We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Halley Sunwold. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Halley below.

Halley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I take pride in being a creative. I view myself as highly creative, and working as a photographer enables me to tap into that aspect of my personality, which I might not be able to do in other professions. So everyday, I am grateful for being able to pursue my passion. I enjoy crafting intricate concepts, a big part of my job is coming up with fresh ideas to diversify not only my portfolio but my clients as well. The feeling of accomplishment after a successful photoshoot and witnessing people’s reactions to my work is truly gratifying. Being part of the artist and creative community is truly extraordinary. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting exceptional and talented individuals. While it’s a competitive environment, there are artists who generously provide their support without hesitation.

Starting out with a photography business meant I had to hustle to build my portfolio. I dedicated a whole year to unpaid work to gain essential experience in portrait photography. I needed to invest in myself in order for others to invest in me. Although working for free was challenging, it was a crucial step. One of the toughest struggles I face is feeling undervalued. Despite receiving praise for my work, many were unwilling to pay for my services. I had spent a whole year developing my skills so I could get paid gigs. So knowing when to make the transition from free shoots to paid is difficult, but you have to know your value and set boundaries. While I sometimes yearn for financial stability, knowing I will show up to work with a guaranteed paycheck, I remind myself that success often follows a challenging path. Many accomplished photographers invest a decade to reach their current positions. The thought of giving up on my business is difficult as it feels like I’m letting go of a piece of who I am.

Halley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Halley, a fashion/portrait photographer based in Seattle, WA. My main work involves test shoots for signed models. These shoots are for models to showcase their talent and diversify their portfolio. I take a look at each model’s portfolio and style a shoot that will be beneficial in hopes of them landing paid gigs. I plan out every detail: hair, makeup, outfit, location and aesthetic. Models are always needing fresh photos for their books and I’m the one they turn to. I love developing new concepts for my clients that are unique to them. On top of that I coordinate with their agency which has provided me with valuable networking. I also offer services like updated headshots, branding photos and sometimes graduation photos.

How I got into the industry is quite a long story. Photography has always been a hobby of mine, starting out with taking self portraits because I wanted to be a model myself. However, as I grew older my career was to become a Veterinarian. I went to Washington State University pursuing an animal science degree. Around my Junior year of college I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder which resulted in me withdrawing from school. The one thing that helped me through my diagnosis was photography. I took a leap of faith and bought my first DSLR. I started taking graduation photos and offering couple sessions to other college students. This provided me with some income but most importantly I found purpose in my life again. So taking photos isn’t just my business, it’s my life saver.

Later on in my photography career I got into the wedding business after covid once it was safe for weddings to occur again. I learned a lot along the way but I often longed to further express my creativity which is why I switched to portraits. I began by exploring creative themed concepts to make my work distinctive and vibrant with bold colors. Transitioning fully into portraits, I aimed to differentiate myself from other artists. I think what sets me apart from others is that my business isn’t fueled by money but by passion. I don’t have a backup plan, photography is it for me and I have stuck with it through all the ups and downs. My future clients should know that I will treat them with care and offer them the best service. I am fully dedicated to capturing stunning images that will leave them in awe, as I constantly prioritize their best interests and recognize their genuine potential. Beyond taking photos, I enjoy educating models on posing and finding what works for them. I have spent a lot of time understanding poses, practicing them myself in a mirror. Using the knowledge that I have I recently released a posing book for photographers that is available on my website. While photography is my passion, teaching is equally fulfilling. I am always eager to share my knowledge and offer guidance to those seeking it.

I am proud of all of the work I have accomplished with so many talented creatives. My supportive clients and colleagues have played a crucial role in my current success and growth. It has lead me to be named Top Portrait Photographer in Seattle by Giggster. Lastly, I am proud of myself for letting photography back into my life and how I’m able to share my journey honestly with others. I never thought this would become my career, but I believed in myself and took that leap of faith to launch my own business.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I’ve encountered individuals who struggle to grasp the nature of my work. Owning a photography business doesn’t mean I work the typical 9-5 job. So it’s challenging for others to understand the effort required to manage a business. Some have suggested that I lack a proper job and work minimal hours. However, the reality of being a creative is far more demanding than commonly perceived. As a photographer it’s more complex than clicking a button. We first have to understand how to use a camera and editing software, it doesn’t come easy. Beyond photoshoots, photographers are constantly at work trying their best to maintain a constant paycheck. We are often uncertain about our monthly earnings due to the absence of an hourly wage. Each day involves a relentless pursuit of opportunities, from applying for paid projects to updating websites, exploring new advertising strategies, consistently put out content and grow our social media audience. On top of that we manage contracts, finances including: tracking payments, expenses, and handling quarterly taxes, it all falls on our shoulders.

How did you build your audience on social media?

It’s so hard to build your presence on social media especially if you are just starting out. There aren’t a lot of people out there trying to help others get their account going. But I have dedicated this whole year to helping beginners with this sort of topic through my monthly newsletter. Which you can sign up on my website www.halleysunphotography.com/newsletter. I cover other topics such as how to do Trade for Print Shoots, network with other creatives, how to find models in your area and so much more.

To start, Instagram favors new accounts, they want to keep you using the app. So staying consistent with posting will reward you greatly. As you build your profile, you want to give people a reason to follow you. Show off you and your most proud work. You have to at least make one post about yourself. A quick portrait with a full description of who you are makes it more enticing. Whenever I post a photo of myself, it’s one of my most liked photos. It’s a nice personal touch to show who is behind the work. I know it’s silly to say but show that you’re a person and not just a robot behind the account. Take advantage of Instagrams feature of pinning posts to your profile. These three posts should consist of your most favorite work and a post about you. Think of these posts as a first impression.

The most effective way that I find people to follow is being specific. My number one common interest I look for is location. I love to find creatives in my area because it increases the likelihood of them following me back and potentially working with me in the future.

A technique that I have learned throughout my career is paying attention to who is following who. I have found photographers who have the same style as me and looked at who is following them. I thoroughly go through that list and follow people who interest me. Chances are they will follow me back since they are following someone whose work is similar to mine.

Lastly, you will need to follow a good chunk of people. Your following count will be larger than your follower count which is totally normal. The average follow back rate is 10%-30% depending on the account. So per 100 followings you can expect 10 followers back. You need to pay attention to that count when are deciding who to follow. If you find someone and their following is half the size of their followers, then you can tell right away that they only follow 50% of their follower requests. Seeing that ratio will determine their likelihood of following you. This is just something to consider if you are left wondering why people are not following you back.

After many years of building my social media presence, I wish I realized sooner that building a following gradually is more beneficial. I aim for followers who genuinely connect with my work, rather than bots or those who are just looking for a follow back. Despite reaching nearly 2,000 followers in six years, I feel equally validated as I would with 10,000 followers. Having a large following also brings added pressure, it’s more people to please and have to engage with. Grow your audience to a size that you can currently manage and focus on perfecting your craft first.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.halleysunphotography.com
• Instagram: @halleysun.photography
• Other: email: [email protected]

  Newsletter Sign up: www.halleysunphotography.com/newsletter

  Posing guide: https://www.halleysunphotography.com/thepose/p/posing-guide-duos

Image Credits

Models:

Lane Swenson
Sasha Beall
Le’Zjon Bonds
Mackenzie Nelson
Meghan Rech
Ashley Tindall
Kaela Cole
Lauren Sears
Jay Jones