Meet Haley Harr | Photographer/Videographer

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

Hi Haley, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
People don’t realize the amount of work that goes into a job as a photographer! You might think it’s simple, I go and take pictures…anyone can do it! Which is true, we all have nice cameras on our phones these days. But what people don’t realize is the amount of money and time I’ve invested in my equipment and knowledge. It’s not just going to take a picture, but the posing and interacting with clients. Then after the shoot or wedding day, there are many hours that go into editing and perfecting the photos. It takes a lot of time and energy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started professional photography with the intent to take good pictures of my family. I have always loved being behind the camera and have taken pictures/videos since I was very young. When I decided to start offering it to other people I was so nervous! It was a big jump to say that I wanted to take pictures for people, and charge them for it. I knew I wanted to get paid to be a photographer but it seemed hard to ask family and friends to pay me for something I’ve always done for free. I decided to invest in a DSLR camera that would be good enough to give me that confidence and make my photos look good. I bought that camera and the right editing software and started to advertise on Instagram. At first, it was not easy. But a lot of people were so supportive and would pay me the little I asked just so I could get experience. Then I started reaching out to local photographers to see if I could shadow them. For at least a whole year I practiced almost daily and as often as I could with other photographers. That first year I made the goal to pay off my camera equipment and software, which I was able to accomplish. The second-year I started doing a lot more photoshoots on my own. My confidence kept growing and I had less of a hard time asking people to pay me. My work got better and I did all my advertising through social media. People started reaching out to me about family, portrait and wedding shoots. Then, my husband decided to go to law school. Right when I started feeling good about where I was at with photography we moved hours away and to another state. Starting over again in a new place seemed like a daunting task. But I jumped in from the beginning, advertising on social media and to everyone I met. Quickly, my schedule filled up. For the last two years since we’ve been in Wyoming, I have been very busy to the point now of calling myself a full-time Photographer. It has taken a lot of time and practice to get where I’m at now. I even added in Videography last year as something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve put a lot of time and effort to be the best photographer and videographer I can be. I’ve spent thousands of hours shooting and editing photos. I feel confident in my style and love the people I get to work with. I am continually looking to grow my business and absolutely love what I do. People ask if I get tired as a photographer and I can honestly answer no. I love the business and brand I have built. It is a lot of work but I don’t ever see myself doing anything else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Laramie is a cute little town! There are some great Indian restaurants that we love. Another favorite place to eat is called Sweet Melissas. It’s a vegetarian cafe that has never disappointed. In the summer there is the farmer’s market on Fridays and lots of great parks. Close to Laramie, there are a lot of biking and hiking trails. These can be used in the winter as well with snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has all been really supportive and I’ve had many friends and family encourage and support me as I’ve built my business. My number one supporter has been my husband, Chandler. He has helped me get the equipment needed and been my emotional support. I have learned a lot in the last few years of doing professional photography and he’s been with me every step of the way. He’s also been a great babysitter to our daughter as I’ve gone to shoots. I also attribute all of my success to God. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without Him!

Website: https://haleyharrphotoandvideo.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: haley.harr.photoandvideo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haley.harr.photoandvideo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIcEU-ewdgfebw6LdOaPRGg