Today we’d like to introduce you to Hosanna Wilmot.
Hi Hosanna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! I’m Hosanna, and I’m so grateful you’re joining me today!
I have loved photography for as long as I can remember. Growing up, during family trips—before the era of smartphones—I was one of three children armed with my pink point-and-shoot camera, eagerly documenting our vacations and cherished family memories. My father often captured our moments on video, so it felt natural for me to preserve our family’s adventures through photographs.
My passion for photography truly ignited in 2016 when I bought my first DSLR camera and began experimenting with food photography, striving to beautifully document my culinary creations. I also discovered a love for capturing the beauty of flowers and nature, a hobby I still enjoy in my leisure time.
Our big move from Las Vegas to Myrtle Beach marked a turning point in my photography journey. After college, I had been working at Caesar’s Palace Casino, a prestigious casino on Las Vegas strip, and matching that income elsewhere became a challenge. Pregnant with our second child at the time, I recall feeling overwhelmed and emotional.
After discussing my desire to take beach photographs with my husband, he encouraged me to give it a shot. With little knowledge of the industry, I began by offering to take family photos for $10, approaching beachgoers and promising to email them their pictures by that evening. Looking back I had absolutely no idea what I was doing! Although it was challenging, I persevered through the discomfort.
Before long, I posted my photography services on Craigslist for $150—back when it was popular—and landed my first client! I shifted away from shooting beachgoers and started promoting my business online. This led to a steady income, and I was thrilled! From there, my journey blossomed into real estate photography, wedding shoots, and continued family portraits. I learned that where there is a will, there is a way!
I absolutely loved every facet of working with new clients, honing my skills daily, and learning about business management. Fast forward to today, I’ve proudly served hundreds of families and weddings. In 2022, I streamlined my focus to portraits and weddings, which allowed me to serve my clients even more consistently and saw a significant increase in my gross revenue.
I live by three guiding quotes: “Everything you ever want is on the other side of fear,” “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,” and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Thank you for being part of my journey!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Over the years, I’ve faced a series of challenges, each presenting its own set of difficulties during different seasons of my life. One of the most significant obstacles I encountered was starting a small business just before the birth of my second child. After our move from Las Vegas, we had no family support nearby, and finding quality childcare that I felt comfortable with was a major hurdle. I wanted to be as hands-on with my children as much as possible while also navigating the demands of building my business.
There were years when I worked tirelessly for 13 consecutive days, juggling real estate photography, family sessions, and weddings, all while seamlessly transitioning back into my role as a mother and wife. Fortunately, I was blessed with a supportive husband who encouraged my personal growth and became the partner I needed. We learned to work together as a team, respecting each other’s needs.
Another challenge I faced was understanding how to run a profitable business. While I had a passion for photography and enjoyed the freedom of being my own boss, I soon realized that to create a successful enterprise, I needed to implement effective systems. I recognized that in order to be efficient and productive, I couldn’t do everything myself. This reflection on both my personal and professional life helped me identify areas where I could seek support and outsource tasks.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in family and wedding photography, which includes stunning portraits that capture your most cherished moments.
What sets me apart are two key elements: my light, airy, and vibrant photographic style, and my commitment to making my clients feel beautiful and amazing. I often hear feedback like, “I can’t believe how beautiful the pictures turned out! I look so good. I never thought I could look this great!” Nothing brings me more joy than helping each client feel that way.
Feeling good about yourself, celebrating the family you’ve created, and marking important milestones are essential parts of life. Photography allows you to see yourself and appreciate the beauty in those moments. It reflects the love, hard work, and commitment you’ve made to yourself, your family, and your partner.
When you display these photos in your home, they serve as daily reminders of your love and purpose, filling your space with pride and joy. It truly is a beautiful experience!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
In my personal life, my family means everything to me. The little family that my husband and I have built together is my greatest treasure. Caring for, loving, providing for, and spending quality time with them is one of my top priorities in life.
In my career as a photographer, my goal is to make others happy through stunning and beautiful imagery that my clients adore. When I hear my clients express that they feel beautiful or truly enjoyed our session together—that means the world to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hosannawilmot.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/hosannawilmot/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hosannawilmotphotography
