We were lucky to catch up with Sera Petras recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sera, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

If you were to visit my website right now, you’d see mostly wedding and engagement photography, which might make it seem like I only shoot weddings. But that’s far from the full picture. While weddings are a major part of my business, I also work extensively in food, lifestyle, interior, commercial, and editorial photography.

My background is in editorial and commercial photography, as well as photo styling, and I’ve brought that expertise into every aspect of my work—from weddings to editorial projects. This foundation allows me to approach weddings with a refined, storytelling-driven perspective while also excelling in other areas of photography.

My journey has been far from easy, but I’ve kept at it, learning and growing along the way. For years, I assisted other talented photographers, soaking in their knowledge, advice, and education. This hands-on experience was invaluable in shaping my approach to photography and gave me the confidence to branch out and diversify my own work. Diversifying my portfolio has truly been the key to my success, providing the financial security I need while allowing me to thrive creatively. Photography brings me so much joy, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

When I reflect on what could have sped up my process, technically, I could have pursued a two-year degree. But I don’t regret taking four years to earn my BFA in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design. College wasn’t just about technical skills—it was where I found my voice, my personality, and the confidence to be an artist. That time was essential to shaping who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade it for a faster path.

I’ve intentionally curated my website to reflect a refined and specialized wedding brand, but behind the scenes, I’m constantly working on a variety of projects. Part of the reason I diversify is financial—I love wedding photography, but I also know that it’s an incredibly physical job. Wedding days are long, demanding, and require being on my feet for hours. As much as I want to photograph weddings for as long as possible, I also want to build a sustainable career that doesn’t rely solely on weekends and long days.

Beyond that, I genuinely love capturing other aspects of life—the artistry of a chef in their restaurant, the care that goes into crafting a dish, the character of a beautifully designed space. These projects allow me to stay creatively fulfilled while ensuring my business evolves with me over time.

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’m Sera Petras, the owner and lead photographer of Sera Petras Photography. My journey into photography began unexpectedly while studying voice at VCU. An introductory black-and-white photography class, taken as an elective, quickly became a passion. I spent hours capturing images and bringing them to life in the darkroom. This love for the craft led me to change course, ultimately earning a BFA in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design. With a foundation in editorial and commercial photography, as well as photo styling, I bring a thoughtful, artful approach to every project—whether it’s a wedding, a food shoot, or an editorial feature.

I specialize in wedding, lifestyle, food, commercial, and editorial photography, offering a variety of creative services. For weddings, I capture the authentic moments, emotions, and timeless beauty of the day, ensuring my couples’ stories are told in a way that feels natural and personal. Beyond weddings, I work with brands, chefs, and editorial publications to create stunning visual content that tells their unique stories—whether that’s through styled food photography, interior design shots, or capturing the essence of a product or brand.

One thing that sets me apart is the combination of my artistic vision and technical expertise. Having worked in multiple facets of photography, I bring a refined, editorial approach to every project, blending creativity with precision. My background in photo styling is also something I incorporate into my work, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully captured and aligned with the overall narrative.

The biggest problem I solve for my clients is the need for visual storytelling that resonates and stands out. Whether it’s a wedding or a commercial shoot, clients come to me because they want to create images that not only look beautiful but also reflect their personality, brand, or values. I bring a collaborative approach, making sure that my clients feel heard and understood throughout the process so that the final product feels deeply authentic.

I’m most proud of how my business has evolved over the years, thanks to my dedication to continuing education, diversifying my work, and building meaningful relationships with my clients. I’ve built a brand that doesn’t just focus on one aspect of photography but embraces multiple disciplines, which allows me to stay creatively inspired while offering a more well-rounded service. The personal connections I’ve formed with my couples and clients, and seeing the impact my photos have on their lives, is truly what brings me the most joy.

What I want potential clients to know about me is that I am deeply committed to creating work that is not only technically excellent but also filled with heart. Whether it’s a wedding day, a commercial project, or a food shoot, my focus is always on making sure the final product feels genuine, beautiful, and uniquely you. I’m passionate about the craft of photography, and I pride myself on the ability to blend artistry with the real moments that make life special.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative for me is the ability to capture and preserve moments that have emotional significance for my clients. Whether it’s the joy of a wedding day, the artistry of a chef’s dish, or the personality of a brand, being able to translate those fleeting moments into something timeless is truly fulfilling.

I love that my work allows me to tell stories—stories that evoke emotion and create lasting memories. There’s something incredibly powerful in knowing that the images I create will be treasured for years to come, whether they’re displayed on a couple’s wall, featured in a magazine, or shared with a brand’s audience.

It’s also incredibly rewarding to continue to grow and evolve as an artist. Every project challenges me to explore new techniques, learn from others, and push my creative boundaries. That sense of personal growth, combined with the joy of seeing my clients’ reactions to the work I produce, makes photography one of the most fulfilling careers I could have chosen.

Ultimately, it’s the ability to connect with people and make their stories visible through my lens that drives me. The connection between the subject, the moment, and the finished image is what keeps me passionate and motivated in my creative work.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

In the beginning, I made the mistake of using credit to “build” my business—purchasing gear and investing in my work before I had a solid financial foundation. At the time, it felt like the only way to get started, but I quickly learned that relying on debt adds unnecessary stress and limits your flexibility as a creative entrepreneur.

Over time, I shifted my approach and committed to only purchasing new equipment or investing in my business when I had the funds to fully cover the cost. Now, I run a completely debt-free business, and knowing that my gear, software, and everything I need to operate at the highest level is fully paid for is incredibly freeing. It allows me to focus on my craft without the weight of financial strain.

That said, I understand that when you’re starting out, you sometimes have to get creative—whether that means renting gear, buying secondhand, or investing in equipment that isn’t exactly what you want but gets the job done. I’ve learned that you don’t always need the latest and greatest gear to create incredible work; what matters most is how you use what you have.

Renting equipment is a great option, especially when you need a specialized piece of gear for a particular job or want to test something before making a big investment. Early on, I often rented or borrowed equipment instead of purchasing outright, which allowed me to keep my overhead low while still delivering high-quality results. I still will rent equipment even now after 23 years of being in business because I don’t always need to own the gear I might need for a job.

Being smart with purchases is key. I focused on buying essential, high-quality pieces that I knew would last, even if they weren’t my dream gear at the time. As my business became more profitable, I was able to upgrade strategically—always making sure I had the funds to cover my investments.

I won’t say it was easy—building a business without debt takes discipline, patience, and strategic planning. But looking back, I can say with certainty that it was the right choice. A financially stable business can weather slow seasons, invest in opportunities, and grow in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.

The lesson here? You don’t have to go into debt to build a thriving photography business. With careful planning, patience, and a bit of creativity, you can grow sustainably while maintaining financial freedom. And let me tell you, knowing that everything I own is paid for makes running my business that much more rewarding!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://serapetras.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serapetras
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serapetrasphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serapetras/
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/serapetras/