I sit down with my good friend and fellow photographer, Nikki of Nicole Michelle Photography, to talk about her journey into wedding photography and what it really takes to grow in this industry. We dive into how she transitioned from running a jewelry business to photographing weddings, why second shooting and mentorship accelerated her growth, and how much contracts, preparation, and professionalism actually matter. We also talk about energy on a wedding day, working seamlessly as a team, standing out in a saturated market, navigating Gen Z clients, and why being yourself is still the most powerful business strategy. This conversation is honest, practical, and rooted in community over competition.

Key takeaways:

• Mentorship and second shooting can dramatically shorten the learning curve by exposing you to real wedding day situations and workflows that cannot be learned alone.
• The energy you bring into a wedding day matters as much as your technical skill because couples and guests respond to your presence and calm under pressure.
• A strong and clearly written contract is essential for running a sustainable business because it sets expectations and helps prevent misunderstandings before they happen.
• In a saturated industry the photographers who stand out are those who show up consistently and stay true to their personality instead of chasing trends.
• Thoughtful preparation and strong teamwork allow photographers to tell the story more fully and create a smoother experience for the couple.

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