You don’t need to have it all figured out to start getting paid as a photographer.

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Hamilton—someone who’s right in the beginning of building her photography journey. No polished brand. No perfect niche. No “I’ve got it all dialled in” story.

Just real progress and an idea to approach some hotel chains she wanted to vacation at, with the offer of creating branding content for their social media.

Sam shares how she went from shooting for fun to landing her first hotel client, getting asked back for more work, and starting to explore different types of photography—from travel and small business content to sports photography (which she's really enjoying).

We also get into the stuff most people don’t talk about:

• Starting to figure out lighting (especially indoors)
• Dealing with noise (from High ISO) and editing time
• Not knowing what gear you actually need
• Trying different niches without locking yourself in
• Building a photography business alongside a full-time job

This is what it actually looks like when you’re starting out—and doing it anyway.

• Why waiting until you feel “ready” is holding you back
• How real client work accelerates your learning
• The truth about gear (and what actually matters)
• A smarter way to figure out your niche
• How to start building momentum without burning out
• How to ignore "ego-bros" online who tell you you shouldn't charge money for your photography. They're just insecure and jealous. Trying to take it out on a world who's overtaking them.

Sam is a Chicago-based photographer who started with travel photography and is now building a photography business alongside her full-time role as a data analyst.

After landing her first hotel collaboration, she’s continued to grow through real-world experience—experimenting across different types of shoots while figuring out what she enjoys most.

To follow Sam Ham on instagram, go to:
https://www.instagram.com/samhamphotography/

Follow Kurt at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bykurtsneddon
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bykurtsneddon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byKurtSneddon/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bykurtsneddon/

YouTube (Humble Togs Club): https://www.youtube.com/@humbletogsclub

If you’re tired of toxic photography groups and want real support while you figure this stuff out…

👉 Join Humble Togs Club:
https://www.humbletogsclub.com

No gatekeeping. No ego. Just photographers (and me - Kurt Sneddon) helping each other get better - without the BS.

Where photographers share the journey, not just the highlight reel.