We recently connected with Reece Haney and have shared our conversation below.

Reece, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Overcoming fear was the first step.

The fear of the unknown.

I had to stop ruminating on all of the “what if’s” and the worst case scenarios. I had to pick up my phone or get on my computer and start researching and immersing myself in all possible avenues to be able to successfully become an actual business. I needed a social media presence. I needed to find my style of editing. I needed to learn all of the ways to shoot in various lighting scenarios with my current gear on top of researching my next purchase. I needed to find a work flow, software, contracts, and refine my entire process. I needed to create a logo and a brand for myself. I needed to figure out the legalities of a business with becoming an LLC and taxes. I needed to network and practice shooting at new and different locations with different subjects. I needed to learn A LOT (I am still learning A LOT).

It was so overwhelming, and can be to this day. I initially had to overcome that innate desire to freeze and ignore the list of To-Do’s and having to learn about the unknowns, but that is when growth happens.

I also prayed and entrusted every step to God. Without Him, my talents are meaningless. He has both opened and closed doors within this entire process, and if I do not have Him intertwined in all aspects of my business, my efforts are futile.

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?

My name is Reece and I am a Jesus follower, wife, mother, thrifter, coffee drinker, and a photographer of all things.

My husband also owns and runs two businesses, Legendary Moving and Legendary Renovations. His drive and motivation encouraged me to start Reece Haney Photography. I am so privileged and blessed to be able to stay at home with my babies and be able to do what I love, and I owe it all to him.
In my spare time (haha) I am homeschooling my two kiddos, our 5-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy. We also have a 7-year-old Cockeranian (Cocker Spaniel-Pomeranian) named Julian (or Bubba).

I have always loved seeing intimate and emotive moments be frozen in time. The fleeting or unseen “in-between” happenings shared between loved ones is what attracted me to start capturing myself. I also love light, water, and shadows which I always try to experiment with. The whimsy of creating a space for people to be a character or play a role is also so very enjoyable to me. Who doesn’t love to throw on a pretty dress and tromp in the fields?!

Within each session I aim to tell a story. A story of your love, a story of a new family member, a story of your lifelong devotion, a story of your accomplishments, a story of your triumphs, and more. I aim to foster authenticity and genuineness with each client that welcomes me into a chapter in their book.

I also love the ethereal and fantastical. I adore having special concepts to be able to shoot for myself to help avoid burnout. These typically entail elements from my favorites movies, favorite time periods, stunning costumes and wardrobe, and even music. While these portraits do not attract many paying clients, it has helped me dive into the world of modeling and be able to make some incredible connections and meet talented people.

While cinematic, documentary, and storytelling descriptive words are thrown around the industry, I heavily expound upon the storytelling aspect, I always aim to document moments, events, and achievements, and I utilize cinematography to foster creativity and help me compose moments in an image.

With me as your photographer, prepare to laugh, play, explore, and have fun. My only expectations I have for a photoshoot are your expectations. Most of the time I show up with your desires in mind, but let events and moments unfold naturally. I always give guidance and direction when needed, but I love to let things play out before me. That is how those “in-between” moments get captured!

With any shoot and any client, I always aim to stay true to your story.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

All the credit for starting my business goes to my husband, Caleb. He is a small business owner as well and works hard to provide for us. He encouraged me to go for it and go all in. He helped me get to where I am and I am ever so grateful for all the ways he shows his support. All credit goes to him for encouraging me and aiding me in getting to the present day Reece Haney Photography.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

PHEWWWWW….

Let me tell you, folks. My primary job is taking care of my children, schooling them, and taking care of the typical home tasks. When I was trying to (*still am trying to) grow my business and get a good groundwork set up, I remember feeling like such a failure as a Mom when I put my focus on my business, then it switched to feeling like a failure as a business owner when I put all my time and effort into being a Mom. It is impossible to wear all of the hats at once, as I soon realized. Time management and being creative with switching these hats is crucial. I do not claim to be perfect and I am still trying to find a balance within my constantly changing schedule. I have to constantly pivot from the Homemaker/Homeschooler to the Business Owner.

I am not technically Full Time, even though there has been seasons where I put in Full Time hours. Some things I have changed to be able to manage both roles of business owner and Stay At Home Mother are limiting which days I schedule sessions, limiting my work to the very beginning or the very end of the day, and being OK with not keeping up with those who have the ability to put all their effort and focus on their business.
It’s hard. Comparison creeps in at times, life becomes hectic, motivation becomes low, and the list goes on. It’s not for everyone, but I am willing to adapt, delegate, and conquer to be able to show people it can be done. There’s several of us who are and can do both! It is only because of God that I have the small success that I do. He has shown favor to me in so many ways through this journey. He has sent me amazing friends and clients, and for that I am ever grateful. To Him be all the glory!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://reece-haney.pixpa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reecehaneyphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reecehaneyphotography
• Other: TikTok: @ReeceHaneyPhotography

Image Credits

Megan Steimel Photography
Kylah Strehlow Photography