We were lucky to catch up with Haley Sigala recently and have shared our conversation below.

Haley , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

In society, success is often measured by wealth and social media influence, creating a box that many feel pressured to fit into. These societal standards can lead to the misconception that if you don’t meet these goals, you’re a failure. However, I firmly believe that success isn’t a “one size fits all”. It’s personal and can look different for each person.

For me, true success is about continuous growth as a photographer and the ability to do what I love every day. It’s about creating meaningful art that resonates with my clients. Art that I’m proud to share. My clients are the heart of my business; their joy and satisfaction are what drive me to keep pushing my creative boundaries. Seeing the happiness my images bring them is the real motivation behind my work!

While financial stability is certainly important and can be a motivating factor, it’s not my primary focus. Don’t get me wrong, I still have to provide for my family haha, but money is not the only reason I chose to become a photographer. The love and support I receive from my clients is what makes me feel successful. Being present for their significant moments and capturing their unique love stories is what truly fulfills me. Ultimately, success, for me, lies in the relationships I build and the impact my work has on those I serve. It’s about celebrating the journey, the growth, and the joy that comes from doing what I’m passionate about.

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?

I’m a wedding and couples photographer deeply inspired by the beauty of human connection. My goal is not only to create beautiful images but also showcase my couples unique love stories. Photography has been a hobby that I’ve enjoyed throughout my life. In 2019, my husband surprised me with my very first professional camera, a Canon 80D, for my birthday. I would use my camera to capture my own memories, but something in me wanted more. As I dove deeper into photography, I discovered a true love for the art, which inspired me to pursue it as a career.

Over the next two years, I dedicated myself to developing my skills. I immersed myself in learning about camera mechanics, crafting my style, and studying the essentials of running a successful business. In 2021, I took a leap of faith and officially launched my photography business. Fast forward to today, I’m proud to be in my third year as a professional photographer, and I can confidently say that this has been one of the best decisions of my life!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media can be one of the most intimidating experiences. When I first decided to pursue photography as a career, I was overwhelmed by fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not being good enough. I often questioned whether I could even call myself a professional. The thought of putting myself out there felt terrifying, and it was easy to compare myself to other creatives who seemed to be thriving.

But here’s the truth: everyone starts somewhere and your journey is uniquely yours. My love for photography outweighed my fears. I realized that the only way to grow was to take that leap, even when it felt uncomfortable. I began sharing my work consistently, learning as I went, and connecting with a wonderful community of fellow photographers and clients. I found my niche on the internet, a space where I could truly be myself.

Social media can often feel like a competition and it’s easy to get caught up in likes and follower counts. I’ve been there, feeling disheartened when my engagement didn’t match someone else’s. But it’s important to remember that your worth as an artist isn’t defined by numbers. Real success comes from the connections you build and the stories you tell through your work.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is to focus on authenticity. You don’t need to have it all figured out at first. Share your journey, engage with others, and celebrate the small victories. The right audience will find you when you stay true to yourself.

Keep creating and don’t let the pressures of social media overshadow your passion. Your story matters and you’re not alone on this journey.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Creating a memorable experience for my clients is central to my approach. From our initial meeting to the final delivery of their photos, I make it a priority to ensure they truly feel valued and cared for. I prioritize building genuine connections, making them feel comfortable, seen, and heard throughout the entire process. Clients remember not just the beautiful images but also how they felt during our time together. When they leave with positive memories, they’re much more likely to recommend me to their friends and family.

While marketing is a powerful tool, I’ve found that the majority of my new clients come through word-of-mouth referrals from past clients. When you lay a strong foundation through exceptional service and genuine connection, it creates a powerful network of recommendations! The better the client experience, the more likely they are to share their stories with others, which ultimately helps expand your clientele.

Another key factor is being yourself. In a creative industry where comparisons are common, staying true to your individuality is vital. Trying to imitate others or pretending to be someone you aren’t often leads to feelings of imposter syndrome. I’ve felt those doubts too, but I’ve learned that my individuality is my greatest strength. Embracing who you are allows you to connect more deeply and authentically with clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://haleysigalaphoto.com
• Instagram: @haleysigalaphoto
• Facebook: Haley Sigala Photography
• Other: Pintrest: haleysigalaphoto

Image Credits

All images taken by Haley Sigala