FEATURE: I Love My Job - Episode 4
June 5, 2021A couple of weeks ago I was interviewed for the I Love my job team for their Linkedin feature.
For the full feature please find a link here.
The full interview/ feature can also be found below.
Episode 4: Hayley, Creative Photographer.
Meet Hayley Benoit! A photographer, specialising in editorials for social and branded content, who ILMJ has had the pleasure of working with!
Hayley agreed to let us chat with her about her career journey, life behind the lens, and advice for anyone looking to find a job they love.
“Every obstacle is a symbol of your progress”.
Q: What did you want to be when you were at school?
I’ve always loved art, making things from scratch, and drawing. At primary school I had a strong desire to be a movie director. However, I never had a camera and rarely directed anything, I think I just wanted to walk around wearing all black as that’s what I thought directors did!
Secondary school was a bit different. I enjoyed art and textiles and was more focused on being a fashion designer. That was my dream until I stepped foot into art school (Central Saint Martins) and fell in love with Fashion Photography. Over the years I developed my style in a way that isn’t so focused on Fashion Photography, but I believe my work always has a fashion element to it in general.
Q: What are the qualities you need to do what you do?
It’s important that you have a strong eye for detail, colour, and light. You also need to have adaptable qualities, to ensure you can create something applicable to your client’s needs on the day, without being too precious about the initial plan.
Additionally, you must have a VERY thick skin. Lots of people will have different opinions about your work throughout your career and it can be very disheartening at times with lots of rejections and obstacles. Everyone will always have an opinion about your work, so it’s important to believe in yourself and you stay true to your values.
Q: Where did you learn those qualities?
I’ve always loved going to Art galleries around London as a child, that’s what we always did as a family every weekend. So, art has always been around me and I was naturally influenced from a young age. As a result, I believe I’ve always had a strong eye for detail and colour. Creating images to articulate how I was feeling emotionally too.
After working as a photographer for nine years you pretty much learn everything on the job, I’ve had a multitude of work and experiences that has provided me with the tools to get where I am today, from Project Co-ordinator to a Fashion Assistant. It’s been a steady climb. I’ve had to finance my career with some industry and non-industry-related jobs. I’ve also lived in different countries, which I believe has helped me see things from a different perspective.
Q: What’s the best thing about your job?
I love meeting people and listening to their journey, I find it very inspiring. I also love picking up new and exciting briefs, visiting locations, looking back at what I’ve achieved, and making people happy + inspired by the work I create.
Q: What do you find most challenging?
Marketing myself and finding new clients. Clients often think of hiring a photographer last minute, so you can never really plan your month ahead. You’re always committed to taking things on without knowing how busy you’ll be, because things always come up last minute. One month you can be very busy and the next month can be slow, so it can be tricky to plan financially (and mentally).
Q: Can you hand on heart say, ‘I love my job’?
Yes! I always walk away from a photoshoot feeling pumped and excited about what I’ve achieved, it’s an amazing feeling and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Q: What one piece of advice would you give someone who’d like to find a job they love?
Never give up and take on every obstacle with a smile. Every obstacle is a symbol of your progress and how much you’ve achieved, you wouldn’t love it if it was easy.
Q: Where can people find out more about you?
Feel free to check out my website www.hayleybenoit.co.uk or my social media pages @hayleybenoit for more information.