My First Paid Gig Was a Wedding (And It Was the Best Risk I Ever Took)
If you’ve ever taken a leap of faith into something you love, you’ll understand exactly how I felt the day I booked my first paid photography gig— a wedding. Yep, that’s right. My very first real paid job as a photographer wasn’t a mini session or a family shoot. It was a full-blown wedding day. Not a small wedding or elopement, I’m talking 6+hours of coverage at a beautiful location in Celebration, FL, big reception, large guest list, the whole deal!
Looking back, I’m honestly not sure if I was brave… or just blissfully unaware of how wild that was.
I still remember getting that message from a sweet couple who loved my work and wanted me to capture their big day. My heart dropped into my stomach. I hadn’t even officially launched my business yet. Just a girl with a camera and a passion for capturing moments. But something in me said yes, even though every nervous cell in my body screamed, “Are you sure about this?”
The Risk That Changed Everything
If you’re a new photographer, you know the mental spiral: What if I mess up? What if I miss the first kiss? What if the lighting is bad and my photos look awful?
I had all those thoughts and then some. But I also knew that if I wanted to grow, if I really wanted to do this for real, I couldn’t wait for the “perfect moment” to start. Spoiler alert: that moment never comes.
So, I said yes. I prepped like my life depended on it. I scouted the location, practiced shooting in different lighting, packed backup memory cards like I was going to war, and basically lived on coffee and YouTube tutorials for months straight.
And you know what? It went beautifully. I didn’t miss a moment.
What I Learned from Photographing My First Wedding
That day taught me more about photography and myself, than any class or workshop ever could.
I learned how to think on my feet (because weddings don’t pause for retakes).
I learned how to direct people confidently, even when my voice wanted to shake.
I learned that being calm, patient, and observant matters more than having the fanciest gear.
Most importantly, I learned that I love weddings. There’s just something about the energy, the emotions, and the tiny unscripted moments that make every one of them so unique.
The Payoff
That first wedding was the start of everything. It led to referrals, friendships, and the confidence to turn photography from a dream into Laura Jessica Photography.
Now, years later, I look back at those first images with pride. Sure, I’ve grown a ton since then. My editing style evolved, my posing improved, and my gear got fancier, but the heart behind my work hasn’t changed one bit.
Taking that risk was the best decision I ever made. It taught me that sometimes the scariest opportunities are the ones that change your life the most.
If you’re reading this as a new photographer wondering if you’re ready, here’s your sign: you probably are. You just need to take that first leap.
And if you’re a couple looking for someone who’s all heart and a little fearless behind the lens, well, that’s me.