We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Metzger a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success in photography isn’t just about being the highest-paid or the most well-known. True success comes from creating images that you genuinely love and that resonate with your clients. I think that when your work reflects your passion, when you can really feel the image and can tell that genuine intention was behind the image, you’ve already succeeded.

Building strong connections, staying true to your artistic vision, and delivering work that brings joy to both you and your clients is what truly defines success in this industry.

Victoria, 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 was born and raised in Tampa, FL and moved to Nashville in 2015. I specialize in wedding, engagement, and event photography and my passion is capturing life as it unfolds—those raw, precious moments you’ll treasure forever. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably hanging out with my dog Ophelia, diving into a good book, traveling to new places, or enjoying live music.

From a young age I felt drawn to cameras and photography. When we would go on family vacations I remember wanting to be the one in charge of the family camera, and even though I had no idea how to properly use a camera back then I just knew that I had to be the one to hold it. When I was in high school, my parents bought me my own first camera and I would spend the weekends making videos with my friends. Then in 2015 I began college at Belmont University in Nashville, TN and majored in motion pictures and minored in photography. During college, I would photograph student bands at house shows and from there I connected with local Nashville musicians and even went on tour a few times. Then in 2020 (right before Covid hit) a friend asked me to photograph his wedding (even though he knew that I had never shot a wedding before), and I discovered that I really enjoyed it! It wasn’t until 2022 that I decided to focus on wedding photography. It is truly an honor to be able to document one of the most important days in someones life. Beyond weddings, I also offer photo and video services to capture all aspects of life. Whether it’s a corporate event, a nonprofit gathering with a meaningful mission, a birthday party, or a lifestyle session celebrating love and family, my goal is the same—to tell a story through honest and intentional imagery.

I aim to create timeless images that transcend trends, capturing the most authentic and genuine version of you. I believe that your photos should tell a story that feels as meaningful years from now as it does today. When you hire me, you’re not just booking a photographer—you’re gaining a dedicated partner who pours undivided attention, care, and passion into every moment. I want to be more than just your photographer; I want to be your friend, someone who genuinely shares in your joy while making the process stress-free and smooth. From the initial connection to the final delivery of your images, I’m here to ensure your experience is special and effortless. Life is a collection of fleeting moments, and I’m here to document yours with care, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding parts of being a creative is the freedom that comes with it. Being in charge of my schedule and my time allows me to create a work-life balance that fits my needs, giving me the flexibility to prioritize both my personal and professional goals. I also get to choose who I work with, which means surrounding myself with clients who align with my creative vision and values—people who inspire me and make every project fulfilling.

Beyond that, the ability to create is at the heart of why I do what I do. Photography is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to bring ideas to life, tell stories, and capture moments that mean something. No two projects are ever the same, which keeps things exciting! Each shoot presents new challenges, fresh inspiration, and unique experiences, making every day different from the last. That constant variety and the ability to shape my own path make this career incredibly fulfilling.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for building my clientele has been a combination of social media and word of mouth. Social media is a powerful tool for showcasing my work, connecting with potential clients, and building a recognizable brand. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow me to share my portfolio in a visually compelling way, engage with my audience, and reach people who might not have found me otherwise. By consistently posting high-quality content, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and interacting with followers, I can create a strong online presence that attracts new clients.

At the same time, word of mouth remains one of the most valuable ways to grow my business. When past clients have a great experience, they naturally share their recommendations with friends and family. Genuine referrals build trust in a way that no advertisement can. Providing a good service, delivering beautiful images, and creating meaningful relationships with clients really help to grow my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.victoriametzgerphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriametzger_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VicMetzPhotography

Image Credits

Victoria Metzger
Ali McGary