Antonio Hayes
Lyons Pride
Photography isn't just a hobby for me; it's a way of life that started with curiosity and grew into a passion, eventually shaping into a small entrepreneurial venture. My journey began in 2013 with a simple Fujifilm Finepix camera, where I’d capture shots in auto mode, unaware of the technical world that lay behind each click. By 2014, I took a leap and invested in my first DSLR, a Nikon D3000, still new to terms like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, but excited to learn. I was driven by a deep love for capturing moments, even when I didn’t fully understand how.
Life, however, had other plans, and I had to put the camera down for a while. It wasn’t until 2021, during a tough time, that I found my way back to photography. Picking up the camera again became my escape and my anchor—a healthy distraction that allowed me to channel my energy into creativity rather than dwelling on challenges. What started as a way to cope quickly reignited my passion for photography.
This art form became more than just taking pictures; it became a way to capture fleeting moments, relive cherished memories, and tell stories that words often can't convey. Much of what I know today came from learning through YouTube, Instagram TFP events, and creative communities like DeviantArt. These influences shaped my approach and helped me grow, both as an artist and as a person.
Today, I see every shot as a chance to connect with others as well as my own imagination. Behind every face is a story, and my passion lies in revealing those stories through my lens. My photography is about capturing genuine human connection, freezing moments of truth, emotion, and beauty in ways that resonate deeply.
Photographers' that inspired me to start Photography...
My Cameras
01.
Sony A7R V
The Day Walker. This hybrid camera can handle a range of tasks, but I keep coming back to it for portrait work.
02.
Sony A7S III
The Night Walker. It performs exceptionally well in low light conditions, delivers strong video quality, and holds onto fine detail even at 12MP.
03.
Fujifilm X100VI
My love letter to photography. This is the camera I turn to when the shot calls for a filmic quality, something that feels less clinical and more intentional.
My Go-To Lenses
01.
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens
My favorite of the Holy Trinity lenses. Introverts will appreciate this one. It keeps a comfortable distance from your subject while still delivering sharp, flattering results.
02.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens
The most versatile lens of the Holy Trinity. It performs consistently across portraits and landscapes, making it the one you reach for most often.
03.
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens
The wide end of the Holy Trinity. I use it when a single shot needs to carry the whole story, pulling in more of the scene to give the image greater depth.
04.
Sigma 28-105mm F/2.8 DG DN Art Lens
My go-to for travel photography. It handles a variety of shooting conditions and feels solid enough to trust on any trip.
My Go-To Accessories
01.
Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack with Large Cube (25L)
My primary bag. I resisted it at first, but it turned out to meet every standard I had set for a camera bag.
02.
Nomatic McKinnon Filter Case
Built to the same standard as the backpack, and the organization is almost therapeutic. Everything sits exactly where it should.
03.
Neewer Z1-S TTL x2
Wireless TTL with support for attachments. This is the kind of flash that covers your needs now and grows with you as they change.
04.
HP OMEN 17.3" RTX 5060 AI Gaming Laptop
Every editing tool I rely on, running smoothly on a single gaming laptop built to handle the load.
My Go-To Lens Filters
Over the years, I've learned that the right filter can make all the difference between a good shot and a powerful one. This section showcases the collection of lens filters I rely on to shape light, control reflections, and elevate my images straight from the camera. Whether I'm shooting dramatic skies, softening highlights, or adding creative flare, each filter here has earned its place in my kit through trial, error, and real-world experience.
05.
PolarPro GoldMorphic Streak Filter
Great golden light streaks for atmosphere without an anamorphic lens.
03.
PolarPro BlueMorphic Streak Filter
Great blue light streaks for atmosphere without an anamorphic lens.
Other Gear
In addition to my go-to gear, I’ve held onto some specialized equipment, including various lens filters that I occasionally use. Although these items aren’t part of my everyday setup, they each have their own unique value and contribute to the versatility of my photography. Here are a few images of this gear—while I may not use them as often as my top favorites, they still hold a special place in my collection and can offer unique creative possibilities.
Top Testimonials
Antonio, thank you so much for everything you did for us at our son’s christening. You were an indispensable source of knowledge on the day of, and events leading up to the event, in addition to providing us with amazing photos. Photography was a high priority on our list, although we are both very private people, sharing those special moments with you, and trusting your professional judgement, yielded some astonishing results.
"Working with Antonio is a pleasure - he has the incredible ability to capture the "in-between moments."
What a great experience it was working with Antonio. This was my first photoshoot, he immediately made me feel confident and comfortable with my decision on working with him. He had an agenda for the shoot already mapped out. From poses to what he wanted each shot to look like with all the different looks we did. I would 100 percent recommend Antonio, super professional and welcoming!
I create memories of happiness by capturing the most important moments in people's lives...

















