Meet Georen Goodyear

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Georen Goodyear a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Georen , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Building confidence in the photography world is something I’m constantly working on. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, especially when you’re just starting out. When I left my teaching career to pursue photography full-time, I honestly had no idea what I was doing. I wondered how I could convince someone to pay me for photos or how to build a business from scratch. Everything I know today is self-taught; I immersed myself in courses, watched countless online videos, and consistently sought inspiration.

When I began, I knew I had a good eye for photography, but transitioning from a hobby to a business was daunting. My first step was to reach out to friends and family, offering photo shoots for $25 each to build my portfolio. I made a list of potential clients and dream locations and focused on practicing as much as possible. It wasn’t about achieving perfection but about gaining experience and building my confidence. Through these early shoots, I learned which poses worked, how to communicate with clients, and which locations inspired my creativity.

To continue building my confidence, I now make it a point to do three things: First, I mentor someone who is just starting out in their photography career—this not only helps them but also reinforces my own skills. Second, I connect with peers at a similar level to mine so that we can share ideas and support one another. Finally, I seek out guidance from photographers who are far more advanced than I am; their expertise challenges me and pushes me to keep growing.

As I grew more comfortable behind the camera, my confidence and skills evolved. I learned how to direct couples, discovered what settings sparked my creativity, and identified which environments I preferred. The more I practiced, the more clients I took on, and my self-esteem in my work steadily increased. Even today, I’m still learning and growing, but those early challenges shaped me into the photographer I am now.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a photographer, I find it hard to limit myself to one specific niche because I love capturing anything, anytime, anywhere. For me, photography isn’t just a profession—it’s my creative outlet and constant muse. Getting paid for it is just a bonus. There’s a lot that I love about photography, but the one thing that absolutely excites and baffles me at the same time is the eeriness of it. The photos that I take today are going to be passed on from generation to generation, and they will even outlive the person behind the lens – me.

One of the things that fuels my passion is experiencing the impact of photography from both sides—as a photographer and as a past bride. There’s this special feeling when you receive your photo gallery; it’s like reliving moments you were too caught up in to fully absorb. I remember getting my own wedding photos back and being overwhelmed with emotion because they captured so many details I missed—like my aunt playing piano as I walked down the aisle or my best friend singing worship songs. Those images allow me to relive moments I never want to forget, and my clients often share similar sentiments. It’s truly an honor to be the one who captures those once-in-a-lifetime memories for them.

I believe my style sets me apart because I strike a balance between trendy and timeless. For instance, while I love incorporating the popular filmy look that’s in style right now, I’m even more drawn to creating images that will stand the test of time. My aim is to capture photos that my clients can pass down to their children and future generations. My love for legacy and creating generational keepsakes is deeply rooted in my faith, and it drives everything I do as a photographer.

I also blend documentary and editorial styles, which adds another layer of uniqueness to my work. I like to direct when it’s needed but prefer not to pull people out of their genuine moments. My galleries capture unposed, heartfelt interactions, like bridesmaids hugging the bride after the ceremony or parents beaming during the first dance, alongside more stylized, editorial shots that you might find in a magazine. It’s this mix that defines my art, my brand, and how I document weddings and memories.

This past year has been my busiest and most fulfilling yet. I’ve made connections I never dreamed of, been featured in magazines I once thought were out of reach, and achieved financial milestones I didn’t think were possible in this field. Sitting here being interviewed feels surreal, and I feel blessed beyond measure to be doing what I love. It’s an honor to be chosen as someone’s photographer, and I cherish every opportunity to capture moments that will be remembered for a lifetime.

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?

Several key skills and qualities have played a major role in my journey as a photographer, and they’ve shaped how I approach my work and my business.

First and foremost, building confidence has been crucial. Without confidence, it’s hard to feel like you’re doing a good job, and this directly impacts your self-esteem as a photographer, especially when imposter syndrome creeps in. Your clients can sense your energy, so being confident not only helps you but also makes your couples feel comfortable around you. I always encourage new photographers to start by practicing with people they feel comfortable with, and then gradually branch out by charging strangers who find them on platforms like Instagram. As you build your confidence, your clients will trust you more and enjoy the experience.

Secondly, knowing your camera inside and out is essential, especially if you’re getting into something as high-stakes as wedding photography. I remember spending hours watching videos to understand every button and function on my camera. This knowledge has been invaluable, especially when something goes wrong—I’m able to troubleshoot on the spot, which keeps everything running smoothly during shoots.

Another impactful quality is having a mentor. I can’t emphasize enough the value of having someone ahead of you who makes more money, has more experience, and inspires you. A mentor is someone you can turn to for advice, ask questions, and be honest with about your business struggles. Their guidance can help you grow both creatively and professionally.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of talking about your business. I tell everyone I meet what I do, not just because it’s my job, but because I’m genuinely passionate about it. Share your passion with others—tell them why you do what you do and what excites you about it. Ask for reviews, referrals, and look for opportunities in your community where you can offer your services to grow your following. For me, word-of-mouth has been the most powerful tool for building my business, and it all starts with sharing your story and your enthusiasm.

These skills—building confidence, mastering your equipment, having a mentor, and actively promoting your work—have been game-changers in my journey, and I believe they’re essential for anyone looking to succeed in this industry.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My biggest influence in the photography world is a husband-and-wife team I refer to as my mentor photographers, The Shepards—Aslan and Andria. They are incredibly talented, have an impressive portfolio, and are both very business-minded and geniuses when it comes to building a business. I’ve had the privilege of watching them navigate nearly every scenario in the wedding world, from handling unexpected rain on a wedding day to troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment on the spot.

When something exciting happens in my career, they’re the first people I want to share it with, and when I’m facing challenges, they’re the ones I turn to for guidance. What makes my connection with them even more special is that I initially hired their team as my wedding photographers, then I started second shooting for them, and eventually, they became my mentors. Their generosity with their time and knowledge has been invaluable to me, and I can honestly say they’ve helped shape me into the photographer I am today. I will always be grateful for their mentorship and the impact they’ve had on my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://loveenduresphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/loveendures.photo?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Image Credits

Georen Goodyear (Love Endures Photo)