From Art to Entrepreneurship, 鶹ɫƬ Alum Turns Wedding Photography into a Thriving Business
Combining her artistic talent and entrepreneurial skills developed at 鶹ɫƬ, Mae Bogosian ’23 has crafted a successful wedding photography career that flourishes through mentorship, community support, and creative passion.
BRISTOL, R.I. – With a camera in hand and a keen eye for capturing life’s most meaningful moments, Mae Bogosian ’23 has turned her passion into a thriving business. Owner and founder of out of North Providence, R.I., she has blended her love for art with the creative talents and entrepreneurial skills honed at 鶹ɫƬ to create a career that has been nothing short of a dream come true.
Resources like 鶹ɫƬ’s Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) played a pivotal role in shaping Bogosian’s journey. “I was definitely an anxious person, but the CCPD helped me feel prepared,” she explained. From mock interviews to résumé reviews and job fairs, the CCPD provided Bogosian with a professional space to refine her skills and build her confidence. “Knowing I could even ask for help 10 years down the road was so comforting.”
Now nearing two years in business, Mae Bogosian Photography is a testament to the hard work and dedication that began with Bogosian’s dual bachelor’s degrees in Visual Arts and Communications. Inspired by the mentorship she received as a student, Bogosian has paid it forward by guiding current 鶹ɫƬ students during their undergraduate journeys, fostering the same support and encouragement that helped her thrive. For Bogosian, building her business has been about more than photography; it’s about community, growth, and sharing her success with others.
Community Support: “The town of Bristol and its community really shaped my experience. I found my first internship at Grace Kimmell Photography thanks to my neighbor, Grace Kimmell, who became both a mentor and a close friend. Everyone in Bristol is always so willing to help, and that support opened the door for me to step into the world of wedding photography.”
Influential Faculty and Courses: “The Professional Practices course, taught by Professor Jordan Seabury, was a game-changer for me. I took it as a junior, and it prepared me for the real-world aspects of running a business, like writing contracts, pricing my work, and thinking beyond just creating art. The critiques I received in my classes also pushed me to develop my creative style, shaping my photography beyond traditional poses. That combination of business and creativity gave me the foundation I needed to launch my own photography business.”
Business Insight: “Do not be afraid to ask for help, whether it is from someone who has run their own business or someone who can answer your questions. Building your presence on social media is essential for getting your name out there, no matter the type of business, so take time to be strategic about how and when you post. Equally important is gaining hands-on experience and connecting with people in your field by reaching out, shadowing them, and learning from their expertise. In photography, the focus is often on community over competition, and many people are more than willing to help if you show your passion.”
Living the Dream: “The most rewarding part of my job is waking up and being able to tell myself that I did it. I can travel anywhere I want while making money and turning my hobby into my career. It’s the best of both worlds because I’m obsessed with my work, and it doesn’t even feel like work.”