Meet Brighton Thompson | Wedding Photographer & Creative Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brighton Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brighton, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had the mind of an entrepreneur. When I was younger, I loved Harry Potter. In fact, I loved the series so much that I decided that I wanted to start my own business in making wands. I sold quite a few too! In a similar fashion but at a much higher level, I feel the same about wedding photography. I tell my clients all the time that I love love and I love photography. Being a naturally entrepreneurial mind, I was determined to find a way to incorporate both of those things into my business! I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to work a normal 9-5 to earn a living, and you can do so by following your passion whatever that may be!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If you had asked me a year ago if I’d be sitting here talking about my life as a professional wedding photographer, I would have laughed. The idea of doing this amazing job full-time seemed like a far off dream to me. I think how far I’ve come in the amount of time since I’ve begun is something I am so proud of. None of it has come easy. I’ve spent hours doubting myself and wondering if I made the right choice. At the end of the day, when that couple finds me, we connect, and they tell me they choose me to share in the most important moment of their lives, that’s how I know I’ve made it. Stepping away from all of the doubt and taking a look at the big picture is so refreshing in this career. It can be so easy to talk yourself down, but making that constant effort to build yourself up rather than beat yourself down makes all the difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve always felt like I’m such a child at heart. I truly think I always will be too! My idea of a good time in the city is starting out with a go-to of mine, chicken and waffles, at the Atlanta Breakfast Club. Then, strolling through Centennial Olympic Park, hopping on the SkyView ferris wheel, maybe afterward heading over to the deck nearby and snapping some portraits with it in the background! I love a free day to explore and just enjoy the little things. A trip to Ponce City Market is never off the table either. I love Skyline Park on the rooftop. I think the old-fashioned arcade game feel really brings my childlike heart to life! Playing some skee-ball, maybe a trip or two down the slide, anything really! A dinner at 9 Mile Station on the roof is always a hit!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can shoutout so many people who have encouraged me along my journey to becoming a full-time wedding photographer. The first being my fiance, Chris. Without him, I would have never believed in myself enough to actually take the risk and choose to go full-time with my business. He has believed in me and my business even when I didn’t. Next, my family. They have reposted my photos, shared them with friends, reached out to peers to let them know that they could book me. I like to think that the foundation of my business was built upon the word of mouth of my family (and friends)! I can also shoutout the community of photographers that I’ve built over this journey so far. They’ve answered my questions, hyped up my work, and even invited me on photography trips out west when I barely even knew them. No joke, I went to Utah with 4 other photographers I hardly knew, and came back with 4 new best friends who share the same passions as I do! Pretty cool!

Website: www.brightonyourdayphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightonyourdayphoto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonyourdayphoto