the hens nest | Spotlight On | Lia Hayes

 

Meet Lia Hayes

We were fortunate enough to meet up with the talented Lia from Lia Hayes Photography recently. Join us as we put Lia under the spotlight.

 

Tell us a little bit about your business?

Lia Hayes Photography specialises in weddings and family photography, is based in Adelaide and travels all around Australia visiting her clients.

How long have you been working in the wedding / photography industry?

I have been a photographer from the time that my love of cameras required them to begin paying for themselves! (Around ten years ago). Moving from the commercial field to family and wedding photography made the pieces fit together and now I wouldn't know how to live without being a photographer!

Describe your style and approach to photography:

I think that the less that you see me on the day - the better job I have done. I'm not there to orchestrate your day, I'm there to capture your day - the way it happened. I would hope, that in my photography, you will see yourself. If so, I have done my job.

What do you love about your job?

What's not to love? Two of my favourite things in the world are weddings and kids. I get to enjoy both of these things, and produce images that make people laugh and cry...in a good way... :)

Who inspires you?

I met an amazing woman named Catherine (Kathy) around three years ago, when I photographed her family. At the time, Kathy had been told by doctors that she would not be with us much longer due to terminal cancer. Kathy's pure willpower, combined with her love of family and life, has seen her defy doctors and be with us still. I am inspired daily by her love and strength.

If you were to plan your dream wedding, what would it be like?

I am in fact planning my dream wedding! It involves best friends, my family (most of whom are one and the same) and the man of my dreams. Good food, good company, love and a gorgeous set of photos to relive the memories again and again.

Is there a particular moment or that you just love photographing during a wedding?

I love the moment when my bride sees herself with hair, makeup and dress for the first time. It's watching all of her plans, hopes, dreams and visions from when she was a little girl come together in one moment. Crying throughout each and every ceremony is a constant issue for me, but I love weddings!

If you were to give a bride and groom 2 pieces of advice to help them plan their day, what would they be?

1. Don't plan! OK plan, but realise that all plans, yes even your plans, will come undone on the day. There are SO many people that make a wedding come together, plus suppliers, venues and the Weather Gods. Things will change on the day. Be prepared for that, so you can roll with it and not stress on the day. 2. Set aside lots of time on the day for special moments. With family, with friends and with yourselves. Leave more time than you think you will need in between scheduled parts of the day and experience the day.

Do you have a favourite ceremony and / or reception location?

Hmmm, A personal favourite of mine is D'arry's Verandah, in McLaren Vale. IN-credible food and great people.

Can you share with us 3 of your favourite wedding images?

Do you have a signature pose for your brides and groom?

Absolutely not. Every bride, groom and location are unique. The magic happens all by itself - I just capture it!

Where would you like to see your business in 5 years time?

Exactly where it is now - full of fun! I aim to never become so busy that my passion for what I do wains. It's the passion that I have for my job, which shines through in my photos; and that is what will be the most important thing in five years time.

photo gallery

Click on the image below to see a slideshow of some of Lia's beautiful work and then click here to see her listing in our directory.