Building a Creative Business with Confidence and Integrity

Mar 22

Stef Reyes Photo, NYC Micro Wedding Photographer — *Pictured: Stef Reyes, 2023 Self-Portrait*

Starting my photography business has been a journey of self-discovery—one that constantly challenges me to navigate both my identity and the expectations of this industry. As a first-gen immigrant and a business owner in a predominantly white field, I’ve learned a lot about what I want my business to represent. The balance between honoring my roots, building confidence in my work, and running a sustainable business isn’t always easy. But I’ve come to realize that the path I take is more than just about making a living—it's about aligning my artistry with my values and staying grounded in my authenticity.

Finding My Place in a White-Dominated Industry

When I first stepped into the wedding photography world, I didn’t see many people who looked like me behind the camera. I felt like an outsider, and as a first-gen immigrant, I brought with me the weight of cultural expectations—the pressure to achieve financial stability and success in ways that felt safe and familiar. When I started exploring the world of luxury weddings and all its aesthetics, it didn’t feel like a space where I would belong. To be completely honest, it was easier to think of it as a hobby rather than a career. I found myself questioning if my style, my story, or my background would even be appreciated—let alone sought out by clients.

But as I reflect on it now, I realize that entering this second career isn’t just about a job for me—it’s about building my own success. At first, I saw the industry as this competitive space where you constantly have to prove yourself. But over time, I’ve realized that

building a community is more than a buzzword—it’s a practice.

And as cheesy as it sounds, I truly believe it’s what’s kept me going. I’ve learned to lean into conversations about representation, transparency, artist sustainability, and decolonizing wedding photography.

Creating a Business That Reflects Who I Am

As my confidence in my work grows, I’m becoming more intentional about my goals. I don’t just want to be another wedding photographer in a sea of hundreds—I want to build a space that makes people feel safe and seen. I focus on representation, ensuring my work reflects a diversity of love stories. It’s incredibly important to me that my clients see themselves in my portfolio—from BIPOC communities to queer couples, and everyone in between.

But representation doesn’t stop with my clients—it extends to the collaborators I work with, too. This year, as I recalibrate my goals, I’m intentionally seeking out vendors, planners, and artists who share my values of inclusivity and accountability. The space I’m building isn’t about perfection—it’s about holding myself accountable to my own values. How can I expect others to welcome me into their spaces if I’m not doing the same for the vendors I work with?

Honestly, the reality of running a business with integrity isn’t always easy, especially when the odds are stacked against you by historical structures. Behind the pretty photos and the curated brand lies a lot of hard work, vulnerability, and growth. What I’ve learned is that creating a business isn’t about how many followers you have—it’s about building relationships, embracing the ups and downs, and staying grounded in your own journey.

What keeps me grounded is the understanding that my business is an extension of who I am. It’s a reflection of my own growth as a creative entrepreneur, and it’s a space where I’m able to evolve while staying true to what matters most.

To anyone who feels that pull to start something creative but doesn’t know how to balance art with business, I want you to know: You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. In fact, we are not limited to one career in this lifetime or at a time. Building a creative business with confidence and integrity isn’t impossible.

By staying true to yourself and aligning your business with your values, you can create something that not only sustains you financially but also feeds your soul.

In my opinion, that’s what success really looks like. I invite you to reflect on your own journey. How are you defining success in your life and work? Let’s keep the dialogue open. I’d love to hear your thoughts, because ultimately, we’re all in this together.