Meet Cameron Warren

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cameron Warren. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Cameron, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

To stay on top of my self-care, I’ve embraced the magic of habit trackers. Checking things off throughout the day keeps my brain happy and on track! My fitness coach, Samantha Bilby of Bloom Flourish Fitness, created these trackers for anyone enrolled in any of her programs and I downloaded her pre-filled “whole day” tracker as well as two blank ones that I could use to track my AM and PM routines.

My morning routine is probably my favorite part of the day. I start with a coffee and some time to read on the couch, followed by 5 minutes of meditation, 5 minutes of journaling, 15 minutes of stretching, and a 15-minute walk with my dog, Marty. Lately, I’ve added a bit of tarot into the mix—I pull a card each day and take a moment to reflect on its meaning.

The “whole day” tracker covers the essentials like getting 7-9 hours of sleep, drinking half my body weight in ounces of water, fitting in 15-30 minutes of movement, and enjoying at least two nutrient-dense meals. My PM routine helps me wind down with 10 minutes of Duolingo (currently brushing up on German and Spanish), actually doing my nighttime skincare routine, and reading before bed instead of doomscrolling endlessly on my phone.

Now, I’ll be honest—some days I nail all of it and other days… not so much. But that’s okay! These trackers have been a game-changer for my neurospicy brain, helping me stay disciplined and moving toward the person I want to be. My morning routine, in particular, has become my favorite way to give back to myself. There’s just something so calming about starting my day with coffee, tarot, meditation, and journaling. It sets the tone for a productive and balanced day ahead.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a Virginia based elopement photographer who does more than just take pictures. I’m your ‘through the ups and downs’ planner, nerves-melter, awkwardness vanisher, ‘kick-ass day’ creator, hollers explorer, and new lifelong friend! At Cameron Warren Photography, y’all means all and every love story is celebrated here.

What sets my work apart is that I’m deeply involved in your entire elopement journey, not just the photography. I take the time to truly understand your story, craft and manage your elopement timeline, recommend local and inclusive vendors, help you secure any necessary permits, and scout out the perfect locations for your day. I’m very different from a traditional wedding photographer—we’ll meet at least 3-5 times before your big day to discuss everything from details and activities to permits and vendors. The day before your elopement, we’ll even grab dinner, a mocktail, or a coffee together. I’m not just your photographer; I’m your friend who’s here to capture your unique love story in the stunning Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.

What excites me most about my work is how elopements allow couples to fully express their love in a way that’s true to them. Elopements aren’t just about running away in secret anymore—they’re for couples who want to break free from the pressures of traditional weddings and create a day that celebrates their most authentic selves. If the thought of saying your vows in a church, kissing in front of hundreds of people, and making small talk all night doesn’t sound like your dream day, then eloping might be the perfect choice! Consider this your permission slip to say “no” to the traditional wedding and “yes” to a day that’s entirely about y’all.

As for what’s new with Cameron Warren Photography, I’m always exploring new locations among the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains to offer fresh, breathtaking backdrops for my couples!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey as an elopement photographer, three qualities have been particularly impactful: adaptability, empathy, and a deep understanding of both photography and the logistics of elopement planning.

Adaptability has been crucial, especially when working in nature where conditions can change rapidly. Whether it’s adjusting to sudden changes in weather or pivoting when a plan doesn’t go as expected, being flexible has allowed me to keep things running smoothly and maintain a positive experience for my couples.

Empathy has been HUGE in connecting with my clients. Understanding their emotions, fears, and desires allows me to create an environment where they feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera as well as in a new environment that they may not be used to. This connection leads to more genuine, heartfelt moments that I can photograph on camera.

Lastly, a deep understanding of elopement photography and planning has made ALL the difference. It’s not just about taking beautiful photos—it’s about knowing how to navigate the unique challenges of elopements, from scouting the perfect location to managing the day’s timeline and ensuring that all the details align with the couple’s vision. I learned a lot about elopement photography and planning during my time in Megan MacPhail’s Elopement Photographer Mastermind. If you’re an aspiring elopement photographer or videographer, I highly recommend The Elopement Photographer Mastermind; it’s been one of THE best investments I’ve made in my business EVER!

Here’s my advice for those starting out:

Practice staying calm under pressure and learning to roll with the punches. The more adaptable you are, the better you’ll handle the unexpected.

Really take the time to listen to your clients and understand their needs. The more you connect with them on a personal level, the better you can serve them.

Study both the technical aspects of photography and the ins and outs of elopement planning. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you’ll be in guiding your clients through their day.

Oh, and GET A BUSINESS COACH!

Remember, it’s a journey and developing these qualities takes time and experience. But with dedication and a love for what you do, you’ll find your own path to success!

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is building my business in a region that’s not yet recognized as a prime destination for elopements. Southwest Virginia is a hidden gem, and while I’m passionate about making it a hot spot for elopements, the reality is that it’s still under the radar for many couples.

To address this, I’m expanding my reach into well-known elopement markets that are close by. This strategy allows me to continue growing my business and ensure financial stability while I work toward my long-term goal of putting Southwest Virginia on the proverbial elopement map. I’m excited about being a pioneer in this region, but I also recognize the importance of balancing my passion with the need to run a profitable business.

Ultimately, it’s about finding that sweet spot where I can promote Southwest Virginia while still tapping into established markets. By doing so, I can continue to share my love for this beautiful area while also ensuring that my business thrives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cameronwarrenphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronwarrenphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronrwarren/
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cameronwarrenphotography/

Image Credits

Header image: Taken by Taylored Images, edited by Cameron Warren Photography

All other images: Cameron Warren Photography