What I’ve Learned Since Moving To Raleigh

It was 2018. I had grown a solid foundation for my full-time photography business, everyone I knew and loved was a short 5-10 minute drive away, and I had everything I needed except opportunities to grow. So, without much of a plan, I decided that I was going to do it. I was moving to Raleigh.

Moving to Raleigh marked a pivotal moment in my life and career. The one thing I didn’t consider was the idea of growing my business in a new city. I was immediately overwhelmed. Sure, Raleigh was an hour’s drive from my solid client base back in Greenville but was the commute back and forth worth it?

No.

I thought, “Well, I could just get a job while I’m growing my business here.” Covid hit and before I knew it, what was supposed to be a year of working, turned into almost 5 because complacency got the best of me.

The call of my true passion—photography—never faded. I got tired of wasting my time so I quit my job and embraced it fully. Since then, I’ve been running my photography business full-time. But what I didn’t expect was that it would also allow me the opportunity to really explore and fall in love with Raleigh. Here’s what I found.

Raleigh’s food scene made me a foodie.

I’ve always been a picky eater but one of the first things I fell in love with after moving to Raleigh is the food scene. Whether you’re a foodie or you just enjoy a good meal, Raleigh has something to offer everyone. From upscale dining experiences to little cozy cafes and food trucks, there’s always something new and exciting to try out. Trying new restaurants has become one of my favorite things to do. Since Raleigh is growing consistently, there are new restaurants always popping up. I love that.

Some of my favorite restaurants in the triangle right now are Hady’s Restaurant International Cuisine, Tupelo Honey, Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen, and Stir.

I’ve become a bit of an extrovert.

I’ve always considered myself an extroverted introvert so meeting new people has always been difficult. Moving to Raleigh forced me to get out and meet new people. Raleigh is a city that’s alive with energy and opportunities. There are countless events, workshops, and networking opportunities. It’s been easy to meet new people and build connections. This aspect of Raleigh has been instrumental in helping me grow my business. The people are friendly, and for someone like me, who values connection… that’s important.

I like to have a reason to get out of the house.

I used to call myself a homebody but since moving to Raleigh, I can’t sit still. One of the great things about moving to Raleigh is the variety of free and affordable activities that are available. There are so many parks, greenways, museums, and festivals—there’s always something to do that doesn’t always require reaching in your wallet.

My favorite right now is Tuesday night $5 movies at Paragon Theaters in Fenton.

I’m not quite the city guy that I once thought I was.

Having lived in Atlanta until I was 17 and then moving to Greenville, NC for college and the early part of my career, I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum—busy city life and a quieter, slower pace. Raleigh strikes the perfect balance between the two. It’s a city that’s buzzing with activity, yet still retains a sense of community and calm. Moving to Raleigh definitely has taught me that I value suburban life.

I need to be surrounded by beauty to feel inspired.

Quitting my job as a financial counselor and returning to photography full-time was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Raleigh has inspired me in ways I never imagined. The city’s creative energy, mix of old and new, and it’s welcoming community have all played a part in reigniting my passion for capturing memories.

Moving to Raleigh was the right decision for me.

After years of moving from one place to another, Raleigh has become a place I’m proud to call home. It’s a city that offers so much—both personally and professionally. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, there’s always something to discover and enjoy. And as a photographer, I’m here to help you capture those moments that make Raleigh, and your life here, truly special.