Meet Bella Scoma | Photographer & Business Owner

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

Hi Bella, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
You don’t just take photos; you become your own marketing team, editor, customer service rep, and social media strategist. I’m no master of social media, but I’ve learned how to get my videos seen by consistently posting at peak times, using trending sounds, and understanding what kind of content my audience actually wants to see.

At first, I struggled to stand out. Every photographer seemed to be posting the same behind-the-scenes clips or styled shoots. I realized that if I wanted to be different, I had to show more of me. I started sharing real, honest moments, like camera malfunctions or chaotic senior session bloopers, because that’s part of the job too. I wanted people to see that while I take my work seriously, I also love what I do and like to have fun doing it. That energy is what clients can expect when they work with me.

So yeah, the biggest surprise was realizing that being a photographer means becoming a jack-of-all-trades, and learning to embrace that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is all about storytelling. I want to capture real moments in a way that feels true to the people in front of my lens. At Scoma Photography, I focus on more than just how something looks. I want each photo to reflect how a moment felt. Whether it’s a wedding, a graduation, or a session just because, I want the final gallery to feel full of emotion, personality, and meaning.

What sets me apart is how personal I make the experience. I don’t try to be overly curated or picture-perfect. I bring my personality into every session and make space for my clients to do the same. I like to laugh with the people I’m working with and I’m not afraid to share the real, sometimes chaotic moments that happen behind the scenes. That’s what keeps the experience human and fun, and I think it helps people relax and feel like themselves.

Getting to where I am now definitely wasn’t easy. I started with no formal training, just a camera and a lot of curiosity. I had to figure things out as I went, from editing to business licenses to how to manage client communication. There were times I felt lost or unsure, but I kept going and learned by doing. Each mistake taught me something and helped me grow.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stop waiting until everything feels perfect. I used to think I had to have it all figured out before taking the next step. But the truth is, you figure it out along the way. The most important thing is to keep showing up and learning as you go.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that I care deeply. About the people I work with, the stories they’re trusting me to capture, and the experience they have from the very first message to the final gallery delivery. I love what I do, and I’m grateful every single day that this is my job.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d start with a quiet morning walk at Oakland Nature Preserve. It’s one of my favorite places in the area, peaceful, scenic, and such a great way to ease into the week with coffee and fresh air.

Day 1: We’d head to downtown Winter Garden to stroll the brick streets and pop into some of my favorite spots. Live Trends Boutique would definitely be on the list, it’s full of beautiful, plant-inspired home décor and always has something unique. We’d grab pastries and coffee at Rosallie and end the day with dinner at The Whole Enchilada.

Day 2: Plant Street Market is a must. We’d try a little bit of everything, maybe some delish American cuisine at the Hangry Bison, maybe a beer from Crooked Can, and just hang out on the lawn. If there’s live music or vendors out, even better.

Day 3: We’d make our way into Orlando for a full city day. I’d take them to East End Market and walk around the Audubon Park area, maybe stop by some vintage shops. For dinner, The Monroe is always a great choice, or we’d check out Se7en Bites if we’re craving comfort food.

Day 4: Beach day. We’d drive out to New Smyrna, spend the day by the water, take some photos, and just relax. Before heading home, we’d grab dinner at The Garlic, it’s such a fun spot with amazing food and the perfect way to end a beach day.

Day 5: I’d plan a golden hour photo session at Lake Louisa or somewhere with big open skies and soft light. We’d pack a picnic, bring a speaker, and make a whole evening out of it. That kind of simple, slow night is honestly my favorite.

Day 6: We’d have a coffee day, Lineage, Framework, and Foxtail are all great options. We’d hop around, maybe do some light shopping, and just enjoy the pace of a chill Orlando afternoon. For dinner, we’d find somewhere with a good patio and good people-watching.

Day 7: One last walk at Oakland Nature Preserve or a final stop at Plant Street Market.

The whole week would be less about big attractions and more about slow moments, great food, and showing them the everyday spots that make life here feel full.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely- my shoutout goes first and foremost to my parents and my sister, Ava. My parents have been my biggest supporters from day one, always encouraging me to chase what I love and reminding me that I could turn a passion into a business.

And Ava, she deserves so much credit. I recently welcomed her onto my team at Scoma Photography as both a photographer and our photography coordinator. Her role is not an easy one, she handles nearly all client communication and a large part of the behind-the-scenes planning. It takes a lot of organization, patience, and heart, and she brings all of that and more. I’m incredibly grateful to have her by my side as both a teammate and a sister.

Beyond them, I have to thank my incredible partner, Casen. He’s encouraged me to keep going even when things get tough. He’s listened to me vent when things don’t go according to plan and has been a steady source of positivity when I’ve needed it most. I truly don’t know where I’d be without him.

And of course, my clients. I genuinely wouldn’t be here without them- literally. Their trust, their excitement, and the memories they allow me to capture mean everything. They’re the reason I get to do what I love every day.

Scoma Photography wouldn’t be what it is today without all of them.

Website: https://scomaphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scomaphotography/

Image Credits
Ashley Grayson Images of the picture of me !