Meet Shuhrat Choudhury | Michigan Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Shuhrat, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
A book that had a big impact on me as a business owner is Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. I think every business owner should read it because it offers a simple yet transformative approach to managing finances. The system emphasizes putting profit first, ensuring your business is financially healthy before anything else. It helped me shift my mindset from focusing on just revenue to prioritizing sustainable profitability. This has allowed me to make smarter decisions and feel more in control of my business finances. It’s really helped me balance the creative side of my photography business with solid financial management.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is centered around capturing authentic, candid moments that reflect real connections. As a wedding photographer, what sets me apart is my deep focus on building genuine relationships with my clients. I don’t just show up to take photos—I become part of the team, supporting my clients and their loved ones throughout one of the most important days of their lives. This connection allows me to capture those raw, heartfelt moments that truly tell the story of their day.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, from learning the ropes of the photography industry to scaling my business. One of the most important investments I made was in education—it helped me shift from being just a creative to understanding the business side. This learning curve has been essential in transitioning my passion into a sustainable business.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built a business that reflects my values—authenticity and connection—while also creating financial stability. A major lesson I’ve learned is that prioritizing your clients at every step, caring deeply about them, and delivering a meaningful experience is what builds trust and a strong reputation.

What I want the world to know is that my brand is about more than just photography. It’s about capturing real human experiences, offering support, and creating memories that last a lifetime. I didn’t take the traditional path in this journey—I started wanting to be a fashion photographer but quickly realized that my passion lies in photographing real people and their stories, which led me to wedding photography. Through all the challenges, I’ve learned that perseverance, continuous learning, and genuine relationships are key to success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were planning a week-long trip around Michigan, I’d start by focusing on a mix of natural beauty, local culture, and hidden gems that make this state special.

Day 1-2: Traverse City We’d kick off the trip in Traverse City, known for its charming downtown and scenic vineyards. We’d spend the morning walking along the Grand Traverse Bay, followed by wine tastings at some of the local wineries like Chateau Grand Traverse or Mari Vineyards. For lunch, we’d head to The Little Fleet for delicious food truck options, then stroll through the downtown boutiques. Dinner would be at Trattoria Stella, known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes.

Day 3: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore A short drive from Traverse City, we’d spend the day exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes. Hiking the dunes is a must for the incredible views of Lake Michigan. Afterward, we’d visit Glen Arbor for lunch at Art’s Tavern, a cozy spot with great burgers and local beers. The afternoon could be spent kayaking the Crystal River, and we’d wrap up the day watching the sunset from Empire Bluff.

Day 4-5: Mackinac Island Next, we’d take a ferry to Mackinac Island, where no cars are allowed—everything is by bike or horse-drawn carriage. We’d bike around the island’s 8.2-mile loop, stopping to see landmarks like Arch Rock. For lunch, we’d eat at The Pink Pony with its lovely waterfront views. We’d also visit Fort Mackinac for a bit of history and spend some time sampling the island’s famous fudge from places like JoAnn’s Fudge. Dinner would be at The Grand Hotel, where we’d dress up for a classic dining experience.

Day 6: Detroit After nature and relaxation, we’d switch gears to explore the urban side of Michigan with a day in Detroit. We’d start with breakfast at Avalon International Breads in Midtown before heading to the Detroit Institute of Arts to admire its world-class collection. For lunch, Selden Standard offers a seasonal menu that highlights Detroit’s growing food scene. In the afternoon, we’d explore the historic Eastern Market and catch some street art murals in the area. Dinner would be at Wright & Company for small plates and craft cocktails.

Day 7: Ann Arbor To finish the trip, we’d spend the day in Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan and a lively arts scene. We’d grab breakfast at Zingerman’s Deli, a local institution famous for its sandwiches. Then we’d explore the Matthaei Botanical Gardens or take a walk through Nichols Arboretum. We’d wrap up the trip with a visit to Literati Bookstore followed by dinner at The Gandy Dancer, a historic restaurant set in an old train station, offering fresh seafood and steaks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my husband, Pramita. He literally bought me my first camera and has been by my side through all the highs and lows of my business. He’s also a photographer, and his passion and drive constantly inspire me to improve. Whether it’s troubleshooting gear or brainstorming new ideas, he’s always right there with me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his unwavering support and belief in me. He’s played a massive role in my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for him.

Website: https://lifeandlightsphotography.com/

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