We had the good fortune of connecting with Haven Viola | Wedding + Elopement Photographer Viola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haven Viola | Wedding + Elopement Photographer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a little girl, I didn’t dream of becoming a photographer and to see where I am now is so cool. Growing up, my goal was to be a singer writing music and touring. I started posting song covers on YouTube and quickly realized I needed a camera for better quality. Christmas of 2017 I was gifted a Canon Rebel t6 and from then on it was game on. As soon as I got that box open I was taking photos / videos and I LOVED it! In 2018 I would graduate high school and go to Lee University, I knew I needed money to get through college. At 17, I started modeling anybody that I could so that I could build my portfolio. Within a year, I was full time and I am so thankful for how God has blessed my business.

When thinking of jobs to do while in college, I wanted it to be something that I loved and enjoyed. Photography is something I truly love and it brings me so much joy. Having the honor of photographing weddings is something I never want to take for granted!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Haven Viola Photo offers more than a typical wedding gallery. Further more, when I photograph couples on their wedding day, I want to photograph their personalities. I try to do a few of the classic poses and then after that I do a ton of movement to get the couples’ personalities to shine. In doing this, most of my wedding galleries look different and unique to each couple and that’s what I love to see. This is what I’m most proud of, I’ve learned how to achieve those photos by listening to other photographers and learning from those who are wise in that area.

Starting your own business is exciting but it can be challenging. There will be a lot of self promoting, website building, buying equipment, etc. It’s important to remember that good things take time so be patient. Also, when promoting your business, being consistent is huge in reaching other followers or clients!

Make sure that you stay organized and have a calendar of all appointments. At 17, I was so unorganized and I learned quickly that will not work in a full time photography business! Get a calendar + keep everything labeled!

I absolutely love what I get to do, and I’m so thankful for all of the amazing clients I’ve had through the years. Just know that if you’ve ever booked with me or you are thinking to, I happy dance and thank Jesus every time. This job is pure joy!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Nashville is an incredible city to not only get married but to get away for a weekend!

There is so much to do but I’ll start with my favorite place for coffee, the Barista Parlor. So yummy!

After coffee you can go to the Opry and shop.

For lunch, the Stillery is so good!

To visit, honestly the Nashville zoo is so fun!

To hangout, my husband and I loved Acme!

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?
My mom. Without my mom I wouldn’t be who I am today. My mom is the most Godly, kind, driven, amazing woman I’ve ever known. She has cheered me on every step of the way, she has helped me create graphic, she’s given money towards my business, and I’m so grateful for her!

Website: www.havenviolaphoto.com

Instagram: @havenviolaphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havenviola?mibextid=2JQ9oc

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