Success, in my view, is an ever-evolving concept, particularly within commercial photography. What it takes to be successful varies greatly depending on each individual’s journey and their goals A recent episode of the “Photo Dump” podcast, featuring Rob Haggart (Aphotoeditor), delved into this topic, resonating deeply with the notion that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Indeed, everyone’s journey is unique.

To me, success is not just about landing high-profile clients or accolades; it embodies continual growth, finding fulfillment throughout the process, and making a positive impact and inspiring change. It’s about crafting images that not only sell products but also tell stories and showcase values aligned with my own.

Early in my career, I chose to specialize in food photography due to my interest in health, nutrition, and the profound impact of consumption on, both, physical and mental well-being. With the photography industry being an extremely competitive one, I consider myself fortunate to collaborate with a diverse array of clients, ranging from local businesses to brands recognized internationally. While at this stage of my career, I have diversified to take on projects that include creating product and lifestyle-based imagery in addition to food photography, my initial motivation remains a guiding force, shaping my approach to every endeavour.

Collaborating with like-minded individuals and businesses whose values resonate with mine adds an extra layer of fulfillment to my work. Whether through word-of-mouth recommendations or aligning with brands committed to sustainability and ethical practices, I prioritize engagements that align with my principles whenever possible.

Financial stability is crucial, however, I firmly believe that true success lies in striking a balance between monetary pursuits and meaningful projects. Finding this equilibrium allows me to derive satisfaction from my work while also supporting myself financially. Success, for me, is the harmonious integration of passion, purpose, and prosperity.

My journey in photography began at a young age when I first held a disposable camera at the age of 9. I quickly became enamored with capturing moments, cycling through numerous Kodak disposables. As a teenager, I received a camera for my birthday, which became a constant companion. During high school, I saved up for my first second-hand DSLR, a cherished MINOLTA camera that still holds a place of honor among my collection.

My passion for photography blossomed during my tenure as the photo editor of the yearbook club in high school. Following this, I pursued formal education in photography at Sheridan College – a school internationally recognized for excellence in visual arts and design as well as digital media and communications – honing my skills and refining my artistic vision.

After graduating, I embarked on a journey of exploration, photographing jewelry in-house for a vintage costume jewelry collector while deliberating on the direction of my business. Through experimentation and introspection, I discovered a burgeoning interest in food, nutrition, and health, which seamlessly merged with my love for photography.

This fusion of passions led me to specialize in food and over time expand my offering to include product photography, along with lifestyle-related projects. My work serves as a conduit for collaboration, creative problem-solving, and meticulous attention to detail.

From project inception to completion, I am deeply involved, offering a comprehensive range of services. This includes conceptualization, strategic planning, direction, marketing consultation, creative direction, production coordination, talent and location sourcing, and all facets of photography. Additionally, I provide post-production services such as retouching and delivering final images ready for client use.

Beyond my creative endeavors, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and expertise. I offer personalized education sessions, mentorship, group workshops, and guest lectures tailored to small business owners, hobbyists, and aspiring photographers seeking to expand their skills and confidence.

In response to the rapidly evolving industry landscape, I have embraced diversification in my services. This approach ensures a fulfilling variety of work while preventing overextension. Each facet of my offering is distinct yet interconnected, creating a cohesive and resilient framework for my business.

While I am deeply grateful for my education at Sheridan College, where instructors remain actively engaged in the industry, ensuring that the curriculum reflects relevant information and industry-standard practices, the photography industry is notoriously competitive, often lacking resources to support newcomers. This scarcity of resources can make establishing a sustainable business challenging and contribute to the isolating nature of the photography journey.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in communities, mentorship programs, and resources catering to creatives. One such community and resource that holds a special place in my heart is The Luupe. As a founding member and ambassador, I have witnessed its transformative impact firsthand. The platform fosters connections both online and in person, facilitating candid discussions and the sharing of experiences. The generosity, willingness to help, and transparency among members exemplify the supportive community vital for sustaining our industry and nurturing creative professionals. Through The Luupe, I co-moderate a cohort of photographers who convene weekly over Zoom to provide mutual support and accountability—a practice that has been invaluable in navigating the challenges of the creative journey.

In addition to finding and joining this community or similar, I highly recommend several resources for those running or aspiring to start a photography business. These include the Photo Dump podcast, Aphotoeditor, and the courses available from The Image Crafters. On the business side, tools like Fotoquote and Blinkbid are indispensable for commercial photographers.

Reflecting on my own journey, I wish I had possessed the confidence to seek help earlier, whether through mentorships or investing in workshops led by established photographers. This realization fuels my commitment to offering personalized education sessions, group workshops, and mentorship opportunities. By sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and setting an example for aspiring creatives, I aim to pay forward the support I received and contribute to the growth and resilience of our industry..

The term “pivot” became ubiquitous throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting me to reflect on numerous instances where adaptation was essential, not solely during the pandemic but throughout my creative journey.

Amid the pandemic, I extended my capabilities by incorporating prop and food styling into my repertoire, enabling me to facilitate remote photoshoots from home when traditional studio setups or crew collaborations were unfeasible.

While addressing the pandemic-induced pivot seems natural, as a creative, I recognize that pivoting is inherent to our profession. Creative industries, including photography, continuously demand adaptation to evolving technologies, tools, and trends. Just as we witnessed a seismic shift from film to digital, ongoing discussions surrounding the impact of AI underscore the imperative to pivot.

As a freelance creative, pivoting is a daily, weekly, even monthly occurrence. The creative journey demands unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of innovation. While the driving force behind this passion may remain elusive, the innate need for creative expression and problem-solving propels us forward.

For creatives, agility is paramount. Rather than succumbing to the weight of constant adjustment and potential rejection, we embrace each pivot as an opportunity for growth. My journey is defined by this adaptability—a testament to the resilience of the creative spirit.

In nurturing a thriving business, I rely on several key ingredients: a supportive community, meaningful projects, and a commitment to sharing knowledge. Each day presents a new opportunity to pivot, to explore uncharted territories, and to redefine success on my terms. While my recipe may not suit every creative professional, it embodies the essence of resilience and innovation that drives us forward.