Meet Scott Hays of Scott Hays Photography & Media Production in Valleywide

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Hays.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a teenager, I hijacked my dad’s Pentax Spotmatic camera… taking pictures of life and neighborhood girls too, lol! I grew up in the US, Brisbane, AUS, and Republic of Singapore. Studied graphic design. During high school, I worked at CBS affiliate as art manager, camera, floor director, technical director, and field reporter

Before college, I worked as a deputy forensic (photo) investigator outside Chicago. I attended/graduated Brooks Institute of Photography as an Advertising Illustration major. Settled in San Diego… specialized in high-performance automotive aftermarket imaging. Think Car & Driver, KC Hilites, Mickey Thompson, Earls, Jackman, etc. I was a club photographer at San Diego’s Bacchanal for many years… Molly Hatchet, Tori Amos, Chuck Berry… lot’s of amazing performances and fun times.

Migrated to Phoenix/Scottsdale… started a family, worked as college photo, film, video, tv professor for 14 years. I am active as cinematographer, writer, a director on various film and tv projects.

In 2010 – I returned to assignment photography… with a newfound emphasis on people & lifestyle images.

In 2017 – I joined kidsinfocus.org as a mentor and administrative support… a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and equipping at-risk kids to shift from surviving to thriving through photography. I love my kids, real dogs… and the craft of photographing human essence.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ha! Life is a challenge. The more challenges we face the greater character we develop. My many scars are my stories. Overcoming injuries and age… I am grateful to have survived this long.

Professionally? Like anything, photography is a hustle. It is also a talent and training. I am better at just being real and authentic than I am at schmoozing.

Societal? Technology, Turned the creative arts upside down. Adapt or perish ya’ know.

Please tell us about Scott Hays Photography & Media Production.
I’m semi-retired now… concentrating on fashion, lifestyle, and headshots photographically. Active volunteer with a local charity group, Kids in Focus. Still available to write, direct and do cinematography on appropriate projects.

I am proud of my decades of work… image quality, concept, style, and aesthetics. Keep it classy, make it provocative, try to be unique.

Mastery of light is critical… more so than even composition. The ability to improv on-set… I doubt any two similar assignments will ever look alike. And that is part of creatively ‘being in the zone’.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Financially? Uhg. More business, more management, less casual… equals more revenue (if that is one’s goal).

Volunteer more.

Integrity is everything.

Be kind.

Be grateful.

Every trending meme… haha!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://scotthaysphotography.com/
• Phone: 602-573-5578
• Email: scotthaysphotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotthays.photo.film.tv.media/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/scott-hays-photography-phoenix

Image Credit:
SchwanSalon, Kristina Sabbagh, Arlienne Scofield, Kelli Joe, Sarah Stover, Ben Booher, Marissa Hanson, Vanessa Blodgett, Sara Sant, Missy G, Nathalie Cadieux, Kendall Griffin, Daniel Blunck, Cris Rankin, Sonya Joseph, Wiwa Williams, Mai Koch, Kat Sutton, Amber Meyer, Shannon Elizabeth

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.