We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Satesh Toolsie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Satesh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Yes, I transitioned to full-time Photography/Videography just 3-4 months after starting my business. I took a leap of faith, believed in myself, and fully committed. I started my photo/video journey in May 2022 and went full-time by late August of that same year.
How did I make it happen?
First and foremost, I credit my success to God. I believe we can make plans for ourselves, but ultimately, we are led to what we are meant to do.
For most of my academic career, I thought I wanted to become a Physician Assistant (PA), but deep down, my passion was always in creative work. Instead of spending time studying, I spent all my free time making music—producing beats, learning how to translate my ideas into something tangible. Eventually, I got the idea to buy a camera to shoot music videos for my clients. Little did I know that this decision would change the course of my career.
I purchased my first camera in March 2022, started experimenting in April, and by May, I had shot my first engagement session. My wife and I would go to local parks, photographing everything—animals, plants, buildings—just to practice. I kept posting my work on Instagram, and soon enough, my photos landed in the hands of the right people. Referrals started coming in, and I began shooting birthdays, events, and then weddings.
By June 2022, I shot my first wedding—for a friend I originally worked with in music. I brought my wife along and she helped me by handling a tripod that the video camera was on. From there, the momentum kept building. I quickly went from owning just one camera in May to 4 or 5 by August. I expanded my team, teaching my Brother and friends about photography and videography so they could assist with larger events.
Fast forward to today—we were fully booked for 2023 and 2024, and we’re already at 60% capacity for 2025. Client referrals have been instrumental in our success. Our couples not only love our work but also the energy and experience we bring to their special day.
The key turning point?
I took a calculated risk. I recognized that I was spending too much time in a job with a fixed income. I believed that if I redirected that time into my business, I could grow it exponentially—and that’s exactly what happened.
Looking back, could I have sped up the process? Possibly. Had I known from the start that photography would be my path, I might have invested in education, networking, and marketing sooner. But at the same time, every step of my journey played a role in shaping my success. The lessons I learned—whether in music, business, or even my brief time in healthcare studies—all contributed to the skills I use today.
In the end, the biggest factor was stepping out in faith, taking action, and being consistent.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Satesh, the founder of SK Visualography, a wedding photography and videography company. My journey into this industry was unexpected—I originally pursued a career in healthcare but spent most of my free time producing music. In 2022, I bought a camera to shoot music videos for my clients, not realizing it would lead me to a full-time career in photography. After purchasing my first camera in March 2022, I started experimenting with photography in April and booked my first engagement session in May. I shared my work on Instagram, and referrals quickly followed. In June 2022, I shot my first wedding for a friend, with my wife recording video on a tripod. By August, I had expanded my gear, built a team, and transitioned to full-time. Now, my wife is our lead photographer, while I rotate between photography, videography, and directing depending on the event. During the week, I handle behind-the-scenes operations, editing, and logistics, and on weekends, I’m out capturing weddings. In just a few years, SK Visualography has grown into a fully booked, highly sought-after brand, known for its storytelling, seamless experience, and ability to capture the vibrancy of multicultural weddings.
Our services:
At SK Visualography, we go beyond just taking photos and videos—we create a seamless, stress-free experience so couples can be fully present on their wedding day. Without the right team, moments get missed, lighting is poorly handled, and photos feel uninspired. We eliminate those worries with expert direction, cinematic storytelling, and a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and emotion. Our process ensures couples never feel lost or awkward in front of the camera, and we guarantee their memories are secure with our meticulous backup system. We’ve heard too many horror stories of lost footage, unreliable vendors, and poor editing—that will never happen with us. From inquiry to delivery, we are committed to excellence, ensuring every couple receives a beautifully curated collection of moments they’ll cherish forever. We are not just photographers and videographers—we are storytellers. Every wedding is unique, and our job is to preserve its essence in the most authentic way possible.
What sets us apart:
Couples don’t just hire us for photos and videos—they hire us for the experience, trust, and storytelling that come with it. While many photographers and videographers simply show up and shoot, we take the time to truly understand our couples, their personalities, and their vision. This isn’t just about documenting a wedding; it’s about preserving emotions, culture, and moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. What really sets us apart is our expertise and reliability. We know how frustrating it is when vendors aren’t responsive, miss key moments, or fail to deliver quality work. That’s never a concern with us. We approach every wedding with precision, professionalism, and an artistic eye, ensuring every shot is intentional. We also provide free engagement/pre-wedding sessions so our couples get to know us and become more comfortable when taking photos or videos, we’re able to help rid them of feeling awkward. Instead, we create more confidence in our couples so they can authentically enjoy their moment together while we document it. Beyond technical skills, we bring energy and a personal touch that makes couples feel comfortable and cared for. Weddings can be chaotic, but we know how to adapt, keep things on schedule, and create a fun, stress-free environment. Our couples often say they don’t just feel like clients—they feel like family. That connection is what makes our work so powerful and why couples continue to trust us with their most important moments.
What I’m Proud of:
I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time. In less than three years, SK Visualography has grown into a thriving, in-demand brand, capturing weddings across the U.S. and beyond. We’ve built a strong reputation, consistently delivering high-quality work that our couples cherish for a lifetime. But beyond the success, what truly means the most is the genuine friendships we’ve built with so many of our couples. Weddings are intimate, emotional, and deeply personal, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Being able to connect with couples, celebrate their love stories, and continue capturing their milestones beyond the wedding day is something we treasure. Many of our couples come back for anniversary shoots, maternity sessions, and even family portraits, turning what started as a client relationship into something much deeper. I’m also proud of the team we’ve built—a talented group of creatives who share the same passion for storytelling and excellence. And more than anything, I’m proud that the work we do isn’t just about photography and videography; it’s about preserving legacies, capturing emotions, and creating memories that will be passed down for generations.
What I want potential clients to know about us:
We’re not just here to take pictures and film your wedding—we’re here to create an experience that allows you to be fully present on your special day while we capture the moments that matter most. In every step of the journey, we prioritize professionalism, creativity, and genuine connection. We want couples to know that when they book us, they’re getting more than just a vendor—they’re getting a team that truly cares. We take the time to understand your vision, your culture, and your unique love story so that every photo and video reflects who you are. We bring expertise, reliability, and a calm, fun presence to your wedding day, ensuring everything flows smoothly without adding stress. We also want our followers to know that what we do goes beyond just one day. The images and films we create aren’t just for now—they’re for the generations to come. We believe in storytelling that stands the test of time, and we’re honored every time a couple trusts us to document one of the most important days of their lives.
If you’re looking for a photography and videography team that’s passionate, experienced, and dedicated to making your wedding unforgettable, we’d love to connect and see if we’re the right fit for you.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Our reputation was built through consistency, quality, and genuine connections with our clients. From the very beginning, we focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not just great photos and videos. We’ve treated every couple as if they were our own family. Going above and beyond for them. A bible verse that I constantly think of is Colossians 3:23 – which says whatever you do, work heartily as if we’re working for God and not for people. A lot of times, we may try to just do the bare minimum to get the task done, or the project done. But true success comes from giving 100% every time. A lot of the inquiries we receive have something to say along the lines of: We love the dynamic of the team, We love your vibes, the way you connect with couples, etc. I normally refer any couple who inquire to check our google reviews and to see the love notes left by past couples.
So thats why one of the biggest factors was word-of-mouth referrals. When couples love their experience, they naturally tell their friends and family. We made sure that every interaction was smooth, professional, and memorable. Happy clients became our best marketing tool.
At the end of the day, what truly set us apart was our genuine passion for what we do. Our couples don’t just remember us for the photos and videos—they remember how we made them feel. That’s what built our reputation and continues to keep us in high demand today.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the ability to preserve memories and emotions that people can relive for a lifetime. Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime moments, and knowing that my work becomes a permanent part of a couple’s love story is something I never take for granted. Seeing their reactions when they receive their photos and videos—the joy, the tears, the nostalgia—that’s what makes it all worth it. When I receive those crying emoji texts with 50 red hearts and texts that say “you got me ugly crying over here”.
Beyond the final product, it’s the connections and relationships we build along the way. Many of our couples start as clients but become lifelong friends, coming back for anniversary, maternity, and family sessions. Being able to document their biggest milestones beyond the wedding day is an honor. Another rewarding aspect is the freedom to create. Photography and videography allow me to turn moments into art, playing with light, movement, and composition to tell a story in a way that’s unique to each couple. No two weddings are the same, and that challenge keeps me inspired.
But above all, I love that my work genuinely impacts people’s lives. Long after the music fades and the wedding day is over, these images and films will be passed down through generations. Knowing that my work will be cherished not just by my couples, but by their children and grandchildren, is something truly special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skvisualography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skvisualography
Image Credits
SK Visualography