Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Hayes.
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started photography while I was in high school during the days of using film. I loved it right away and would spend hours in the darkroom. My grandfather gave me his old 35mm camera and I have been developing my craft ever since. I worked in professional studios for years while I attended college and shortly afterwards. I started a career, got married, and when my daughter was just a few months old, I decided that I was going to do what I love for a living and start my own business. Many people discouraged me from doing so. I am going on year 12 with my business and still love it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, running a small business is not easy. I am a mom of two children – one with special needs and work-life balance can be challenging. Six years ago I decided I wanted to offer exclusive fine art and luxury services to my clients and expanded to a commercial retail space. Doing so required assuming much more responsibility, risk, and business skills to operate at this scale. The last two years with Covid have been the most challenging. But I pushed through, built my staff, and have had the best year to date. I’ve learned that to be successful in business requires more than having talent and working hard. You have to be willing to learn and adapt but not give up or compromise the value of what you do in the face of adversity. Looking back I definitely wouldn’t say it was easy or smooth, but it has been worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in professional family and newborn portraits: I absolutely love babies. I am very patient and just love meeting new little souls. It really is one of the most important moments to capture. I am very proud that I have created such a lovely studio so my clients can have a wonderful experience! I have been collecting such beautiful props for over 12 years, so I get to create some unique newborn portraits. I guess what sets me apart is that I have my own style and have perfected my craft over the years to now photograph over 500 babies each year.
I also love capturing once in a lifetime portraits of families. There is nothing more important than family and creating heirloom portraits my clients will enjoy for their lifetime and generations to come.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson is to never give up. Keep going when it’s tuff and always stay positive.
Pricing:
- Pricing starts at $500
Contact Info:
- Email: info@melissahayesphotos.com
- Website: melissahayesphotos.com
- Instagram: @melissa_hayesphotos
Gouthami
October 26, 2022 at 8:38 pm
I’m looking for new born photoshoot. My due date is Jan 16. Could you please let me know the packages?
Michelle Moore
November 2, 2023 at 10:22 am
My son and daughter in law are due February 22, I’m interested in having you do their newborn photos. We live in Fayetteville. Can you give me some prices and ideas? They are having a baby boy.
Mahagony Garrette
November 13, 2023 at 12:56 pm
I would love to have more information on your maternity shoots, I entered your contest. Can you explain a little about packages you provide? I’m due March 15th, and hoping to possibly having photos taken the end of January or early February.
Mounika Reddy
November 21, 2023 at 3:41 am
Need a new born photo shoot on dec 2nd 2023
Ashley Laureano
November 21, 2023 at 11:13 pm
I’m looking for maternity photoshoot. Can you give me a quote for maternity photoshoot?