We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Nabours recently and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?
This question resonates with me a lot.
When I started as a wedding photographer, I always thought it was about getting those ideal clients and working 24/7. And I did do that for a long time, many hours were given into developing this business into what it is today.
I think we all start somewhere, but what I believe most people believe photographers have an easy job, just show up and take pictures right?
But for me, I have to be there on one of the most important days of someone’s life. I have had to step in as motivator and leader, wedding planner & people gatherer. I get so much 1 on 1 time with the bride as the nerves settle in. I have had to be the rock on so many occasions at weddings, because it’s such an important day.
Over the years, I have learned that being a wedding photographer is so much more than just taking pretty pictures. It’s about being with 2 people who are in love and trying to show the world the love they have for one another.
Of course a lot of time & practice has to be given to create memories for these couples. But it’s truly about the experience I can give that couple on their wedding day.
It takes a number of sacrifices to make wedding photography into a full time business, giving up weekends for weddings is something I had to get comfortable with. And I’m still learning to manage the time I have free & the time for work.
If anything, everyone does things differently, but I feel if there is something worth being passionate about, it deserves your time and attention and the work will come to those who hold on.
Victoria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Victoria and I have been a wedding photographer for 8 years. Four of those years have been full time and I feel so lucky to be where I am today.
I offer a number of packages for couples from engagements to weddings & even some maternity sessions here and there. Elopements are where my passions lie, but I love being a part of any of these special moments in someone’s life!
Many couples come from out of state and want to share in an awesome experience, so we’ll usually schedule an “adventure session” so they can take in the beautiful landscapes that surround us in Sedona. These usually include some hiking or even a jeep ride to some awesome spots in the area.
I typically work with couples discussing the best timing and locations for their session to ensure we get the best possible outcomes for their photos.
I pride myself in being in the Sedona area for 13 years and knowing the area well. Lots of couples come to me because they wanted a local perspective for Sedona and I have plenty of guides to help them along the way!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to learn that working 24/7 is unhealthy! I had a weekend where I worked in Sedona one day, Phoenix the next and then back to Sedona the next day for an adventure session!
By the end of that weekend I had absolutely over done it, my body was exhausted, and on my drive home I experienced the worse migraine I have ever had. Only the second in my life!
It was scary because the left side of my face went numb, and I couldn’t feel my fingers, and I literally thought I was having a stroke at age 25!!
This was an absolute wake up call for me to make sure I take care of myself by taking days off & being sure to drink plenty of water and food when working so much.
I’m only human and I cannot over work myself like that again, so now I’m strict in ensuring that I have at least 2 days off a week! And if I have a tough week, I schedule an extra day off just to make sure I rest!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
For me, I made it a priority to ensure I was posting often. I purchases Planoly and that helped me plan out my Instagram feed to ensure I had a look going as I brought out new content.
However, after some time, it was exhausting trying to come up with caption and just figuring out what to post. So I haired a friend to start posting every day for me and that literally has saved me so much time. I don’t spend an hour on Instagram just trying to post something.
She does it all for me and it just gives me the additional time I need to focus on creating!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whitedesertphotography.com
- Instagram: whitedesertphotography
- Facebook: WDPhoto
Image Credits
White Desert Photography Victoria Nabours