We recently connected with Savannah & Greg Herr and have shared our conversation below.
Savannah & Greg , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is definitely something we still deal with. It’s not something that just disappears, especially in a creative field like ours where we’re constantly pushing ourselves to improve. But in a way, we see a level of it as a positive thing—it keeps us motivated to do our best work and to always look for ways to grow.
What helps us stay confident, though, is the feedback we get from the couples we work with. Their responses and reviews are what remind us that we’re delivering an experience that resonates. When we see how much our work means to them, it reinforces that our skills and pricing are in line with the value we provide. It’s a balance of acknowledging that self-doubt can be part of the process, but also trusting in the impact of what we do.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
We are a husband-and-wife team of elopement photographers, and our passion lies in capturing the intimate, adventurous moments of couples choosing to celebrate their love in a way that’s true to them. What makes our work special is the connection we build with each couple. We’re not just there to snap photos—we’re there to be a part of their story, to guide them through the day, and to help them feel comfortable and celebrated.
What excites us most is the variety and freedom that elopements offer. Every elopement is unique, and the flexibility allows couples to focus on what matters most to them. We love that we get to create and document these experiences in breathtaking, sometimes remote locations. Our focus isn’t just on capturing beautiful images but on crafting a whole experience that’s personalized and meaningful.
Right now, we’re really niching down to full day and multi-day elopements, where we document not just the ceremony but the entire experience. Whether that’s a hike at sunrise, a cozy evening by the fire, or an adventure across different locations. We’re also adding new resources for couples who might feel overwhelmed by planning an elopement, helping them navigate everything from locations to logistics.
In addition to photographing elopements, we also help other photographers grow their businesses through content marketing and SEO. We know how challenging it can be to stand out in a crowded market, and we’ve used content-driven strategies to book clients and build our brand. Now, we’re offering those same tools to other photographers.
Helping fellow photographers refine their marketing strategies has been an exciting new venture for us. We’re passionate about helping others in the industry grow, and we believe that the right content and SEO strategy can make a huge difference in getting booked by the right clients. We’re excited to continue expanding this side of our business, offering resources, consultations, and even done-for-you services to help photographers feel more confident in marketing themselves and growing their business.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three areas that have been most impactful in our journey are planning, storytelling, and marketing.
Planning: One of the biggest game-changers for us has been taking an active role in helping our clients plan their elopements. This includes everything from finding the perfect location to co-creating a day that takes full advantage of the best lighting and incorporates everything the couple wants to see and do. We’re not just there for the photos; we’re helping craft a memorable experience that feels authentic and fun, while ensuring the conditions are ideal for capturing those moments. For anyone starting out, focus on being more than just a photographer—be a resource for your clients. Your knowledge of locations, timing, and logistics will set you apart and help create a seamless, stress-free experience.
Storytelling: Capturing moments isn’t just about snapping a shot; it’s about telling the full story of the day. Whether it’s through images, video, or words, being able to convey the emotion and narrative of an elopement is what turns a set of photos into something truly meaningful. For photographers starting out, I recommend honing your ability to capture not just what you see, but what the day feels like. Think about the story you want to tell and how you can weave that into every shot you take.
Marketing: Building a successful business isn’t just about taking great photos—you have to get your work in front of the right people. For us, marketing has been a crucial part of our journey. We’ve focused heavily on content marketing and SEO to attract our ideal clients and book the types of elopements we love to shoot. For anyone starting their photography career, don’t overlook the power of marketing. Invest time in learning how to optimize your website, create valuable content that resonates with your audience, and showcase your work in a way that highlights your unique style and strengths.
By mastering these three areas—planning, storytelling, and marketing—you can create a business that not only delivers beautiful work but also attracts clients who are excited to work with you.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Our ideal clients are couples who value experiences over tradition and want their wedding day to be an authentic reflection of who they are. They’re adventurous, easygoing, and open to the unexpected. These couples love nature and the idea of exchanging vows in a beautiful, remote location that feels intimate and personal, whether it’s on top of a mountain, by an alpine lake, or in the middle of an aspen forest.
They also appreciate the creative process and are excited to collaborate with us to plan a day that’s not just about taking photos, but about creating memories. Our ideal clients trust us to guide them through the experience—from choosing the perfect location, to planning the timeline around the best lighting, to making sure the day feels relaxed and fun.
Most importantly, they’re focused on the connection between them and want the day to be about their relationship rather than a big event. They might skip the big reception and instead spend the day hiking, exploring, or simply soaking in the moment together. This laid-back, adventurous vibe is what we love most about working with our clients. It’s less about a traditional wedding and more about a unique, intimate experience that’s true to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://authenticcollective.blog
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticcollectivephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authenticcollective.blog/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/authentic-collective
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk5awHN1CzYWoz-i2wVqeDA
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
