If you’re dreaming about turning your photography passion into a full-time career, you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy either. I’ve been there. In fact, not too long ago, I was stuck in a dead-end 9 to 5 job working for the state, overwhelmed, uninspired, and craving something more fulfilling.

Little did I know that attending my cousin’s wedding—with no photographer booked—would completely shift my path. Someone handed me a camera set to automatic, and despite knowing nothing about settings or technique, I captured a few shots that made people say, “Hey, these are actually pretty good.”
That was the spark.

Starting a Photography Business with No Experience

I’ll be honest: I had zero idea how to start a photography business. I didn’t know what camera to buy, which gear mattered, or how to book clients. Like many new creatives, I fell into the trap of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)—buying gear I didn’t need, chasing specs instead of skill.

Eventually, I learned that experience > equipment.

One of the biggest turning points was choosing to learn hands-on instead of spending countless hours in YouTube rabbit holes. I made the decision to get uncomfortable and force myself to learn camera settings the right way. I bought a Canon 5D Mark I, intentionally with a less than ideal live view on the back display—so I had no choice but to understand ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Best move I ever made.

Learning from the Pros (and Knowing When to Pivot)

I owe a lot of my early technical growth to creators like:

Manny Ortiz – for portrait lighting and gear advice
Taylor Jackson – for all things weddings
Karl Taylor – for detailed lighting techniques

These creators offered the foundation, but something was still missing: application. I knew what the settings meant, but not always when to use them. That’s when I found the Atlanta Photographers Guild (APG).

APG changed everything. Monthly meetups, niche-based workshops, and an open community of creatives made learning exciting. Through APG, I refined my focus to three core photography niches: portraits, events, and weddings. I was finally able to put my knowledge into practice—working alongside pros, shooting real sessions, and growing my skill set rapidly.

Building My Dream Team and Brand Identity

As I grew, I started collaborating more—most notably with my mentor Karice Coleman, who brought me into the world of wedding photography. Eventually, I transitioned from second shooter to lead photographer for elopements, portraits, birthday sessions, and full-scale weddings.

With that, Photos By W was born.

I developed my signature style and surrounded myself with talented second shooters who aligned with my vision. Together, we became what I now proudly call the Dream Team. Things were rolling—then COVID hit.

Weathering the Storm: Creativity in Crisis

While the pandemic hit the wedding industry hard, I used that downtime to work. From home, I practiced lighting setups, built new backdrops, studied editing techniques, consumed podcasts, and connected with other creatives through Zoom.
I didn’t let the quiet break me—I used it to sharpen my craft.

Taking the Leap: Becoming a Full-Time Photographer

After years of juggling two careers, I finally decided—with the support of my wife and community—to leave the 9 to 5 behind. Behind every creative business that’s built to last, there’s structure. There’s strategy. And most importantly, there’s a team and system supporting the vision. Over time, I’ve developed the core pillars that keep Photos By W running smoothly—even during the busiest or most unpredictable seasons.

I had:

A Dependable Roster of Second Shooters - No one can do it all alone. Having a trusted group of second shooters has been a game-changer for me. These are professionals who not only know their gear, but understand my style, my workflow, and the level of quality my brand stands for. Whether I’m capturing a large wedding with multiple angles or need coverage in two places at once, I can confidently delegate and still deliver an exceptional final product. Building this roster didn’t happen overnight—it took vetting, mentoring, and mutual respect—but now, it’s one of my greatest business assets.
A Marketing Plan in Motion - Gone are the days of just posting and hoping. I now have a marketing strategy that’s working while I’m working. That means blog content designed with SEO in mind, scheduled social media posts tailored to my audience, email campaigns that nurture leads, and ad funnels that reach newly engaged couples. It’s not about being everywhere—it’s about being intentional and consistent with where and how I show up. With systems in place, I’m attracting the right clients rather than constantly chasing them.
Trusted Vendor and Planner Relationships - Weddings are a team sport. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some incredible vendors—planners, DJs, florists, venues, makeup artists—and those relationships have turned into real partnerships. When you work well together, word spreads. Referrals flow both ways, communication is seamless, and clients feel the difference. Having a strong network of wedding professionals isn’t just good business—it enhances the entire client experience.
A well-built portfolio - My portfolio now tells a story. It’s not just a highlight reel—it’s a reflection of the type of work I want to attract and the level of quality clients can expect. From intimate backyard ceremonies to grand ballroom weddings, each image in my portfolio has been carefully chosen to showcase versatility, consistency, and emotional impact. A strong portfolio doesn’t just speak to skill—it speaks to trust, professionalism, and a proven ability to deliver.

And Most Importantly, I Had a Nest Egg to Fall Back On—Because Let’s Be Real, Slow Seasons Happen: One of the smartest—and most underrated—moves I made before going full-time was building a financial cushion. Passion is powerful, but so is preparation. I knew the photography business wasn’t immune to ups and downs. There are months when the bookings pour in like clockwork, and others where it feels like the inquiry form is collecting dust. That’s just the nature of the creative industry, especially if your work is seasonal like weddings.

My nest egg wasn’t about living lavishly—it was about staying afloat when income slowed down. It gave me the freedom to say no to low-paying or mismatched gigs. It bought me time to work on my craft, update my portfolio, revamp my marketing, and take care of my mental health without the pressure of “Where’s the next check coming from?”

That savings also helped cover upfront business costs—gear upgrades, insurance, software subscriptions, branding, and education. Things that are easy to overlook when you're focused on shooting, but absolutely necessary for long-term growth.

If you’re thinking about going full-time in photography, build your nest egg first. It doesn’t have to be massive, but it should be enough to cover a few months of business and personal expenses. Because when the slow season hits—and it will—you’ll want peace of mind, not panic.

Since making the leap, I’ve never looked back. My business has grown, my family thrives, and I now have the time freedom I always dreamed about. Whether it’s taking vacations, spending time with my son, or just working on passion projects—I control my time now.

The Real Talk: Full-Time Creativity Isn’t for the Weak

While turning my passion into a career has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made, the behind-the-scenes grind isn’t always as glamorous as it may seem. It’s:

Late nights editing - After the camera stops rolling and the wedding guests have gone home, the real work often begins. There are countless nights where I find myself still at my desk at 2AM, color grading a film or retouching a bridal portrait to perfection. Deadlines don’t sleep—and neither do perfectionists. Every shot is a memory someone is trusting me to preserve forever, and I carry that responsibility heavily.
Endless marketing - Being a great photographer isn’t enough. You have to become a brand, a storyteller, a strategist. From Instagram captions to SEO blog posts, email campaigns to website updates—marketing never stops. I’ve learned that attracting clients takes just as much energy as serving them, and often even more consistency.
Dealing with finances and taxes - Let’s not sugarcoat it—tax season hits different when you're self-employed. Navigating business expenses, quarterly tax payments, and figuring out what counts as a write-off can feel like learning a whole new language. Managing a photography business means wearing the hat of a creative and a bookkeeper, sometimes on the same day.
Imposter syndrome - Even after landing dream clients and producing work I’m proud of, there are moments I’ve questioned if I belong here. The internet can make it feel like everyone is doing better, booking more, and charging higher rates. Imposter syndrome creeps in quietly, but loudly enough to make you doubt your journey. I've had to learn to silence that inner critic and trust the growth I’ve earned.
Slow seasons and burnout - There are high seasons where I’m juggling back-to-back weddings and editing marathons—and then there are months where the inquiries slow to a trickle. In those slow seasons, doubt can grow. And when things do pick back up, it’s easy to push myself past the limit. Burnout isn’t just physical exhaustion—it’s mental, emotional, and creative fatigue. I’ve had to learn the hard way that rest isn’t a reward—it’s a requirement.

For all the stress, sweat, and second-guessing, this creative journey is filled with rewards that make it all worthwhile:

Freedom - There’s a different kind of peace in waking up on your own terms. I set my own schedule, decide which projects I take on, and where my time goes. Whether I’m working from a coffee shop on a Tuesday or flying out for a destination wedding, I’m in control of my time—and that’s a luxury I never take for granted.
Fulfillment - Every time I deliver a gallery that brings someone to tears or hear the words, “You captured us perfectly,” I’m reminded why I do this. I’m not just taking pictures—I’m preserving legacies, telling love stories, and giving people moments they’ll treasure forever. There’s no paycheck that compares to that feeling.
Fun - Let’s be real—it’s also a good time. I get to work with amazing couples, dance at weddings, travel to beautiful places, and sometimes even eat cake on the job. It’s not always serious; it’s actually a lot of fun. And if you love what you do, work doesn’t always feel like work.
Financial growth - It started with free shoots and tiny invoices, but over time, I built a business that generates real income. I’ve learned to charge what I’m worth, create multiple revenue streams, and invest back into my craft. Watching my income grow with my effort and strategy has been empowering.
Creative expression - Photography is more than a job—it’s my outlet. Through my lens, I get to share how I see the world. Whether I’m capturing golden hour newlyweds or editing a moody portrait, my creativity is always evolving. I don’t just document moments—I design them.
A lifestyle designed by YOU - At the end of the day, the biggest win is this: I created a life that feels like mine. It’s imperfect, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming—but it’s also authentic, purpose-driven, and deeply rewarding. I’m not just chasing a paycheck—I’m building a legacy on my own terms.

I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything in the world.

Why I Do What I Do

I get to document love stories, celebrate milestones, and create timeless art. I also get to inspire other creatives with my blog, sell prints that matter, and soon—launch educational content to help other photographers navigate this wild but beautiful industry.
They say, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s *false*. You’ll work harder than ever—but it will be worth every single second.

Final Frame: My Top 3 Tips for Aspiring Full-Time Creatives

Whether you're considering a full-time career in photography or just want to turn your passion into a profitable side hustle, here are my three biggest takeaways:

1. Prepare Yourself Financially

Don’t quit your job cold turkey. Save at least 6–12 months of living expenses. I personally saved every photography dollar in my first year and relied solely on my day job for bills. Having that safety net made my transition much smoother.

Pro tip: Set aside $500 per wedding, $100 per event, or $50 per session to cover slow months like January–March.

2. Rent Before You Buy

Test out gear before you invest. Research cameras, lenses, and lighting that fit your style and try rentals before dropping big bucks. Trust me—not every lens fits every job, and you don’t need everything to get started.

3. Step Outside the Box

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try new lighting setups, change your angles, or play with flash even if you’re a natural light shooter. This is what sets you apart in a saturated market. Confidence takes time, but with every shoot, wedding, or event you’ll grow.

Thinking about going full time? Let’s connect. I’m passionate about helping other creatives avoid the mistakes I made and find success on their own terms.

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From Passion to Paycheck: How I became a full time creative.