The path to becoming a top-tier wedding photographer isn’t just about snapping beautiful shots – it’s a whole different ballgame. I had the pleasure of hosting KT Merry on the Tilt and Shift podcast where she spills all the secrets you won’t hear anywhere else. From insider strategies to overcoming the industry’s toughest challenges, KT’s journey is proof that the road to success is paved with more than just talent – it’s built on grit, vision, and the courage to carve your own way.

Searching for More Than Just Financial Success

At the start of our talk, KT was refreshingly candid about her journey. She shared how, despite hitting her financial goals, something felt off. “I was making good money doing it because I didn’t really feel like I had much to lose because I wasn’t enjoying it. So why don’t I charge more for it? I was still getting paid, but I wasn’t loving what I was doing,” she confessed. KT described this disconnect as a major turning point, realizing she’d been going through the motions instead of enjoying her career’s creative and personal aspects. She made a bold decision: to pursue a more fulfilling path, one rooted in passion and aligned with her values.

This led her to dive into mindset shifts, exploring concepts she’d once resisted. “I had plateaued in my learning and in how I thought about the world,” she said. By addressing her scarcity mindset, KT began to see opportunities rather than limitations, which became a defining shift in her career. “One of the things that really sparked this journey was the internet. The algorithm started telling me about this thing called scarcity mindset,” she laughed, sharing how social media nudged her toward exploring abundance thinking, which ultimately transformed how she ran her business.

Becoming Intentional with Your Brand

KT’s journey into luxury photography didn’t start with a glamorous plan; in fact, she initially avoided the luxury market. “I had never, ever considered myself anywhere near the realm of luxury photography. And I had never really put much work into my brand,” she explained. But everything changed after she took a course on building a compelling brand. This shifted her perspective, making her see her business not just as a way to make money, but as a vehicle for passion and purpose. “I needed to have a brand, and if I worked on that, maybe I would have more control over what I was doing in my business,” KT reflected.

This newfound intentionality led her to create her program, The Abundance Plan, which has helped countless photographers define and refine their businesses. She believes in teaching others to find alignment with their values, reminding us that it’s not just about creating beautiful images but building a life and career that resonates on a deeper level. KT encouraged others to go beyond “just going through the motions.”

The Slow Burn of Building a Career

If there’s one myth KT wanted to debunk, it’s the idea that success happens overnight. “Most of my journey has been remarkably slow,” she revealed, adding that while there may be moments of quick success, for the most part, it’s been a steady climb. Her commitment to mastering the craft started in high school, where she learned darkroom techniques and developed a love for photography. After photo school, she jumped straight into freelancing, working with some of the biggest fashion photographers in the industry.

But that grind taught her more than just skills, it gave her grit. “You’ve got to use everything – roadblock, weakness, obstacle or otherwise – as fuel for where you want to go,” KT shared. This message of persistence and using obstacles as stepping stones is one of the defining aspects of her approach to life and career. She openly acknowledged that sometimes it’s not just about being the best artist but also about developing resilience and adaptability in a competitive industry.

Finding Beauty Behind the Scenes

For KT, luxury photography isn’t all glitz and glamour; in fact, she finds the most meaning in the work behind the scenes. “I like being part of the crew… where you get a whole different perspective,” she said, sharing how these ‘back-of-house’ moments often reveal the real magic. Her fascination with the process of creation – the energy, the collaborative effort, the mix of talents – is what keeps her grounded and motivated. This side of her work gives her a unique perspective that shapes her stunning images.

The visuals she creates, whether for fashion editorials or weddings, capture a particular essence, something she describes as “the making of.” This passion for process rather than pure output has allowed KT to bring an authentic, nuanced approach to her photography, adding a unique depth to her work.

Exploring Curiosity and Expanding Horizons

Curiosity isn’t just a nice-to-have in KT’s world; it’s a necessity. She believes that curiosity is the lifeblood of her creativity. “Curiosity is what will get us from point A to point B and beyond,” she said. For KT, curiosity isn’t just about snapping the next photo; it’s about understanding her clients, embracing new challenges, and continually pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone.

This curiosity has also led her to pursue personal passions, particularly in conservation. After seeing an image of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, KT felt a calling to use her platform and skills to make a difference. This epiphany birthed her project, Render Loyalty, which combines her love for animals with her photography expertise to support conservation efforts.

“I was very aware that I had a lot of the world yet to see, and I wanted to get there,” KT explained. Render Loyalty allows her to do just that, using her skills to support causes she believes in, blending purpose and profession in a way that feels meaningful.

The Art of Slow Living and Finding Balance

Living in alignment with her values has taught KT the importance of slowing down. She emphasized how creating “white space” – intentional pauses for reflection and creativity – has been essential to her growth. “When we do that, it gives us the brain power to figure out these things that are deeper and more meaningful,” she said.

KT’s love for “slow living” might sound unusual in an industry often driven by tight timelines and high-pressure environments, but it’s what allows her to stay connected to her purpose. Whether it’s a quiet walk or spending time in nature, she uses these moments to recharge and come back to her work with fresh perspectives.

Beyond the Starving Artist Myth

A recurring theme in our talk was challenging the notion of the ‘starving artist’ – the idea that success in art means financial sacrifice. For KT, this mindset is outdated. “It’s never black or white. You can be a great artist and be well-compensated for it,” she stated firmly. She encourages photographers to embrace both their artistic and business ambitions, proving that the two can coexist. Her advice? Build a structure that supports your art, so you’re not bogged down by stress or financial strain.

“When my emails are answered, when my books are clean, I can now think about just art,” KT shared. By handling the business side of things, she creates the space for her creativity to thrive, which she believes is crucial for any artist hoping to sustain a long-term career.

Moving Forward with Abundance and Generosity

As we wrapped up, KT shared a bit of wisdom that really stuck with me: “When we come from abundance, we’re more likely to be generous, caring, and really be the change we wish to see in the world.” For KT, the concept of abundance is about more than financial success; it’s a mindset that shapes how she interacts with her clients, her industry, and the world at large. Her message was clear: Focus on what matters, show up for your values, and the rewards will follow.

This episode was more than an interview; it was a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and redefining success. Whether you’re an aspiring luxury photographer or just someone looking to live with more purpose, KT’s insights are a roadmap to building a life that feels as good as it looks.

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