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

Teko, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Before I ever picked up a camera, I was a general manager at a fast-food restaurant. I was around 22 when I got an opportunity to model for a magazine shoot on one of my off days. Excited, I told the other manager what I would be doing, and then he changed the schedule the day before for me to work. It was the night shift, I was angry, I knew I would be tired, but I went for it, came to work that night, wasn’t even late, but shortly after, I was fired.

At first, I was confused. I was told it was because I didn’t clean the outdoor restroom. But after some digging, it turned out I did clean it: in fact, I was the only one who had been cleaning the outside bathroom for the past week. They realized their mistake, apologized, and rehired me.

By the end of that same week, I was fired again, only this time for “stealing” a chicken strip sandwich. As a manager, we were entitled to free meals. I followed all the protocols and even had a receipt to prove it. Still, they let me go. A few days later, the district manager reached out and offered me my job back.

But this time, I said no.

I had given years to that job. I never called off, never took vacation. I was one of their best employees—and for many, the best manager they ever had. It eventually came out that the other manager I talked to about the photoshoot, a man in his late 50s, felt threatened by my ambition after the magazine shoot. He saw that I wanted more from life than fast food, and he did everything he could to push me out.

I had a tough decision to make. After all the time I had invested, did I really want to start over?

I prayed and God said, “Trust Me.”

So I did. I took the leap and began learning photography, eventually going into business with my now wife, LaJoy Lewis. It wasn’t easy, and there was no guarantee of success. My lease was ending, my car started acting up, and I had no backup plan. But I kept going.

Within three years, I was photographing two weddings for Married at First Sight under my company, The First Look Photography.

If I had gone back to that job, I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today. Walking away wasn’t in my nature. If I hadn’t been pushed, I probably never would’ve left on my own. But God knew that, and He made a way out. Now that risk is taking care of my family and allowing me to watch my son grow, where I could have been working 60 hours a week to a job that will never care about me.

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

My name is Teko Lewis, and I’m the founder of The First Look Photography. We specialize in wedding photography and videography, capturing love stories in a way that’s intentional, emotional, and visually timeless. Our work has taken us across the world and even onto TV screens, photographing weddings for shows like Married at First Sight and Love is Blind.

I got into photography with no formal training, just a deep passion for storytelling and a drive to build something meaningful. When my wife and I launched The First Look during COVID-19, there were no guarantees. But through prayer, consistency, and a clear vision, we built a brand that now serves couples across the country and internationally.

At The First Look Photography, we offer wedding photography and videography services that go beyond just capturing the day. We focus on telling authentic love stories, creating visuals that couples can feel, not just see. Whether it’s an intimate backyard ceremony or a destination wedding overseas, we aim to create work that’s cinematic, soulful, and personal.

What sets us apart is the experience we provide. From the moment we connect with a couple, we bring professionalism, warmth, and intentionality to every step of the process. Our clients don’t just remember the photos, they remember how we made them feel. We’ve been trusted by couples from all walks of life, and our ability to deliver powerful visuals while keeping the experience smooth and joyful is what keeps people coming back and referring others.

What I’m most proud of is the life we’ve built through this work. I get to do what I love with the person I love while also being present for my family every day. Being self-employed has allowed me to live out my purpose creatively, spiritually, and personally.

To anyone considering working with us, know that we care deeply about our craft and our clients. We’re not just here to document moments, but we’re here to create legacy, beauty, and lasting connection through every frame.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As a perfectionist, as I mentioned before, I had to unlearn the habit of doing everything by the book. In a creative field and an unorthodox industry, every client requires a different approach. I learned that while there is a foundation and essential skills you can gain from business courses in college and experience as a General Manager, there comes a point where you risk becoming just another photographer.

In an industry where many people can do the same thing, it’s crucial to find ways to stand out. One effective way to differentiate yourself is by breaking the noise and testing new ideas. Trusting my instincts has brought me this far, and I’ve learned that being myself has helped me build an audience that not only appreciates my work but also values me as a business owner. I’m not just another guy with a camera; I’m family.

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

I started by doing smaller shoots and second shooting for other companies. This allowed me to gain experience, work at my own pace, and meet industry vendors. To be clear, I didn’t hand out my business cards or promote my services while working for others, but since we typically shot separately on wedding days, like I’ll be with the Groom while the Lead shooter is with the Bride, I focused on producing high-quality work. I knew that the better my work was, the more likely I would be hired by those shooters again. If my skills outshone theirs, planners and other vendors would take notice. Even if the shooter replaced me or didn’t hire me again because of it, people would quickly recognize my talent. Without needing to say a word, opportunities came to me, allowing me to upgrade my equipment and upscale my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thefirstlook.photos
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstlookphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefirstlookphotographyllc
• Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@thatsteko

Image Credits

PC: Teko Lewis (The First Look Photography)