Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoey Sunghera.
Hi Zoey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At 14 years old, just before heading to London, England on a school trip, my dad bought me a little kit camera from Shutterbug and I never put it down after that. I quickly started a Facebook page and began photographing anyone and anything I could.
I photographed my very first wedding at a little diner in a small town for $50. I couldn’t even drive yet, so I had to schedule photoshoots around rides and other people’s availability. Looking back now, those early days built the foundation for everything I have today.
After high school, I fully planned on becoming a nurse. I worked as a CNA for 2 1/2 years while completing my nursing school prerequisites. During COVID, I worked nights in the hospital while also being a full-time college student, all while grieving the loss of my brother. That season challenged me deeply, and my mental health was at an all-time low.
One day, while my husband and I were on our honeymoon in Mexico, I made the decision to withdraw from college, put in my two weeks notice, and fully pursue photography. It was one of the most terrifying and life-changing decisions I’ve ever made. I knew I needed to bet on myself and chase the dream that had been on my heart since I was 14 years old. I told myself that even if I failed, at least I would be able to say I tried.
Now, years later, I get to document people’s lives for a living, and I never take that privilege for granted.
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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think every season of life brings its own challenges. I went full-time with photography during COVID, which taught me resilience very quickly. I was navigating uncertainty in the world while also grieving personal loss and learning how to build a business from the ground up.
I’ve also learned the importance of contracts, boundaries, and protecting both my peace and my business. When you’re self-employed, especially in a creative field, those lessons usually come through experience.
Now, in a completely different season as a mom of two and a business owner, the struggles look different. I often feel pulled in many directions, and imposter syndrome is something I still battle regularly. Being self-employed can also feel lonely at times because so much responsibility falls on you.
But honestly, even through the hard seasons, it’s been such a beautiful ride. I’ve grown alongside my business, and I feel incredibly grateful that I took the risk on myself all those years ago.
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?
I am a full-time photographer specializing in weddings, elopements, motherhood, and family storytelling. My work is deeply documentary-inspired, and I’m passionate about capturing people in a way that feels honest, emotional, and true to who they are. I’m known for creating a laid-back experience where people feel comfortable being themselves, which allows me to document genuine connection instead of overly posed moments.
What I’m most proud of is building a business rooted in trust and human connection. Many of my clients return through multiple seasons of life, from engagements, to weddings, to motherhood and growing families. I think what sets me apart is how deeply I care about the people I photograph and my ability to turn everyday moments into meaningful, lasting memories. I became a photographer to photograph, not to make millions or to photograph.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something many people may not know about me is that half of my family practiced, or still practices, a religion that traditionally did not believe in photographing or taking pictures, especially more so back in the day. Things have changed over time, but because of that, there are very few photographs from my family’s earlier generations. I’ve maybe seen three photographs of my dad, who is one of seven siblings.
There are no childhood photographs of them making cakes with my grandma, mowing the lawn with my grandpa, swinging together as siblings, or simply existing in the ordinary moments of life. As much as I love hearing the stories and memories passed down, it’s also shown me how quickly pieces of a legacy can disappear over time when there’s nothing tangible to hold onto.
I think that’s a huge part of why photographs are so deeply cherished to me. They preserve connection, history, emotion, and the everyday moments that eventually become everything.
Pricing:
- Weddings starting at $4,500
- Elopements starting at $3,500
- Lifestyle sessions starting at $800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zoeylynnphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoeylynnphotography?igsh=MTc2dWZ1aTE4eTNtNQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DiUA5sCXH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
