We recently connected with Adley Haywood and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Adley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

As a business owner, it’s important to invest in tools and products that can help you grow and succeed. For me, the best investment I’ve made was building a studio in my home. As a photographer, I’m frequently asked if I can take portraits in a studio setting, so I did a bunch of research to figure out what products I would need. Thankfully, I had a lot of free space in my apartment living room, which I dedicated to the studio.
I started practicing with a small backdrop and light that I bought from Amazon. It wasn’t easy at first – I struggled to get the settings right and went through a lot of trial and error. But thanks to YouTube, I was able to figure things out over time. I asked friends and family to come over so we could take photos to build my portfolio and try out different concepts.

Looking back, building that studio set the foundation for my journey as a photographer. I worked on expanding my skillset around studio photography, learning how to use different types of lighting and various gear. It was a valuable investment that helped me grow my business and take it to the next level. If you’re a business owner, I highly recommend investing in the tools and products that will help you succeed – you won’t regret it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into the world of photography began in 2013, when I decided to pivot from reselling clothing and electronics on eBay. The constant headache of trying to sell someone else’s products and facing lowball offers from buyers had taken its toll on me. I wanted a change. That’s when I purchased my first DSLR camera and everything changed. Suddenly, I had the power to create my own work, to capture the beauty of the world around me in ways that I had never imagined before.

What started as a simple hobby quickly turned into a passion. I began attending local photography meetups, and I fell in love with the process of creating and editing. The drive to improve my skills and take better photographs quickly became an obsession. I was determined to create images that matched the vision in my head, and to share them with the world.

But my motivation doesn’t just stem from my desire for personal achievement. I am also deeply inspired by collaboration with other creative individuals. Working with other photographers, artists and business owners has given me the opportunity to try new techniques and push the boundaries of what I thought was possible. And, ultimately, this helps me create better work for my clients.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As a photographer who takes photos of people, I have come to realize the importance of photo retouching in the industry. In my early years, I wish I would have known about the potential of photo retouchers in enhancing the quality of my work. They have the ability to bring out the best in any photograph, whether it is adjusting the lighting, removing blemishes, or smoothing out skin textures.

The beauty of having a photo retoucher is that it saves me a lot of time. Instead of spending countless hours editing my own work, I can focus on what I do best, which is capturing stunning photographs. It also allows me to take on more work, knowing that I have a reliable retoucher to enhance the final product. As a photographer, my goal is to create beautiful and timeless images that my clients will cherish for years to come. With the help of a photo retoucher, I am able to achieve this goal more efficiently and effectively.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As a photographer, there are many aspects of the job that can be incredibly rewarding. However, the most fulfilling part of being a photographer is being given the opportunity to capture the vulnerability of people. Photography has a unique way of revealing the raw emotions and true essence of a person, and being able to capture those moments is a privilege. It allows individuals to see themselves in a way that they may not have seen before, and to appreciate the beauty within themselves that they may have overlooked. Through photography, people are able to see themselves in a new light, and this can be incredibly empowering.

In addition to capturing the vulnerability of people, photographers have the ability to make their subjects feel amazing about themselves. A skilled photographer can use their art to highlight the best features and qualities of their subjects, making them feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. It can be a transformative experience for individuals who may have previously struggled with self-confidence or self-esteem. Furthermore, the final product of a photoshoot can last a lifetime, allowing individuals to hold onto those moments of vulnerability, empowerment, and beauty forever. It is this combination of capturing vulnerability, boosting confidence, and creating a lasting product that makes being a photographer such a rewarding profession.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.adleyhaywood.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/a_haywoodphoto
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adley-haywood-269252213/