We were lucky to catch up with Autumn Shimer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

If I had to start over today, I would remind myself not to hesitate so much. I spent too much time overthinking pricing and worrying whether I was charging the “right” amount. Instead, I would choose a number that feels slightly bold and just go for it—adjusting as I learn and grow. Perfection isn’t a prerequisite for starting. It’s okay to figure things out along the way.

I’d also make it a priority to stay connected to the why—the passion that led me here in the first place. It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics and lose sight of the joy that comes from creating. Taking time to reconnect with that creative spark is essential. I’d challenge myself to explore new ideas, take risks, and chase that exciting feeling that comes from creating something meaningful. That’s what keeps the momentum alive.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I currently wear two hats professionally: I’m a Branch Manager at Listen Up, a custom integration company in Boulder, and the main photographer and owner of Autumn Shimer Photography. I have a deep love for both learning and technology. At Listen Up, I’m constantly engaging with cutting-edge tech and connecting with people who are equally passionate—especially about high-fidelity audio. It’s a dynamic environment that keeps me intellectually stimulated.

But photography is where my heart truly lies. It’s the space where my creativity comes to life. My journey began back in 2001 during college, when my Photoshop teacher, Mr. Sumako, told us we wouldn’t be using stock images—we’d be creating our own. That challenge sparked a love affair with photography that’s never faded.

Over the years, I’ve learned by doing. I’ve worked alongside a variety of photographers—an incredible baby portrait artist named Mike Spatola who also photographs boudoir that taught me so much about lighting and posing. I’ve photographed concerts in LA for indie magazines, and talented wedding photographers who taught me the art of storytelling through events. I asked endless questions and learned by diving in. I spent hours analyzing what worked in an image and what didn’t—fine-tuning my technique through experimentation and instinct.

One of the lessons that stuck with me the most came from that same Photoshop teacher, who once said: “If you’re not picky about your work and don’t hold it to a high standard, who else will?” That has shaped how I approach every project to this day.

In my photography business, I focus on meaningful connections rather than volume. I take the time to understand each client—what drew them to my work, what’s important to them, and whether I’m the right photographer for their vision. My goal is always to capture authentic, emotional moments—images that not only reflect what happened but help clients feel the experience again. I want them to look at a tender glance or joyful laugh and be transported, fully immersed in the emotion of that moment.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I started my photography business as a means to an end. At the time, I was a newly single mom, and my son was not yet two years old. I had just picked up a part-time job and was living in a small unit with no kitchen. I remember cooking with an electric skillet on the floor and having to turn off the air conditioner so I wouldn’t trip the breaker—just doing whatever it took while promising myself and my son that I wouldn’t let us be in this situation for long. That I would do better for him.

Like many moms, I found myself overthinking everything, trying to solve every problem at once. Then one day, it hit me: I had a skill. I had been photographing for years—professionally for others and creatively for myself. So why not take that leap and do it professionally on my own terms?

With the support of friends, I started picking up small jobs to supplement my income. Those early jobs led to referrals, and slowly but surely, the business began to grow. That leap into something I loved became not just a way to make ends meet—but the start of something deeply fulfilling.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest things I’ve had to unlearn is the habit of making myself small to be more palatable to others. When I was younger, I constantly worried about being “too much”—too bold, too visible, too opinionated. I held myself back in many areas of my life because I believed I needed to shrink to make others comfortable.

But over time, I’ve started to let go of that mindset. I’m learning to embrace who I am—my energy, my personality, and my drive. I’ve come to accept that some people may see me as “aggressive,” or “too much” . To me, it means I’m focused, determined, and unafraid to take action. I’ve learned that people who see me as too much or aggressive, aren’t the people that I need to keep as part of my inner circle.

I’ve also recognized that I have a strong inner drive to succeed. I’m learning to honor that drive instead of apologizing for it—and to stop letting the opinions of others stand in the way of what I know I’m capable of achieving.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnshimerphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutumnShimerPhoto/
• Other: CloudSpot – https://autumn-shimer-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/autumn-shimer-photoraphy

Image Credits

All photos taken by Autumn Shimer at Autumn Shimer Photography