Meet Samantha Copland | Wedding & Boudoir Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Copland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
For the wedding/couples portion of my business;

Two years ago I decided to plan a trip with other photographers that I had met through an online Facebook group targeted to individuals like myself. I had already been photographing weddings and couples, but I had yet to book anything out of state. My dream was/is to be a destination photographer. I knew it would be hard to market myself in areas I had not even been to. So, I hopped on a plane and our first trip was to Utah. I flew solo, shared an AirBnB with 3 other girls I had only spoke to via messenger and we had an amazing 4 days together getting content. It had always been a dream of mine to go there, and in doing so it continued to bring more opportunities my way. I eventually ended up also going to North Carolina, California, Jamaica, and Arizona that same year for both paid jobs and styled shoots! Since then, I have received plenty of inquiries for out of state couples which have ended up in bookings!

For the boudoir side of my business (@thevelvetpeachboudoir);

This past summer I decided to take a leap and get my own boudoir studio. For a few years I had been doing sessions out of the spare bedroom in my home. I eventually had a baby, and my studio became her nursery. I found the perfect space, a massive 1400 square foot open concept with natural light and high exposed ceilings. I put every bit of effort, energy and savings I had to get it ready within two weeks. Bookings have been steady and I am SO happy with what I have been able to do to the space in such a short period of time. I did not want it to be your typical bright, white, modern studio. The space is fun, its vibrant and colorful, I have a bedroom set, a living room set and a bathroom set!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to document chemistry and candids – real love, real stories. I am a self taught, well traveled, wife and mom. I believe that each of my images tell their own story (whether it be of a couple or an individual). I capture those intimate moments, the details and the love my clients share.

I am in it for the experience and the relationships that continue on even after my job is done. It’s so rewarding knowing that your past clients want to continue to support you and your talents that they will book you for every important milestone in their lives! (engagement, weddings, maternity, newborn photos etc).

I have learned that it is extremely important to have relationships with other photographers and vendors in the industry, not only are they AWESOME to work with, they are usually extremely helpful and want to support your small business too! I have worked along side some really talented people that want nothing but for me to succeed. They answer any questions I may have, send me referrals, trade headshots etc. How cool is that?

I am so excited to see where this next year brings me. I already have 35 weddings on the calendar for the remainder of 2022/2023, 6 of them being out of state!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from Toronto, Canada, so whenever I have visitors they love to get a taste of the beach! I love Miami because you get the beach, and you get the city all within a few blocks. If you know me, you know I love brunch! Not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day, it’s my favorite! Possibly some unnecessary shopping, a few hours at a pool party, maybe take a nap, eat some delicious Miami bites followed by a night out.. A bit hungover? No problem, goto brunch for a Bloody Mary and then hit the beach. Any chance I get, we also get out on the boat, and it is highly likely I will bring my camera along to take some dope photos too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really have to thank all the other photographers along the way that have trusts and allowed me to second and associate shoot for them.

Website: www.samcopland.com

Instagram: @samcoplandphoto

Facebook: samcoplandphoto

Other: boudoir instagram @thevelvetpeachboudoir

Image Credits
All Images uploaded were taken and are owned by the Sam Copland Photo brand.