Conversations with Spencer Yates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Yates

Spencer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ll never forget the first time I held a professional camera. I was twelve, a curious kid who stumbled upon my mom’s camera in her room. From that moment, I was hooked. I started snapping photos of my family, then my friends, and I had my first paying clients by seventeen.

My journey began in Oklahoma, but I felt a pull towards the mountains. At twenty-two, I packed my bags and headed for Colorado. Just before the move, I posted a TikTok that went viral, completely changing the course of my life. Suddenly, my dream clients were booking me, and I was able to quit my day job to pursue photography full-time. Now, living in the mountains and capturing breathtaking moments is my reality. I’m incredibly grateful for that fateful discovery in my mom’s room.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey as a photographer has been a rollercoaster. Last year, the demands of online college, Bible school, my data analyst job, and photography were overwhelming. But that was just the beginning. My dad’s health took a drastic turn. He lost weight rapidly, his speech became slurred, and eventually, he couldn’t even remember my name. Living hundreds of miles away, I felt helpless. The weight of it all was suffocating. For months, I worried about my family and about quitting my day job, but the increasing workload felt like I was drowning. I was barely keeping my head above water.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a wedding and couples photographer dedicated to capturing the raw, enchanting moments of love. My unique approach is to blend seamlessly into your story, like a third wheel on a perfect date. I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable and confident, allowing your love to shine through. I am most proud of my work, which captures the story and truly reflects the essence of a relationship.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I wish I’d known that starting in photography didn’t have to be daunting. You can pick up a camera and dive into the basics of composition and framing, training your eye to notice and capture the beauty that maybe no one else sees. But I also wish I’d invested in myself and my business sooner. There’s no substitute for learning and growing as an artist, and I wish I’d sought more feedback on my work from the start.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spencerlauren.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencerlauren.co/?igsh=em82MmF4dGJ4Zzlm&utm_source=qr