We recently connected with Victoria Ward and have shared our conversation below.
Victoria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 honestly enjoy being a business owner. I prefer it over working a regular job. It just fits who I am. I’ve worked a typical 9 to 5 before, but it never felt natural to me. I always felt boxed in, like I wasn’t really living my life, just going through the motions. I don’t belong in that world. I’ve never seen myself staying in a job long-term when I know I can build something around what I’m passionate about instead.
There was one time recently where the thought crossed my mind. I had just finished back-to-back shoots, I was behind on editing, and rent was due in a week. I had this flash of, “Maybe it would be easier to just clock in, do a job, and clock out.”
But then I sat there for a second and realized.. Uhm NO! Even when it’s hard, I’d rather be overwhelmed building my dream than comfortable building someone else’s. That moment reminded me that I’m not doing this because it’s easy, I’m doing it because it’s mine.
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.
Hi! I’m Victoria, a wedding photographer and creative business owner based in Dallas, Texas. I specialize in dreamy, film-style photos that feel timeless, emotional, and true to who you are.
I first got into photography as a teenager. I was always that person documenting everything on their little iPhone then eventually a DSLR. Eventually, that passion turned into a business. I didn’t follow a traditional path or go to school for this. I taught myself, practiced, and slowly started turning a creative outlet into a career. I worked regular jobs in the past, but nothing ever felt right until I took the leap and went full-time with photography. I actually did this year after quitting a toxic workplace!
Today, I offer wedding photography, engagement and bridal sessions, and destination wedding packages across Texas and beyond. I also shoot on film for clients who want that nostalgic, cinematic touch.
What I’m most proud of is that I built this business from the ground up, with no handouts or shortcuts. Just a camera, a vision, and a lot of late nights. I’ve created a life around what I love.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
At first, photography was definitely a side hustle for me. I started by working as a photography assistant and second shooter for weddings, learning everything I could behind the scenes. But it wasn’t until last year that I really started taking weddings on my own.
This year, after moving to Dallas, I planned to take the traditional route and get a regular job, but the work environment ended up being so toxic that I had no choice but to quit. I didn’t know if photography would fully work out, but I leaned into it anyway and marketed myself as much as I could.
Within two months, I booked over 18 weddings. I had four weddings just this month alone. It was a huge risk turning my side gig into a full-time business, but I trusted my passion, and it’s paid off. That leap of faith changed everything.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
It may not be the most popular route as a photographer, but the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been using Facebook groups and TikTok. Since I’ve been building my brand from scratch here in Texas with no connections, social media has been everything for me. All of my clients have come through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
When I first moved, I barely had a presence on TikTok, maybe two posts total. Instagram was also lacking. But over the last two months, I’ve been posting consistently and have seen a big jump in traction on both TikTok and Instagram. Showing up regularly, being authentic, and engaging with local communities online has made the biggest difference in booking new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.victoriabethanyphoto.com
- Instagram: @victoriabethanyphoto
- Facebook: @victoriabethanyphoto
- Other: TikTok: @victoriabethanyphoto.tx
