INTERVIEW WITH
Jo-Anne Haley, the lifestyle photographer
APRIL 2021
Here we are with our next “meet …“ interview format! This time we have the chance to talk with the talented lifestyle photographer Jo-Anne Haley. If you visit her website and IG you can immediately understand why we fell in love with this businesswoman. What you can discover in this interview is behind the scenes of her works and why Jo-Anne is motivated to work with changemakers in the environmentally and ethical market.
Q: How did it all begin & what was that aha moment when you decided to start your business/brand?
A: I started with the idea of becoming a photographer in 2010 when I became pregnant with my firstborn. I wanted to work for myself and have a flexible schedule to be there for my children.
Q: What was your background before you start?
A: I was self-taught. I learned many online and in-person workshops: Creativelive, Julie Paisley workshop, B-school.
Q: What is the best career advice you have received? Or the advice would you give your younger self about your career?
A: Find time to create for yourself.
Q: Where do you find the inspiration?
A: Travel, interior design, food, and nature.
Q: What has been your biggest career highlight with your business/brand to date?
A: It is always a highlight when the images I capture are featured in national magazines and blogs such as Wedding Bells and Belle Lumiere.
Q: And what has been the most challenging moment to date?
A: I was primarily a wedding photographer for 8 years before pivoting my photography business. I now enjoy creating custom brand imagery for ethical brands. I have been working with small businesses for the past couple of years and it was challenging to stop accepting wedding work and focus only on lifestyle branding clients. But it's been worth it.
Q: What do you do when you don't know the answer to a question or new situation?
A: I find when I am in a new situation in my business I learn from it and add new processes or information. Currently working on a welcome guide with my lovely copywriter Janine Duff.
Q: What is the first thing you do when you start your day?
I usually have slow mornings and take my time to get ready. I have two busy boys under the age of 10, so every morning is different.
Q: What are your must-have digital tool essentials?
A: Lightroom, Canon Mark iii, Cell phone with useful apps.
Q: As a businesswoman, it's always important to have a supporting and inspiring network by your side. Who are your partners in crime or inspiring sources?
A: My husband and family have always been my biggest supporters. I can always go to them when I need help. I have also worked with incredible creative women and will often share and tag them in my Instagram posts. I love working with changemakers who want to make a difference in this world environmentally and ethically.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months for your brand/business?
A: I look forward to working with my current clients regularly and adding new additional photography services/mentoring.
