Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hope Bolstad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Hope, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

One of the biggest ways I’ve stepped away from the industry standard is by choosing to leave social media completely when it comes to my business. Back in 2021, I spent about a year hustling to be seen in a sea of photographers, constantly posting and pushing just to keep up. But somewhere in that hustle, I lost sight of who I was. I found myself creating out of comparison and chasing a version of “success” that didn’t feel like me at all. Now, I pour that energy into my website—a space that’s fully mine and intentionally crafted to reflect who I am. From the colors and buttons to the way I structure my navigation, every part is chosen with purpose. I want people to want me, so we’re already starting from a place of connection and trust before we ever meet.

I’ve also chosen to keep my prices as low as I reasonably can, on purpose. I want to be known for offering a service that I myself would feel good about paying for. I deeply value photography and believe wedding photos are important—but I also want to honor where people are at in their lives. I didn’t go to school to become a brain surgeon; I didn’t spend ten years in med school, and I don’t think people should have to pay that kind of price to hang my work on their walls. I believe in being compensated fairly for my skill and time, but not in a way that robs people of their hard-earned money. That balance really matters to me.

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?

I said yes to all of them—which was a little crazy in hindsight—but it was the best kind of hands-on learning. Not long after that, I photographed my first wedding in 2013, and I’ve been doing it ever since. I spent some time in tech school for photography, but after a year I realized I could keep growing through real-world experience, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.

Today, I focus on wedding day photo collections, and what I’m most proud of is that the majority of my clients—at least 65%—come through word of mouth. That tells me I’m building meaningful relationships and that the experience I offer is something people want to share.

One of the things that really sets my approach apart is the full wedding timeline meetings I offer. I take what I’ve learned from years of experience and help couples plan a flow for their day that’s peaceful, enjoyable, and as stress-free as possible. I bring a calm, grounded presence to every wedding and use natural light intentionally to create beautiful images, no matter what the day brings.

My style is simple, classic, and true to life. I keep colors as natural as they appeared on the day, and I aim for posing that feels comfortable and real. Often, I’ll use a prompt, a little game, or a relaxed idea to help couples ease into the moment—and that’s when I get the most genuine, honest images of who they are together.

From the very first conversation to the moment I deliver a gallery, my goal is to make the experience feel low-maintenance, intentional, and joy-filled. I want couples to feel at ease, cared for, and excited to look back on their photos for years to come.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what’s helped build my reputation most is a mix of consistency, connection, and staying deeply grounded in what matters to me. I don’t follow trends just to keep up—whether that’s in editing, posing, or marketing. Instead, I focus on creating an experience that feels thoughtful, genuine, and peaceful from start to finish. I’ve intentionally stepped away from social media and poured my energy into making my website a true reflection of who I am—so when couples find me, they already have a sense of what they’re stepping into.

Word of mouth has played a huge role in my growth. Most of my clients come from past couples referring me to people they love, and that means the world to me. It shows that I’m not just delivering nice images—I’m building real trust and relationships. I also take time to walk through wedding timelines with each couple, offering support and calm so they can fully enjoy their day. I’m not just a vendor—I’m someone who’s truly invested in their experience.

A big part of my heart behind the business is trusting God to bring me the right clients. I do my best with each couple and pour my whole heart into every gallery—and then I trust that the Lord will bring me the number of clients that’s right for me in whatever season He has me in. That trust gives me so much peace. It allows me to step away from the constant hustle to market myself and instead rest in the truth that what I’ve been given is already enough.

At the end of the day, I think people can feel that I care deeply—that I want their day to feel like them, and that their photos reflect who they truly are. That kind of intention and heart has been the foundation of my reputation from the beginning.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Honestly, the biggest resource that has shaped the way I run my business is the Bible—the Word of God. Everything I do, from trusting Him with provision to staying grounded in my values, flows from my relationship with Him. Scripture constantly reminds me that I don’t have to hustle to earn success or force opportunities into being. I simply need to be faithful with what’s in front of me—doing my best with each couple, each gallery—and then trust that He will provide the clients, the timing, and the work that fits whatever season I’m in.

I also know that the gifts it takes to be a wedding photographer—the way I see the world, the way I notice color, light, emotion, and beauty—are not random. He gave me those gifts. The ability to see and celebrate the people and moments He created is something I count as a deep privilege. I get to document so much beauty, and I know it all ultimately comes from Him.

At the end of the day, my business is less about building something big and more about honoring God with what I’ve been given. I want to stay true to the values He’s placed in me, give thanks for every client and new connection, and steward this work with intentionality, joy, and peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovehopeportrait.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovehopeportrait/?next=%2F