Meet Haleigh Hamilton | Family, Couple and Dog Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haleigh Hamilton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haleigh, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Charley Mae Dog Photography because I knew I didn’t want to live a 9-5 job, or in my case a teachers schedule. I wanted a life where my job could be flexible, where I could travel, and most importantly, be happy! I wanted my business to be unique. I didn’t want to be a wedding photographer or family photographer. I loved dogs so why not pair photography and dogs together. There are not many dog photographers in our area, and our area in Hilton Head is so dog friendly. I figured why not shoot my shot and see where it takes me! I am so happy I made the jump.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own Charley Mae Dog Photography. My business name is actually named after my chocolate lab, Charley or Charley Mae when she is in trouble Haha!

Since last time I was featured, some things have changed. I have made a dream become a reality. I remember in the last feature, I told everyone that I wanted to open up my own studio at some point. As of October 2022, Elle Michele Photography and I opened up our own photography studio, called Studio 16. We let other creatives rent the space from us when we aren’t using it. I have dreamt about owning a studio since I started photography and we are so excited to see where it takes us. I shoot a lot of dog photography and boudoir in the studio.

When I am not doing boudoir or dog photography, I am out on the beach taking engagement or family photos. I am all over the place but I love it. I love the different genres of photography and each genre brings it own fun. I am known for giving my clients a phenomenal experience from start to finish. I reach out via phone to start off by getting to know my clients. I want to build a professional relationship with my clients and truly get to know them, their families, and their pets.

With dogs, I want the pup to have all the loving and the spotlight. This led me to create a Birthday Package for dogs! Who doesn’t want to have a birthday photoshoot? Your pups get a customized dog-friendly cake from a local bakery, birthday balloons, and birthday cake, how cute! I love having families included in the photos too! I send out a detailed questionnaire that helps me get to know the dog and client. I want to know if your dog is reactive and needs a quiet space for photos. I cater to the dog’s needs and will go wherever we need to go to achieve this. I find out what motivates the dog and gets their attention. I also have a bag of goodies with me too. Don’t worry if your pup is hyper or overly excited. I send out a detailed session prep guide with suggestions to help you prep for your session and what to expect during your photoshoot. Specifically, I love going to places that have special meanings being it; for both dogs and engagements. Does your dog love to hike or go to your favorite outdoor restaurant? Let’s go there for some of your photos! I want my client’s photos to having meaning behind them and to capture those memories at your special places.

For my couples and families, I am all about making the experience cater to them. I ask on my questionnaire what music the families and couples like so I can play them at their session. This is perfect for small kiddos who love to sing and dance. I am much more of a candid type of photography vs posed. So, watching parents dance with their children at the beach to some fun songs is the best. For couples, songs allow my clients to have fun and relax with me or even grab a quick slow dance on the beach while I capture photos. I work with my clients on choosing their outfits and their location. I want them to feel like their best selves and show off their personalities. Couples and families are so much fun for me! I always send out a detailed questionnaire getting to know the couple and families as well as a detailed session prep guide on how to prepare for their session as well to know what to expect for their session and post-session.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love Savannah, Ga. It is about 25 minutes from us and has so much to offer. From bars, good food, live music and shopping. One of my favorite places to go eat at in Savannah is Treylor Park Hitch. Their dinner is to die for. You have to get their nachos. It has a chive ranch on top of waffle fries, one of my favorites! My fiance and I are total foodies so we love to try different restaurants when we go out.

If you are ever in town, you must do a trolley tour. Savannah has so much history to it. I am still learning things about the area every time I am in the area. Savannah is a must.

We also live so close to the beach that going down to Hilton Head Island is also a must. Go to some of the beach bars like Sand Bar or Coast. Everywhere has live music and its such a fun time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I first and foremost couldn’t have done this life without my fiance, David. He has been my biggest supporter in this journey. From helping at events, or staying up late with me at night while I editing. He has pushed me to go full time and I am so excited to make that jump. He has been my biggest cheerleader while I transition from a teacher to nannying to photographer.

Since moving to Hilton Head, I have made some of the best photographer friends and mentors. I want to take Elle Michele Photography for being my A1 while I grow my business. While we shoot similar genres in photography, this has never stopped her from supporting me. She has been a huge mentor for me; from helping start my business blog, showing me great locations to take photos at, to taking behind the scenes of me at photoshoots, I don’t think I would be where I am at currently if it was not for her mentoring.

I also cannot thank my clients enough for their support. Being a new photographer in a area is tough. Having clients to support you truly makes my world go round. Meeting so many faces in 2023 has been such a joy and blessing and I can’t wait to see some of those clients again in 2024.

Website: www.charleymaedogphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/charley.mae.photography

Facebook: Charley Mae Dog Photography

Image Credits
Brittany Bradley Studio