When I first started M.Gioeli Photography over 15 years ago, I said yes to everything. Birthday parties, newborns, weddings, boudoir, product photography — if someone asked, I photographed it.

At the time, I thought saying yes to every request made me a “real” photographer. I believed I had to be able to do it all to be seen as an expert. But over the years, I’ve learned that saying no can actually make your business stronger — and your life more balanced.

So today, I wanted to share a little behind-the-scenes look at how my work has evolved and what I no longer photograph (and why that’s been such a positive shift).

Finding My Niche — The Long Way

People love to say, “Find your niche.” And while that’s great advice, I think the only way to truly find it is to try a lot of different things first.

Those early years — when I was photographing everything — helped me figure out what I loved, what I didn’t, and what kind of experience I wanted to create for my clients.

Weddings taught me I value connection more than chaos.
Newborns taught me I love storytelling more than posing.
Events taught me that I thrive in smaller, more personal settings.

All those “yeses” led me here — to a photography business that fits me.

What I No Longer Photograph

1. Newborn Posed Sessions (with a little caveat!)
For years, I packed my car full of baskets, blankets, wraps, hats, and that giant newborn beanbag — trekking into homes for multi-hour newborn sessions. It took three or four trips just to unload everything!

These days, I’ve transitioned away from that. I no longer do fully posed newborn sessions or bring props. Instead, I offer lifestyle newborn sessions — relaxed, natural photos of your family with your new baby in your home or even outdoors. I’ll still help with simple wraps or swaddles, but it’s all about connection and real moments, not studio posing.

And for anyone looking for studio-style newborn photos, I always recommend Kim Sha’s Photography in Clemmons, NC — she’s wonderful!

2. Boudoir Photography
I learned early on that boudoir photography just wasn’t for me. It’s such a beautiful, empowering art form — but it didn’t align with my personality or my client experience. I’m happy to refer clients to amazing local photographers who specialize in it.

3. Big Weddings
Weddings were one of the first things I crossed off my list. I loved celebrating love stories, but spending 8–10 hours photographing a wedding day just isn’t where I thrive anymore.

That said, I do still photograph small, laid-back weddings — backyard ceremonies, elopements, or simple celebrations under 4 hours. Those intimate moments are more my speed and still allow me to connect personally with the couple.

4. Birthday Parties
I don’t photograph birthday parties anymore — unless there’s a special reason. If you’re celebrating a milestone like your grandmother’s 90th birthday and want portraits of family together while everyone’s in town, that’s something I’ll absolutely do.

But photographing events and cake-cutting moments for hours? That’s not part of my current offerings. My focus is on capturing relationships, not running around as an event photographer.

5. Large Events & Santa Sessions
Every now and then, I’ll photograph a business event if it’s with a company I already partner with — someone whose team I know well. But large public events? I’ve stepped away from those, too.

And as of 2025, I’ve officially retired my Santa sessions. 🎅
I adored doing them for years — especially our Toys for Tots events — and worked with the same Santa for over a decade. But as he’s slowed down and I’ve shifted my focus, it just feels like the right time to let that chapter close.

Why Saying No Can Be a Good Thing

It’s easy to believe that saying “no” means you’re missing out — but what I’ve learned is that it actually creates space for better things.

When you stop trying to do it all, you make room to do your best work.

Today, my photography focuses on what brings me joy — families, seniors, and small business branding. It’s where my heart is, and it allows me to show up fully for every client.

If you’re a photographer or creative just starting out, don’t stress about finding your niche right away. Try things. Experiment. Learn what feels right — and just as importantly, what doesn’t.

Eventually, the right focus will find you.

Fifteen years later, I’m more passionate about my work than ever — because it feels like me.
If you’re in a season of figuring things out in your business, give yourself grace. Every “yes” teaches you something, and every “no” brings you closer to where you’re meant to be.