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

Tréja, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

It has been about 10 years since I’ve started my business. At that time I recently graduated photography school and I was working 2 part time jobs. One job was working fast food and the other job was with a large photo company that specialized in hospital photos of Newborns. There I explored my craft and experienced first hand what it was like to work with different families and understand the fundamentals of a photo business. When I booked my very first paid Maternity photo shoot (outside of working for the hospital company) something just clicked. To myself, I was like okay.. if I can make money and do what I enjoy on my own terms then why not start my business instead of working for someone else? From then I grew so much not only as a photographer but as an individual as well. The only thing I would have changed would be going full time with my business sooner. Looking back I feel as though the jobs I juggled while growing my business held me back from certain opportunities, due to not having the flexibility of time in my schedule. It was 4 years later when I made the decision to quit my full time job to go full time with my photography. I definitely am grateful I didn’t start my journey later than that, because I would not be where I am today. I am a firm believer in timing is everything and that everything happens for a reason.

Tréja, 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?

For those that do not know me. I am a portrait and event photographer who has built a career around capturing people’s most meaningful moments. I photograph everything from Elopements, Weddings, couples portraits, family portraits, business photos/head shots, product photos; to engagement parties, birthdays, baby showers, grand openings, and many other events. I also run my own photo booth rental service. I have a portable ring light photo booth that guest can use to take their own photos during Events. My work sits at the intersection of creativity, connection, and storytelling—I help people express themselves through photos.
I don’t take the privilege of capturing memories lightly. Whether it’s a funny moment with a family member that is no longer here, a first smile from a child, a sentimental shot during an event or a business owner cutting the ribbon at their new storefront. I approach every session with the understanding that life moves quickly, but photographs last. It means something to me to give people a moment they can hold onto forever.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that I never stopped pursuing my passion, even during pregnancy and after becoming a mom I continued photographing, continued learning, and even expanded my services. Many women feel pressure to put their dreams on pause, but I found ways to balance motherhood with being a business owner. I’m grateful that I have the ability to bring my daughter along on some photo shoots so she can see firsthand what it looks like to work hard and build something you love. Even though she’s only two years old, my daughter has brought a certain light and comfort to my sessions as well. Her presence reminds me to slow down, be patient, and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for my clients. She naturally helps people relax, smile, and feel at ease—which has only deepened the authenticity of my work.
Becoming a parent has also shaped my artistry . It helped me connect with clients on a deeper level and understand the emotion behind the moments they want captured. Before, I focused heavily on posed photos; now, I’ve embraced a blend of candid, in-the-moment, and action-driven shots that feel more honest and true to life. I’m always thinking from the perspective of what I would want if these were my memories.
What sets me apart is the heart and intention I pour into every session. I’m not just showing up with a camera- I’m showing up with empathy, patience, creativity, and a genuine desire to tell your story. My goal is for everyone to know that my work is rooted in authenticity, passion and care. I’m here to help you express who you are, celebrate your milestones, and preserve moments you’ll want to return to again and again.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing my work meaningfully integrated into a client’s life or environment. Whether I visit a client’s home or place of business and see my work displayed, or notice that they have chosen one of my images as their profile photo or phone background, it affirms that the work truly resonated with them.
In a creative profession, it is easy to experience moments of self-doubt or imposter syndrome, as we tend to be our own strongest critics. However, witnessing a client proudly showcase something I created provides a powerful sense of reassurance. It confirms not only that I successfully brought their vision to life, but also that I am highly capable and exceptional in my craft. That sense of impact and validation is the most fulfilling part of what I do.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think one of the biggest things non-creatives often struggle to understand about the creative journey is just how much happens behind the scenes. From the outside, it may look like we simply show up and create, but there’s a physical, emotional, and mental investment that goes far beyond the final product.
There’s the travel, the setup, the planning, and all the back-office responsibilities that keep everything running. On top of that, you’re constantly creating from a deeper place within yourself, which requires focus, vulnerability, and a tremendous amount of energy. My schedule is far from ordinary. There are nights when I’m working until 6 am and other days when I’m up at 3 am writing out ideas or completing edits. At the same time, I’m balancing family responsibilities, which adds another layer of complexity.
I recently watched a podcast where a musician talked about leaving a family dinner because inspiration struck, and he knew that if he didn’t step away to create in that moment, the project might never happen. I completely related to that. Creativity doesn’t follow office hours- it doesn’t have an ‘off switch.’ You’re constantly thinking, planning, refining, and creating until the job is done or until you finally fall asleep.
In this field, it can often feel like working 25/8.
What I hope people can take away is that the polished work they see is the result of countless unseen hours, sacrifices, and moments of discipline. Behind every finished product is a creative who has poured every part of themselves out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trejanicole.com
• Instagram: trejaxnicole
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/trejanicole