We recently connected with Naomi Phelps and have shared our conversation below.

Naomi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe it takes a lot to be successful: from sacrificing personal time, sleep, and money to being vulnerable and putting yourself out there, asking a plethora of questions, and going out of your comfort zone and taking chances. But you don’t know who you are or how successful your business can be if you don’t.

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

I am an Austin-based wedding photographer who loves telling authentic love stories through timeless photographs.

I am known to be unobtrusive, staying behind the scenes, allowing my couples to enjoy their day. I strive to make them feel comfortable and gorgeous on their day and in front of the camera, capturing moments as they happen, and documenting the love that they share.

My photography style is natural, authentic, and real. So whether it’s rain or shine, or whatever the wedding circumstances may be, I come prepared to capture the pure essence of the day … the raw emotions, real moments, and everything in between with my vibrant, colorful, clean, and crisp images.

I think what sets me apart, aside from my natural photography style, is my bubbly personality. I feel that most of my couples forget that they hired me because by their wedding day, I am a friend, not just their photographer. And that’s what I want. I don’t do this job for the money or the stress! I do it for the couples I have the opportunity to meet, get to know, and have the chance to show their personalities and love through my art!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Just like the world had to pivot, I had to as well because of Covid-19. It put my career and business on hold for a hot minute, which is scary. Weddings are a luxury and when people are suffering from lay-offs and pay cuts, let alone from wanting to leave the house and be near other people, social events get put on hold. It was probably the most difficult challenge I have ever encountered.

So pivoting for me meant getting a job, any job in any profession, anywhere! A way to keep going and supporting myself and my family. I ended up taking on a job as a private fitness trainer for a boutique gym that only allowed two people to train at a time, in separately ventilated rooms. This was a struggle since I had to learn a whole new profession and completely get away from my passion and business. But I did what I had to do to keep going, knowing that one day I’d be back on track with my career as a wedding photographer and moving towards those pre-Covid goals.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Saying “yes” to anyone and everyone! When I first started my business, I started out charging WAY less than what others were charging for wedding photography and saying “yes” to any business that came my way. I struggled with the worth as an artist and my goal at the time was just to make money to support my business and my life. I quickly learned that is most definitely not the way to go!

For one, my time and the amount of love and work I put into my business and art was worth more than what I was charging.

But, more importantly, saying “yes” to everyone who came my way was the biggest mistake. I remember being hired by a couple who obviously didn’t value photography and just wanted to cheapest person they could find, which ended up being me. I knew in my gut I should have told them it wasn’t a good fit, but, like I said, I just wanted to make money. So I said “yes.” Nothing I did, no amount of work, no matter how good my communication I was, or how beautiful the images were was good enough.

This happened a few times, maybe not the exact same circumstances but a variety of similar scenarios, before I learned the word, “no.”

Now, if the couple seems to only want to cheapest price instead of quality, want to change my photography style to something they’ve seen on Instagram, or don’t seem to be in a genuinely good, loving relationship, I say, “no.” It has been the most valuable lesson I’ve learned in the last ten years I’ve been in business.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://swtmemoriesphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetmemoriesphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetmemoriesbynaomiphelps
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-phelps-a7b02571
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/sweetmemoriesphotography