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.


My Cameras

Sony Alpha a7R V full-frame mirrorless digital camera body showing the lens mount and sensor without a lens attached.

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.

Sony Alpha A1 professional mirrorless digital camera body showing front view with exposed lens mount and sensor.

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.


Sony a7s III mirrorless digital camera body showing the front mount and sensor without lens attached.

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

Professional black telephoto zoom lens with stabilization mount showing Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS lens specifications.

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.



Professional wide-angle zoom lens Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art with lens hood mounted in black finish.

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.

Professional Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN wide angle zoom lens for mirrorless cameras with lens hood attached.

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.

Sigma 35-150mm f/2.8-4 DG DN OS telephoto zoom lens with lens hood shown against white background.

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.

Professional camera flash unit Neewer Z1S with LCD display screen and mounting hot shoe for DSLR photography.

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.

MSI gaming laptop with black finish featuring backlit keyboard and sleek design with red and blue lighting accents.

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.

01.


PolarPro PMVND 2-5 Stop



Great filter to pair with bright days at low apertures.

02.


PolarPro PMVND 6-9 Stop



Too much light? Need focus blur? No problem!

A circular camera lens filter with green tinted coating showing reflection on its metallic surface and grooved edges.

03.


PolarPro Shortstache Everyday 1/4 Filter



My go to filter for color, Cinematic feel, and removing reflection.


04.


PolarPro Shortstache Mist PL 1/2 Filter



WAY more cinematic than the everyday 1/4 varient

05.


PolarPro GoldMorphic Streak Filter



Great golden light streaks for atmosphere without an anamorphic lens.

A circular camera lens filter with ridged edges and vertical lines visible through the glass surface.

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
Elegantly dressed person in vest and white shirt holds small child in formal white outfit.
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.
— The Williams Family
Couple embracing outdoors with soft natural lighting and green foliage in background.
"Working with Antonio is a pleasure - he has the incredible ability to capture the "in-between moments."
— Aliza Gersing
Fashion portrait featuring brown dress, pearl necklace and metallic accessories.
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!
— Bria F
Dramatic indoor boudoir photo on carpet with couch in background.

I create memories of happiness by capturing the most important moments in people's lives...