From a Pink Compact Camera to a Thriving Wedding Photography Business: My Journey
Photography was never something I planned to turn into a career. In fact my sister had the flare and studied it at college, but she never pursued it further than that. Looking back, I think she definitely should have! For me, photography started as a fun way to capture memories. Every family holiday, every night out with friends—I was always the one with my bright pink compact Sony camera, snapping away at every opportunity. I never thought much of it beyond just loving to document moments with the people I cared about. People over landscapes, always.
But like many others, the pandemic made me rethink everything. I had spent time travelling the world solo and then later with my boyfriend and when we returned, I found myself wondering what I really wanted to do. I had always worked in primary schools, teaching, so I felt that was all I knew, but I also knew deep down it was time for a change. It was then that I decided to give photography a real shot (pun intended).
THE EARLY DAYS: FREE WORK & LEARNING THE CRAFT
I started by doing free shoots for family and friends—just getting comfortable behind the camera, learning all about how the settings work and how to create those 'perfect' moments in a more professional setting. Then, a big opportunity came my way: my mum’s friend’s daughter was getting married. I reached out to her photographer and asked if I could shadow him for the day, using my images to build a portfolio. To my surprise, he said yes! That experience was a game-changer. I got to see the flow of a wedding day, learn the dynamics of working with couples, and most importantly, I realised how much I loved it. I've always been a people person, but this experience solidified to me that I am actually really good with people and making them feel at ease.
"I am so grateful for all the couples who trusted me early on, the photographers who shared their wisdom, and of course, my younger self for carrying that bright pink Sony camera everywhere!"
BOOKING MY FIRST WEDDING & GROWING FAST
Four months after that, I booked my first solo wedding. I made sure to bring along an experienced second shooter for support, and the couple knew I was just starting out. But everything went smoothly, and from there, my business took off.
In my first year as a part-time wedding photographer, I shot 21 weddings. The following year, that number jumped to 3o, meaning half way through 2024 I bit the bullet and took the risk to go full time with my photography business. Now, in my third year (going into my second year full time), I have 30 of my own weddings booked, plus another 3 or 4 where I’ll be second shooting. It still feels surreal how quickly everything has grown.
LESSONS & LOOKING FORWARD
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that building a business doesn’t have to be complicated—you just have to take the jump, believe in yourself and go for it! Doing free shoots is not something to be ashamed of when you first start, reaching out to professionals in the industry to ask for advice, and putting yourself out there can open doors you never expected!
I am so grateful for all the couples who trusted me early on, the photographers who shared their wisdom, and of course, my younger self for carrying that bright pink Sony camera everywhere. I still to this day am a loyal Sony user. Who knew that little hobby would turn into a full-fledged, flourishing business!
If you’re thinking of taking the leap into photography—or anything creative—just go for it. You never know where it might take you!
If someone like me can do it, then I promise ... SO CAN YOU 📸
