We were lucky to catch up with Syd Fuller recently and have shared our conversation below.

Syd, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I’ll definitely say that I’m happier as a business owner! But there are moments where I find myself longing for the guidance and structure of a traditional job!
The last time I seriously thought about taking a 9-5 gig they ultimately offered me the position. It was a full-time role and checked several boxes but I took a pause to reflect on my trajectory and thought about how every year in photography has shown growth and each challenge has taught me something new.
I really feel that taking the 9-5 would have meant putting all of my progress on hold, possibly for years. Since then I’ve maintained the confidence that having my own business offers a chance for a future that is more aligned with my longterm goals and aspirations.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

It all started in my adolescence—I can’t fully explain why, but I found myself drawn to capture moments in every situation. I’d completely lose myself in the decisions and variables, I was obsessed.
Those early experiences led me to darkroom classes and eventually I went on to study Architecture and Documentary at The New England School of Photography in 2009.
Fast forward and my career truly began to take shape during the pandemic. Furloughed from my day job I suddenly had the time and space to reflect on what I wanted for the future.
Within my first year I picked up work with an equestrian apparel brand making lifestyle and product images. As a seasoned horse girl, I have a unique understanding of their market which allowed me to deliver work that fit into their niche.
Simultaneously I worked on headshots and other images for local businesses—I quickly learned how valuable relationships can be in building something new, I’m very grateful for the community support and collaboration early on. I’m lucky to have been living in Austin at the time, that place has always been an incredible spot for networking and entrepreneurship!
Today my work usually involves architectural, portrait, or brand photography in some way. It seems like many of my clients can appreciate having one person to handle multiple aspects of photography for them. I’ll capture a workspace, create on-brand product photos, and take portraits of staff and partners.
I think that what sets me apart is the care I bring to every project. My goals are to be detail-oriented, empathetic, and committed to understanding the clients’ existing issues. I take time to listen to their ideas and translate them in a way that helps to tell their story and meet goals but I’ve also learned the importance of clear boundaries—finding that balance has been key to staying focused and delivering high-quality work.
What I’m most proud of is my bravery through all of the challenges. Each project enhances my skills and brings new insight, it leaves me excited to keep growing in my craft.
For potential clients, I’d want them to know that photography can be about more than taking photos—it can be a way to finding solution for pain points, to create consistency in appearances, and it’s an impactful way to tell your story.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Photography often requires flexibility. There are so many variables—lighting, composition, and even the environment on set that day—these things sometimes demand last minute adjustments even with careful planning! Communicating why these diversions are necessary, without taking too much time to delve into every technical detail of the process can be challenging. It requires me to maintain a certain confidence in my skillset and to explain the process in a way that builds trust. It seems that for clients it’s not just about seeing the final image, but feeling that every decision along the way was made with their success in mind.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Every project is a chance to grow. I learn something new with each experience, whether it’s about refining my skills, navigating collaboration, or discovering more about myself personally. The constant evolution and challenges keep me engaged and motivated to improve.
What makes it even more meaningful is to see the work used and valued by others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sydfullerphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydfullerphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydfuller/