Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Meadow.
Haley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My interest in photography really blossomed when I was in college and received my first digital point and shoot camera. I loved documenting everything! It was another way for me to look back on memories. However, it wasn’t until I received my first DSLR that I realized the creative nourishment that photography can provide. While developing my “eye” for photography, I noticed that I gravitated towards lines, patterns, and different lighting sequences and already have a love for architecture, I decided to try out Architectural Photography and got my first Architectural gig through craigslist.com. It took a few years for me to develop the confidence and skill set to really put myself out there and find clients, but certainly glad I did!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, not at all!!! I’ve struggled with past significant others devaluing me, I’ve struggled with learning how to stay humble and maintaining the confidence and value in yourself without looking and feeling conceited (still learning). I constantly feel overwhelmed with all aspects of the business and creative side of photography. There are many times when I have internal battles with myself when doing something as simple as posting to social media because on one hand I know it is a great way for people to know that I exist, but on the other hand, I worry that it will cause me to develop a need for validation and feed into my fear that I am not good enough, if I don’t receive that validation. I am also someone who is highly sensitive to her surroundings and frequently works on how to stay objective.
My advice to others is this: First things first, don’t let ANYONE devalue you, EVER. You ARE good enough and you absolutely DESERVE it. Remind yourself of that every morning. Secondly, in any endeavor, you take on, take baby steps. It is vital to your sanity that you take it one step at a time. It takes time to be the jack of all trades, relish it! Lastly, you must have GRIT. It doesn’t matter how talented you are if you don’t want to be persistent and grow from rejection and failure, you’ll never find success. I am constantly telling myself to “just keep swimming” (at least 3 times a day!) Also, the best quote I’ve hear about success is “Everybody congradulates you when you’re pregnant, but nobody knows how many times you were screwed”
Please tell us about Alcove Images.
I am a Professional Photographer specializing in Architectural and Interior Design Photography. I am most proud of the images that I provide my clients that help them to acquire more clients. A happy client is always reliant one. I think what sets me apart from other is that I am different. I am not a techinical photographer and I am all about energy. I observe , I absorb, and I feel. I create images to breed emotions. I don’t look to be precise, I look to get you to say ‘WOW’.
Who have you been inspired by?
I love this question! I am so lucky, I have 3 generations of women in my life that have truly inspired me and have always been my support system. Starting with my Nana, she is the foundation of inspiration. She is someone who has been through a lot in her life. She is a Holocaust survivor and by no means is an average survivor. She is humble, she is kind, she is selfless and always puts others before her. She is not an attention seeker, but a caregiver and worked very hard to be a provider and to be generous. The next person in my life that inspires me is my mother. I learned how to not be afraid of rejection and the meaning of perseverance from her. She knows how to take the bull by its horns and is not afraid to stand up for herself, especially in a man’s world. The 3rd person is my sister, Jackie! I am almost convinced she is not human considering everything she does for family, work, and friends and still has time to give me the support I need to advance in my own career and relationships. Seriously she’s superhuman and my best friend!
Thinking about this question further, I realize that I have a lot of women in my life who are hard-working, goal-oriented, independent thinkers, and just put simply have amazing souls. I am so grateful to have them in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: Alcoveimages.com
- Phone: 847-924-7122
- Email: alcoveimages@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alcove_images/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alcoveimages/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlcoveCollection
Image Credit:
Haley Meadow – Alcove Images
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