We were lucky to catch up with Celena Riley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Celena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
Starting my business was a daunting experience. I started almost 2 years ago after I quit my job at a local pet store. I knew working a 9-5 was NOT for me. It greatly affected my mental health and was hard to manage alongside being a full-time student. I had been freelancing since highschool, so I already had a little bit of experience in the field. I’m studying photography at SCAD. I figured if I was going to graduate and dive head-first into the industry, I might as well start my journey now. To be completely honest, I was pretty adamant about NEVER being a wedding photographer. At the time, it was just a part-time job to pay the bills. However, when I started making connections, meeting clients, and building my craft, I fell in love with it. It was slow at first. I thought I had made a mistake saying goodbye to my stable job for a new business. The hardest part was figuring out the best marketing strategies to get clients. Countless blogs, youtube videos, facebook groups, and instagram DMs later, I’m now working my dream job.
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
I’m an artist at heart. When I was a kid, I had always wanted to be some kind of artist when I grew up (except when I wanted to be a marine biologist, but that was short-lived). I didn’t particularly know what avenue I wanted to follow in art, and I didn’t have a specific medium I enjoyed. I just knew I loved creating. My dad was a hobbyist photographer and always took his DSLR on our annual trips to Walt Disney World. I was forever fascinated with the pictures he took and wanted to learn how to do it myself. He taught me the ropes and got me my first camera when I was super young. Him passing away in 2015 was probably the biggest turning point and I realized I wanted to pursue this art form. I took a few photo electives in school and eventually found out about SCAD, which quickly became my dream school. SCAD has absolutely lived up to the dream expectations. I’ve been able to explore other photography directions like fashion and advertising while also learning invaluable skills that relate to lifestyle photography. I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that this is my lifelong passion. I’ve been through so much trial and error to establish myself. It feels not only like my career but my purpose in life. I was put on this earth to capture memories and create heirloom images for families that will be cherished for generations. The biggest thing I emphasize to my clients is that I’m not just taking pictures for you, I’m helping you tell your story by illustrating the most important moments.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a photographer is hearing feedback from clients about their photographs. There is a lot of comparison and imposter syndrome involved with being a creative, but my clients constantly remind me that I’m living the dream. Whether it’s seeing their smiles after showing them a preview of their photos during the session or receiving photos of my work hanging on their walls, my heart melts knowing that I’ve made a difference. Families come to me to capture their once-in-a-lifetime reunions and couples trust me to document their wedding day. How cool is that?
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Connections, connections, connections. If you’re reading this and you’re a young creative, I know what you’re thinking. “I can do this on my own”. I was in your shoes not too long ago. I thought I could establish myself and my brand all by myself. It’s definitely possible, but all of my professors/mentors have been 100% correct in their advice. You have to make connections to be exponentially more successful. The photography community in Savannah is incredible. Most -if not all- photographers you reach out to will be more than willing to let you shadow them or at the very least, give you advice. Reach out to businesses. Send emails or Instagram DMs. Make those phone calls. The worst that can happen is getting a “no”. A “no” is completely worth the opportunity to land your dream job.
Contact Info:
- Website: celenariley.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/celenarileyphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/celenarileyphotography
Image Credits
Celena Riley Photography