NUS Degree → Wedding Photographer (TEA INCLUDED) 🍵
In Singapore, we were always told to aim for stability — the kind of career path that comes with a neat title, a steady paycheck, and a predictable future. It was the “safe” dream, the one that made sense to everyone.
But somewhere along the way, we picked up a camera. What started as a simple hobby grew into a calling we couldn’t ignore. We chose to take the leap, even though it meant giving up stability and stepping into a world that most people don’t understand.
The truth is, this journey has not been easy. Wedding photography might look glamorous from the outside, but behind the scenes it is one of the toughest forms of client servicing. You’re constantly under pressure to perform perfectly — no excuses, no second chances.
And sometimes, clients can be very demanding. We’ve had couples call us, raising their voices and speaking harshly over things we tried our best to handle. Once, after spraining our leg, we wrapped it with a bandage and wore sandals because we physically couldn’t wear shoes — but instead of empathy, we faced criticism. Another time, we suffered a sudden asthma attack while working. Our face must have looked pale and drained because the bride asked, “Why is your face so black?” When we explained what happened, her reply stung: “That’s not a good excuse.” Moments like these made us question everything — were we foolish to give up stability for this?
And yet, there are also moments that remind us exactly why we chose this path. Like the time we captured the final photographs of a bride with her mother before she passed. Or the couple who solemnized early so that a very ill brother could witness their vows. These moments are fragile, sacred, and once gone, they never return. To be entrusted with preserving them forever feels like both a responsibility and a gift.
So yes, this path is filled with struggles: tough words, exhaustion, and the constant fear of instability. But it is also filled with meaning. Because for every difficult moment, there are countless tears of joy, embraces of love, and fleeting seconds that live on because we pressed the shutter at the right time.
From the outside, maybe it seems reckless — why get a degree, only to give up a stable path for something so uncertain? But for us, it’s about choosing meaning over safety. Choosing stories over security. Choosing love over convention.
And now we ask you: knowing the struggles, the sacrifices, and the beauty we’ve found along the way… do you think it was worth it? 💛
As someone who transitioned from a conventional academic path at NUS to the creative and demanding world of wedding photography, I often get asked about the realities beyond the lens. One aspect many don’t see is the immense pressure to deliver perfection on a day that couples have dreamed about their whole lives. This means not only mastering the technical skills but also managing emotional, sometimes difficult client interactions. For example, during hectic wedding days, unexpected health issues like a sprained leg or asthma attacks become tough obstacles to overcome without letting clients down. Yet, these moments teach resilience and adaptability—traits the university environment didn’t often test in the same way. Clients’ reactions can vary drastically, from heartfelt gratitude to misunderstanding and harsh criticism. This has been an eye-opener about human nature and the importance of empathy on both sides. The real reward isn’t just in the stunning photos but in building trust and capturing irreplaceable memories, such as final moments shared between loved ones. For those contemplating a similar career shift, my advice is to embrace the uncertainty but prepare for the emotional and physical demands this profession brings. Finding meaning in your work often means accepting its imperfections and challenges. Ultimately, this path is about capturing love stories, one shot at a time—sometimes literally over a cup of tea, reflecting on every precious moment preserved.
