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Rising Stars: Meet Renee Bullock of Zebulon, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Bullock

Hi Renee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography found its way into my life unexpectedly. It started as a simple hobby and creative outlet, capturing the DIY projects that my husband, Charles, and I worked on together. We’d share our adventures on social media, not thinking much of it beyond documenting the moments. Over time, what began as a fun pastime evolved into something much deeper—a passion for styling and photography that I couldn’t ignore.

I work full-time in a corporate setting, so photography quickly became my creative outlet —a space where I can explore, create, and bring ideas to life.

I’m a self-taught photographer who began this journey as a business just two years ago, and this year, I celebrated turning 50. The truth is, I didn’t think I’d start something so new at this stage of life. There were moments when I doubted myself, thinking it was too late to learn a completely new skill. But the regret of not trying felt greater and heavier than following this desire. In the end, I feel that taking action and facing challenges head-on is more rewarding than wondering what could have been.

This journey hasn’t been easy. There have been more lessons learned than money made, and there were times I felt like putting my camera away for good. But I’m so glad I didn’t. I’ve discovered that learning something new and creating something meaningful has a way of keeping you inspired, especially when it is a creative outlet that brings joy and fulfillment.

If the past few years have taught me anything, it’s this: It’s never too late to step into what excites you or what you feel called to do. Whether you’re in your 20s or, like me, entering into your 50s, there is no time limit on the purpose and gifts God has for you.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As someone new to the interior photography business, finding clients in a saturated local market has been the most challenging, especially when there are so many talented and experienced photographers out there. I’ve also encountered my share of technical difficulties—there have been sessions where my equipment broke or just wouldn’t work as expected. There were times when I wasn’t happy with the final images and had to reshoot spaces to get the results that I wanted. But each time, I walked away learning something new about how to handle these challenges. It’s been a continuous learning process, and while it hasn’t been easy, it’s been so rewarding to push through and grow.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in interior photography for Interior Designers, Architects, Builders and Real Estate professionals. While I love photographing all interior spaces, I’m especially passionate about photographing historic homes. My husband and I own a historic home, and we both love and admire its details and craftsmanship. My heart feels truly connected to these spaces and the unique stories they tell. There’s something special about preserving and capturing their history and details through my lens.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just take photos—I also style the spaces to highlight their best features. I have my own personal curated collection of props that I use to bring out the unique character of each space.

What I’m most proud of is that I’m learning to shoot with strobes and artificial lighting, and it’s made a huge difference in my work. I started out as a “natural light photographer,” and while I still rely on natural light, using strobes has really enhanced my images. I’m proud of the growth I’ve seen in my work since I first started and I’m excited to keep improving and pushing my creative boundaries.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In the beginning, finding experienced photographers to respond to my inquiries was a bit challenging. While I tend to learn best by figuring things out on my own, there were moments when I needed guidance and direction. After sending out numerous unanswered emails, I finally found someone with more experience who was willing to share their knowledge. Sarah Linden, an interior photographer based in Dallas, TX, has become such a valuable resource and friend. She has been a wonderful source of encouragement to me over the past year and I am so grateful for her support.

I also joined a Photography Facebook Group, which has been a huge source of support. It’s been great for connecting with others in the industry, asking questions, and sharing experiences.

My advice is not to hesitate to reach out to people even if it takes time to get a response. Networking can sometimes feel like a slow process, but when you do find those connections, they can be incredibly valuable. Don’t be discouraged by a few unanswered emails. Keep learning, keep reaching out, and be open to building relationships. Mentorship often comes in unexpected places, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community can make all the difference.

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