Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sophia Pav. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Sophia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

Artists need to get their hands dirty—literally.

In Art School, students are rarely taught about what it is to own and operate a business. The classroom gave me no insight on how to deal with market research/pricing, finance, marketing, sales, contracts and client relationships.

The first step to a successful photography career, from weddings to documentary work, is being capable of producing undeniable work—and my Associates degree was enough for that. It took me from a novice shooter to an experienced master of my craft.

However, as I progressed, I found that school started to get in the way.

I was admitted to one of the most competitive photography programs in the world. I was itching for a challenge. I wanted to take my business and work to the next level. Instead, I spent the next 2 years being told that the only way to be “successful” is to be featured in an uptown gallery where art merges with activism. There had to be another way.

While gallery work can be great for some photographers, it was a ball and chains to me. I wouldn’t live my life by the whims of gallery directors in NYC. I wanted to grow my business creating editorial work for brands and celebrating the love in each wedding I shoot. I wouldn’t be a “starving artist”. I wanted freedom.

I took my education into my own hands. I shadowed a few brilliant photographers with successful businesses of their own. I purchased courses, watched free videos online, sharpened my marketing skills and never stopped asking questions.

Today I feel the most aligned in my business. I have a healthy work life balance, abundance, wonderful relationships with my clients/colleagues and I’m always looking to grow. I encourage young photographers to seek mentorship from a photographer who lives a life THEY would want. I tell them, get out there, refine their work, take on clients even if they don’t feel ready, and not to be afraid of making mistakes.

Photographers are problem solvers. We’re more than artists. We’re more than businesspeople. We’re the fusion of those worlds that adds up to more than the sum of its parts. We create beauty out of the mundane and preserve it for life. What we do has value, and young photographers should be encouraged to go find out what they’re worth.

Sophia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Originally from NYC now expanded to South Florida and beyond—  I handle Lifestyle branding productions and limited spots for Fine Art Wedding photography all over the world.

I pride myself on results which are driven by my fine art background. My style is colorful, textured, vibrant and lively—I look for details and consistency so that my art reflects a magazine editorial that is balanced with candid and perfectly styled moments.

Whether it is a wedding day or a branding editorial shoot, my clients feel comfortable and their true personalities shine through —understanding my clients at their core is my secret to creating work that is genuine to each and every subject.

I live in warm and sunny West Palm Beach with my boyfriend Andreas and our dog Meli.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

“Successful” and “busy” used to mean the same thing in my book.

I had gotten to the point in my business where I was producing, shooting and editing 20-30 photoshoots per MONTH on my high season while living in New York.

I thought I had it all. A booming photography business was my dream.
Until an opportunity for change arose.

Love forced me to ask questions that I had been avoiding for a long time.
I started thinking critically about my life and my career. “Was this sustainable?” I knew the answer to this was a resounding “heck NO”. I knew there was an alternate reality somewhere where I had my business but I also had my dream life. So I decided to build it.

I left everything behind and moved to South Florida to live with my boyfriend. He was the only person I knew there.

My pricing had been way too low for my skill level. I was accepting projects that I wasn’t passionate about got overwhelmed. I had to learn to turn down business and that was scary. Nonetheless, I faced my fears.

Moving to South Florida was the catalyst that made the shift in my business possible. At first, it felt like I was starting from scratch. But “scratch” is also a blank canvas on which I could use the skills I had built to trace a new vision for my business and my life.

Piece by piece I built the business of my dreams. I cut my workload in half which allowed me to further refine my offerings and give my ideal clients a true luxury experience.

Moving made the pivot possible, and showed me that my best years in business are still ahead.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Atomic habits, by James Clear, taught me how to become unstoppable. It taught me about the laws of human behavior change: Make it obvious, Make it attractive, Make it easy, & Make it satisfying. I always keep these in the back of my mind when implementing changes in my business and day to day life that feel daunting.
&
The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, gave me spiritual resilience. It encouraged me to be impeccable with my words, not to take things personally, never make assumptions, and always do my best.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sophiapav.com
• Instagram: @sophia.pav @pavweddings
• Other: @pavweddings_ on tiktok