Today we’d like to introduce you to Fern Vera
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Photography has always been a part of me, something I couldn’t escape no matter how hard I tried. It was always there, quietly calling me back, even when I pushed it away. Like most early teens, I first picked up a digital camera to capture moments with friends, silly selfies, and memories to share on Facebook. But it wasn’t until I was in high school, during my freshman and sophomore years, when I took yearbook and photography classes, that I realized it wasn’t just a passing hobby, it was a passion that set my soul on fire. It was clear that photography was what I was meant to do.
But life had other plans. When I was 12, my mom remarried, and suddenly, my home became a place I didn’t recognize. The warmth and safety of my childhood were replaced by toxicity. The house became an environment where I could no longer freely explore my passions. Instead of being able to nurture my creativity, I was forced to focus on survival and fitting in. At school, I was just trying to be “normal,” burying the growing sense that I was meant for something bigger. I couldn’t pursue the one thing that had always made me feel like me, photography.
Photography became a distant hope, but the fear of failure was more paralyzing than I could have imagined. As I got older, the weight of societal expectations pressed down on me. I felt like I had to take the “normal” route, go to college, get a degree, follow the path that everyone else seemed to be on. So, I did what I thought I was supposed to do: I went to college for photography. But I quickly realized that college wasn’t for me. The rigid structure, the expectations, they didn’t align with my soul. My heart yearned for something else, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
After college, I fell into a cycle of self-doubt, working at a bank, at an insurance company, in a restaurant, and at a garden center, all while trying to fill the void that photography left behind. But nothing worked. No matter how hard I tried to run from my passion, it always found its way back to me. But the fear, the fear that I wasn’t good enough, that I would fail, held me hostage. I was stuck in a battle between the world telling me to do what was practical and my soul screaming to pursue what I knew I was meant for.
In my early twenties, I dabbled in photography again, taking my camera out into nature, snapping shots of the world that brought me peace. But each time I picked up the camera, I felt the weight of fear and insecurity. I was scared to truly step into my power, afraid that I wasn’t worthy of calling myself a photographer. So, I would retreat again, only to feel the ache of something missing deep inside me.
Then, in October of 2024, something shifted within me. It was more than a desire to take pictures, it was a raw, undeniable knowing that I was meant to be behind the camera. Every time I took a photograph, it felt like a piece of me was waking up. I knew I couldn’t run anymore. Photography wasn’t just a career; it was my calling. I had spent so many years afraid to pursue it, but I realized that failing at this dream was far better than living with the regret of never trying.
For the first time in my life, I allowed myself to believe that I was worthy of my dreams. I had spent so many years being afraid, hiding behind self-doubt and shame, but I was done running. I poured everything into photography, every ounce of my heart, every lesson learned, every bit of pain. I’m currently rebranding, redoing my website, and finding my niche. I am finally claiming the title I’ve always resisted: I am a photographer. This is my purpose. This is what I was born to do, and I will not let fear stop me any longer.
Fern Vera Photography isn’t just a business, it’s the embodiment of everything I’ve survived, everything I’ve learned, and everything I’ve fought for. It’s my way of honoring the quiet whisper inside me that’s been there all along: You are meant for this. Photography is my path to healing, my way of expressing the beauty I see in the world and in myself. I’m no longer hiding. I’m showing up fully, vulnerably, and proudly. This is who I am. This is my purpose. And I will embrace it every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first launched Fern Vera Photography in October, I was filled with excitement and passion, but there was also a constant companion, fear. It’s that feeling of not knowing where this journey is going to take me, of starting something new without having all the answers. I’ve only been in business for a few months, and I’m still figuring it all out. I don’t have the luxury of knowing exactly where it will lead, and that uncertainty is one of my biggest fears. But, at the same time, it’s also a reminder that I’m pushing past my comfort zone, diving into a dream that’s always been there, even when I didn’t believe in it.
One of my biggest obstacles right now is time and balance. I work a full-time job while also giving everything I have to Fern Vera Photography. Some days it feels like there’s not enough time in the day to do it all, and I give so much of myself to this business. But as I pour my heart into creating and building, I’m slowly realizing that I need to take a step back. I can’t give everything I have without taking time to care for myself. If I don’t find balance, I will burn out, and that’s not something I’m willing to let happen.
It’s a constant challenge, this tug-of-war between my love for photography and the need to slow down. The excitement and passion I feel for my work are unmatched, and for the first time in my life, I don’t feel like there are shackles holding me back. I’m not bound by fear or doubt anymore. I feel free. The support I have now whether from friends, my partner, or the creative community I’m slowly building around me has been a lifeline. It’s such a stark contrast to the way I felt when I was living in my parents’ home, when everything felt suffocating and uncertain. The love and encouragement I feel now are things I never had before, and they make all the difference.
But there’s another fear that I constantly wrestle with: the fear of not being good enough. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of comparison, especially when you’re a creative. I look at other photographers who seem to have it all together, and I feel like I’m not measuring up. I see their beautiful work, their established businesses, and it’s hard not to think, What if I’m just not good enough? What if I’m too late? I’ve had to remind myself, over and over, that everyone’s journey is different, and that my progress doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. As a creative, it’s hard not to fall into the comparison trap, but I’m learning that the most important thing is to support each other, to build each other up, not tear each other down. We’re all on our own unique paths, and the beauty is in embracing that.
The truth is, those years spent in an abusive home still leave their mark. The fear of failure, the shame, the insecurity, I carry those things with me. But they no longer define me. I’m learning to break free from the wounds of the past, and every step I take toward building this business is an act of healing. I’m not the same person I was then. I’m not stuck anymore.
It’s hard, though. Some days, the weight of uncertainty, the pressure of balancing a full-time job with growing my business, and the fear of not being enough feel overwhelming. But I keep going, because I know that this is what I was meant to do. I’m building something that’s not just about photography, it’s about proving to myself that I’m capable of creating my own future. And with every photograph I take, with every new connection I make, I’m reminded that I’m not just a survivor; I’m a creator. I’m building something that I’m proud of, and I will continue to grow, one step at a time.
So, while I don’t know exactly where Fern Vera Photography will take me, I’m learning to trust the process. I’m embracing the uncertainty, and I’m finding peace in the knowledge that I’m moving forward. And even though the obstacles still come, I know I’m strong enough to face them. I’m not turning back. I’m just getting started.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer who is passionate about capturing the raw, authentic beauty of women. Though I’m still carving out my niche, I feel deeply drawn to portrait and boudoir photography. What excites me the most is the opportunity to work with women and help them feel beautiful, powerful, and confident in their own skin. As someone who has struggled, and still struggles, with self-confidence, I know how transformative it can be to have a beautiful photograph of yourself that reflects the strength and beauty you might not always see. It’s my goal to help women embrace their beauty, to remind them that they are worthy of love, of confidence, and of feeling proud of who they are.
I started Fern Vera Photography in October, and being based in Minnesota means that I’ve mostly worked indoors so far due to the colder weather. But even in these early months, I’ve found myself gravitating toward outdoor boudoir photography. There’s something magical about capturing women in nature, where they can truly feel free and connected to their own strength. One of my most memorable shoots was with a woman named Rachel, who bravely posed completely naked in a field as the sun was setting. The way the light bathed her body and the way she moved, her vulnerability, her strength, was one of the most magical experiences I’ve had as a photographer. That shoot opened my eyes to the power of nature as a backdrop for boudoir photography, and I realized that this is where my heart lies.
While I’ve dabbled in other types of photography, such as studio work and couples’ sessions, outdoor boudoir is where I feel most aligned with my passion. I want every woman I work with to feel safe and supported, because I know firsthand how vulnerable a photoshoot can be. I want each session to feel like a breath of fresh air, a space where women can just be themselves, free from judgment and pressure. It’s my mission to create an experience that makes them feel celebrated, cherished, and empowered.
I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in such a short amount of time, and I’m excited about the future of my work. As I continue to grow, I’m committed to embracing what sets me apart, helping women see their own beauty in ways they’ve never imagined, all while creating art in the most beautiful places the world has to offer.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
When it comes to growing my business and pushing myself to be the best version of myself, I’ve found that a mix of practical tools and connection with others has been key. One of the most valuable resources I’ve found is photography podcasts. They’ve been a huge help in refining my skills, learning new techniques, and understanding the business side of photography. There’s so much I didn’t know when I started, and these podcasts have provided invaluable insights. I also turn to YouTube tutorials often, whether it’s to learn how to use new equipment, enhance my editing skills, or get tips on marketing my business, the wealth of knowledge on YouTube is endless.
Another crucial resource has been ChatGPT! It’s my go-to for anything from business questions to tax-related inquiries. Running a business is full of complexities, and having a place to quickly find answers has been such a relief, especially when I’m just starting out.
But beyond tools and tutorials, the most significant resource I’ve had is networking with other creatives. Since I started Fern Vera Photography in October, I’ve made it a priority to connect with others in the industry. In the past few months, I’ve met over 100 new people, and I truly believe that networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow both personally and professionally. Not only does it open up opportunities for collaboration and learning, but it also helps you feel less alone. The creative community is one where we all understand the challenges and joys of this work, and having people who are on a similar journey makes such a difference.
Networking has brought me friendships, connections, and inspiration, and I’m grateful for each new person I meet. I feel like I’ve built a support system that fuels my creativity, and that makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fernveraphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernveraphotography/
