How to Start a Wedding Photography Business

For many, weddings are about flowers, venues, and vows. But for Deva Akman, wedding photography is a window into something far more profound: the quiet poetry of human connection. What began as a personal journey—an unexpected elopement and a camera she longed to hold—evolved into a creative calling rooted in empathy, emotion, and authenticity. In this intimate interview, she shares how her love for capturing honest moments became a thriving business, why beauty isn’t always curated, and what photographing hundreds of unions has taught her about love, partnership, and presence.

1) What inspired you to start a business in the wedding space?

My path to wedding photography wasn’t driven by a business plan. It was a pull toward human connection. Photography is both my passion and my purpose, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do what I love.

Weddings are special not just because of the love stories, but because of their symbolism, the magic of a union, the emotion in the details, and the beauty of the setting. I’ve always been drawn to the quiet, in-between moments—the way someone reaches for their partner’s hand, the stillness just before a vow.

Weddings, especially intimate ones, are filled with these fleeting and unscripted scenes. They offer a rare opportunity to document love in its most vulnerable and celebratory form.

I get to meet incredible people, capture meaningful moments, and express my creativity while building a business that reflects who I am.

2-How does love, beauty, or emotion influence your creative process?

They’re the heart of it all, but my approach is guided and intentional. I don’t follow fleeting trends, but I also don’t wait passively for moments to happen. I guide when needed—shaping the scene, adjusting the light, setting the tone—while still leaving space for genuine connection to unfold.

Love shows itself in subtle ways—a lingering glance, a tender gesture, the way someone softens in the presence of their partner. Beauty isn’t about perfection, it’s about authenticity and presence. Emotion gives the image its soul. My job is to create a space where all of that can come through—whether it’s gently staged or entirely spontaneous—and to translate it into photographs that feel timeless, intentional, and alive.

3-What has been the most surprising lesson about love or partnership you’ve learned through your work?

That love doesn’t only live between the couple—it radiates in every direction. I’ve learned that true partnership is often shaped by the quiet choreography of family and close friends. A father fumbling with a boutonnière, a grandmother brushing lint from a veil, a best friend holding back tears while zipping up a dress, or a tribute to a loved one who’s no longer here—these moments reveal just how layered love really is.

Love isn’t always loud or cinematic. It’s often soft, steady, and deeply rooted in care. It’s a presence that holds, supports, and bears witness.

Photographing weddings has taught me that real partnership is an emotional ecosystem built not just by two people, but by the circle that surrounds them with love and care.

And honestly? Sometimes a 30-guest backyard wedding holds more beauty, connection, and authenticity than a 200-guest ballroom event. It’s not about scale. It’s about heart.

4-How do you balance serving your clients’ dreams while staying true to your brand identity?

It really comes down to connection. Most of my clients reach out because something in my work resonates with them—they appreciate beauty, subtlety, and a thoughtful approach. From the beginning, I’m able to connect with people who see photography as a collaboration, not just a transaction. I listen carefully to what they want and what matters most to them, and then offer guidance rooted in experience and vision. It’s not about control, but about finding that middle ground where their vision and my style meet. When there’s trust and creative alignment, that balance happens naturally.

5) What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs entering emotionally charged industries?

Lead with empathy, but protect your energy. In emotionally charged spaces, your presence matters as much as your product. Be a calm, grounding force for your clients, but establish boundaries to sustain your own well-being. Invest in your craft, yes—but also in your capacity to hold space for others. And remember, your sensitivity is not a weakness; it’s your superpower. Use it wisely.

How I Became a Wedding Photographer

My love affair with photography began long before I ever imagined photographing a wedding. I took film photography classes while in college—dealt with imported film rolls, darkrooms, all of it. But when I moved to the U.S., I left it behind and dove into a fast-paced career as a Sales & Marketing Executive for an international logistics firm. Sounds cool? Maybe. Creative? Not so much.

I wasn’t the type of woman who had dreamt of her wedding day since childhood. Weddings weren’t even on my radar.

Then I fell in love.

When my now-husband got a job offer in Kentucky, we had to make a quick decision: part ways or get married. With my visa about to expire, we planned an elopement at a beautiful mansion turned into B&B called A Storybook Inn in Versailles, KY. In just three weeks, I picked a dress, planned a tiny ceremony, and—unexpectedly—found myself enchanted. Not just by our love story, but by the symbolism of marriage, the magic of a union, and the beauty in the backgrounds and details.

We hired a professional photographer to document it all. And while some photos were lovely, most didn’t reflect the emotional depth or visual beauty of that day. I couldn’t shake the feeling: I should’ve been behind the camera.

That realization changed everything.

I spent a year re-learning the craft—this time digitally—assisting another wedding photographer and slowly building my confidence. From Rhode Island to the New York metro area, I turned that spark into a business.

Today, I lead every wedding I photograph, with my husband by my side as my assistant, second shooter, and business partner. This dynamic allows me to stay fully focused on the creative and emotional moments that matter most.

I’ve cried behind the lens and laughed with strangers-turned-friends. Photography is my passion and my purpose, and I feel fortunate to do what I love. I get to meet incredible people, document meaningful moments, and express my creativity while building a business that reflects who I am.

I strive every day to become better in every way—and I love the journey.

Follow Deva’s journey and check out her wedding photography business at DevaAkman.com