✨ Entering my 30s ✨
Before I step fully into this new chapter, I’ve been reflecting on everything my 20s gave me. People often say your 20s are “the time of your life.” For me, they were the years that built and cemented my business.
I sacrificed a lot of the typical 20-something adventures—choosing instead to pour my heart into the career I dreamed of. Looking back, every choice, every late night, and every risk was worth it.
So, here’s a year-by-year look at how I went from a TAFE student in Adelaide to becoming a multi-award-winning Sunshine Coast wedding photographer.
2015 – Finding My Feet
2015 was my final year of TAFE, and I was still convinced I’d make it as a fashion photographer. Most weekends I was pulling together creative teams—models, makeup artists, hairstylists, clothing stylists—and running shoots for fun. On the side, I photographed small events to make a little pocket money. This was the year I really started experimenting, learning, and figuring out my style.
2016 – The Year of Uncertainty
2016 was a year of uncertainty. My parents were overseas, I was in Adelaide, and I was unemployed for much of the year. I kept busy with shoots alongside friends but still swore I would never shoot weddings. Too much pressure. I only wanted fashion.
But by December, everything changed. I was offered an interview at a portrait studio—Studio Republic on the Sunshine Coast. I got the job and, within three weeks, packed up my life over Christmas and prepared to move interstate.
2017 – A Fresh Start in Queensland
In January 2017, at just 21 years old, I packed up my life in Adelaide and moved to Queensland for a new job at Studio Republic on the Sunshine Coast. It was equal parts terrifying and exciting—I didn’t know anyone, but I felt deep down that this move could change everything for me.
That year was all about growth. I was learning the ropes of studio photography, gaining confidence behind the camera, and beginning to understand what it meant to turn creativity into a career. By the end of 2017, something shifted. I decided to post my very first Gumtree ads for wedding photography—thinking, what’s the worst that could happen? At that stage, I didn’t see myself as a “wedding photographer” (in fact, a year earlier I swore I’d never shoot weddings!). But I was curious, I wanted to push myself, and truthfully, I thought it might help bring in some extra income.
I had no idea at the time that this small experiment—those humble little Gumtree ads—would be the start of everything.
2018 – Momentum & a Setback
In 2018, I worked for an activewear brand while my Gumtree and Facebook ads exploded. Suddenly, I was booked out and constantly asking for time off from my day job. It was exhilarating—but by the end of the year, I broke my leg. Looking back, it felt like life’s way of saying, if you don’t slow down, we’ll make you slow down.
Towards the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019, I started to offer photography & videography packages as I was finding that couples were looking for a business who could do it all rather then sourcing two different companies. This started to expand the amount of contractors I needed on the day and the ABP fam started to grow.
2019 – Going All In
Once healed, I tried to return full-time to my day job. It lasted a week before I cut back to part-time. For months, I juggled weddings and part-time work until, by September, I decided to take the leap: fully self-employed as a wedding photographer.
Plenty of people told me I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills with “just photography.” My response? Watch me.
2019 was also a turning point for my packages, I started offering ‘free engagement photoshoots,’ which wasnt really much of a thing with a lot of photographers yet which started to make me stand out amongst the rest.
2020 – The Covid Headache
2020 needs no introduction. It was meant to be my biggest year yet, but then came Covid. I called it my “Covid headache”—stress, depression, and so many sleepless nights. I spent two months in Adelaide before returning to Queensland, where thankfully weddings began to resume by June.
I’ll never forget how my couples supported me. Some paid invoices early, some moved their dates, and some even sent gifts to help keep my mental health alive. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
This was also the year I joined TikTok and had my first viral videos—a groom tackle and a smoke bomb moment—that brought thousands of new eyes to my work.
2021 – Recognition & Resilience
2021 was the year everything started to feel like it was coming full circle. After the chaos of 2020, weddings were beginning to bounce back, though the uncertainty of restrictions and border closures still lingered in everyone’s minds. Couples were determined to celebrate their love, and I was right there with them—navigating last-minute changes, reschedules, and the emotional rollercoaster that came with planning a wedding in those times.
This was also the first year I was honoured with the title of #1 Wedding Photographer on the Sunshine Coast. That recognition felt surreal. To think that just a few years earlier I was running Gumtree ads, hoping someone would take a chance on me, and now couples were not only booking but also voting for me—it meant the world. It was a validation of the long nights, the sacrifices, and the passion I poured into every wedding day.
2021 was also when I started leaning heavily into Instagram as reels and video content took off. It became clear that the way couples were finding and connecting with photographers was evolving, and I wanted to make sure I was evolving with it. I stopped using Gumtree completely by then, and social media became my main way of showing who I was, what I offered, and how much I truly loved capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Looking back, 2021 felt like the beginning of a new chapter—when I started to step out of the shadow of “just getting by” and really into my own as a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer.
2022 – Learning My Limits
2022 was one of the busiest and most eye-opening years of my career. With the world reopening, couples who had been waiting years to say their “I do’s” were finally able to celebrate. Enquiries poured in, and my calendar filled faster than I could have ever imagined. To meet the demand, I launched Infinity Imagery, a sister brand where I sent my trusted team of photographers to capture weddings when I couldn’t be there myself. Between ABP and Infinity Imagery, I edited over 100 weddings that year.
It was beautiful and overwhelming all at once. I had the privilege of documenting so many incredible celebrations, and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. But I also realised something important—being that busy wasn’t sustainable. I was constantly working, constantly editing, and constantly saying yes. I loved the joy of creating, but I also learned where my personal and professional boundaries needed to be. That year gave me clarity: growth is amazing, but so is balance.
Lastly, this was the year my sister married the love of her life. It was truely special to witness my sister get to say her own I do’s.
2023 – The Rollercoaster Year
2023 was a year of extremes—of incredible highs and some very personal lows. On the business front, it was a milestone year. I joined ABIA and was awarded #1 Queensland Wedding Photographer, an achievement I had once thought was completely out of reach. To be recognised on such a scale felt surreal, and the imposter syndrome definitely crept in. I kept thinking, how could I possibly be one of “the best of the best”? But the truth is, it was because of the couples who trusted me, voted for me, and kept recommending me to others. Their faith in me is something I will never take for granted.
Amid the professional wins, life outside of work threw me some heavy challenges. Without diving into details, it was a year of whiplash—soaring highs followed by moments that brought me to my knees. But through it all, my couples, my business, and the people around me gave me purpose.
It was also the year I welcomed one of the greatest joys into my life—my doggo, Charlie. He quickly became the best little man I could have ever asked for, filling my days with love, laughter, and muddy paw prints.
And, unexpectedly, 2023 brought love back into my life too. At a point when I had almost given up on the idea of finding my person, I met Dave. What started as a “why not give it a chance” moment turned into one of the brightest parts of my year.
It wasn’t an easy year, but it was real. And it reminded me that growth doesn’t only happen in the good—it often happens in the hard.
2024 – Finding My Style & My Strength
2024 brought a different kind of lesson: stability. After the chaos of 2022 and the ups and downs of 2023, this year felt like a recalibration. The wedding industry was settling into its “new normal.” Instead of four weddings a week, I was photographing closer to four weddings every few weeks. At first, I panicked. I kept asking myself, Is my business okay? Do I need to get another job? It was a strange feeling to go from being flat-out to feeling like things had slowed.
But in reality, this shift gave me space to grow in new ways. My style developed more than ever—I felt like I had finally found my voice as a photographer. I wasn’t just capturing weddings; I was creating images that felt timeless, emotive, and truly me.
It was also the year my social media presence skyrocketed. Videos of raw, emotional groom reactions went viral, and suddenly my work was being seen by thousands. That exposure connected me with even more amazing couples who resonated with my style and approach.
And despite my doubts early in the year, I ended up being awarded #1 Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer for the fourth year in a row, as well as #1 Queensland Wedding Photographer again. Those recognitions reminded me that even in quieter seasons, the quality of my work and the heart I put into it mattered more than how busy I was.
2024 was the year I learned to quiet the voice of imposter syndrome and trust that the work I was doing was not only enough—it was something to be proud of.
2025 – Saying Goodbye to My 20s
And here we are—September 2025. Officially saying goodbye to my 20s. This year, I finally got to go on my dream holiday to Europe. I had dreamed of this trip for many years, but never knew if I would ever even go. The fact that I could make it happen with money I had earned and saved from my own small business was one of the best feelings. I am so glad I got to achieve this small dream before my 30th birthday.
Already, I’ve been awarded #1 Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer for the fifth year in a row. The ABIA awards are yet to come, and while of course I’d love to win again, I also know how much these titles mean for every photographer who receives them.
I know firsthand how much these awards have helped my business—opening doors, building trust with couples, and validating the hard work behind the scenes. If this year someone else takes the title, I sincerely hope it brings them the same opportunities and confidence that it brought me. Awards aren’t just trophies—they’re a reminder that dedication, passion, and persistence are noticed. I would love for the next photographer to feel the same boost, encouragement, and recognition that has helped me grow Angela Brushe Photography into what it is today.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Reflecting on this last decade fills me with gratitude, a little sadness, but mostly joy. People often ask why I love birthdays so much. My answer? Not everyone gets the privilege of growing older. More time for hellos, goodbyes, and the in-between moments.
Thank you to every couple who has trusted me to capture your day. You’ve shaped not just my business, but my life.
Here’s to my 30s. ✨
If you’re planning your Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, or Gold Coast wedding, I’d love to capture your story. 💛
Find my packages at www.angelabrushephotography.com/weddingpackages
— Ange