Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory Carroll.
Hi Gregory, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started Blue Lite Photography in 2015 because I wanted to help people hang on to the moments that matter most. What began as a simple idea has grown into a business serving clients across Tampa Bay, from families marking big milestones to organizations bringing people together around a cause.
These days, much of my work is with corporate events, nonprofits, and community gatherings. I love capturing the big planned moments, but I’m always watching for what happens in between: a conversation across the room, the look on someone’s face when they’re recognized, or the energy of a group coming together. I’ve also added photo booths, which give guests a fun way to join in and take a memory home with them.
My work in education shapes how I approach photography, too. I listen closely, prepare carefully, and do what I can to help people relax in front of the camera. The business has grown and changed a lot since I started, but that personal touch hasn’t. In the end, I want to give clients photos that bring back how the day felt and show the difference they made.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been easy. One of the hardest parts has been building Blue Lite Photography while also working in technology and implementations. Running a photography business takes a lot more than showing up with a camera. I’ve had to carve out time for answering clients, editing, marketing, and all the little details that help an event run smoothly.
I’ve also learned that being a good photographer doesn’t mean people will automatically find you. It’s taken time to figure out how to reach the right clients and show them what my work is worth. Some opportunities turned into bookings. Others taught me what to do better next time.
All of that has made me more focused. I know who I want to work with, and I’m more thoughtful about the experience I give them. More than ten years in, Blue Lite Photography is still growing, and I’m proud of that.
As you know, we’re big fans of Blue Lite Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Blue Lite Photography offers event photography, headshots, and photo booths throughout Tampa Bay. I’m based in Wesley Chapel, and some of my favorite clients are businesses, nonprofits, churches, and community groups. Whether it’s a conference, an awards night, a fundraiser, or a celebration, I want to give you photos you’ll treasure long after the day is over.
For organizations, those photos do real work too. They put faces to your mission, give credit to your supporters and staff, and tell the story of your event to people who couldn’t make it. I make sure to get the must-have shots on your list, and I also catch the candid moments that show what it was actually like to be there.
What makes my approach different is how much attention I pay to the people and the purpose behind each event. Before I show up, I want to know what matters most to you. Once I’m there, I help people feel at ease in front of the camera, so the photography is one less thing you have to worry about. And if you’d like your guests to have a little fun of their own, I also offer photo booths so they can walk away with a picture to keep.
What I’m proudest of is that Blue Lite Photography has grown without losing that personal touch. “Capturing your memories, one moment at a time” isn’t just a tagline to me. It reminds me to notice the moments that could easily slip by and to give you photos that help you remember them and share them with others.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I pick up ideas from all kinds of places, but a few resources have really stuck with me.
On the photography side, I’ve learned a lot from Jared Polin and Scott Kelby. Jared has a way of making technical stuff feel approachable, and he’s helped me think on my feet during fast-moving events. Scott Kelby’s teaching, especially on Lightroom, has made a big difference in how I edit. Both remind me there’s always something new to learn, no matter how long you’ve been doing this.
For the business side, Jerrell Trulove and *The Russ Show* have been great resources. Jerrell’s YouTube channel focuses on the business of photography, especially corporate work, which lines up perfectly with the clients I serve. He’s helped me think more clearly about how to work with businesses and organizations and what they really need from a photographer. *The Russ Show* covers the parts of running a photography business that nobody teaches you when you first pick up a camera, like marketing, pricing, and finding the right clients. Since I’m balancing photography with a career in technology, those practical tips help me spend my time where it counts.
*Atomic Habits* by James Clear has also shaped how I work. With so much on my plate, I can’t rely on big bursts of motivation. Small, steady habits, like keeping up with client emails or setting aside regular editing time, add up over time and keep the business moving forward.
When it comes to tools, I rely on Lightroom for editing and Sprout Studio to keep the business side organized. Sprout Studio helps me manage everything from client communication to galleries in one place, so fewer things slip through the cracks and my clients get a smoother experience from start to finish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bluelitephotography.com
