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

Hi Hayley, thanks for joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

During my first job out of college, I was in a marketing role at company in Seattle. Outside of work, I was in the midst of learning all I could about photography and videography. One day my boss sat me down in front of the whiteboard and we laid out all of our marketing plans for the next quarter. She then asked me “Okay – where can we save some money here?” I looked at the list and saw ‘promo video’ and said “We could skip hiring someone external to do the promo video and I could shoot and edit it.” She looked at me and laughed. It is something I will always remember – someone doubting me right to my face. Over time, she opened up to the idea and allowed me to take on a promo video project. And guess what? She was impressed with my work. That scenario sticks in my mind and was fuel to continue proving people who questioned what I was doing (and of course some of my own self-doubt) wrong.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m a music and portrait photographer and videographer based in Nashville, TN. It took me a while to be able to say that. I used to tell people “I do photography,” not “I am a photographer.” As with most things in life, it took time and experience to gain the confidence in myself to claim this title. But I’m here now. It started in late 2017 when I finally bought my first camera. Years prior I had been editing together videos for fun and for school projects, and I decided I wanted to level up from shooting with my phone and a GoPro. From there, I shot everything I could and religiously watched YouTube tutorials about photography and videography. One day I decided I wanted to combine my love for live music with photography, so I reached out to my friend Marshall and asked if I could shoot his band (Marshall Law Band). He said yes and the first “show” I shot was a full band show at a Christmas party in his family’s living room. I was hooked.
Long story short, I moved from my hometown of Seattle to Nashville in 2019 and have continued learning my craft and establishing myself here as a music photographer and videographer. I do freelance work with local musicians and shoot for a music publication (Music City Music Magazine). I absolutely love shooting shows and musicians because there is so much passion, energy and color to capture. Concerts were a happy place for me before ever shooting and my goal is to be able to capture the fun experience of being a concert-goer, in addition to the more exclusive/intimate experience from the artist perspective.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal with photography and videography is ever evolving. I want to go on tour with a musician. I’ve done short tour runs, but I want to get the full tour experience someday. I want to open a photography studio and creative space. I want to be able to do what I love while fully supporting myself financially (don’t we all). I haven’t been able to make the jump into full-time photography, but I’m hoping it’s on the horizon.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I’ve been able to grow my clientele a few different ways. I think introducing myself to new people and networking when appropriate is a great way to meet potential new clients. I met my first Nashville client Bre Kennedy when she played a Sofar Sounds show. I instantly adored her so I asked if she needed a photographer for anything, and next thing I know she brought me along to Pilgrimage Festival and to the Ryman where she opened for Sheryl Crow. I think the most effective strategy for growing your client base is to not be afraid to be told no or be ignored. I’ve gotten so many gigs from DMing artists or by cold emailing their management team. You’ve got to shoot your shot. And then from there, word of mouth happens naturally. I have also continuously shared my work on social media and people have hired me after seeing my portfolio.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hayleyshoots.com
• Instagram: @hayleyshoots