CAPTURING HALEIGH: A Junior’s Journey to the Teen Team

Today, we introduce you to Haleigh Potts, one of the bright new faces on the teen team. Haleigh recently celebrated her seventeenth birthday on November 15th and is embracing her first year on the team while navigating her junior year at Maplewood Career Center studying in their cosmetology program. Our girl Haleigh brings a genuine happiness and unwavering commitment to everything she does and we are so grateful to have her on our Teen Team. .

The Heart of Haleigh: Happiness and Her Biggest Influence

​When I first met Haleigh Potts, the first thing I noticed was her laugh — it’s warm, open, and completely genuine. That kind of happiness isn’t just a part of who she is; she chooses it, every day. She’s the person who is ALWAYS laughing and constantly working to ensure those around her are in a good mood.

This dedication to positivity is something she attributes directly to her mother. Haleigh’s mom is her primary influence, always pushing her to be the best version of herself and providing steadfast support in every endeavor. She credits her mom for modeling the kind of strength and compassion she aspires to have. She also remembers her mom working late, then waking up early to do it all again. That hustle, that persistence… it left a mark on her.

That discipline didn’t make her serious, though. Instead, it fueled a spirit of kindness: always checking in, always putting people first, and always making sure whoever’s around her feels seen.

The Friends that Shape Her

High school hasn’t been just about the classes or the future — it’s about the people she’s made along the way. Her closest crew includes Lizzie, Emilee, and Sadie (who lives in Florida). Then there are her guy friends: Peyton, Tristan, and Kiel — their bond goes way back, rooted in childhood and shared memories.

High School Highlights and Personal Growth

​Haleigh’s favorite school memory involves playing in the Powderpuff football game during both her freshman and sophomore years. What made the experience special was the sheer fun of playing their hearts out, even though they lost both games. It was the joy of the moment, rather than the victory, that made it memorable.

Then came the Teen Team. That’s where she really began to grow. She connected deeply with Keegan, someone she admires for her kindness. Through these relationships, she started to see parts of herself she always valued — compassion, honesty, and a newfound confidence.

Strengths She Carries with Her

When I asked Haleigh to pick three qualities that define her, she didn’t hesitate:

1. Confidence — She faced comparison head-on and learned that being herself is enough.

2. Compassion — Helping others isn’t just something she does — it’s who she is.

3. Honesty — Whether she’s cheering someone up or telling a hard truth, she values realness.

She admitted that she’s made mistakes. But instead of letting them define her, she treats them as lessons. Every setback is just another chance to grow.

​Looking Ahead: Salon Dreams and Teen Team Experience

​Haleigh has ambitious plans for the future. In five years, she envisions herself co-owning her own salon with her friend Lizzie, continuously working to improve and perfect her skills in hair styling.

​Her motivation for joining the Teen Team came from the enthusiasm of girls at her school, Mia and Keegan, who spoke about how fun and empowering the experience was. Now that she's experiencing it, Haleigh confirms she is absolutely getting what she wanted out of the team, having made many new friends and building strong connections.

​Her advice to anyone thinking about joining is straightforward: do it. She believes the experience is enriching and will make you feel like a better person than when you started—a transformation she experiencing firsthand. 

My Reflection

As a photographer, working with Haleigh has felt like more than a session — it felt like witnessing someone bloom. Her laughter, her drive, her kindness … they all shine through in every frame. She’s not just a “bright face on the Teen Team” — she’s a spark.

And honestly? Stories like hers remind me why I do what I do. Because it’s not just about capturing pretty photos. It’s about capturing someone’s journey — and helping them see how incredible they already are.

And her laugh — that warm, unmistakable laugh — it’s the kind of sound that’s medicine for my soul.