We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Chieng-Moy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
When I began planning my wedding in 2024, finding the right photographer and videographer was one of my top priorities. Photos have always held deep meaning for me and I wanted someone who could capture every emotion and moment with authenticity and care. As I started researching vendors, I was surprised by how expensive the services were (rightfully so, given the skill and effort involved). Half-jokingly, I said to myself, “Maybe I should just become a wedding photographer.”
Photography has always been a passion of mine. I took digital photography classes in high school, and by 2018, it had become a creative outlet, especially after having my first child. I loved documenting her milestones each month, dressing her in sweet outfits and using props to make each photo special. It was something I did purely for joy.
But everything changed when I received my own wedding gallery. The way my photographer and videographer captured our day, the love, the laughter, and the little in-between moments moved me to tears. Each time I looked through those images and videos, I felt the same rush of emotion. It was then I realized: I wanted to give that same gift to others.
For about six months, I sat with the idea, dreaming and planning. When the New Year arrived, I felt an overwhelming push to finally take the leap. I established my LLC, created my social media presence, joined a professional platform, and began marketing myself. I already owned a mirrorless and DSLR camera, which were perfect for starting out, and later upgraded my gear for larger weddings.
Of course, there were moments of doubt. I worried about whether I’d succeed or if my clients would be happy with their photos. To build confidence and a portfolio, I offered a few free sessions and even had my husband assist as a second shooter to ensure we didn’t miss a moment.
Slowly but surely, things began to fall into place. Each shoot brought more experience, more confidence, and deeper fulfillment. Today, I feel incredibly grateful to do what I love, capturing love stories and preserving them through my lens for others to cherish forever.
Amy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Amy, and I’m an elopement/wedding and lifestyle photographer with a deep love for capturing authentic, emotional, and joy-filled moments. My journey into photography wasn’t entirely planned, it was something that unfolded naturally through my own life experiences.
When I was planning my wedding in 2024, I realized just how important it was to find someone who could preserve the day in a way that felt real and meaningful. I’ve always had a passion for photography and even took digital photo classes in high school and spent years documenting my daughter’s milestones, just for fun. But it wasn’t until I received my own wedding gallery and watched my love story come to life through those images that I knew this was something I wanted to offer to others.
That feeling of reliving one of the most important days of your life through photos, that raw emotion, the tears, the laughter? That’s what I aim to capture for every client. I officially launched my business at the start of 2025 during the new year, forming my LLC, creating a brand presence, and offering my services to couples and families looking for real memories frozen in time.
I specialize in elopements, weddings, engagement, and family photography, with a style that blends candid storytelling and light editorial flair. I help couples and families feel comfortable in front of the camera, guiding them gently while allowing natural moments to unfold. My goal is to deliver images that feel true to who you are, not overly posed or forced.
What sets me apart is the personal connection I strive to build with each client. I’ve been in your shoes and I know what it’s like to put your trust in someone to capture the biggest moments of your life. I don’t take that lightly. Whether it’s a wedding, a maternity session, or documenting a growing family, I treat each session with the same level of care, attention, and love as if it were my own.
I’m most proud of the fact that I turned a dream into reality, while working a full-time Medical Coding job and homeschooling. Starting this business was scary andI had my doubts. I questioned if I’d succeed, but I took the leap because I believed in the power of storytelling through photos. Today, I feel honored to be part of people’s most intimate and beautiful milestones and all my clients so far, have been so much fun to work with.
For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know this: I’m here to serve you with heart, creativity, and dedication. Your story matters, and I’d be honored to help you tell it.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
One of the most effective ways I’ve gained new clients has been through active participation in various Facebook groups. Being based in Las Vegas, I make it a point to join community groups that are relevant to my location and target audience, whether that’s Las Vegas moms’ groups, parenting communities, local photography networks, or wedding and elopement planning forums.
These groups are incredibly valuable because they’re filled with people actively seeking photographers for a range of occasions such as, family sessions, graduations, proms, birthdays, and more. In particular, parent-focused groups have been a consistent source of leads for lifestyle sessions. Additionally, Las Vegas is a popular destination for out-of-state and international couples looking to elope, so being engaged in wedding and elopement planning groups has been one of the best ways for me to connect with new clients.
By offering helpful insights, showcasing my work, and responding to posts with genuine interest, I’ve been able to organically build trust and grow my client base within these communities.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist or creative is the ability to turn emotion, vision, and imagination into something tangible that resonates with others. As a photographer, there’s nothing more fulfilling than capturing a fleeting moment, whether it’s a look, a laugh, or tears and knowing that it will become a cherished memory for someone else.
It’s deeply meaningful to be trusted with people’s most important milestones and to be able to preserve those moments in a way that reflects their story and connection. Seeing a client moved to tears by their gallery or hearing that a photo I took is now framed in their home is what makes this work so powerful.
Creativity also gives you the freedom to express yourself authentically while making an impact. Every shoot is a blend of technical skill and personal artistry, and the process of evolving, experimenting, and growing creatively keeps the work both exciting and purposeful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://capturedradiancephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturedradiance_/
- Other: THE KNOT:
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/captured-radiance-las-vegas-nv-2090887TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@capturedradiance
Image Credits
Amy Chieng-Moy, Captured Radiance LLC