Meet Haley Varano | Wedding and Lifestyle Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haley Varano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
If you were to tell me five years ago that I would have a professional videography business, I would be shocked. Videography was always a hobby that I enjoyed. I have always loved capturing raw emotion on film! I have also loved pouring into other organizations through filming different events. Truly capturing those important moments always has brought me immense joy. This has led me to create a business. I never thought I would truly bring my passion to reality, but here we are. I believe that it is important to absolutely love what you do. Careers can come and go, but my passions are what bring me joy! Bringing those two ideas together a career and a passion, was something I never thought I would be able to do. But once I started getting interest and positive feedback it gave me the confidence to officially start my videography business. I am so grateful for all the clients that have trusted me from the very beginning and have continued to encourage me through my career!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had an artistic side. I absolutely love dancing; it was my first passion. I grew up dancing with a dance company from the age of three and I have a dance minor. I also worked with a professional dance company for a few years in my early 20s. In the summer of 2020 I was asked to film and create a 3 hour dance film for my home studio because with the pandemic, the studio was not able to have a recital. The dance films I created were shown at a drive in movie theater. This opportunity truly brought two passions together dance and videography.

While I started with dance films, that has led to my main career of wedding films. This career has not always been easy, but it has been extremely rewarding. Starting the business was a risk for me. I did not know if I would receive inquires or make connections with others; however, that cannot be further from the truth. With my business and life I don’t want to say I wish I did this or I wish I did that. I want to look back on my life saying wow, I am so glad I took that risk, even if I failed. So while taking a risk was frightening, I am glad I pushed myself to start my business. This mindset has guided me through the highs and lows. It has helped me create my brand and style of wedding film.

Each wedding film I create is unique, it’s about the love story. I strive to capture the raw emotion of the day by utilizing audio, cinematic scenes, and the genuine relationship of the couple. This is what sets me apart from others. Leading up to each wedding day I am most excited about working with each couple. Watching a couple interact throughout the day and seeing their love celebrated brings me so much joy. I then have the privilege of putting those moments into memories that will be watched for years to come. I absolutely love what I do!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Georgia has a variety of places to go. You can spend a day in the city or on the beach. For me, my love is for the mountains. I am right outside of Atlanta, so a day trip to the mountains would be a must.

Some of my favorite hikes are:
1. Yonah Mountain – it is a bit difficult, but the view is rewarding!
2. Amicola Falls – the vertical height is worth the views!
3. Cloudland Canyon – there are multiple trails that are full of waterfalls!

After a hike I love to grab a glass of wine at a great winery:
1. Yonah Mountain Vineyards
2. Cavender Creek

Some other fun places to grab a bite or a drink would be:
1. Reformation Brewery – I love to grab a drink and play corn hole.
2. Superica
3. Salt Factory
4. Pure – My go to date night spot!
Can you tell I love Mexican spots?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful for every person who has helped me along the way. There are a few people and groups who have encouraged me since the beginning.

First and foremost, my parents. They have always supported me with anything I strive to do. Even when I had doubts, they kept me going.
Number 2, my husband Michael, he has a half glass full attitude that inspires me everyday. I aspire to have his outlook on life!
Number 3, my childhood dance teacher, Charlotte Foster Williamson. I have known Charlotte since I was 9 and she is still an important part of my life today. She gave me a chance to sharpen my videography skills by filming for her dance companies and studio, I am forever grateful for her.
Finally, KSU Miracle. This is a student led philanthropic organization on Kennesaw State’s campus that raises money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. KSU Miracle gave me my first opportunity to film events around campus. Thank you to all my fellow peers who believed in me and encouraged me throughout those years, it has shaped who I am today!

Website: HaleyVaranoFilms.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyvaranofilms/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo_bxFyFVjttOKS-dgvOxog