Meet Kaitlin Hays | Elopement + Creative Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Kaitlin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think running a full time business of any kind is all about risk, and I have so much respect for anyone who does it. It’s a scary thing to leave a job where you’re comfortable and have stability in many ways, to go follow your heart and start a career you’ve been dreaming of for years.

When we’re young it’s drilled in our heads to follow our wildest dreams, but nobody really tells you how big of a risk it is.

I took the leap into being a full time photographer just last year. It was in the height of the pandemic, but I really didn’t have a choice given the way things were at the time. I had lost both of my jobs due to Covid, got on unemployment for the summer, and started wondering “Is this it? Is this the time for me to make it happen?” It didn’t seem like perfect timing by any means, but if I’m being honest, I don’t know that I could’ve taken that risk if I wasn’t thrown into it like I was.

The thing with taking risks is that you just have to do it. It’s like getting on a roller coaster or jumping into a chilly pool. The longer you wait for it, the more your anticipation and anxiety builds up, and the more reasons you find not to do it.

I spent a lot of my life being so fearful of things, finding reasons to say no to new experiences, but at some point you start to wonder what you’re missing out on. And of course the fear will always be there, but without taking those risks in life, growth would never be possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started shooting about 5 years ago, but it was always just a hobby, something I did on the side in my free time. I went to college for a bit and changed my major three times, (early childhood education to interior design to photojournalism) but nothing really spoke to me like photography did.

There’s just something about being able to document the happiest moments in people’s lives that make my heart happy. It’s a really special feeling to be the one snapping photos of a couple’s first kiss at the altar or the moment they announce their first pregnancy. Recently I’ve discovered how much I love shooting more intimate ceremonies and elopements, because the focus is all on the couple and celebrating their love, rather than a huge production for their guests. I’ve really enjoyed getting to encourage my couples to make their day all about them, which then gives me the freedom to get creative and have super unique experiences with each and every client.

I think my favorite thing about it is being able to get so imaginative with not only my shoots for fun, but also my real life couples. I’ve realized that couples getting married today don’t always want traditional. They want personal and fun and unique and authentic, and that’s an experience I strive to offer them.

Nothing about owning your own business is easy! It comes with lots of trial and error, lots of guessing, and some failure. At times it’s been hard to stay motivated, especially when your job is driven by creativity, but I just have to remind myself to take things one step at a time and to look at the bigger picture.

Going back and looking at how far I’ve come has always motivated me to keep going, along with just connecting with my clients. I love my job so much because I get to create genuine friendships with people who start out as clients, and to me that is the coolest thing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think DFW is such an underrated place for staycations!

Something I want all of my friends to experience is a Dallas Stars hockey game at American Airlines Center. It’s a pretty inexpensive way to do something a little out of the ordinary, and whether they win or lose, the games are always a ton of fun.

I’m also always down for a good concert, and we have lots of great concert venues in our area. There’s the Bomb Factory, House of Blues, or South Side Ballroom for smaller things, or the AAC, Dos Equis Pavilion, AT&T Stadium, or Toyota Music Factory for bigger events.

For something during the day, I’d have to recommend the Fort Worth Zoo! I used to work there and it’s a great place to spend a few hours before lunch, not to mention some other really fun spots nearby. Downtown Fort Worth offers some really fun things to do no matter what time of day. There’s Hyena’s Comedy Club, Studio Eighty, Sundance Square, and The Stockyards.

For food, I have to go with my favorite which is Texas Roadhouse. There’s something there for everyone, and it’s just really yummy!

We’d probably end at least one night barhopping either on 7th or over at The Stockyards and Billy Bobs!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
From a young age, my parents have always been my greatest cheerleaders. They went to every band competition, softball game, or spelling bee that I was apart of, and encouraged me along the way.

My mom has instilled this love for Disney in me, and of course their whole thing is all about following your dreams and believing in the magic of taking risks, while my dad is a business owner as well. I’ve gotten to watch him build it from the ground up, and it’s been really cool to see it all happen. I guess that also fuels my inspiration in a way.

I think they’ve both just taught me to work hard and never give up, and that no dream, goal, or idea is too far out of reach.

Website: www.kaitlinhaysphoto.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaitlinhaysphoto

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaitlinhaysphoto

Image Credits
Flowers: Lilies and Co Florals