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

Hi Halie, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

While I was in college, a class mate of mine asked me to photograph her wedding. At the time I was photographing for the school newspaper, but had never shot a wedding before. I was excited to give it a try! Before their ceremony in San Diego, we headed down towards the beach to take some photos of just the two of them. As they stood before the ocean they spontaneously pulled out their rings, shared vows, and put the rings on one another’s fingers. It was just them, the ocean, and their love. And I got to capture it all and it just moved me. My cup felt full and it left me wondering what I could do with that connection between people in love and the landscape. I learned about elopements, and then adventure elopements, and joined the photographers that want couples to know there isn’t just one way to get married.
Getting married can look however you want. The important part is that it feels right for you! So I set out to connect with adventurous couple who, like myself, feel more them when they are outside on an adventure. Together we create unique wedding days where couples have new experiences, say yes to adventure, and feel like themselves!

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

Hi! I’m Halie of Halie West Photography. I help couples have unique and memorable wedding days centered around the outdoors. This can look like eloping just the two of you or bringing an intimate group of your favorite people along. I’m based in Utah and Alaska and love showing folks the places that I love!

As a recovering people pleaser and a bit of a rebel, elopements really stood out to me. I love that they give couples the option to put down other peoples expectations and focus on why they are together in the first place. Eloping allows you to go against the grain and choose your own path. Which can literally be getting married on a hiking trail instead of at a typical venue.

I help couples by opening up new possibilities for their wedding day. I also reccomend vendors, places to stay, where to eat, and what to do based on their elopement location so they can really make the most of their time there. A lot of people combine their wedding day with their honeymoon and I want them to have an awesome trip in these places that I love!

I’ve found that great experiences make for memorable wedding days. Whether it be jeeping through the desert, hiking in the mountains, or helicoptering out to a glacier, I love working with couples on all types of adventures to celebrate their love. I’ve started offering adventure-inclusive packages for those looking for those new expereinces!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Being consistent and sharing about myself and my values on social media has really helped me connect to my followers. Whether it be on Instagram or Tik Tok, I try to share my face and a bit about my life.

I’m an introvert, so showing up on social media can be difficult for me. Scheduling posts and making drafts helps a ton. Stories on Instagram have been the biggest way to connect with others especially when I show my face. While talking to the camera is uncomfortable I challenge myself to do it more and more often and it makes a difference!

Showing what you love in your life on socials along with the craft you are pursuing can go a long way to relate to your followers and build a loyal audience. Those interacting with you will always matter more than a big follower count.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Google has been the best way new clients find me, while socials help them learn more about me and fall in love with my brand.

I’ve created all kinds of helpful blogs for couples based on locations and adventures. These help me rank on Google so folks can find me when looking to elope in Moab or wanting to get married on a glacier.

Through Google I’ve met some really wonderful people!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://haliewestphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haliewestphoto/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100058955178798
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haliewestphoto?_t=8j7o6oQEQUF&_r=1

Image Credits
Self Portrait by Holly Mandarich