We had the good fortune of connecting with Haley Hawn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I dove into wedding photography after getting married myself in 2017! I was in a transition period with my job in digital marketing, and my husband was accepted into grad school in the UK shortly after our wedding, so it was the perfect opportunity to try something new. I had done photography as a hobby since I was a child, but after experiencing my own wedding as a bride, I wanted to serve other couples and give them the experience I wish I had gotten! There are so many things you don’t know when you’re getting married, and it’s always such a bummer to look back and realize you wanted a photo or coverage after the fact. (my biggest regret is not having my rehearsal dinner photographed!) I feel that approaching every wedding day as if I were the bride helps me anticipate what my couples will value the most in the long haul!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a wedding photographer, I bridge two different roles: business owner & creative. I’ve always loved the process of building my business, seeing marketing turn into revenue, and creating an exceptional client experience! But I wouldn’t have a business without my art, and I’m so proud of the opportunities I’ve had to serve my clients well by creating art out of their most special moments. I’ve always loved getting to view wedding days, engagement sessions, and family sessions through a documentary perspective, and the way I choose to frame each moment is a huge part of how the story of their wedding day is told. At the end of the day, my job is to deliver images that my clients will look back on 20, 30, 50 years from now and say “this is exactly how we felt on our wedding day”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite place to visit in Colorado is always Aspen! It’s tucked away deep into the Rocky Mountains, and unlike other ski towns in Colorado, Aspen has a very authentic feel. The shopping is out of this world — whether you want to immerse yourself in designers like Prada, Ralph Lauren, or Dior, or maybe you’re more into local boutiques like Pitkin County Dry Goods, there is something for everyone. I also love the food scene in Aspen! As a foodie, I love fine dining experiences, and at the top of my list to try are Bosq (recently awarded a Michelin Star) and Betula. And of course, the best part about Aspen is the access to the outdoors. Some of my favorite places to take couples for photoshoots or wedding day portraits are up Castle Creek near Pine Creek Cookhouse, up Independence Pass to the Continental Divide, and on the hiking trail around Red Mountain. Hunter Creek is a favorite!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man — there are so many photographers that I reached out to and asked questions to early on! One of the most helpful connection I had was through the wedding venue I got married at, The St Vrain in Longmont, CO! Annie, the owner, was so kind to connect me with other photographers and planners, and put me on their preferred vendor list early on. So much of my success is dedicated to her!

Website: www.haleyhawn.com

Instagram: @haleyhawnphoto

Other: Tiktok: @haleyhawn

Image Credits
Haley Hawn Photo (myself)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.