We’re looking forward to introducing you to Bobbi Petersen. Check out our conversation below.
Bobbi, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building, that nobody really sees, is what came after I had to start over from absolute scratch. When I left my old business, it marked the beginning of a completely new chapter. I had spent the last ten years shooting weddings and portraits all over the world, yet I didn’t own the copyright to a single image. I walked away with nothing. No portfolio, no gear, no images to build a brand, not even a laptop to edit on. Just me, my name, and the decision to try again.
Those early days were some of the hardest of my life. I financed every piece of equipment, taking out significant business loans just to get back on my feet. I rebuilt my website late at night and photographed anything I could to create new work. I remember feeling embarrassed when people would ask to see my portfolio because I didn’t have one anymore. But slowly, client by client, image by image, I started to rebuild.
What grew from that experience was more than just a business. It was a reminder of who I am when everything else is gone. My business is a reflection of myself and my values, built on kindness, integrity, and hard work. I didn’t have to compromise or settle for anything less, and I’m proud of that. The part nobody sees is how much resilience, self-belief, and quiet grit it took to keep going when it would have been easier to quit. I’m proud that I didn’t. I’m proud that I rebuilt a life and career that is entirely, and authentically, mine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Bobbi Petersen, an international wedding and portrait photographer based in Madison, Wisconsin. I own Bobbi Petersen Photography and Guilded Grey Events, a private 35-acre property with a greenhouse, boardwalk, and gardens that serve as the backdrop for many of my sessions. My photography style is warm, authentic, and rooted in genuine emotion, with a focus on connection and storytelling.
I spent more than a decade photographing weddings and portraits around the world before starting over completely from scratch. That experience shaped everything about how I run my business today. What makes my work unique is not just the images but the environment I have created for my clients, a space where they feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated.
Beyond photography, I am a speaker and educator who teaches photographers around the world about storytelling, business strategy, and creative growth. Right now, I am continuing to expand my work at Guilded Grey, where I host sessions, small events, and creative workshops. I am passionate about helping other photographers build businesses that truly reflect who they are.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Honestly, my answer to that is my husband, Jon, and my daughter, Sloan. When I was in the middle of rebuilding my life and business, trying to find my footing again, they both saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself.
Jon believed in my ability to start over and reminded me every single day that I was capable of doing hard things. Sloan, in her own simple and pure way, saw me as strong and unstoppable long before I ever felt that way again. Together, they gave me the courage to rebuild and the motivation to become the person they already believed I was.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, humility, and perspective in a way that success never could. When everything fell apart, I learned what it really means to start from zero and to rely on my own resilience. It stripped away the ego, the noise, and the illusion of control, and it forced me to figure out who I was without the titles, recognition, or validation.
It also taught me empathy. When you’ve been through something that takes you apart piece by piece, you start to see people differently. You recognize the quiet battles others are fighting, and you lead with more compassion because you understand what it feels like to be broken and to build yourself back up.
Success feels good, but suffering gave me depth. It gave me gratitude for the smallest wins, for the people who showed up when they didn’t have to, and for the peace that comes from knowing I can survive hard things and still come out softer, not bitter.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I draw a lot of inspiration from luxury brands, not necessarily for their products but for the way they make people feel. The attention to detail, the level of service, and the seamless experience all matter. When you walk into a high-end store, everything feels intentional, calm, and curated. That’s the kind of experience I want my clients to have from start to finish.
I’ve built a lot of my customer service and branding around that idea. I believe professionalism and kindness can coexist with a sense of luxury and ease. For example, I would never charge a credit card fee. To me, that’s just part of doing business well, and it sends a message that I value my clients’ trust and experience.
Those ideas remind me that photography isn’t just about taking beautiful images. It’s about how people feel when they work with me and the impression that stays long after the session is over.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand deeply that you can lose everything and still be okay. Most people live in fear of starting over, but I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to have the rug pulled out from under you, to question your worth, and to rebuild from nothing. What I learned is that losing everything strips away the noise and shows you what truly matters: your character, your grit, and your ability to keep moving forward.
I also understand that kindness and boundaries can coexist. You can be compassionate and generous without being taken advantage of. Strength doesn’t have to look loud or aggressive. Sometimes it’s quiet, consistent, and steady. That’s the kind of strength I’ve learned to trust in myself, and it’s the foundation for everything I’ve built since.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bobbipetersenphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbipetersenphotographer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiknar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobbipetersenphotographer
Image Credits
Bobbi Petersen Photography (me)
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