We recently connected with Summer Hopkins and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Summer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Yes, I am definitely happier as a business owner. The flexibility and creative freedom are unmatched, and nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing clients thrilled with their completed galleries. There are certainly stressful and time-consuming moments that come with running a business, but the fulfillment I get from seeing my hard work pay off makes it all worth it.

That said, I do sometimes think about what it would be like to have a “regular job,” especially when the pressures of managing everything on my own feel overwhelming. I remember just a few months ago, I was juggling back-to-back client deadlines, managing the financial side of things, and handling marketing all at once. It felt like there were not enough hours in the day, and I found myself wondering what it would be like to punch in and out of a job without the weight of running a business hanging over me.

During that time, I took a step back and really reflected. I asked myself if I’d be okay with the stability of a regular job, even if it meant sacrificing my passion and creativity. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I thrive in this environment—despite the challenges. I love that my work allows me to directly impact my clients’ lives and create something unique. The freedom and autonomy far outweigh the temporary stress that comes with it.

In the end, those thoughts just reaffirmed my commitment to my business. I know it’s not always going to be easy, but the joy I feel from helping my clients and seeing my vision come to life keeps me moving forward.

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’ve been passionate about photography since high school—it’s a love that has only deepened over the years. Even back then, you’d find me capturing photos of anything that caught my eye, from random objects to everyday scenes, simply because I was fascinated by how light, composition, and perspective could transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Those early albums on Facebook are filled with my first attempts at discovering the magic behind a camera, and I can honestly say that it’s been an ongoing journey of creative exploration ever since.

Over the years, I’ve honed my craft and built a business that focuses on capturing meaningful moments and telling stories through the lens. I specialize in families, portraits and maternity, and what drives my work is creating images that not only look beautiful but also evoke emotion and capture the essence of each subject. Whether it’s a candid family portrait or a headshot for a working professional, my goal is to make sure the photos speak for themselves, telling a story and connecting with people on a deeper level— to really make sure I am capturing a moment that may never happen again.

What sets me apart from others is my commitment to authenticity and attention to detail. I don’t just take photos; I strive to understand the person, their family, even their pet that I’m working with so I can provide a truly personalized experience. I take the time to listen to my clients, understand their vision, and make sure that each image is crafted with care and precision. My work reflects my belief that every shot deserves to be unique and thoughtfully composed.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come, from those early days of experimenting with my camera to now being able to work with clients and projects that I’m truly passionate about. Seeing the reactions of my clients when they receive their photos—whether it’s a smile, a tear, or a simple “wow” —reminds me why I do what I do. It’s that emotional connection, the impact a photograph can have, that really drives me.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my approach to photography is rooted in a genuine love for the craft and for the love of my clients. I’m here to capture moments that are meaningful to you, whether big or small, and make sure you walk away with more than just photos, but memories frozen in time. I believe that great photography is about connection, and I take pride in creating work that reflects not just skill, but heart. I love being able to photograph families in their many stages of life.

What I want people to remember about my brand and work is that it’s more than just about taking a picture—it’s about telling a story, preserving moments, and creating something beautiful that lasts.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media has been a lot of work and time consuming but so worth it in the end. I’ve been able to build my community on social media by inviting others to like my page, word of mouth from happy clients, giveaways as well as Facebook groups. Facebook groups have been a great way for me to connect with others in my community who are looking for sessions but don’t have their favorite photographer yet. These groups allow me to share my work and get that many more people to see my work and hopefully book with me! It has been a great sauce of new clients as well as referrals.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has definitely been referrals from my amazing clients. Word of mouth has been incredibly powerful because my clients are happy to recommend me to their friends and family after having a session with me. Additionally, I’ve found that sharing my work consistently on social media helps new clients find me. It gives potential clients a glimpse into my style and the experience they can expect!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shotsbysummer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotsbysummer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shotsbysummer