Meet Sarah Hayley | Photographer & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Sarah, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In many ways I think a creative career of some kind was inevitable for me. When I was starting college, I thought I would probably go into some sort of STEM career because it was practical, but I wasn’t happy with the work I put in towards that kind of path for myself. Most adults told me growing up to be a teacher but I didn’t vibe much with that idea, either. A lot of my family were teachers, and I have a lot of respect for them, but I see how much of their work is thankless. I wanted whatever I did with my life to be able to be seen clearly by anyone who looked at it. I didn’t want to do thankless work, and art is never thankless.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am just getting my studio photography business off the ground. Prior to this, I had been a hobbyist photographer for the last decade, and started pet portraits as a business in 2023. At the suggestion of many of my friends and family, I decided to try venturing into the realm of professional portrait photography. I wasn’t entirely sure when or how I was going to do that, but the gym I attend had an office opening in their space, so I jumped on it.
Before starting this business I had already run my own business before. During the 2010s I ran my own bed and breakfast. It was the kind of job with a very busy season or two and then a more relaxed winter with fewer people staying. When COVID-19 lockdowns swept the world in 2020, I decided to move on from it rather than fight to stay afloat in the face of travel restrictions. I knew there would be something else, eventually, that I would find myself doing. I moved to Denver in 2021 and worked a few different random and odd jobs, but never could have the same satisfied feeling from exhausting work as I did when I worked for myself. My greatest hard-won life lesson is to explore every opportunity that presents itself to you. I kept looking for opportunities and when a professional photographer friend asked me, “Have you thought about doing this for work?” I jumped at the idea. I did some pet photoshoots and started entering my art photography into contests. It has now been shown in several art galleries around the world. I am still a little amazed at how much has happened in such a short time, and I’m grateful for the support I have received along the way.

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 in the city is Meow Wolf Convergence Station. I have an annual pass and go as often as I can. I always see something new, and whenever a new friend is visiting for the first time it is my preferred place to take them. Besides that though, there are a few great spots I have fallen in love with the last few years. Pint’s Pub is a Scottish/British tavern at 13th and Bannock with phenomenal food and a serious selection of whiskey. Red Rocks is also a favorite, whether for a concert or just to hike around. I regularly find myself enjoying Confluence Park, Cheeseman Park, and several other green spaces that are excellent for reading or biking or just walking around. The Nature Museum is also a great place to visit. Larimer Square is a neat spot, and I used to love 16th Mall before the construction tore it all up. I would definitely be taking any friend of mine to 1Up Arcade Bar as well for some Pinball, too. Ultimately, though, no matter where I am in the city, the thing that makes this place home to me is the mountains in the distance. Like an anchor tethering me down to say “This is Home.”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank so many people for helping me to reach the point of opening my own photography studio. My Dad, Tim, who adopted me while I was in high school and has helped me become the adult I am today. Also Meghan and the crew at Vibe Gym & Wellness Collective, who have been an amazing community and support in helping me secure a space for my business.

Website: https://www.sarahhayleyphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_hayley_photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553525981230