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

Alright, Shuhrat thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I ever made was in education—specifically, learning the ins and outs of the photography business. Early on, when I was just starting, money was tight. I faced a tough decision: should I spend that money on more gear or invest in learning how to run a business? I chose the latter, and I’m so glad I did.

At the time, I realized that while I had a creative vision, I needed to learn how to scale, build a sustainable business, and make the transition from just being an artist to being a business owner. That investment gave me way more than my money’s worth. I learned about client management, marketing, contracts, and building a brand—things that are just as important as taking beautiful photos.

One key lesson I took away from that experience is that education never fails. In business, there’s always something new to learn, and the more you know, the better you can serve your clients and grow sustainably. That initial investment helped me get to where I am today, and it’s a reminder that learning never stops.

Shuhrat, 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?

I got into wedding photography because of my passion for capturing genuine, candid moments. Over the years, I’ve focused on creating a personal and meaningful experience for my clients. My background in photography led me to value authenticity and emotional connections, which I aim to showcase in every shot. What began as a creative pursuit evolved into a full-fledged business after I invested in education, helping me understand both the art and business side of photography. This allowed me to scale and grow, moving from a photographer to a business owner who manages a talented team.

At Life & Lights Photography, I specialize in candid, heartfelt wedding photography that captures the essence of each couple’s story. My services go beyond traditional posed shots — I aim to document the real, intimate moments that tell the unique journey of your love.

The main problem I solve is the anxiety and stress couples often feel about their wedding day photography. I make sure that they feel at ease, knowing that their special moments are in good hands and that I am capturing them naturally. What sets me apart is my ability to blend into the wedding day, not just as a photographer but as a trusted part of the team, always focused on the couple’s needs and emotions.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made with my clients — the trust they place in me, and the fact that they feel supported, not just photographed. For anyone looking to work with Life & Lights Photography, I want them to know that I’m committed to capturing the raw, real, and beautiful moments of their love story while ensuring they feel comfortable, seen, and valued throughout the process.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started, I wanted to be a fashion photographer. I loved the artistic side of it, creating stunning images with beautiful models and designs. However, as I gained more experience, I realized that something was missing. Fashion photography felt too posed and controlled for me, and I wasn’t connecting with the subjects in the way I wanted. I started to crave more authenticity — real moments, real emotions.

That’s when I pivoted into wedding photography, which wasn’t something I initially considered. But it turned out to be a perfect fit because I love capturing people as they are, in their most genuine and heartfelt moments. Weddings are full of those raw emotions, and I realized I thrive in that environment, where I can document real connections and stories, not just beautiful images.

This shift allowed me to build a business where I focus on authenticity over perfection, and that change has been incredibly fulfilling for me.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been simple — genuinely caring about my clients. One of the mentors I follow once told me, “You really have to care about your clients,” and that advice has shaped the way I run my business. I prioritize my clients at every step of the process, from the first conversation to the final delivery of their photos.

When people feel valued, they are more likely to trust you and recommend you to others. That personal connection and level of care have helped me build strong relationships, and in turn, my business has grown organically through word of mouth and referrals. At the end of the day, it’s not just about delivering beautiful photos; it’s about making sure my clients feel seen, heard, and cared for throughout their experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifeandlightsphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeandlightsphoto/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/lifeandlights
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shuhratchoudhury

  https://www.pinterest.com/LifeandLightsPhoto/