Getting the FUCK Out of My Corporate Job: How I Became a Full-Time San Diego Photographer

In July, I quit my 9-5 to become a full-time San Diego photographer. I had a nightmare the night before that my boss kept going into meetings on Monday, and that it was ten minutes before the end of the day, and if I still hadn't resigned, I'd have to extend my two weeks by a whole day, or even longer if I was waiting to do it in person. Don't worry, the only hiccup I actually ran into while resigning was awkwardly standing at the printer, trying to get it to work to print off my resignation letter while my boss walked by. The printer never ended up working, but I still managed to resign, awkwardly yes ha, but I was free.

I still remember that during my last week, one of my supervisors told me they were jealous I had "escaped the rat race" and how they've become unwillingly loyal to the corporate grind for the long haul. I didn't know what to say, so I handed over a business card, smiled, and said they could at least live vicariously through my Instagram ha. And I highly doubt that they're reading this post, but if they are… Helloooo, those prints of San Francisco are available on my website now ha, check them out!

If you've once asked me, "Are you going to pursue photography full time?" then you already know that for the last two years my answer was usually, "Oh no, that would take an insaneee amount of work, it's just something I enjoy doing on the side." Well, slowly, as time went on the idea that despite it being an insane amount of work, it would be so cool to be full-time in a career that filled my cup at the end of the day. I guess at some point I realized it was either a lot of work building something I love, or a lot of work for something that just provided good stability but slowly drained the light from inside of me.

So in April of this year, my husband, Ruben, and I started seriously brainstorming what it would actually mean for me to quit my 9-5, and in July we made it our reality. I won’t bore you with specifics but just know it was A LOT of math. We sat down and figured out how much of our savings we could use while we built our client base so that quitting felt like a decision and not a gamble. (And if you’re in a similar boat, I would definitely recommend calculating that number before making any big changes!)

Once we had the numbers part worked out, the rest was logistics. Two things were non-negotiable: out by July, and host a gallery. It didn’t take long for a gallery theme to come to me after picking out what would be my last day at my corporate job. "Looking Up", was centered around positivity and the idea to "look up" in the face of adversity. I began curating images centered around this idea, and ones where the camera was also literally angled upwards. I wanted whoever was looking at my work, wherever they decided to hang up my pieces, to be reminded that it's possible (whatever 'it', was) and to feel that they're going to make it no matter what. That sentiment is still one I carry with me. I'm not counting down the days anymore, but it shows up in my branding and my mission: that feeling of, "I really can do it".

One thing that I think makes AHP unique is that it's not a business I built by myself; it operates as a team. All of this is possible because of my partner, who puts the Angel in Angel-Hamideh. If you head to the about section on our website, you'll know his official title is "Director of Good Vibes." It's because of his support that we invested in my photography gear instead of renting it and that when the conversation came up to quit and go all in, it wasn't a question of if but when. I'll be eternally grateful for that always. On days when it felt too hard to show up to my corporate 9-5, he would literally drive me there and, on the way, remind me that I was doing a good job. In moments of fear and doubt, he reassured me that we make a good team and we have something great to offer. So huge shout-outs to my chief holder of stuff and director of good vibes ha, this business wouldn't be what it is without Ruben.

Granted, the "that would take an insane amount of work" has most definitely held up its end of the bargain ha, but I don't regret getting the fuck out of my corporate job, not even one bit.

So what's next? Well, we've revamped our website, worked on our overall SEO, calculated our pricing and packages, and now we start spreading the word!

When I think about what makes AHP, well, AHP, it's that what we create is authentic, candid, warm, and importantly not perfect.

We're angelhamidehphotos,  a San Diego wedding, elopement, and portrait photography team, and we believe the best memories are made when you're having fun. Being married ourselves, we've found that capturing stories is what we love most. For us it’s not just about taking pretty photos; we want you to walk away with fun memories that you’ll actually want to look back on. We're so grateful for every couple and family who've already trusted us with their story, and if you’re ready to have some fun in front of the camera, we’re hosting fall minis this month! You can book a session here!!!

If you’re in need of a bit more positivity for your day, check out my gallery “Looking Up”. And as a thank you for being here, take 15% off all prints with the code below, this code expires on October 11th!

Code: LookingUp15xGTFOMCJ

Till next time,

-Summer