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As wedding photographers, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and grind of the season. Long hours, countless edits, and nonstop travel can leave us feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. But when you take a step back and reconnect with the “why” behind what you do, you’ll find renewed purpose and passion. In this blog post, I’m diving into the importance of knowing your why and how it can transform your work as a photographer.
What is Your “Why”?
Your “why” is the reason you wake up each day excited to pick up your camera. It’s not just about making a living—it’s about the deeper meaning behind why you’ve chosen photography as your career. For me, wedding photography is about preserving legacies and capturing moments that will carry significance for years to come.
Recently, while photographing a wedding, the father of the bride had passed away before the big day. The bride chose to honor him with a charm on her bouquet and a large photograph in the front row of the ceremony. In that moment, I realized the true power of photography. Her dad couldn’t be there physically, but he was present through these images. That’s what photography is all about—it’s about capturing those moments that mean the most, even when the people we love are no longer with us.
Connecting Your Why to Your Work
Knowing your why brings so much more to your photography than just taking beautiful pictures. It adds a layer of purpose to everything you do. When you understand why you’re shooting a wedding, you start to see beyond the posed shots and look for those meaningful, candid moments that truly matter to the couple. Whether it’s a groom wiping away a tear or a bride’s mother holding her hand before the ceremony, these are the moments that tell the full story.
For me, this connection to my why has made all the difference. It pushes me to be more intentional with each frame and helps me get through the busy seasons when burnout starts to creep in. When I remind myself that I’m not just photographing a wedding but preserving memories that will be cherished forever, I find new energy and joy in my work.
The Importance of Reflection
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your photography career, I encourage you to reflect on your own why. Think about the moments that have made you feel most connected to your work. Maybe it was a particularly emotional wedding or a moment when a client expressed deep gratitude for the memories you captured. Hold onto those moments—they are a reminder of why you chose this path.
Take time to think about what excites you most about photography. Is it the connections you make with clients? The joy you see in their faces when they receive their gallery? Or maybe it’s the thought that your photos will be passed down for generations, keeping the stories of families alive. Whatever it is, let that be your driving force, especially when the busy seasons hit.
Embracing the Power of Video
Another part of my why is the power of video. For years, Luke and I only offered photography, but we eventually started offering videography because we recognized how video adds a new layer to preserving memories. I’ll never forget our own wedding—while we had a photographer, we didn’t hire a videographer. I have a photo of my dad giving a speech, but I don’t remember what he said. That memory is lost. Video, unlike photos, captures voices, movement, and the full emotion of a moment.
That’s why we decided to add videography to our services. Video allows our clients to relive the most important moments of their day in a way that photos can’t always capture. It’s another way we honor the legacies of the couples and families we work with.
Final Thoughts
As a photographer, your why is the foundation of everything you do. It’s what makes your work meaningful and keeps you grounded during the busiest times of the year. When you’re clear on why you do what you do, it will shine through in your work and your client relationships.
So, take some time today to reflect on your why. Why did you start this journey? What moments have made you feel most connected to your work? Use that to fuel your passion, and remember that your photography is about more than just pretty pictures—it’s about preserving legacies, capturing stories, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Looking for more ways to connect with your why and grow your business? Join us in Arizona for our next workshop!
Apply now and use code “TYS600” to get an additional $600 off!
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Thank you for reading! If this post resonated with you, I’d love to hear your story. Send me a message or tag me on Instagram and share what your why is as a photographer.
