We caught up with the brilliant and insightful George & Sam Hull a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, George & Sam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
If we could start over, our first focus wouldn’t be on gear, websites, or marketing. We’d prioritize addressing our mental health. Both of us struggled with ADHD – the anxiety, depression, and executive dysfunction it often brings – and these invisible challenges hindered our progress. Early on, we were passionate about creating images but overwhelmed by the business side. We had knowledge but couldn’t implement it. It was like watching our ship catch fire and knowing how to save it, but feeling paralyzed, unable to bridge the gap between ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’.
Our turning point was seeking therapy and the right medication. Once we started addressing our neurodivergent brains, we could finally put our learned business practices into action. While we still have work to do, taking charge of our mental health unlocked growth and that feeling of gaining traction.
Our advice to emerging photographers is simple: Prioritize your mental well-being as a team from the start. Therapy, especially for those who are neurodivergent, can be instrumental in unlocking your full potential and setting a solid foundation for a thriving business.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
We’re George an Sam, a Black, Latine, and LGBTQIA+ husband-and-wife team passionate about capturing life’s precious moments. We built Auburn Blue Photography to celebrate love stories in all their beautiful forms. Our own experiences shape our commitment to creating an inclusive, joyful experience for every client.
We specialize in emotive, timeless wedding and lifestyle photography, and find joy in preserving the authentic connections between our clients. We understand that stepping in front of the camera can be intimidating, especially for those who haven’t seen themselves authentically represented in wedding photography. That’s why we prioritize creating a warm and welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable and confident being themselves. Our goal is to capture those genuine moments of joy and connection, allowing your personalities and love story to shine through.
We’re incredibly proud of the deep bonds we’ve formed with our clients. Many have become friends, and their positive feedback – like how we ‘painted portraits of their family’s growth’ – fuels our passion. We want potential clients to know that we’re invested in capturing more than just images. We’re committed to creating a cherished experience that celebrates who you are and the special milestones in your lives.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Hi, George here. My MS diagnosis in 2021 threw life into chaos. For a passionate photographer, the uncertainty about my physical abilities and the added financial strain was devastating. Everything – my work, my role as a parent, our family’s future – felt jeopardized. Fear and doubt were constant companions. There were days when focusing my camera, let alone carrying gear, felt like impossible hurdles. But my wife became my rock. Together, we found strength in our shared commitment to building a life for our child, filled with presence, purpose, and resilience. We had to rethink everything – how I shoot, how we schedule sessions, and how we prioritize rest while running a demanding business. It hasn’t been easy, but the process has transformed our mindset. We found creative workarounds, built a network of support, and discovered that true limitations are often self-imposed. My MS journey is far from over. It’s a constant process of adaptation and learning to manage both the visible and invisible challenges. But through it all, I’ve gained a profound appreciation for the present moment and the unwavering love that propels us forward. We’re more determined than ever to make Auburn Blue Photography a success – a testament to the stubborn defiance against my diagnosis. MS may throw obstacles my way, but it’s fueled a fire of determination I never knew I had.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The greatest reward of this profession is witnessing the transformation in our clients when they see our images. Whether it’s a newly married couple radiating joy, the quiet pride of a graduating senior, or the tender intimacy of a new family, there’s a profound moment when they fully recognize their own beauty, their unique story, and the love that surrounds them. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Sometimes, the most fulfilling moments come tinged with a touch of heartbreak. When a family experiences loss, I’m humbled and deeply honored when they reach out to us. Knowing that our photographs have become cherished anchors of memory, lasting testaments to the lives of loved ones, underscores the weight and significance of our work.
Whether capturing life’s joyous milestones or offering solace in times of grief, photography gives us the incredible privilege of bearing witness. It fuels my passion for documenting the real, the raw, the fleeting moments that shape us. It’s a constant reminder of the beauty that resides within each person and the enduring power of human connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://auburnbluephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auburn_blue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuburnBluePhotography
- Other: Portrait Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auburnblue_portriats Portrait Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuburnBluePortaits Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/auburnbluephotography