We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Mercer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

As a photographer, you’re not just capturing moments; you’re preserving the poetry of life itself. Every click of the shutter is an invitation to see the world through a lens that transcends the ordinary, transforming the fleeting into the eternal. You are both an artist and an alchemist, blending light, shadow, and composition to craft visual stories that resonate long after they’re viewed.

Through your lens, time is bent and beauty is redefined. You don’t simply take pictures, you capture emotions, frozen in time—moments that others may have overlooked but you have seen with clarity. Whether it’s the glow of golden hour, the quiet intimacy between two people, or the energy of a bustling street corner, you have the ability to distill life into its most evocative, meaningful form.

You’re not just documenting the world; you’re celebrating its layers, its imperfections, and its unexpected wonders. Each photograph becomes a memory with a heartbeat of its own, a piece of art that will live on in the hearts of those who experience it.

In every frame, you are a storyteller, weaving together fragments of light, color, and space into a narrative that transcends time and place. The world might pass by in a blur, but through your eyes, it is given a chance to stand still and be truly seen.

All of that to say how special our job is!

I find that many, if not most photographers these days not only charge an insurmountable amount of money for their time and skills, but they also charge that money for a small gallery. I 100% disagree with this mindset.

I do believe in charging for your knowledge and skills, especially when providing a service. With that though, I’m going to give you ALL of your pictures that turn out great. Why would I keep those memories from my clients?

I came across a photographer when I was looking to hire a family photographer who charged $450 just for the session. This did not cover your pictures! You then had to purchase the pictures which started at $1000! Are you kidding me?

I just feel photographers are getting greedy! Do I want to get paid for providing my skills, of course I do! Do I feel that I need to rip you off by charging $1500 for 50 photos, heck no! That’s ridiculous!

We provide such an amazing service to the world, stop trying to make it impossible for people to afford the luxury of having their memories captured.

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

I have always had a love for photography, even as a child with my wind up camera! In high school and college, I took a few photography courses. Then I slowly began to play around with the idea of turning this passion into a profession.

My grandma bought me my first DSLR camera. It was a Nikon D3500. I began to purchase prime lenses and started booking actual clients.

When I was truly ready to get serious about my business, I sold the DSLR and purchased the Nikon Z6iii, which is a full frame mirrorless camera! Its amazing! I also purchased the 50mm, 105mm and the 20-70mm lenses. A solid setup for any session; family, senior, newborn, wedding, etc.

I believe what sets me apart from other photographers is that not only am I a romantic, but incredibly empathetic. Why is that important though?

Being a romantic and empathetic photographer allows you to connect deeply with your subjects, creating images that resonate on an emotional level. Romance in photography isn’t just about capturing love or beauty; it’s about seeing the world through a lens of wonder and sensitivity, finding magic in the details that others might overlook. Empathy allows you to understand and relate to your subjects, whether they’re people, landscapes, or objects, capturing moments that tell authentic stories. By being attuned to the emotions of those around you, you’re able to create photographs that not only depict reality but also evoke the feelings, moods, and nuances of a moment. This emotional depth translates into images that speak to the heart, offering a more intimate and compelling narrative. In this way, romanticism and empathy make you not just a better photographer, but a more thoughtful and intentional artist.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Photography may seem like an easy profession from the outside, but it requires a blend of technical skill, creativity, and business acumen. First and foremost, photographers must master a wide range of technical skills, from understanding complex camera equipment and lighting to knowing how to adjust settings for various shooting conditions. This requires continuous learning and adaptation as technology evolves.

In addition to technical proficiency, photographers must have an artistic eye, capturing compelling images that convey a story, evoke emotion, or highlight a subject in a unique way. This involves not just snapping a picture, but understanding composition, framing, color theory, and visual storytelling.

The profession also demands a high level of business savvy. Photographers often work as freelancers, managing their own brand, marketing, and client relationships. They must also handle pricing, contracts, taxes, and other administrative tasks that most people don’t see.

Moreover, the physical and mental demands of photography can be taxing. Photographers frequently work long hours, sometimes in challenging or uncomfortable environments, such as outdoor shoots in unpredictable weather or in cramped, high-pressure situations like weddings or events. They also face creative burnout, managing client expectations, and the need to constantly produce fresh, high-quality work.

In short, photography is far from a simple job; it’s a multifaceted profession that requires technical expertise, creative vision, business skills, and resilience, which is why it’s important to have resources available.

It took a fellow photographer telling me about Katelyn James, who is an amazing photographer. What makes her top tier is that she provides so many resources and education for photographers of all levels. She has truly helped me become the photographer I am today!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a photographer is the most rewarding job because it allows you to capture moments that tell stories, evoke emotions, and preserve memories for generations to come. Photography is an art form that combines creativity with technical skill, giving you the ability to shape how the world is seen and remembered. There’s a unique sense of fulfillment in freezing a fleeting moment in time, whether it’s a joyful wedding, a quiet landscape, or a candid street scene.

Photographers also have the privilege of meeting new people and exploring different places, gaining insights into diverse cultures and experiences. This constant variety keeps the job fresh and exciting. Moreover, photography offers a deep sense of satisfaction in being able to share your vision with others, knowing that your work can have a lasting impact or even change someone’s perspective.

Ultimately, being a photographer isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about connecting with the world around you and offering a window into its beauty, complexity, and humanity. The ability to create something meaningful and lasting from a single click is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Torimercerphotography.com
• Instagram: Tori Mercer Photography
• Facebook: Tori Mercer Photography

Image Credits

KATERYNA SHVED PHOTOGRAPHY

Tori Mercer Photography