Meet Izzy Hughes of Izzy Photo + Film in Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzy Hughes.

Izzy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember! My very first camera was a light blue $35 point and shoot- and wow it was my pride and joy. In high school, I joined the school’s news team (it wasn’t as nerdy as it sounds haha), and I learned a lot about digital storytelling and creative editing. I shot my first wedding for a family friend in my junior year, and I charged a slim $300 for a full day wedding and I loved every minute of it! It’s been about three years since then, I’ve been shooting and filming weddings practically full time and it’s one of my favorite things ever. I say “practically” because I’m also going to school full time. I’m studying Advertising at BYU and it’s been so great being able to apply my schooling to my own business. Being able to run my own business while going to school with the mind-set of bettering said business makes it feel so beneficial, even if it keeps me really busy!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Aside from COVID-19 of course, one of the biggest roadblocks I’ve hit during my business happened when I moved to Utah from Arizona. I was just starting to build a clientele and a name for myself when I moved up north for college. I had to basically start over from scratch, which took about six months. I was new in the industry, so I had no idea how to start a photo/video business without knowing a soul in my new town! Today, about 45% of my business is in Utah! It’s been a really great journey and a huge learning experience for me. I found out about cheap flights from the Provo Airport, and I fly down to Arizona 2-3 times every month! It sounds crazy, but I love it so much! It definitely keeps things interesting for me.

Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I specialize in wedding photography and videography. I do both pretty equally. Clients always ask me which one I prefer and I struggle giving them an answer! Some months I do mostly do photography, and some I do mostly videography. I love the different editing processes and the ways they give me creative freedom. It keeps things fresh and I feel like it keeps me from getting burnt out- which is so awesome. Something that I am known for is my quick turn around time! My clients always tell me how much they appreciate how soon they get to see the photos/videos from their special day while the memories are still fresh in their minds! I love getting to see their reactions when they find out I’ve already finished! My turn around time is something that I definitely pride myself in.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Since I graduate college next spring, I finally get to go “full” full-time! I’ve absolutely loved college and the things I’ve learned, and I’m stoked to have time to apply everything. I have a lot of goals and plans for my business this year, and a lot of them involve online education and courses.

Pricing:

• Wedding Photography // Starts at $1,700
• Wedding Videography // Starts at $1,500
• Portrait Photography // Starts at $225

Contact Info:

• Website: izzyphotoandfilm.com
• Email: izzyp.hughes@gmail.com
• Instagram: @izzy.photoandfilm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izzy.photoandfilm/

Image Credit:
Izzy Photo + Film

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