Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Alexander.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was 29, a relatively new mother, owner of a brand new camera and with an idea that I should take pictures of my friends. Moms deserve beautiful images to look back on and I had a solution. I owned a decent camera and the will to try, regardless of how it would be perceived to yet again start a new hobby(#43) I had no intentions at scaling photography into a successful side hustle, yet word of mouth provided more and more opportunities for me to grow in my skills and learn a new craft along the way. Late night researching, studying established photographers and seeking advice from other professionals, were all steps I was taking to develop this business venture. I quickly became The Weekender Photo and jumped at any opportunity that came my way. Within a month, I had my first wedding client and consistent bookings from there on out. Through my faith, I felt that every client that connected with me was affirmation that this was a path I needed to pursue earnestly. This has truly been a gift from God and I am incredibly thankful for the support from my family. Photography is vulnerable, passionate and a chance for me to seek beauty in the details that surround me. I finally found the perfect creative outlet that felt like ME. Photography was becoming the best gift I had never unwrapped before. I am coming up on two years in business and by the end of this fall I will have wrapped 112 sessions with clients, collaborated with 3 clothing brands, photographed 4 women ran businesses, been published in Lens & Luxe Magazine, created my own styled wedding shoot and captured 10 beautiful weddings throughout this unbelievable journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle I have had to face is work life balance. Finding ways to keep this sustainable while not limiting myself in its growth. I am so thankful to be a teacher where I have time off in the summer when I am typically busiest. Although there are days that are long and exhausting physically, having a chance to be outside and use my brain in another capacity allows me to be a better mother when I am with my family. It is a change in daily pattern and hopefully an example to my daughter that if you are determined in what you set your mind to, you can achieve it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Oregon Wedding and Family photographer. I specialize in serving couples and help to define the creative vision for their wedding day and provide them with an experience that aligns with it. Whether it is a casual coastal elopement or a huge garden wedding with all your friends and family, I customize my clients experience based on what they need for that day. I am outgoing and not afraid to warmly direct your family and friends during portraits. I photograph couples with an editorial style with lean into images that are romantic, warm and unique. I love using film, double exposure and motion blur to build depth in my collections.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
There are so many stunning locations to photograph around Oregon. In Eugene, I have a range of natural parks, rose gardens, river locations, cute storefronts and forested mountains. I wish we could have more indoor spaces to use during those rainy months.
Pricing:
- 10 hour wedding 3,000
- 8 hour wedding 2,400
- 6 hour wedding 1,800
- 1 hour family $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theweekenderphoto.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.weekender.photo/?hl=en
