Today we’d like to introduce you to Remy Haynes.
Remy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Moments. It’s about the moments that make up our lives. To me, it’s always been about capturing honest moments in time to look back on later with joy or perhaps a remembrance of sadness, but always with the intent of connecting myself and others to their emotions. It’s always my hope that my photography sheds some light on the deeper moments of living.
More and more, it seems like a lot of people are on autopilot these days. But not me. I’ve always strived for connection to people, to animals, to nature and the story they have. I’ve enjoyed abundance and success as a commercial photographer for years, bringing out the emotion of a scene but now, I’m more focused on being a part of the scene and letting it unfold in front of me. This allows me freedom. I don’t have to manipulate this work in any way. I’m a bystander, not a controller.
It’s about authenticity now, I have come to a place where I need connection more than the false belief of security a paycheck holds. And I need to allow my work to help others in order to feel fulfilled.
Great, 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?
There will always be obstacles. My most challenging times are usually presented when I doubt myself. Those are the times when I find myself needing to jump over some hurdle, criss-cross to my destination or jump higher than I thought. And there really is no way to live without these obstacles. They are our tests, they are what shows us our clear path. There will be many. I’ve had to change directions multiple times and it can be hard to let go because it’s something we may have held excitement for, something we put into motion. But you have to learn to trust, it may not be the right path for you at that time. So, you may have to continue to pivot, you may need a very thick skin, but you always need to remember your truth and what you really want out of life. When younger people ask me for advice, it may sound cliché but the truth is, I say, never give up. Many people do give up and follow what’s easy, what’s comfortable. But those who seek their own personal truth follow their path to happiness no matter how messy it gets. They are brave, they pick themselves up and they start again, each and every time.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Remy Haynes Photography – what should we know?
I specialize in Advertising which sometimes includes people, food, spaces, and devices but it is always my job to find the authentic moments within a scene that tells a brand’s story the best. So, my story is about honesty and connection; people’s connection to nature, to animals, to each other and to our true purpose. I’m fascinated by why we love the things we love and why we do the things we do. We’re all seeking something; happiness, whatever we decide that to be for our life.
My work has always been joyful. I like to say it’s, ‘shiny, happy people, doing fun, shiny things’ because there is no darkness to me or my work. I rarely ‘photoshop’ my images because to me it’s about an authentic moment that took place that I want to share with the world.
I never liked drama class. I always liked getting lost in the backyard and playing with the animals. I’ve always been inexplicably drawn to nature. My upbringing was full of fun and special moments and a lot of love but this isn’t everyone’s story. So, for those people, I work. I work to help them see the beauty in life and in others. My hope is that I teach an inspire people to see the positive instead of the negative in this one, beautiful, messy life we get.
And do what you love. I think what sets me apart is I followed my dream and made a career out of it. I don’t think many people get to do that or think it’s important to follow your heart. Some can’t because of many different restrictions. For those people, I work. I work to bring beauty and inspiration to them.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Starting out as a woman in the field of photography, 15 years ago, I was mainly working around and with men. I’m happy to say that there has been a nice shift that has brought some more females into the industry. I think women have a lot to offer the corporate world. I know that when I enter a room it’s my goal to ease the tension, to make the experience fun, to maybe laugh a bit and because of that I typically get the most authentic emotions from people and everyone takes themselves a little less serious for those few hours. I think that’s a great asset in the business world. I never let being a woman in a man’s field deter me. In fact, I see it as an asset. I have something to offer that all those guys didn’t, my point of view, as a woman.
Is softness and calm a female trait, maybe. Does ‘mothering’ come naturally to women, maybe. We are stronger than we think we are. I mean, we are the ones who give birth. I think if we as women build each other up and believe in ourselves we can do great things. Femininity doesn’t equal weakness. In fact, I know some pretty strong ladies I look up to who have impacted the world very positively. Can you say, Oprah?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.remyhaynes.com
- Phone: 310-848-3997
- Email: remy@remyhaynes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remyhaynesphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/remyhaynesphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/remyhaynes
- Other: http://www.thecurrencyproject.com
Image Credit:
Remy Haynes Photography
Jenny Siegwart – Personal Photo
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