Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Newton.
Hi Paige, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Head Shot Happy Hour: On the rare occasion the camera is turned on me, I completely freeze up. I literally do not know what to do with my hands and I typically break out into a super awkward dance so I don’t have to standstill. This is why I allow myself the luxury of an adult beverage before I get my photo taken by another pro. I figured a ton of other people felt the same way and because I love sharing time with other humans, this little idea popped into my brain. Head Shot Happy Hour not only provides a super relaxed and laid back environment (whether or not you’re partaking in the booze), it also offers a super modern and affordable headshot. Everyone should feel like themselves in their photo and I love being able to provide that in a different way.
Overall photography biz: I sort of fell into having a photography business… it was just a hobby that I loved. Some folks asked me to photograph them and one day, my dad posed the question: what would you do if money wasn’t an obstacle? I immediately said “be a photographer” even though it really hadn’t dawned on me before that moment. I dipped my toes in August 2008 in while I had a full-time job as a live in nanny and launched my business full time after a year of saving up. I’ve sort of done it all – weddings, senior portraits, etc. but currently, my main thing is modern headshots and social media content.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, like most creative gigs, there’s an ebb and a flow. Owning my own photography business is certainly not always easy, especially during those slower times. There’s no job security here. But I’ve had the enormous privilege of getting through those tougher times and continuing to be able to do something that I love.
I trademarked the name Head Shot Happy Hour at the end of 2019 which was not an easy road. But I’m excited because my goal is to hopefully expand to other cities and states with associate photographers around the country. I was gearing up to start working on that… enter COVID. So happy hour wasn’t exactly on the cards last year so I had to hit the pause button. Slowly, private Happy Hours (groups of friends or coworkers- people who already know one another) are back and I’m hoping it will be business as usual by the fall.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of Head Shot Happy Hour, I’ve had my photography business for almost 13 years. I think I’m able to make people comfortable which I love being able to do. If you’re not used to it, being photographed can be super intimidating and it’s a great compliment to me when people tell me I made it feel easy for them. I also love collaborating with my other super talented friends- I think collaboration is super important, especially when doing something a bit more creative.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Oh gosh, no idea… I think most people know these things but here are some random facts…
I’m married to a guy from Australia who I met at my best friend’s wedding (she’s a super talented photographer and is also married to an Aussie).
I’m a total river rat. Nothing makes me happier than swimming so I’m always tracking down new spots and hitting up my old favorites.
I got into gardening during the pandemic and I now grow things which constantly amaze me.
I believe in universal healthcare, gun control, the right for a woman to choose what she does with her own body, defunding police, and dismantling system racism… but that definitely isn’t a surprise if you know me! 😉
Contact Info:
- Email: paige@theheadshothappyhour.com
- Website: theheadshothappyhour.com, paigenewton.com
- Instagram: @paigenphoto, @theheadshothappyhour
