We recently connected with Debra Snyder and have shared our conversation below.

Debra, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I graduated from nursing school in 2009. Becoming a nurse was all I ever dreamed of growing up. I loved it and it was my passion. Several years ago, my husband bought me my first digital camera to take photos of our son. I loved capturing all of the little memories as he grew. It wasn’t long after that, that I started taking photos for my family and friends too. The passion for photography grew from there. After beginning my new nursing career, I continued to take photos for just my family and friends as a hobby. The years passed and my passion for nursing changed as the heath care field continue to change as well. However, my love for photography continued to grow along with my skill and knowledge of the craft. After the pandemic, things really got rough nursing wise. Just last year I took the biggest risk of my life and left nursing for good to pursue my career as a full-time photographer. I was terrified. No insurance now, an un-steady income, and the unknown of how my business would do full time was a major risk for sure. Since leaving last November, my business has grown tremendously, I am mentally happier and healthier, and I have met the most amazing and supportive clients along the way. My husband Justin, my son Caleb, and my Daughter Lizzy were very supportive with my decision and noticed how much the nursing field was breaking me down. I am so grateful for them. I now have more flexibility for our family life and no longer wake up dreading my days at “work.” I truly am blessed and thankful for this journey, and I cannot wait to see where life takes us next.

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

I began taking photos years ago of our son Caleb after he was born. Tons and tons of photos how ever I could take them. My husband one year bought me my first digital camera and it quickly took off from there. I started taking homecoming photos for my nieces and nephews, senior photos for them, then maternity photos for my nursing friend. From there, I did my first wedding (which by the way was super scary LOL). After about a year or so of free then discounted sessions, I learned how to edit the images I took. Once I mastered basic editing skills, I took the leap and made it official. I got my LLC about 6 or 7 years ago to start a photography business. Currently the majority of my clients are loyal clients I have been photographing for years. Some of which who have been with me from the very beginning. I have one client who booked me for my very first engagement session, first wedding, first labor and delivery session, gender reveal, and maternity announcement. It is so amazing to watch “my families” grow over time. Seeing them go from a dating couple to married with children. I now offer portrait, senior, family, maternity, boudoir, wedding, and event photography. Candid and real moments are my favorite. As a former nurse, I know how precious life is. I also know how quickly life can be taken away from you. Capturing and cherishing every moment possible is so important. Once our loved ones are gone, all we have left are the memories we made. Why not capture them?

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I enjoy getting creative and trying new things with my photography. Meeting other vendors and photographers, as well as collaborating with other photographers is an experience in itself. We push each other to do better, to try new techniques, and to grow as a community. Community over competition, right? My goal is to continue to inspire others to cherish the little things in life. The little moments that quickly fade. Life is so short, and we get so wrapped up in the daily routine, that we often forget to just breath and take in all the things we often miss out on. The beautiful sunset, the brisk breeze (we sometimes get in Florida LOL), the calming sound of the ocean….The smiles on our children’s faces when they play or learn something new. It is my mission to continue to share the amazing stories and memories that I have the privilege of capturing, so that others will understand the importance of “just one more photo,” or “let’s do another family session.”

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

As I said earlier, a majority of my clients are clients that have been with me for years. Most of them, along with new clients all give me a similar response. That their experience was fun, it was so easy and I made them comfortable, and that they like the candid moments that get captured. I’d say 99% of my clients come from Facebook and word of mouth. I book new clients all the time because they saw their “friend’s” or “cousin’s” photos that I took, and they want to book a session now too. I am blessed to have the most amazing clients ever. I strive to be as honest and open as possible with everyone I work with, I remain flexible with payments and scheduling, and I try to make it as fun and personable as possible. This is a business, but it’s also a passion. I do what I do, because I truly care. I want every single person who steps in front of my camera to feel welcome, loved, beautiful, worthy, and important.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.intimate-memories.com
• Instagram: @photography_by_debra_snyder
• Facebook: @photographybydebrasnyder
• Other: TikTok @PhotographyByDebraSnyder

Image Credits
Professional head shot by Rabecca Cruz
Pandski labs (custom jewelry)
Poppy gown (Olivia’s Gowns)
Model/HMUA for poppy gown (Danielle Mia Bella Salon and spa)
Venue with poppy gown (Covington farm)