Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Hopkins.
Hi Summer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been drawn to photography because I needed a creative outlet. I wanted a way to express myself visually and see the world differently, and photography became that space for me. It started with curiosity and creativity, not a business plan.
As I spent more time learning and shooting, my skills grew and so did my understanding of how meaningful photography can be for others. I realized that connection is at the core of my work. Helping people feel comfortable, seen, and genuinely themselves matters just as much to me as the images themselves.
My business has grown alongside real life, raising my children, navigating different seasons, and learning as I go. The path hasn’t been linear, but it’s been intentional. Today, I focus on honest storytelling and creating images that feel natural, meaningful, and true to the people in them.
Looking back, it feels less like I stumbled into photography and more like I followed something that had always felt right.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been building a business with limited time and energy, especially while raising young children. Progress often had to happen in small, fragmented windows, which required patience and constant adjustment.
Another challenge was learning the business side of photography. Pricing, systems, contracts, communication, and boundaries were all things I had to teach myself over time. Figuring out how to run a sustainable business while staying creatively fulfilled took trial, error, and uncomfortable decisions.
Self-doubt was also a major obstacle. Comparing myself to others and questioning my work was something I had to actively work through in order to grow with confidence instead of fear.
Each of these challenges forced me to become more resilient, more organized, and more confident in my decisions. While the road hasn’t been easy, the obstacles played a key role in shaping how I approach both my work and my business today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers around photographing real people in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and true to who they are. I primarily focus on families, couples, and life milestones, with an emphasis on connection over perfection. I want my images to feel lived-in and honest, not overly posed or forced.
I’m known for creating a comfortable experience. Many of my clients tell me they were nervous going into their session and surprised by how easy and enjoyable it felt. That trust allows me to capture moments that feel genuine and emotionally grounded.
What I’m most proud of is the consistency of my work, not just visually, but experientially. From planning to delivery, I put a lot of care into making clients feel supported and seen throughout the process. I don’t rush people, and I don’t treat sessions like transactions.
What sets me apart is my ability to balance creativity with empathy. I understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed, short on time, or unsure in front of the camera, and I build my sessions around that reality. My goal isn’t just to deliver beautiful images, but to create an experience that feels calm, respectful, and meaningful.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are being creative with my grandma. We spent time making things together, drawing, crafting, and just creating without pressure or expectations. Those moments felt calm and grounding, like time slowed down.
Looking back, those experiences shaped my relationship with creativity. They taught me that creating could be comforting, meaningful, and personal, something I still carry with me in my work today.
Pricing:
- Classic Session: $250 · 45 minutes · 20 high-resolution digital images
- Premium Session: $350 · 90 minutes · 40–50 high-resolution digital images
- Deluxe Session: $550 · 2–3 hours · all final edited images
- Custom sessions (weddings, branding, events): pricing varies based on scope
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shotsbysummer.com
