Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Benjamin Strong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Benjamin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.
When I started my photo and video business, it was just me, my camera, and a dream. Scaling up wasn’t about flashy marketing campaigns or overnight breakthroughs—it was about people. Relationships have always been at the heart of my business, and as I grew, so did my network of clients, shooters, and collaborators.
Early on, I realized that no matter how talented someone was, teachability and consistency were key. I’ve worked with shooters who weren’t the strongest technically, but their willingness to learn and adapt made all the difference. Investing time in training and building trust with them not only improved the quality of our work but also created a sense of camaraderie that our clients could feel.
One of the biggest turning points for my business was when I began building genuine friendships with our couples and other business owners in the wedding industry. This relational approach naturally led to referrals, repeat business, and opportunities I never could have planned for. My focus was never just on the wedding day but on creating an experience that couples felt good about throughout the entire process.
Of course, there were challenges. Some partnerships didn’t work out. Equipment failures happened at critical moments. Balancing budgets while investing in better gear and talent was a constant juggle. But every twist and turn was a chance to learn and refine how I operated.
Looking back, the success of my business has been a mosaic of small, consistent efforts: building relationships, nurturing talent, and staying adaptable. Scaling wasn’t about adding volume for the sake of it—it was about growing with intention and making sure the personal touch remained at the core of everything we do.
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.
Hi there! My name is Benjamin, and I run a wedding photography and videography business. My journey into this craft began with a passion for storytelling. I’ve always been captivated by how a single image or video clip can hold a universe of emotions, memories, and moments. Over 15 years ago, I started in video production, and as time went on, I found my true calling in capturing weddings—one of the most significant days in people’s lives.
What We Offer
My team and I provide a range of services, from photography and videography to creating beautiful highlight reels that couples can treasure forever. We don’t just document a wedding; we focus on crafting a narrative, capturing the candid emotions, joyful chaos, and quiet moments that make every couple’s story unique.
Solving Problems
For many couples, weddings can be overwhelming. There are countless decisions, tight schedules, and the pressure to have everything run smoothly. That’s where we step in—not just as professionals but as partners. We help our clients feel at ease, confident that their memories are in the best hands. Our goal is to make sure they enjoy their day fully while we take care of capturing every detail.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets us apart is our relational approach. I believe that weddings aren’t just events—they’re deeply personal stories. I make an effort to connect with every couple, understanding their personalities, dynamics, and dreams for the day. This connection allows us to deliver work that feels authentic and meaningful.
What I’m Most Proud Of
While I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition through features in magazines and on websites, the greatest source of pride for me is the feedback from my clients. When couples leave reviews that speak to how we made their day easier, how they felt cared for, or how much they love their photos and videos—that’s what success looks like to me. It’s these personal moments of gratitude that fuel my passion for what I do.
What I Want You to Know
At the heart of my work is the desire to create something timeless for every couple I work with. I want potential clients to know that this isn’t just a job for me—it’s a privilege. I don’t just aim to deliver stunning visuals; I want to give them an experience where they feel seen, valued, and supported every step of the way.
Whether it’s through the lens of a camera or the relationships we build along the way, my mission is to ensure every couple walks away with not only beautiful memories but the feeling that they’ve gained a friend in the process.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I decided to move my business and my life from La Crosse, WI, to Denver, CO, it wasn’t just a practical choice—it was a spiritual one. I felt a deep calling to realign with something greater, to be more present in my life and in my work. Denver, with its breathtaking mountains and wide-open skies, symbolized a space where I could reconnect with myself and my purpose.
The decision was rooted in the belief that presence is sacred. To truly see, to feel, to capture life as it unfolds requires more than skill—it requires stillness. I realized I had been rushing through moments, both personally and professionally, and I wanted to change that. The move was an act of faith, a step toward living and working in alignment with what felt true to my soul.
This shift has transformed the way I approach my work. On shoots, I allow myself to step back, to let moments breathe and unfold naturally. It’s as if I’m not just capturing a story but also bearing witness to the divine rhythm of life. Each wedding, each couple, each moment holds a deeper meaning when approached with the kind of presence that honors its sacredness.
The challenges of moving to a new city and rebuilding my business were real, but they felt purposeful. I trusted that the connections I needed would find me as long as I stayed grounded in my intention. And they did. By leaning into relationships and focusing on the heart of my work—storytelling—I’ve found not just success but fulfillment.
What grounds me now is this: every frame I capture is an expression of something eternal. It’s not just about the visual; it’s about the energy, the love, and the spirit that live in those moments. Moving to Denver was more than a pivot—it was a spiritual awakening that has redefined how I see myself, my clients, and the gift of this work.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience, for me, has been the act of staying in Denver despite the fact that most of my client work still happens back in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Midwest. It would have been easy to pack up and go back, to stick with the familiar, but I’ve chosen to stay rooted in this new chapter because I believe in the growth and opportunities that come with patience and faith.
Building a presence here hasn’t been instant—it’s been a game of perseverance. Denver is starting to pick up, and each booking feels like a small victory, a sign that the seeds I’ve planted are beginning to sprout. The key has been staying present, not letting discouragement creep in when things don’t happen on my timeline. Instead of focusing on the “why nots,” I’ve learned to focus on the blessings that are unfolding in real-time.
Every day, I set an intention: “Why is life, money, and great things coming to me daily?” This simple mantra reframes my mindset, shifting my energy toward gratitude and abundance rather than frustration. It’s become a powerful practice that keeps me grounded and open to the opportunities around me, even if they don’t always look like what I initially expected.
Resilience isn’t about forcing outcomes or rushing results; it’s about trusting the process. Staying in Denver has taught me to lean into that trust, to let go of the need to control everything, and to embrace the small, steady signs of progress. It’s a lesson I carry into every aspect of my life and work—being present, finding gratitude in the moment, and believing that the best is always yet to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boxcarphotography.com
- Instagram: @boxcarphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoxcarPhotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-strong123/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenjaminStrongPhotography
