Meet Callie Grimme | Arizona Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Callie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Isn’t risk taking such an important part for creative work?? Don’t get me wrong, I love rules every now and then, but you learn so much more about yourself when you’re scared. Especially if it’s in regards to your business! Being confident in myself as a wedding photographer was the only reason I left my bartending/serving jobs. I loved the quick cash and being in a fast paced environment, but I loved LOVE more. Did it take me awhile to feel comfortable running my business full time? Heck yeah. Even though I run from WI to the AZ heat every winter, it was still nerve wracking to move my business to a new state. Once you realize your passion, and you’re willing to work hard for it, taking that next step isn’t as scary. Especially when you’ve realized that ‘you’re doin’ it’! Constantly taking risks creates a beautiful and full life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I fell in love with photography at such a young age, but initially steered clear. I never imagined that I could be successful in something so beautifully creative while still being myself. I never realized how many of my couples are now my friends and I believe that’s what sets me apart from other creatives. I WANT to see my couples after their wedding. I WANT to see them succeed, grow their family, travel-whatever it is they are passionate about.

I give credit to every single business owner out there. I don’t think it is ever easy, and if people say it is, they’re lying. I still see challenges in my business today and the biggest piece of advice is to rely on your family. My husband is my rock, my #1 supporter who I always make sure to prioritize my time with. I am the biggest advocate for mental health awareness so I constantly am trying to make myself better emotionally and mentally by doing the things that bring me joy. By doing that, I can be the best version of myself for not only my friends and family, but my bride and groom’s as well
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I’d like people to know how grateful I am for being able to have my dream career at such a young age. Yes, it takes passion, dedication, and hard work, but if it wasn’t for the thousands of people who have invested their time, money, and trust into me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend DID come to visit me in Arizona, and it was the greatest time! We spent the majority of our week walking/hiking ANYTHING/ANYWHERE. Pinnacle Peak Park (Scottsdale) was a pretty easy hike that we enjoyed at sunset, but Camelback Mountain (Phoenix) was by far still one of my greatest accomplishments. Getting myself out of bed before 5am to avoid the summer heat was already a win, but the view from the top? Breathtaking.

Being more of the adventurous type, we got way muddier than I expected at Arizona Outdoor Fun Tours and Adventures. ATV’ing through the hills and deserts was theee coolest thing we did on the whole trip. Then take the short drive to Lake Pleasant Regional Park and enjoy the biggest pretzel platter lakeside at Scorpion Bay Grill.

Being a business owner, I loved supporting the boutiques and stores in Old Town Scottsdale. Which I recommend going both during the day and at night for different vibes!

Not loving Mexican food (I know, it’s a crime), Babbo Italian Eatery (Goodyear) was some of the best pasta I’ve had! The service was great just as it was at Tailgaters (also in Goodyear). The pizza/wings combo had us going there about once a week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Amy and Jordan Demos are educators that have truly changed my life (even though they most likely have nooo clue who I am). A few years back, I took three of their courses in terms of all things photography. Little did I realize that it was going to change how I photograph weddings, how I speak to my amazing couples, and that I would fall in love with education again.

Joy and Ben Clifford are such amazing and classy mentors who are currently pushing my wedding business to a whole.new.level. With their encouragement and MONTHS of their personal time they’ve already dedicated, I will be forever grateful.

I am thankful for both of these AZ residing couples.

Website: Callierosephotography.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callie.rose.photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/callie.rose.photos

Other: Note: website is currently under construction. Depending on your print date, this might need to be updated.