• billboard

EDU Featured Photographer: Hayley Selinski

When she’s not creating social media content and other collateral for Augsburg University, this Minneapolis photographer and designer is in hog heaven using the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lens to take pictures of the local motorcycle community.


By Jenn Gidman
Images by Hayley Selinski

Whether she’s working on a digital toolkit for graduating students, creating content for social media, or heading out with her camera to take pictures at a Minneapolis-area motorcycle rally, Hayley Selinski rarely has a day (or night) that’s not a busy one. The designer and photographer—who holds a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, as well as a BFA in Graphic Design from the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design—has learned to wear many hats and juggle ever-changing tasks in her quest to keep creating.

© Hayley Selinski
Click image to view larger
Mock-up of a digital toolkit for Augsburg grads created by the marketing department, including information on how to join the online commencement ceremony, digital downloads, and more.

In her role as a creative associate for the marketing team of Augsburg University, located in downtown Minneapolis, Hayley does design work for both the school and Luther Seminary, which is affiliated with the college. “We serve all departments of both campuses,” Hayley says. “Whenever a campus partner needs collateral, they submit a request to us. That request can range from print materials like pamphlets and brochures, to Instagram Story templates that the basketball team can use on social media.”

In this capacity, Hayley and her team are tasked with refining Augsburg and the seminary’s brand and keeping them consistent from department to department. “It’s really rewarding to design something and then see it out in the world soon after that, having a direct impact on students, staff, and faculty,” she says. “That’s one really cool aspect of my job.”

© Hayley Selinski
Click image to view larger
Berlynn Bitengo, student body president for 2020-2021, standing on the US Bank Stadium field. This photo was taken while filming an informative video for Auggie grads.

After she’s clocked out of her day job, Hayley parlays her creative skills into her freelance design work, which she promotes on her HMS Creative website. Taking pictures is at the top of the list for Hayley, who’s been immersed in photography since 2014. “One of the requirements for my graphic design degree was to buy a camera,” she says. “I picked up an entry-level Nikon, and I ended up using it more outside school than for class, to take pictures of my friends and things happening around town.”

One subject in particular that draws most of Hayley’s attention: motorcycles, and the biking community in and around Minneapolis. “I started motorcycle riding when I was 19 and I've been interested in it ever since,” she says. “I wanted to find other people my age in the area, which is when I came across the Litas, an international women’s riding organization. I became a co-founder of Litas Twin Cities with my friend Jennifer Sikes. We now have about 200 women in the group.”

© Hayley Selinski
Click image to view larger
Photo from Motorcycle Night at Forgotten Star Brewing Co., co-hosted by the Litas Twin Cities.

© Hayley Selinski
Click image to view larger
Group photo of the Litas Twin Cities for the Litas to use in their online blog, Highway Diaries.

It’s the entire motorcycle genre that intrigues Hayley, and its myriad elements all find their way in front of her camera. “First, I love the bikes,” she says. “The way you can customize them is an art form unto itself. Meanwhile, the people who ride are some of the most interesting people you’d ever want to meet. Being able to photograph these folks at events like local motorcycle nights, as well as just cruising around town, is one of my favorite things to do in my downtime.”

© Hayley Selinski
Click image to view larger
Polar Devils Vintage ice races, featuring rider Jay Schulberg.

Hayley’s lens of choices these days for these type of photos is the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (see Tamron’s newest version, the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2, here). “I recently switched from my Nikon setup to a Sony mirrorless system,” she says. “I was following a social media influencer and they only had the best things to say about that Tamron lens, so I thought, ‘I’m absolutely buying it.’ I now use it for almost everything I shoot; I almost never take it off my camera. I’ve now got my eye on the Tamron 18-300mm Di III-A VC VXD lens, which I’m hoping I can try out soon.”

Creating social media content and other collateral for third-party brands and influencers within the motorcycle community is another notch in Hayley’s belt. In addition to helping out with content for the Litas Twin Cities online portals, Hayley has also taken photos and/or produced content for the Jacks of Spade clothing and gear maker; CROIG; Moon Motorsports, a dealership Hayley worked with as it organized its Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride; and Wind & Throttle, which supplies and distributes women’s motorcycle from various brands.

© Hayely Selinski
Click image to view larger
Jacks of Spade: To the MaXX flattrack races, on August 21.

“When the owner of Wind & Throttle was in town for the Motosota event two years ago, I did a photo shoot with her while she was wearing some of the gear she offers,” Hayley says. “You can see her here in the photo of the woman wearing a black helmet and leopard goggles. I’ve also served as a model for some of her clothing—you can see me in a few photos here wearing the plus-size moto riding pants she sells.”

© Hayley Selinski
Click image to view larger
Jennifer Williams, owner of Wind & Throttle, modeling W&T wear in front of Bauhaus Brew Labs.

© Annie Haubenhofer
Click image to view larger
Hayley Selinski for Wind & Throttle, modeling moto ribbed pants. Photographed by Annie Haubenhofer.

© Annie Haubenhofer
Click image to view larger
Hayley Selinski for Wind & Throttle, modeling moto ribbed pants. Photographed by Annie Haubenhofer.

© Annie Haubenhofer
Click image to view larger
Hayley Selinski for Wind & Throttle, modeling moto ribbed pants, detail photo. Photographed by Annie Haubenhofer.

One of the things Hayley appreciates most about her work is the synergy and collaboration she’s found in the Minnesota riding community. “Connecting with that community and facilitating super-awesome events has been so important to me, especially raising awareness for women in motorcycles,” she says. “I especially love to support other women in the industry, and I hope my photos and design skills help do that.”

As for advice for other up-and-coming photographers who are thinking about (or who’ve already started) merging their love of photography with another passion, Hayley notes that it’s important to keep having fun. “There’s always a fine line when you’re trying to balance a hobby with a profession,” she says. “Especially when that hobby is something you hold very close to your heart, like I do with motorcycles. It can be hard to set boundaries. Just be aware of your skills, and your wants and needs, and don’t undervalue yourself. If your friends tell you your photos rock, you should definitely listen to them.”