Barbee Hauzinger: Vermont Photographer Building Real Creative Partnerships

How did you start your business, and what was your inspiration?

I started taking photographs to remember people and places — and pretty quickly realized this was it, this was what I wanted to do. It felt like the perfect mix of technical and creative (coming from a math background, I can barely draw a stick figure, so this was my way in). There's a love of seeing, of discovery and curiosity, in it — a chance to tell stories of people and places, and preserve memories and spaces and time for people.

I started shooting while working at a commercial studio, sneaking in shoots after work and on the weekends. Eventually the desire to really have agency and control over my schedule and my life — and that creative flexibility — became too strong to ignore, and I made the leap to build something of my own.

What's your favorite part about what you do and why?

My favorite part about what I do is... everything. From the people to the places to the things I get to witness in the present moment — it's truly a gift. It's literally transformed how I live my life.

I love the people and relationships I get to build — being able to take someone who's nervous or unsure in front of the camera and show them just how to relax, how beautiful they are, inside and out. And I love that photography is, at its core, about presence. It's about now.

As I've gotten older, I've tried to really come back to the breath, to return to presence — and shooting film especially brings me back there. It keeps me honest. It keeps me interacting with people, learning their stories, staying curious. It keeps me in the now.

Describe a recent project, client success story, or achievement that you're especially proud of.

One I'm especially proud of is my ongoing partnership with Kate at Birdie Blue, a Stowe-based upcycling brand. We've now worked together on five shoots, and every one gets better than the last. Kate came in nervous about investing in professional photography as a small business owner, but that first shoot changed everything for her brand's presence and sales.

In her words:

"Words cannot express my gratitude for Barbee... Her gorgeous pictures have catapulted my brand to the next level and my sales reflect that. She's helped me have a more polished presence online and cut through the noise with so much competition in the e-commerce space... She is now not only my partner, but my friend."

That's the kind of relationship I love building with clients — not just a one-off shoot, but a real creative partnership that grows alongside their business.

What should potential clients know before hiring someone in your field?

That it's a collaboration. I'll guide the path and bring my experience and eye to the process, but I genuinely want their input and their thoughts along the way — the best work happens when we're building it together.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your business, your process, or how people can work with you?

I love working with people and companies in the outdoor space in creative ways. I offer a range of options to fit where you're at — half-day sessions, monthly content packages, and a full-year VIP brand partnership for those who want to go big. I also offer business and photography mentorships for folks just starting their photo business journey or who want to get to know their camera and craft better.