Why I’m Still Loving the Ride After 25 Years in Wedding & Portrait Photography

People often ask me after 25 years in the business ( well next Jan will mark that milestone! ) , “How do you stay motivated?” or “What keeps you going?” The truth is, it’s simple: Photography is in my blood. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am. There’s no “retirement plan” here, no “taking it easy.” I’ve been photographing weddings and portraits for a quarter of a century, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

It’s easy to get into a routine after so long, but honestly? I’m still as fired up as ever. Sure, I've shot hundreds of weddings, but every single one feels fresh. Each couple is unique, each moment is different, and that’s the magic of wedding photography. No two weddings are the same, and that’s what keeps me on my toes. There’s always something new to capture, always something different to learn.

What keeps me going is the joy—plain and simple. Every wedding I shoot, every portrait session, I’m reminded why I fell in love with photography in the first place: the challenge, the creativity, and most importantly, the ability to freeze time. I get to document life’s most beautiful, fleeting moments—the raw emotion, the laughter, the tears, and the joy. These are memories that families will cherish for generations, and the fact that I have the privilege of being the one to capture them never gets old.

But it’s not just the photos; it’s the people. In this job, I get to meet and work with people at their happiest—on one of the most important days of their lives. That energy is contagious, and I never get tired of it. I thrive on the connection I make with my clients. From the nervous groom waiting at the altar to the excited bride having her final dress fitting, it’s those moments of human connection that make every wedding special.

And let’s not forget the creative side of things. Lighting, composition, posing, and all those things we learn as photographers are as much a part of me now as breathing. I still get a buzz from experimenting with light, creating dramatic portraits, and playing with different angles and setups. Even after 25 years, I’m always learning, always tweaking, and always looking for new ways to push myself creatively. It’s the perfect balance of technical skill and artistry that keeps me on my toes.

The business side of things is just as exciting, too. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to refine my process, find new ways to connect with clients, and continue evolving my brand. It’s an ever-changing landscape, and staying ahead of trends—whether in photography, marketing, or client relationships—is part of the fun.

Honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m not in this for the accolades, the awards, or the recognition (though, let’s be honest, they don’t hurt). I’m in this because photography is part of who I am. The camera is an extension of myself, and the stories I capture through it are my legacy. Each wedding, each portrait session, is another chapter in that story. It’s a journey that keeps evolving, but one thing will always stay the same: I’ll never get tired of creating something beautiful, something meaningful, and something that will last.

So, after 25 years at the top, do I feel like I’ve “done it all”? Not even close. There’s still so much to learn, so much to create, and so many more stories to tell. I’m just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years hold. Photography isn’t just my job—it’s my life. And that’s the way it’s always going to be.

Top 10 Tips for Keeping the Photographic Flame Alive

1. Mix It Up
   Doing the same thing day in and day out can get... well, a little boring. So, every now and then, throw yourself a curveball. Try something new—whether it’s a different genre of photography (ever shot underwater? No? Me neither...) or experimenting with a new lighting technique. Keeping things fresh keeps you on your toes, and that keeps the passion alive.

2. Take Time for Yourself
   It sounds like a cliché, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Don’t burn out! Take a day off. Have a lazy Sunday. Go for a walk without your camera (I know, it’s a radical concept). Sometimes, the best way to fall back in love with photography is to step away for a bit.

3. Find Your People
   I can’t tell you how much I value being around other photographers who inspire me. Whether it’s fellow wedding photographers, portrait photographers , find your tribe. Get involved in workshops, attend conferences, and share ideas. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn just by talking shop with others who get it.

4. Always Keep Learning
   Photography evolves faster than my coffee intake on a wedding day (and trust me, that’s fast). Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t get comfortable. There’s always something new to discover. Read up on new gear, trends, editing techniques, or even business strategies. Even after 25 years, I’m still a student of the craft.

5. Make Time for Personal Projects
   Remember when you first picked up a camera? You shot just for fun. No deadlines, no clients, just pure creativity. Don’t lose that spark. Find time for personal projects that ignite your passion. Whether it’s street photography, a self-portrait series, or capturing sunsets in your backyard, personal projects keep the fire burning.

6. Embrace Mistakes (and Laugh at Them)
   If you’re not making mistakes, you’re probably not pushing yourself hard enough. The key is to learn from them and laugh them off. That time I knocked over the wedding cake? Classic. The "accidental" slow shutter on the first dance? Let’s just say it was artsy. Every misstep is a lesson in disguise.

7. Stay Inspired by Your Clients
   You’ll never meet a more creative bunch than the couples you photograph. Their stories, their energy, their quirks—they’re all fuel for your creative fire. Embrace their personalities, and let them inspire your work. You’re not just photographing them, you’re documenting their love story—how cool is that?

8. Find New Locations
   Change your scenery! You don’t always need to travel the world (though, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a destination wedding?). I’m off to Barbados in Feb!! There’s always a new spot in your hometown or surrounding area that you haven’t explored. A new backdrop can make all the difference to your creativity.

9. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
   Push yourself! Try photographing in conditions that challenge you—low light, harsh midday sun, a wild outdoor shoot. The more you get out of your comfort zone, the more your creativity will flow. And yes, it will feel uncomfortable at first. But that’s exactly the point.

10. Remember Why You Started
    At the end of the day, photography is about passion. Never lose sight of the why. Remember those early days when you couldn’t wait to snap your first photo? Keep that fire alive by staying grounded in your original love for the craft, and never forget why you picked up the camera in the first place. It’s not just a job—it’s a lifestyle.

So there you have it. Whether it’s challenging yourself with new techniques, taking a breather when needed, or finding inspiration in the moments around you, staying passionate about photography is all about keeping it fresh. And let’s be honest, there’s no way I’ll ever stop loving what I do. Photography is more than a job—it’s in my blood, and I’m sticking with it for the long haul.