Haley Simone Photography

I’m excited to announce that this coming year in 2023, I’m going to be shifting my focus towards sessions only with families, couples, and elopements! I will no longer be photographing weddings.

I loved the experience but have found that I’m much happier photographing (and can more candidly capture) more intimate settings. I believe I’ve found my niche in this big pool of photographers and that is:

Capturing families or couples in a relaxed, playful setting. People doing something they love, or exploring a place with someone they love 💛

Take THIS session as an example! Kids will give you more smiles and *genuine* emotion when you incorporate activities they love! I find that people care much more about these candid moments caught on camera than the rigidly posed ones where they’re trying to get the crying baby to smile at the camera in JCPenny 😂

super excited for all these precious moments I’ll get to capture! hope everyone has a wonderful weekend 🍂

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect day. Cruz and Megan’s elopement was soo relaxed, intentional, and meaningful. There wasn’t a dry eye in the ✨mountains✨ when they exchanged their nearly identical romantic vows. Megan said “Are you sure you didn’t sneak a peek at my vows?!!” as Cruz read his 😂

The way their family showed up for them was just wonderful! Literally hiking up a mountain at sunrise… while cheering them on I might add!!! It just made me see how some elopements really should have family included.

I fell in love with their newly blended family, their love story, and adorable puppy who they got to include! I’m beyond excited to share more of this day with you all! And my biggest hope is that this will inspire you to have your own special wedding day that focuses on YOU. And if that means bringing just a few people then PERFECT. Do it. You’ll thank yourself later

p.s. put a lil 👀 in the comments if you can spot the waterfall Cruz is pointing at 😂

Slide to #3 to see Walt checking out the real view 😏

When photographing couples I always encourage them pretend my camera doesn’t exist and to avoid looking at me. Not an easy task. Being photographed is super vulnerable. But you know what makes it easier?

Being somewhere you love or have always wanted to go. Soaking in that gorgeous scenery. Look at the beach, mountains, forest, city instead!

Also…. Your partner! Take them in. Notice/remember all their sweet lil features. Smile, dimples, brown eyes.. etc. It’s honestly a really sweet time to just reconnect with your partner. Holding someone’s gaze has been proven to increase attraction. So check them out already and kiss them all over like you did when you were younger!!

Choose an activity you’re passionate about or have been wanting to try with your partner! I can’t emphasize this one enough! It’s way easy to forget about being photographed when you’re doing something you find fun. Think: hiking, fishing, rock climbing, etc.!

What’s a hobby you love that you think would be really cool to have documented with your partner?!