Check Out Quaylyn Hairston’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Quaylyn Hairston.

Hi Quaylyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been passionate about photography since I was a young girl. In college, I became the Entertainment Reporter and learned how to use a camera during my first semester. From that moment, I completely fell in love with photography!

When I graduated in 2020, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue photography full-time. I started by offering free sessions to people in my community while working to build a reputable clientele — and six years later, I can proudly say that I’ve done just that.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of myself and how far I’ve come. There have been so many obstacles and challenges that come with being an entrepreneur, but I’ve persevered through them all.

I just hope that through my work, dedication, and effort, people can see how much this journey means to me. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for everything that’s still ahead.

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?
Of course not! Entrepreneurship is hard, and I know I’m not the first person to say it. It’s expensive, it can be draining, and there will be moments when you have to pivot in ways that challenge you — not only as a business owner, but in how you want your business to be perceived by the public.

Some seasons will be slow, while others will have you struggling to keep up with the demand. Through it all, you have to learn how to stay grounded and not lose yourself in the chaos. And whatever you do, don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Comparison can quickly distract you from the progress you’ve made and cause you to overlook everything you’ve already accomplished.

Of course, money matters. It’s a major part of running a successful business, especially when your business is responsible for paying your bills. But for me, photography has never been solely about the money. It’s about the experience I provide, the customer service I offer, and making sure my clients leave satisfied.

Not everyone is going to have the same experience, and I think that’s something a lot of entrepreneurs struggle to understand. You won’t be for everyone, and that’s okay. What matters is staying true to your vision, maintaining the right mindset, and holding onto the passion that made you start in the first place. I truly believe that when you do that, you give yourself the foundation to grow and succeed in ways you may not have imagined.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer, and I don’t think I can really put myself into just one category because I try to find beauty in almost everything I capture. I can say that I specialize in portraits, including birthdays, maternity, graduations, family sessions, and events.

I take a lot of pride in capturing photographs that last forever. There’s something so special about being able to freeze a moment in time and preserve it for decades, allowing people to look back on those memories with a sense of nostalgia.

I also believe that my editing style and the way I capture people are what set me apart from others. No two photographers photograph the same way, and that’s one of the things I love most about photography. Everyone has their own unique “eye,” perspective, and way of telling a story through their images. It’s very difficult to truly mimic another photographer’s work because you can’t replicate the way someone else sees the world and I think that individuality is what makes photography so beautiful.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out is to give yourself grace and don’t be afraid to start small. When I first started, I offered free sessions to people in my community because I knew I needed to build experience, confidence, and a reputable clientele. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and learn as you go. You won’t have everything figured out in the beginning, and honestly, you’re not supposed to.

I also wish I understood earlier that comparison can really take away from your own journey. It’s so easy to look at another photographer’s work, business, clientele, or success and feel like you’re behind, but everyone’s path is different. Your “eye” is your own, and that’s something you should embrace rather than try to replicate someone else’s style.

Entrepreneurship comes with slow seasons, challenges, unexpected expenses, and moments where you’ll question yourself. Don’t let those moments convince you that you’re not capable. Stay consistent, continue learning, take care of your clients, and most importantly, don’t lose the passion that made you start in the first place.

If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be to trust the process more. Six years into being a full-time photographer, I can honestly say that every obstacle, slow season, mistake, and lesson has helped shape the business and photographer I am today. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to keep going.

Focus on the good!

Pricing:

• $250-$1,200 for Portrait Photography
• $2,500-$3,800 for Wedding Photography

Contact Info:

• Website: https://foureyedportraits.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foureyedportraits
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foureyedportraits