When I reflect on my journey to becoming a Washington elopement photographer, it’s clear that it wasn’t a direct path. After graduating with a degree in photography from college in New York City, I initially entered the world of commercial photography, working on branding campaigns for outdoor and hiking brands. While this seemed like an exciting opportunity, it wasn’t long before I realized that corporate photography wasn’t the right fit for me. This is the story of how I transitioned to elopement photography and found my true passion.
1. Studying Photography in NYC: The Beginning
Attending college in New York City for photography was a dream come true. I was surrounded by the energy of the city, studying under talented professors, and learning from my peers. I thought my career would follow a traditional path: commercial work, big clients, and established brands. After graduation, I quickly landed a job in commercial photography, creating branding campaigns for well-known hiking and outdoor brands.
At first, the job seemed exciting. It offered travel opportunities and the chance to work with big names in the industry. However, over time, I realized that something was missing.
2. The Corporate Photography Realization
While working in commercial photography, I quickly became disillusioned with the corporate environment. The constant pressure of meeting deadlines, sticking to strict budgets, and managing logistics began to take a toll. I found myself yearning for more creative freedom and a deeper sense of purpose in my work. The projects were formulaic, seattle elopement photographer and I often felt disconnected from the people behind the brands.
Despite the outward success, I knew that this path wasn’t fulfilling my passion for photography. It became clear that I needed a change.
3. Finding My Passion in Wedding Photography
During my time in college, I had the opportunity to work as a second shooter for a wedding photographer. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this experience would ultimately shape the direction of my career. I became captivated by the emotions, the connections, and the intimacy of weddings. There was something incredibly special about documenting these once-in-a-lifetime moments between couples.
After much reflection, I decided to pivot away from commercial work and focus entirely on wedding photography. As I began booking more wedding clients, I discovered elopements, and immediately, I knew this was the perfect fit for me. The intimate, personal nature of elopements spoke to my creative side and allowed me to document meaningful moments in a way that commercial photography never could.
4. The Transition to Elopement Photography
Making the leap from commercial photography to elopement photography wasn’t without its challenges. The transition required me to embrace a new niche and build a completely different business model. However, the more I worked with couples and captured their unique love stories, the more I realized that I had found my calling. Elopements provided the creative freedom and personal connection I had been searching for in my work.
Today, I’m proud to be a Washington elopement photographer, helping couples celebrate their love in the stunning natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The decision to pivot my career has brought me so much fulfillment, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it’s created.
5. The Lesson: It’s Okay to Pivot
My journey has taught me that it’s okay to change direction, even when you’ve invested time and energy into a particular path. Sometimes, the career you envision for yourself doesn’t align with your passions, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s important to stay open to new opportunities and to trust that you can create a path that aligns with your values and aspirations.
If you’re considering a career change or feeling uncertain about your current path, know that it’s never too late to pivot. My own journey from commercial photography to elopement photography wasn’t a linear process, but each step helped me get closer to the work I’m truly passionate about. If you’re willing to embrace change and take a leap of faith, you can find a career that brings you both professional success and personal fulfillment.