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

David, 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?

Discovering the world of photography and owning my own business has been a rewarding journey. Through my work, I get to tell captivating stories without using words, and it has taken me to incredible places around the globe.

In late 2019, I found myself pushing too hard, taking on an overwhelming number of jobs that left me stressed and sleepless trying to keep up with delivering products and services to clients. The toll on my mental health led to my first experience with panic attacks, which was truly debilitating. At that point, I even contemplated giving up on my business to seek a stable 9-5 job. Because weekends are a crucial part of the wedding and event industry, I had to sacrificing time with friends and family for my passion in photography.

Then, the unexpected happened – the Covid pandemic struck, halting weddings and events worldwide. It was a harsh blow to my business, and I felt my sense of value dwindle when I couldn’t work. For months, I found myself stuck at home, feeling lost and indulging in unhealthy habits.

But amidst the challenges, I decided to use that time as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I returned to my love for photography and honed new skills, exploring different aspects of the craft that I hadn’t considered before. Surprisingly, these skills opened doors in industries beyond weddings and events, expanding my photography services to new horizons. This shift not only allowed me to weather the pandemic’s storm but also significantly boosted my business’s bottom line.

In this process, I came to a powerful realization: my photography business could evolve with me, enabling me to provide services throughout the week, not just on weekends. The pandemic forced me to adapt, and in doing so, I found a new sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Today, I feel grateful for the opportunities my photography journey has brought me. It hasn’t been an easy ride, but it has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and pursuing my passions. I’m excited to see how my business will continue to grow and evolve, hand in hand with the person I aspire to be.

David, 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?

n 2000, I embarked on my professional photography journey with a strong belief: capturing special moments shouldn’t cost a fortune. Witnessing friends getting married and the exorbitant fees charged by photographers, along with subpar service and quality, motivated me to make a difference. I set out to establish a business that prioritized customers’ needs, offering exceptional quality and service while keeping prices affordable. Over the years, this philosophy has enabled my business, David England Photography, to grow steadily.

With a fresh perspective for each celebration, we approach every event uniquely, understanding that no two occasions are alike. Through years of dedicated study and practice, I take pride in mastering the art of storytelling through photographs. I genuinely love what I do, and to further enrich our passion, I’ve surrounded myself with a team of photographers who share the same devotion.

The true reward for me lies in the knowledge that each image I capture becomes a timeless masterpiece, capable of being passed down through generations. My clients are not just customers; they become an extension of my family. When entrusted with the task of preserving their most important moments, I wholeheartedly dedicate myself to the craft of photography, pouring my heart and soul into every shot.

At David England Photography, we are committed to providing a personalized and meaningful experience. It is our privilege to be part of these significant moments in our clients’ lives, and we strive to create photographs that will be treasured for a lifetime.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Doing it alone is not the way to go. I spent the first 10 years of my business with my head down. Focusing on my clients, and doing only what I had known to do in my industry. It wasn’t until I started going to industry trade show, and working with others that my skill level, style of photography, and my productivity increased exponentially. Find like minded people in your industry. Be a mentor, or mentee. Get involved in the community and build your family, and thrive.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I’m not much of a risk-taker, and debt isn’t my thing either. Photography started as a hobby, and the money I earned from it became my “fun money.” It funded vacations, gadgets, and clothing. I could spend my earnings without guilt. Surprisingly, my side hustle began to out earn my 40 hour a week job. After about five successful months of making more money on the weekends than my weekday job, I was encouraged to take a leap of faith to quit my corporate job to fully pursue entrepreneurship!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.davidenglandphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidenglandphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidenglandlbc/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/david-england-photography-long-beach

Image Credits
These are my own photos (David England Photography)