Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Grimes
Hi Sydney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The first time I dabbled in photography was in high school, I was apart of the yearbook team my junior and senior year! I loved going to the different games and events and being able to capture those memories that people would look back on for years to come. From high school, I went on to play college softball in Mississippi and playing a sport in college is a full time job. So anything extra that I enjoyed doing was put on hold. My sophomore year of college I injured my shoulder and it forced me to retire once the season ended and that was so hard mentally but I was able to transfer to a school closer to family and friends which made it easier to cope. I started working part time as a kennel tech at a local veterinarian clinic and soon moved up to become a veterinarian technician and that continued on for about 4.5 years. I ended up meeting my husband during those years and while I was pregnant with our son I was so torn between going back to the vet clinic or staying home with him. My husband and I decided mutually it was better for us if I stayed home with him and I’m not the type to sit still and have nothing to do. We got my first “big girl” camera and I practiced taking photos of my son and then doing free shoots for my family and friends and eventually got to the point where I felt like I was good enough to charge people to take photos! It blew up way quicker than I could have ever imagined it would. I remember doing my first full day wedding for like $500 and quickly realized how much work, time and pressure comes with photographing weddings. I shadowed and second shot a bunch of weddings with other talented photographers and learned so much. Slowly upgraded my equipment after one year in and went full time in 2020 and then covid happened. That was a hard year and I almost gave up but I pushed through and 2021 was so much better once wedding venues started to open up and people felt more comfortable being around others. 2022 brought new challenges with having my second child but like every other challenge, I took a step back and did what I could until it got a little easier. Turn around times on galleries were a little slower, saying no had to happen a little more often because no matter what my family comes first. 2023 was a very successful year for me with 20 weddings and over 250+ sessions. This has become more than a hobby and a career that I care for and love so much. I am so excited to see what 2024 brings for my business!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Having kids while trying to run and grow a business comes with so many challenges. I wouldn’t have been able to make it through without the amazing support from my husband, Donovan. I could write a whole novel about this man but he continuously puts our family first and always does what he can to help me with my business. I also have an awesome family support system outside of my husband and kids which includes my mom & dad and two sisters!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a lifestyle portrait and wedding photographer. I say “lifestyle” because I love to capture life’s real moments and not the posed ones. Maternity is my absolute favorite thing to photograph and what I would say I am most comfortable shooting. Weddings are a close second! Just within the last year I have been dipping my toes in elopements and traveling more and it is so fun! Last summer I booked my first destination wedding in Tulum, Mexico and it was an incredible experience. I could definitely see myself traveling for elopements more in the future! I am most proud of my ability to direct an entire shoot and making my clients feel comfortable and beautiful. I will always be honest and upfront and give you my genuine self.
What matters most to you?
As much as I would love to say “making everyone happy” but I have learned more so after the last year that’s just not possible. I want everyone to have a perfect experience with me as a photographer and I really try and give 100% to every client, but life happens sometimes and I just do the best I can. And when situations happen with my clients where their child is sick and need to reschedule or something comes up and their going to be a little late, they will receive absolutely no judgement from me and I will do what I can to make their situation easier!
Pricing:
- I offer three different packages for weddings and if it’s something that doesn’t match up with your day I do customize wedding and elopement packages! I also offer a complimentary session with every wedding package.
- Being a mom I know how short kids attention span can be and this is why I offer mini sessions throughout the year that usually range from 10-20 minutes and also allows a cheaper option for photos!
Image Credits
Myself, Photos by Sydney Tx
