Bold Journey Interview

Earlier this year, I was interviewed by BoldJourney.com. They asked some great questions, which allowed me to share a bit more about my journey from growing up in Louisville, KY, to building a career as a commercial photographer. We talked about resilience, creativity, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m excited to share this interview with you below. I hope you enjoy it!

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sonya Revell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sonya Revell

Sonya, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences. Growing up in a sometimes chaotic household with an alcoholic parent, and facing my father’s suicide attempt—which brought him dangerously close to death when I was 13—was profoundly challenging. As a latchkey kid, I spent a lot of time alone, which forced me to develop a sense of independence and perseverance at a young age. I learned early on that life would knock me down, but I had to find the strength to get back up, again and again.

That foundation of resilience now fuels my photography business. Whether it’s handling unexpected challenges or staying grounded through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, I draw on those early lessons. They taught me to adapt, stay determined, and always search for the beauty and meaning within the chaos.

Portrait of Nayla

Portrait of Lucy Guo with electric skateboard

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a commercial portrait and lifestyle photographer passionate about capturing unique people in interesting environments. Whether working on personal branding, advertising campaigns, or editorial projects, I strive to create images as dynamic and distinctive as the people I photograph.

Recently, I’ve expanded into the world of fine art photography, which has been an exciting and rewarding journey. I’m represented by the CAMP Gallery, and through this partnership, I’ve had incredible opportunities, including showcasing my work at the Scope Art Show in Miami Beach. Additionally, I recently had a solo photography exhibition at Webster University, my alma mater, which was a deeply meaningful experience.

What I find most special about what I do is the opportunity to tell stories visually—whether it’s helping a brand connect with its audience, showcasing an individual’s personality in a unique light, or exploring deeper themes through fine art. Photography allows me to celebrate individuality and creativity in a way that feels both personal and universal. I’ve also been adding video to my repertoire, which has opened new creative doors and allowed me to further explore storytelling in motion.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries, both in my commercial and fine art work. Whether it’s through new collaborations, expanding into video, or exploring fresh themes and techniques, I’m passionate about celebrating individuality and creativity in every project I take on.

Portrait of Alan Faena, at the Faena Hotel

Queef Latina Stars in ‘Morning Glory"‘

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey have been resilience, grit, and perseverance. Photography, especially as a career, can be full of rejection, so having the strength to keep pushing forward, learning from setbacks, and staying committed to my goals has been essential.

Beyond that, honing my technical skills—particularly with lighting—has been a cornerstone of my success. Lighting is such a critical element in creating compelling images, and I dedicated time to studying and mastering it. I also spent countless hours studying the work of photographers and artists I admire, which not only inspired me but also helped me understand the principles of composition, storytelling, and emotion in visual art.

A pivotal step early in my career was working as a photo assistant for top commercial photographers. It was an invaluable learning experience that gave me practical, hands-on knowledge while exposing me to the inner workings of the industry. For anyone just starting out, I’d highly recommend reaching out to photographers you admire and offering your assistance. It’s a fantastic way to gain insight, build skills, and make connections while learning from those who are already excelling in the field.

Lifestyle photography at the White Trail Club, photographed for The Palm Beaches tourism campaign.

Portrait of Alex as a train conductor, for Make-A-Wish campaign

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

While I believe it’s important to be well-rounded, I’ve found that the biggest strides in my career have come when I’ve focused on my strengths and leaned into what makes my work unique. For instance, some of the most pivotal moments in my journey have been tied to personal photography projects—projects I pursued purely for fun and self-expression.

Ironically, the work I thought might be ‘too weird’ or unconventional has often been the most celebrated. Those projects have gained me attention, awards, and even helped me land some of my biggest clients. There’s something powerful about investing in what you’re passionate about and letting your authentic voice shine through.

That said, being well-rounded has its place. Technical skills and a solid understanding of fundamentals are vital, and improving in areas where you’re not as strong can provide a safety net. But when it comes to standing out, I believe doubling down on your strengths—on what makes you uniquely you—is the best way to make an impact and build a fulfilling career

Lifestyle portrait of pro pickleball player, Kyle Yates, photographed for InPickleball magazine

Portrait of Rob Cortez, of Grove and Anchor, photographed for Luxe Interiors + Design magazine

Thanks again to Boldjourney.com for sharing my story!