion for wildlife photography. I maintain an Instagram page, @Nature_By_Sparks, dedicated solely to my wildlife shots. When I’m not photographing people, you can often find me in the woods with my camera, capturing the beauty of animals in their natural habitats. This year, one of my goals is to travel more and dedicate more time to my love for wildlife photography.

What sets me apart from others is my versatility and dedication to my craft. There isn’t a type of photography I shy away from because I genuinely love it all. Whether it’s a family milestone, a wedding, or capturing wildlife, there’s rarely a moment when I don’t have a camera in my hand. My ability to connect deeply with my subjects, be it people or animals, and my consistent support for small businesses, both at home and while traveling, are aspects of my work that I am most proud of. Every photo tells a story, and I am passionate about capturing and sharing those stories with the world.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that it’s okay to do your own thing and find your own creative perspective. You don’t have to follow trends—just be true to yourself and your unique vision. Authenticity in your work is invaluable.

Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of making time for family, no matter how busy work gets. There was a time when work significantly affected my family time, but I have since found a healthy balance between the two. Family time is incredibly important to me, and being able to be a mother while running my business has always been my main focus and motivation behind my work. Managing both my family and my business has taught me the value of balance and prioritizing what truly matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.haleysparksphotography.com
• Instagram: HaleySparksPhoto | Nature_By_Sparks | HaleyAshlynSparks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaleySparksPhotography/