What does it really take to build a career photographing fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels?
In this episode of Focus & Flourish, we sit down with food and hospitality photographer Hayley Kelsing to talk about her journey into the high-end market – from her early beginnings to working with premium clients in the hospitality space.
Hayley shares how her niche evolved, how she landed her first luxury projects, and what helped her stand out in a competitive market. We talk about pitching versus inbound enquiries, the role social media plays in her visibility, and how her relationship with editing became a defining part of her brand.
We also explore how sharing her editing process and creating presets has shaped client perception – and why stepping into coaching felt like a natural next chapter.
If you’re curious about working with higher-end clients, refining your craft, or positioning yourself more intentionally in the hospitality space, this conversation is packed with insight and honesty.
WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EPISODE:
In this episode, we’re joined by Hayley Kelsing, a food and hospitality photographer known for her work with fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels.
Hayley takes us back to the beginning of her career and shares what she was doing before photography became her full-time profession. We explore how her niche developed over time and whether the move into high-end hospitality was always the goal – or something that evolved naturally as her work and confidence grew.
We dive into the practical side of building a premium client base: landing early luxury projects, standing out in a competitive space, and how her approach to pitching and visibility has changed as she’s become more established. Hayley also shares how clients typically find her today and the role social media plays in maintaining and growing her presence.
One of the most refreshing parts of this conversation is Hayley’s love of editing. We talk about why post-production excites her, how she developed and launched her presets, and how transparency around her editing process has elevated how clients perceive her expertise and attention to detail.
Finally, we touch on coaching and education – what inspired her to support other photographers and what she would recommend to someone hoping to break into the luxury food and hospitality market.
This episode offers an honest look at growth, refinement, and building a creative business with intention – especially in the premium end of the industry.
Focus & Flourish, Photography Business Talk is a podcast for food photographers and creative entrepreneurs who want to build sustainable, confident, and profitable businesses. Hosted by food photographers Marta Grabowska and Linda Hermans, the show explores pricing, positioning, marketing, systems, client relationships, and long-term growth – helping creatives turn their craft into a thriving, professional business.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
– Connect with Hayley: https://www.instagram.com/hayleykelsingphotography/
– PORTOFLIO: https://www.hayleykelsingphotography.com/
– PRESETS: https://shop.hayleykelsingphotography.com/
– COACHING: https://www.hayleykelsingphotography.com/coaching