We recently connected with Hayley Steck and have shared our conversation below.
Hayley, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
To me, being a photographer also means I am an artist and a storyteller. When coming up with the name for my business, I wanted it to be something creative, instead of defaulting to my name. Growing up, I loved painting all sorts of things like oil on canvas, pottery, rocks, even my bedroom walls.
Umber is a naturally occurring pigment, like other pigments you may be familiar with such as Ochre, Sienna, or Indigo. Some suggest that it derives from the Latin word umbra, which means “shadow.” Umber was commonly used throughout the Renaissance period for oil paintings. It was also used by Leonardo da Vinci in the Mona Lisa.
As a kid in art class, I typically chose this color when beginning a new oil on canvas painting. I wanted to name my business after something that reminds me of my love for art, and the feeling of fresh inspiration.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I always knew I wanted a career that allowed me to express myself creatively. I booked my first paid photography job when I was just 12 years old, so the thought of starting my own business had been in the back of my mind for quite some time.
I’ve always found such joy taking photos and it’s been such a natural part of my life. The tangible memories I provide by documenting candid moments and bringing creative visions to life is so fulfilling to me.
Launching my photography business was just a way for me to officialize what I have been passionately doing since I was a kid. Today, I offer a wide variety of photography services such as portraits, event photography, lifestyle, as well as photo editing.
A common issue I help my clients with is portraying authenticity. I get a lot of requests for portraits with an emphasis on representing personality, as opposed to off-the-shelf, formulaic headshots. While there is a time and place for traditional, uniform headshots, I most definitely prefer incorporating unique style wherever possible. I highly encourage creativity and stepping outside of your comfort zone!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an event photographer, I love giving my clients the ability to hold priceless moments to look back on and cherish. Although I deeply admire the art of filmmaking, there’s something romantic about capturing a single point in time. Knowing I can take a genuine moment to savor forever is so fulfilling to me.
Beyond events, storytelling through photography can be done in a number of ways. As a portrait photographer, it’s my goal to amplify the essence of my subject, or in some cases, the character, emotion or message we’re trying to portray.
What I love about shooting, I amplify through photo editing. Editing is something that is super important to me as an artist. Even a small shift in color temperature can greatly change the overall mood an image gives off. I love the potential that every image has. The possibilities are endless. This is where the magic happens.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Word of mouth has been a significant benefit for the growth of my business. Making new connections at events, client references and even reconnecting with old friends/colleagues has provided me with so many great opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: umberphoto.co
- Instagram: @umberphotoco
Image Credits
Umber Photo Co.