How I created a Nation-Wide Portrait Business from scratch
From a spark of curiosity to coast-to-coast storytelling.
Let me take you back for a minute…
I was ten years old when I first picked up a camera. I didn’t know it at the time, but that small piece of plastic would end up shaping my entire life. It was a simple point-and-shoot, but to me, it was magic. I remember being absolutely enchanted by how a moment—just one flicker of time—could be frozen forever. And not just frozen... felt.
Fast forward, and today, I run a full-time portrait business that serves clients nationwide—Birmingham to Boston, Lakeland to L.A., and everywhere in between. But let me be super clear: this didn’t happen by accident.
This isn’t a story about luck, or some viral moment. This is a story about grit, strategy, and chasing a dream so loud you can’t ignore it—even when the world tells you to “play it safe.”
I spent the next decade learning everything I could. Lighting. Angles. Emotions. The science and the soul of photography. I photographed friends, family, strangers—anyone who’d let me. I spent more weekends than I can count editing until my eyes burned, just hoping one day I’d be good enough.
By 2015, I had turned that passion into a side hustle. By 2019, it was my full-time gig. And today? It’s my full-blown calling.
But here’s the truth I don’t want you to miss:
Taking great photos was never going to be enough.
Pretty pictures don’t build businesses—experiences do. Branding does. Relationships do. Strategy does.
The Secret Sauce-It’s More Than Just Photos
I knew early on that I wanted to create more than just “sessions.” I wanted to craft moments—personalized, intentional, high-end experiences that made people feel seen.
Whether it was a Fine Art portrait or a Branding session, I approached every client like they were the muse of their own story. I refined my style, developed systems, and built a brand that was clean, sophisticated, and emotionally rich.
And slowly but surely... things started to grow.
So How Did I Go Nationwide?
Let’s break it down:
🔁 Referral Marketing
My people are loyal. And when someone is moved by their experience, they talk. I created a referral program to turn happy clients into my best marketing team. Genuine word-of-mouth beats any ad campaign.
🤝 Strategic Partnerships
I connected with creatives, planners, and brands who aligned with my aesthetic. These partnerships gave me reach andtrust in new markets.
📲 SEO + Digital Marketing
I put my website to work. Every page, every post, every image was optimized to bring in the right kind of traffic. It wasn't about numbers—it was about connection.
🌍 Destination Sessions
Instead of waiting for people to come to me, I took the show on the road. I offered curated destination portrait sessions in cities where I had connections or demand—New York, Miami, Dallas, Colorado Springs, and more. My clients loved the luxury of location, and I loved the opportunity to shoot in inspiring places.
The Messy Middle~What No One Sees
Let’s not sugarcoat it.
There were seasons I questioned everything.
Times I felt stuck. Sessions that didn’t go as planned. Marketing strategies that flopped. Emails that went unopened. Posts that got zero engagement.
But those moments? They taught me more than any win ever could.
I learned to trust the slow build. To refine my pricing. To communicate more clearly. I created systems that worked with my creative brain, not against it. I invested in tools that made my client experience smoother and my workflow tighter.
And most importantly? I never stopped showing up. Even when it was hard. Even when no one was clapping. Especially then.
Where We Are Now—and What’s Next
Today, I serve clients across the U.S.—photographing entrepreneurs in Boston brownstones, families in Colorado mountains, couples under the California sun. I’ve added digital paintings, educational content, and even a merch line (because creativity doesn’t stay in one lane, y’all).
But at the heart of it all is this:
I still believe in the power of one photo. One connection. One story.
The mission hasn’t changed—it’s just grown up a little.
So, What About You?
Maybe you’re a photographer, or a creative.
Maybe you're in the messy middle of your dream.
Maybe you’ve got that fire in your belly but don’t know where to start.
Here’s what I’ll tell you:
Success doesn’t just happen. It’s built.
One decision.
One connection.
One belief in yourself at a time.
If you’re building something beautiful from scratch, you are not alone. And if you ever need someone in your corner who gets it—I’m here.
💬 Let’s Talk!
Are you dreaming of growing a nationwide brand?
Want to know more about how I built my business?
Need branding photos that actually reflect your magic?
Shoot me a text, send a DM, or reach out. I’d love to connect.
This isn’t just about photos. This is about purpose.
And I’m cheering you on every step of the way, no matter what your journey is.
