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

Haley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

After college I struggled to find myself and what I wanted to do in life. I had two degrees and one passion. I studied Marketing and Business in college, hoping to eventually pursue photography full time. I was very nervous after college to dive deeper into photography so I mainly just kept it as a side gig and hobby. I never had enough time to fully pursue photography because I was always working an 8-5 career. I felt a huge identity crisis in what I should have been doing in life. I knew I wanted to do photography full time but I also felt like because I had a degree in Marketing that I should be pursuing that. I did interview and worked for a few companies outside of college in Marketing and I enjoyed it. Once I started realizing my passion for photography was on the back burner, I decided to go all in and quit my corporate job to finally be a full time photographer. I have never been happier. I love my career, I love my clients and I love what I do and who I do it for. There are times where I wonder where I would be if I had decided to go to college in NYC to pursue photography, or if I stayed in the corporate world to have normal hours and not the typical 24 hour weird shifts I have now as being a business owner, but I am always reminded of why I do what I do and why I love it so much. I have the flexibility to create my own hours, I can work from home or a near by coffee shop, I can care for my babies and raise them and I am able to take breaks if needed. I have the best clients in the world and it truly makes my career that much more enjoyable.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am your photographer- Haley McKay. I am based in Houston, TX + travel worldwide. I photograph weddings, families, couples, newborns and more. I have a studio where I specialize in newborns, and maternity. I have an admiration for intentional moments, raw connections + timeless tones. This is my 14th year with a camera in my hand- CRAZY how fast time flies. I strive to make memories with my clients, to make you smile + to create moments that you will forever cherish. I can not deny that you and I will have a friendship, I create photos to create bonds with my clients. Being behind the camera is much more to me than the end result on your gallery. It’s the moments in between, the inside jokes, the awkward under the veil shots, the text at 2a.m. when you need advice on what to wear, the cuddling of your little one and capturing their tiny toes + eyelashes. My connections to you are a lifetime, just like the love for your photos. My biggest goal is to build a connection with you so you trust me to photograph all your moments that are special to you. I am your third wheel, the jokester to get you to laugh candidly, the weirdo making bird noises trying to get your kid to laugh + smile, I am your friend! YOU guys are my people. I pride myself on getting to know my clients so that their experience with HLP is a personable one, rather than all that posey posey stuff. I value you + I never want that to go unnoticed. At the end of your session or event I can tell you one thing- It will feel more than just photos- it will feel like a fun date night, an unforgettable experience + memories that you can feel while looking at your album. I will always go beyond to make sure I can achieve that for you.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I have made so many vendor friendships within the years. I am big big big on community over competition. I make friends where ever I go, and make conversations with anyone and everyone. I truly love hearing everyones goals and passions. I want to try to be my best self to whoever I work with so we can be the best team together. If I have a photographer/vendor I have worked with or know and I am not available them I will refer them. I have a preferred vendor list for all my clients as well. I think this has truly helped my reputation within the industry I work in because I have built so many relationships over the years.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I am very blessed to have built a loyal clientele that I have worked with throughout the years. I believe it is important to have an amazing client experience so you stand out to your clients. I have worked with a lot of photographers and some have been better than others. I love all the photos I get back, but sometimes I feel like it is just about the transaction of money and not a truly great experience. I strive to have the best client relationship. I want my clients to come back not only because the pictures are amazing, the memories made were fun but also because they enjoyed the overall experience and enjoyed my company. I started many years ago in the wedding industry, and after the wedding I have had my brides and grooms come back for Christmas photos, maternity, newborn and family photos. That means the world to me! I also have a client subscription email list that notifies them of any upcoming sales, minis etc. They get first come on all my upcoming mini sessions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.haleyleannephotography.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/haleyleannephotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/haleyleannephotography
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/haleyleannemckay