Meet Haylee Salopek | Photographer & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haylee Salopek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haylee, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Las Cruces, New Mexico, where I grew up on my family’s pecan farm. Being raised in such a stunning landscape—surrounded by sweeping deserts, towering mountains, and endless rows of trees—instilled in me a deep reverence for everyday beauty. From a young age, I was mesmerized by simple, fleeting moments: the trees swaying in the wind on a breezy spring day, or golden light spilling across the desert during a summer sunset.

But beyond the beauty, I also witnessed the grit. Watching my father and family tend the land day in and day out showed me the dedication it takes to keep something growing. Their perseverance taught me what hard work really looks like, and more importantly, it gave me a deep understanding of what it means to commit fully to something you believe in.

When I first picked up a camera in sixth grade, something clicked. Photography became my way of holding onto those ephemeral instants—a way to honor them. It quickly became more than a hobby— it became a passion that made me feel alive, grounded, and deeply connected to the world around me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For several years now, I’ve lived by a creative mantra: to make living itself an art. It’s a simple phrase, but it’s become a powerful compass—guiding the way I create, move through the world, and see meaning in even the quietest moments.

This philosophy has carried me through highs and ruts alike. Not long ago, I found myself in one of those dry seasons—creatively burnt out, drained from the demands of the 9-to-5 grind, and feeling like all my playful ideas had vanished. I was coming home each day tired, uninspired, wondering where that spark had gone. The house felt too quiet. My mind, even quieter.

But one evening, in the stillness, it hit me: this is the art. The art of living alone. Of dancing in your kitchen. Of dressing up for no one but yourself. Of creating beauty without needing an audience.

That moment reminded me of why I do this.

Now, I approach my work—whether photography, design, or storytelling—with a renewed sense of presence and play. I want my art to reflect real life: messy, soft, strange, beautiful. What sets me apart is my deep love for capturing fleeting moments, for finding poetry in the mundane, and for turning ordinary days into extraordinary stories.

It hasn’t been easy. But every challenge has reminded me that creativity isn’t something you lose—it’s something you come home to, again and again.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my work, it’s this: I’m here to celebrate the in-between, the overlooked, the honest moments that make us human. To me, that’s where the magic lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When friends come to visit me in Dallas, I always feel a little overwhelmed—in the best way—because there’s just so much to show them. This city has soul, sparkle, and a surprise around every corner.

Friday night kicks off on Lower Greenville with rooftop bites and sunset drinks at HG Supply Co.—skyline glowing, energy buzzing. From there, we dance the night away at It’ll Do Club or Silo, where the house beats are heavy and the vibes are sky-high.

Saturday is for roaming. We’d stroll Lower Greenville, pop into quirky vintage shops, and snag tacos from a food truck at Truck Yard. After some well-earned chill time, it’s happy hour at Hudson House—martinis and oysters, always a ritual.

Sunday is our slow-down day. A serene walk (or bike ride) around White Rock Lake, followed by a visit to the Dallas Arboretum to soak in the blooms and that sweet sense of stillness. Bonus points if we pack a picnic or catch a seasonal concert.

Monday to Wednesday are for hidden gems—brunch at La La Land Kind Café, an artsy afternoon at the Dallas Museum of Art, and golden hour lounging in Klyde Warren Park with food truck snacks in hand.

Thursday is for the recharge. Morning yoga at Black Swan, a wander through Bishop Arts District, and a cozy night with live music at Balcony Club before playing pool and letting loose at Milo’s Butterfingers.

Dallas is a city of contrasts—laid-back yet electric, polished yet gritty—and I love getting to show off its magic to the people I love most.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m a firm believer that life’s highs, heartbreaks, quiet moments, and lessons all weave together to shape who we are. But I also know we don’t walk that path alone. I owe so much of who I am to the people who’ve stood beside me—cheering me on, picking me up, and pouring love into my journey when I needed it most.

To my family—your unwavering love and support have been my anchor. Watching you lead with integrity and grit taught me what it means to show up, to work hard, and to care deeply.

To my friends—you’ve brought so much light and color into my world. Your belief in me, your laughter, your open-heartedness, and your constant “yes” to my boldest, most off-the-wall creative ideas have meant everything. You remind me what it feels like to play freely and dream big.

To my professors and mentors—thank you for sharing your wisdom, encouraging experimentation, and reminding me that art is a journey worth committing to with both courage and curiosity.

And finally, I thank the bittersweet beauty of life itself—the love and the loss, the stillness and the storms. Every experience, every connection, has shaped me, stretched me, and inspired me to keep creating, keep evolving, and keep pouring myself into this wild and wonderful craft.

Website: https://hayleesalopek8.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: @salovisions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haylee-salopek-32685325a/

Image Credits
n/a all taken by me