We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bella Boyd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bella below.

Alright, Bella thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I fell in love with photography when I was 10 years old after “borrowing” my dad’s Nikon D3000. I started with the family pets and quickly roped my friends into being my models on our walks home from school. By high school, I was charging $15 to $50 for shoots with classmates and even landed my first branding gig at 15. I made $150 for a full day of shooting, edited and delivered the photos within 24 hours, and felt like I was on top of the world.

After graduating high school early, I enrolled in an outdoor leadership program at our local college. It didn’t take long to realize that traditional school wasn’t for me. I switched gears and worked full-time in restaurants and coffee shops while continuing to build my photography business on the side.

At 17, I took my first trip to Moab with my then-boyfriend, now husband. I instantly fell in love with the vast, rugged landscape and decided my biggest business goal was to photograph an elopement there. Two months later, I found myself back in Moab for a portfolio-building event. That experience completely changed the trajectory of my business. I met another photographer from Bend, Oregon (where I’m still based today), and everything clicked.

She became a mentor, inviting me to second shoot with her throughout the summer. Not only did she pay me fairly (a rarity for a teenager breaking into the wedding industry), but she also taught me the fundamentals of wedding photography and gave me the confidence to start charging more for my work.

By 19, after two years of charging next to nothing, I officially went full-time with my photography business. My focus shifted to couples and weddings because that’s where I was in life—navigating a serious relationship I knew would end in marriage. It was natural to photograph love when it was all I could think about.

As my life evolved, so did my business. After getting married, I discovered a surprising twist: instead of settling into a “wife role,” my husband and I pushed each other to grow. This shift unlocked a new version of myself. I started to fall in love with photographing women, celebrating their stories, and capturing their power.

In 2024, I stepped into what I now call my “self-growth and embodiment” phase. It started when I hired my favorite photographer to take portraits of me before my wedding. I wanted those photos to honor every version of myself that brought me to that moment. Seeing myself through the lens of a woman artist—not just in quick iPhone snaps—was transformative.

That experience reshaped how I viewed myself and my work. I knew I wanted to give other women the same gift: the chance to see themselves with kind, empowered eyes. It became my mission to create a space for women to celebrate themselves and their stories.

And Moab? That initial goal of photographing an elopement there turned into so much more. Moab is now one of my favorite places to shoot, and I frequently find myself back there, capturing the magic and wild beauty that inspired me in the first place.

Today, my business is centered around women’s embodiment, personal branding, and adventure elopements. While I still love love, it no longer consumes my world the way it did when I was 17. My journey as a photographer has grown alongside me, reflecting every twist, turn, and phase of my life.

Bella, 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?

I’m a photographer, adventurer, and storyteller based in Bend, Oregon. My journey into photography started when I was 10 years old, playing around with my dad’s Nikon D3000. What began as a hobby—taking photos of family pets and convincing friends to model for me—grew into a passion, and eventually, a business. By high school, I was taking on paid shoots, and by 19, I went full-time as a professional photographer.

Today, I specialize in women’s embodiment photography, personal branding, and adventure elopements. My work is deeply rooted in creating meaningful, emotional imagery that tells a story—whether it’s a woman celebrating her journey of self-discovery, a couple choosing an adventurous elopement over a traditional wedding, or an entrepreneur needing photos that authentically capture who they are.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect with my clients on a personal level. I understand how vulnerable it can feel to be in front of the camera, so I focus on creating a safe, empowering environment where clients feel seen and celebrated. My goal is for everyone I photograph to walk away not only with stunning images but also with a renewed sense of confidence and self-love.

I’m especially proud of how my work has evolved alongside my personal growth. I’ve photographed countless love stories, from engagements to elopements, and while I still adore capturing love, my focus has shifted to celebrating individuals—particularly women—in all their complexity. After experiencing how transformative it was to have photos taken of myself in a way that honored my journey, I knew I wanted to offer that same gift to others.

I’m also proud of the adventure side of my work. I spend a lot of time in the outdoors, and places like Moab hold a special place in my heart. These landscapes inspire me and are the perfect backdrop for the bold, adventurous couples and individuals I photograph.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my work isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about creating an experience. Whether it’s an elopement in the desert, a branding session in the mountains, or an intimate portrait session in the meadow, I’m here to tell your story with authenticity, care, and a sense of adventure. My brand is laidback, emotional, and intentional—built for those who value meaningful, heartfelt imagery.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most challenging moments of my journey came during my first year as a full-time photographer at 19. Both of my grandmothers passed away unexpectedly within a few months of each other. It was a devastating time for me and my family, but as a new business owner, I wasn’t in a financial position to take time off.

I found myself shooting weddings just a day after their celebrations of life, trying to show up with the joy and energy that my clients deserved while quietly carrying my grief. It was, without a doubt, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Standing in the middle of so much happiness—documenting couples on one of the best days of their lives—felt bittersweet, knowing the profound loss I was experiencing behind the scenes.

That year tested me in ways I never imagined, but it also shaped me into the creative and business owner I am today. It forced me to find strength in my craft, to push through emotions while still honoring them, and to show up for others even when I felt broken. I learned how to set boundaries, ask for help, and prioritize self-care—all things I hadn’t fully understood at the time.

Looking back, that year gave me an even deeper appreciation for the work I do. Capturing love and joy became a reminder that life’s beautiful moments deserve to be celebrated, even when it feels impossible to find light in the dark. It also taught me the importance of resilience—not just in business but in life.

That experience continues to influence how I approach my work today. I’m more intentional about creating space for myself and my clients to feel whatever they need to feel. And I’m grateful for how photography has been both a creative outlet and a source of strength during life’s hardest moments.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey rooted in showing up authentically. From the beginning, I realized that followers mean nothing if I’m fully booked and earning what I need to sustain my business. The true value of social media isn’t the numbers—it’s the connections you make and the way it allows people to see who you really are.

For me, the goal has always been to attract clients who resonate with me as a person. There will always be someone cheaper, more experienced, or geographically closer, but no one else can replicate the unique perspective, energy, and personality I bring to my work. When people hire me, I want them to feel like they’re hiring a friend—someone they trust to tell their story authentically and with care.

Sharing personal details has been key to building that trust. I don’t just share my work; I also let people into my world. I talk about my love of books, my journey training wild mustangs, and my passion for overlanding. These pieces of my life allow me to connect with like-minded clients who value adventure, authenticity, and the quiet, beautiful moments in life.

My advice for anyone starting to build their social media presence is this: don’t try to appeal to everyone. Instead, focus on sharing your unique personality, quirks, and interests. Let your audience see what makes you, you. Share behind-the-scenes moments, your hobbies, and even the struggles that have shaped your journey. The people who connect with your story will become your most loyal clients.

It’s not about having the biggest audience; it’s about having the right audience. And when you show up authentically, the right people will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bellaboydphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellaboydphotos/

Image Credits

All photos by Bella Boyd Photography :)