Cowboy Hats and Outhouses {Utah Family Photographer}

Isn't she the cutest little cowgirl you've ever seen?

Couldn't have ask for a more beautiful day than this day was.  I think that if September wasn't followed by October, which was then followed by yucky winter--it'd be may favorite month! (catch all that?)
Enjoy your sneak peek Kirby Family!



Mom thought this outhouse was very cute. And I have to agree! Very Cute



More Beautiful {Utah Family Photographer}

Words can't express how much I ♥ this family. How beautiful are they? So, because I think this world could use some more beauty, sit back and enjoy.

This last one is my favorite. Look at their faces! This was just shortly after the little 4 year old in flip flops met with a cactus. I want to know what the girls and mom are sharing and Dad's face just says it all.  Pure enjoyment for me. Truly.

Simply Utah

If you haven't heard of Simply Utah, you must check it out!

Simply Utah is sort of like an Utah based Etsy shop---with discounts!!

There are so many fun and amazing things on there, I could literally spend all day just browsing.  But the best part is, everything advertised on Simply Utah has 25% off something, every day, all the time.  And believe you me, there are some pretty awesome stuff on there.

And I'll let you in on a secret.  Head over to Simply Utah today, and you will find a discount session with me--plus a bonus--that you won't find anywhere else!!

So what are you waiting for? Head on over and check it out for yourself!

When life hands you lemons.. {Utah Family Photographer}

I started this photoshoot off by getting pulled over for speeding. Then I added about, mmmmm, a bajillion bugs flying above, somewhere around a hundred sneaky spiders hanging in the weeds and later mixed in a meeting between a cactus and a 4 year old in flip flops; and I ended up with this.

Now if that isn't all worth it, don't know what is.

So I can live forever....

There are many reasons why I adore photography.  But one of them tops off all the rest.  Photography allows me to take a step into a person's life and capture a moment that passes all too quickly.  And the best part of that? It never fades. It is something that can last forever.

There are many great places we spend money. The hairdressers, entertainment, recreation.

These are all great things.  They make us feel beautiful, satisfied, relaxed and happy.  But how long does that feeling last? And what happens to them when you are done? Your portraits are an investment.  They will last long after the memory fades.  Those tiny fingers, chubby legs, messy face;  the look on his face when he sees her in the wedding dress for the first time; the first meeting of baby and mother.  Unfortunately, our brains aren't perfect. Some of our most cherished moments in our minds eventually fade.  But photography lives on.

This video tapped into a part of my heart where photography lives.  And I wanted to share it with you.

Where am I??

Have you missed me? Wonder what I've been up too?

 I have been in Las Vegas.  For this:

For the past 2 days I have sat at the feet of remarkable photographers like Scott Bourne, Joe Buissink, Kevin Kubota, Jasmine Star, Sarah Petty and so many others all thanks to Skip Cohen.  This has been the second year for Skip's Summer School, and it was a big success. It has been an *amazing* experience for me to learn from some exceptional people on a very personal level.  I am coming home revived, refreshed and energized, and I can't wait to utilize the incredible advice and tips I have learned.

When I first registered, I thought that staying in Vegas in August would be just perfectly wonderful (I'm not happy until it's at least 90 degrees).  However, I have spent this entire time freezing my little fanny off. These conference centers are cold!  I was pretty sure that one day my organs were going to shut down due to hypothermia.  Apparently, I missed the memo that I should've packed my most serious winter clothing for Vegas in August....because that makes perfect sense, right?

Flowers, Family And a Slug... {Utah Family Photographer}

It was by chance that on the day of this shoot, 2 years ago, I was shooting this happy couple's wedding. Fast forward to today, and we celebrate one happy family.  And a fine lookin' one at that if I might say so myself. :-)  Oh yeah, and we found a visitor along the way. He was pretty photogenic too, I think.

Cute ain't he?

Then & Now and Chocolate Cake

One year ago, I captured this:

That's six week old baby Gage.  And I had the honor of doing it again.  But this time we bagged little cuddles, blankets and baskets and traded it up for a lil' blue chair, 'If your happy and you know it...' and some chocolate cake!  Oh yeah, and stunning blue eyes!!






A big thanks to Cakes by April for Gage's smash cake! It was so cute, and very yummy! (I may have helped Gage out....just a bit).



Just in case you missed it, check out his face 3rd row down, 1st column. Ha! It kinda reminds me of the movie 'The Great Outdoors' Anyone with me?! Love it!

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Over 2 years ago, I came across an amazing organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.  It is an organization of photographers all over the nation that donate their time and talent to families who have suffered the loss of their newborn child.  It touched my heart in a way that few things do, and I told myself, "Someday, I am going to do that."

Throughout my photographic journey, NILMDTS has always been in my mind.  It has been a goal to be able to give back in such a powerful way.  Today, I got the news that I have been accepted as a photographer for NILMDTS. I am honored and humbled that I can now give something so special and revered as moments like these.

Getting a call from NILMDTS is not one a photographer looks forward too. It is not a shoot someone is excited to do.  It is a devastating event that has happened to a family, and in speaking with other affiliated photographers, it is very emotional and difficult to photograph.   

So why would I want to do this?  I have asked myself the same question.  Heaven forbid, if I were ever to be in the same situation, the only thing I would want more than being able to have my baby back, is to have pictures of those last moments of saying goodbye.  Reading about families who have suffered so a great and traumatic loss have often spoken about the healing that has followed by having sacred and special images of their special 'angel' babies in their homes.  If you would like to learn more, or know of someone who may benefit from this organization, I invite you to visit their website.  Please know, that I have yet to be able to visit this site without the tears streaming, so you may want to grab a box of Kleenexes.

I Heart Faces Photowalk--Salt Lake City!

I had the opportunity of joining 40 something other photographers for a walk around the beautiful Salt Lake City. It. Was. Awesome!  It was so great being surrounded by so many talented and wonderful photographers who share the same passion for an incredible image as I did.  We were quite the sight! 50 photographers walking down a stretch of road.  I had to laugh that if someone was daring enough to mug us all, they'd probably get away with a good amount of money in equiptment. A huge thank you to our *beautiful* models, Kelly, CJ and Kendall.

Beautiful Annie--one year later {Utah Children's Photographer}

Remember this beautiful girl?  She's back for more!

One year later I had the privilege of taking Annie's pictures again.  If there ever were a perfect model, she'd be it.  Easy going and totally comfortable in front of the camera. And there is, of course, those amazing eyes (a perfect combo of her parents) and that perfect dimple.

PrOmOtIOnS & cOnTeStS!!!

Update: **Contest has ended. Winner has been chosen! Please click "Home" to refresh my blog**

June is finally here! FINALLY! Okay, I hear ya, this isn't much the June that anyone was expecting, but hey it does mean SUMMER is finally here!! Ohhhh how long I have awaited this special time of year. And just because I love summer so much, I'm offering a wicked awesome promotion and a really cool contest!

The contest is for a FREE SITTING and a FREE
8x10 print (valued at $90)*

But wait, there's more! Mention Freebies 2 deals during the session and get a free 5x10 mounted desktop collage.  If you haven't heard of freebies2deals, your missing out! Check it out at freebies2deals.com

Entering to win is Easy! TRIPLE your chances of winning! Here's how! 

1. Leave a comment here on my blog telling me your favorite things to do in the summer! Give me some good ideas to spread the love in this, my favorite season!

2. 'Like' my facebook fanpage.  Then, leave another comment letting me know you joined! If you are already a fan, just notate that in the comments! To go to my fanpage, click here!
3. Subscribe to my blog.  There is a place for you to enter your email address in at the top left corner of my blog.  This will keep you updated on other great giveaways! And don't forget to comment that you subscribed!

Each comment will enter you into a drawing.  Make sure you leave your name & email address with each comment.  (I promise not to use your email for anything other than this contest, but if you still feel uncomfortable, you may leave out your email provider (i.e. hayleys.photography@.com))  The drawing will end at midnight on Friday JUNE 5. Winners will be posted on Saturday, so make sure you check back then!

Now for the promotion!  

ANY Sesssion booked within in June will get $25.00 off the session fee! That is only $50.00 for a session! That's a killer deal guys! Don't miss out.  And remember, any session done with me throughout the 2010 year can always be used for Holiday cards for later in the year (just a bonus thought for ya!!)

Good luck to ya'll!

*Certain restrictions apply. Free session must be redeemed within 6 months from winning date. Free session can not be applied to weddings. Contact for additional information.

Newborn Shoot!

By far my favorite shoots of all!  I guess it's because it satisfies my baby hunger.  Adore, cuddle, repeat, return to parents.  Perfect!  Now it's your turn to adore. What a cutie!

A day off {Utah Family Photographer}

Days off in our household are few and far between.  Not necessarily because DH can't take off work (he creates his own hours after all!) but that his merchants won't let him take off.  I can not wait for the day when we go somewhere with no cell phone service, just to hear the sound of silence of Brandon's phone.  (Sorry to Owl City's song Fireflies, which is his ringtone...I officialy *hate* your song!) Of course, I'll probably be hatin' that my phone is also inoperable.  But in between phone calls on an attempted day off, I captured these.  I and love them.