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

Hi Sabrina, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Photography was always more than just a hobby for me; it was a profound passion that guided me to college to study the art. I dreamed of becoming a traveling nature and landscape photographer, my work featured in renowned magazines like National Geographic and Time. But those dreams began to wane with the advent of the digital era in the 2000s-2010s. Left with only my film cameras and unable to afford the transition, I felt adrift.

Years of struggle followed, working in unrelated fields to pay bills, feeling as though my training and talent had lost all relevance.

Everything shifted with a devastating loss that nearly added me to the tragic statistic of black women who die during pregnancy and childbirth.

The loss of my firstborn to preeclampsia was not only heart-wrenching but also a stark reminder of the inequality I faced. My care team at the predominantly white birth center failed to take my concerns seriously, a failure that almost cost me my life. My concerns were dismissed, my fears ignored, and despite clear warning signs, no one acted. I awoke to horrifying contractions and the shattering news that my child had passed away.

The weeks that followed were filled with darkness and despair. But in that abyss, I rediscovered my camera and the dreams it symbolized. A voice within me urged me to seize life, to cast aside doubt and hesitation. I heeded that call and financed my first digital SLR camera, a decision that laid the foundation for SGW Photography. It was time to stop doubting myself and start taking risks, like pulling the trigger on a camera, and invest in my future and career.

Embracing photography once again, I allowed my love for the craft to mend my broken heart and rekindle my artistry. SGW Photography became more than a business; it’s a love letter and unbreakable promise to my son, Alexander. It’s a commitment to chase my dreams with unyielding passion, to always heed my heart, and never allow others’ judgments to deter me.

SGW Photography stands as a symbol of resilience and a constant reminder to take risks and to believe in myself.

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?

My name is Sabrina Guyton-Wright, and I reside in the Greater Philadelphia area, where I have carved a niche as a wedding and portrait photographer. Art has been a defining part of my life, beginning with figure drawing, evolving through graphic and media arts in high school, and culminating in my study of Photography at the Art Institute.

I’m a creator at heart. Perhaps not an influencer in the traditional sense, but a creator nonetheless. My creativity spans multiple domains, including web design, graphic design, and, most passionately, photography. Photography enthralls me with its magical power to crystallize fleeting moments into timeless art. I find joy in framing subjects amidst beautiful surroundings, prioritizing authentic emotions over staged poses. My camera seeks those precious instances of laughter, engagement, and unfiltered joy, where my subjects are entirely themselves.

In my work, I often connect with individuals who resonate with my own experiences as a queer, neurodivergent, and/or black person. I understand the need for a photographer who can provide comfort and authenticity. My approach is rooted in capturing candid, genuine moments rather than forced poses. Through transparency and careful guidance, I strive to offer an inclusive and comforting experience from start to finish. My goal is to make every client feel at ease, ensuring that their true selves shine brightly in front of my lens.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

When I acquired my first DSLR, my initial intention was merely to build a portfolio filled with enchanting pictures of my first son. The grace and charm of child portraiture had me spellbound. However, as I delved deeper into the intricacies of using a DSLR and engaged with photography communities, I discovered that I didn’t need to wait to be hired by a company to become a photographer; I could forge my own path by starting my own business.

Driven by this revelation, I immersed myself in learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. From obtaining an EIN and registering my business to crafting a strategy, the vast resources of the internet served as both an educational platform and a treasure trove of information. I kicked off my journey by offering free portfolio sessions to establish my portfolio. Then, as confidence grew, I began to charge for my services.

Admittedly, I didn’t possess all the tools or a complete understanding of running a business at first, but my determination filled the gaps. Whenever I encountered something unfamiliar, the internet was always there, a powerful ally in research and learning.

A pivotal moment came with my first wedding booking. Although I charged a modest fee, my excitement was boundless, for they had entrusted me with capturing their special day. Little did I realize at that time, this seemingly random wedding would become a gateway to countless more opportunities in the future, a single step that set me on a path toward fulfilling my dreams as a photographer.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Through transparency and a personal touch, I’ve cultivated a base of individuals who appreciate honesty and authenticity. I believe in letting people know who I am, as it lays the foundational stepping stones of trust essential for collaboration. While this might seem generic, it’s an authentic reflection of my journey. Learning to trust myself and build a business that serves me rather than the other way around was a transformative realization.

For years, I struggled with differentiating myself from other photographers. The advice I received was that the unique experience I could offer was what would set me apart. I wrestled with this concept for a long time, thinking that simply taking a beautiful picture was the experience itself. It wasn’t until 2020, during the height of the pandemic, that I rediscovered the importance of making my business work for me, rather than relentlessly chasing various opportunities without a clear focus. From birth photography to children’s sessions, I tried to do it all, mistakenly believing I could.

The pivotal lesson was understanding that the essence of my business needed to be a reflection of myself. While I had succeeded in streamlining my workflow and creating beautiful pictures, I hadn’t imbued my brand with a unique value that others could resonate with and return to. My personal identity was the key.

I began to ask myself, “If I were looking for a photographer, what qualities would I seek?” Targeting an audience with whom I could easily connect became my focus. I recognized that personal connections could perform wonders. Comfort and trust between the photographer and the subject are palpable; they shine through in the images. By embracing my true self and aligning my business with my authentic values, I found the unique experience that sets me apart: genuine connection, empathy, and a commitment to capturing the unfiltered essence of the individuals in front of my lens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sgwphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sgwphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgwphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-gw/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/blerdtographer

Image Credits
headshot taken by ann blake photography