Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrey Williams.
Hi Aubrey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have always had a love of photography, this is a trait that runs in my family. I can trace it back to my great-grandfather who loved to capture moments with his family. Then to my Grandpa, who has a knack for nature photography.
Finally, my Dad, who is an incredible bird photographer. My Dad is the one who taught me the basics of using a professional camera, although I found my passion in portrait photography.
I started my photography journey when I was 16 years old, taking photos of my friends and family. After I was really comfortable behind a camera, I started my business doing senior photos and it only grew from there.
It has been 6 years since that starting point, and I do portrait photography full time. I love being able to give my clients beautiful photos that they feel confident in.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The first obstacle I ran into was having to learn how to run a business. How much should I charge, how do I get clients, how do I handle finances, etc.
I am so grateful that the photography community is so open and welcoming. I was able to find a lot of my answers from other amazing portrait photographers in the area. I like to say, “community over competition” when it comes to helping other photographers.
Another big obstacle I’ve had to face is building a client base over and over again as I’ve moved around to different states. I have built my business up in Washington, Idaho, and now in Utah where I plan to stay. The biggest thing that has helped me build my photography business each time has been reaching out to people in the area and offering free services to get my name out there.
There is a third obstacle with mentioning here, and that is my struggle with imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is the feeling of not thinking you good enough to be doing what you are doing. Even though I have been a photographer for a long time, I often compare myself to other creatives and don’t feel as amazingly talented.
This is a constant feeling, and I know it is a common one. I don’t have the perfect answer on how to fix this challenge. I will say it helps me to recognize that everyone photographer brings uniqueness to their business, and that uniqueness is valuable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a portrait photographer, I specialize in weddings, couples, single portraits, and families. These are the types of photoshoots I am most known for and get chosen to work on the most.
I am a photographer that strives to help my clients in any way I can. If I have a client struggling with what they should wear, I am now their fashion consultant. If I have a client who needs help with their wedding day schedule, I am now their wedding planner.
I will always go the extra mile to make a photoshoot an easy and fun experience because I know how intimating it can be to pose in front of a camera. Oh, and of course, I am a posing expert as well.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Taking risks can be scary for sure, but a lot of the time the outcome is worth it. The biggest risk I’ve taken with my business is heavily relying on it as a main source of income.
If I don’t book enough shoots, I won’t be able to pay my bills. On the flip side, if I mainly work a job with a stable income, it prevents me from being able to book photoshoots and potentially make more money.
To give my photography business a chance to thrive, I had to take the risk of cutting back a stable job.
Pricing:
- Bronze Package: 30 minute session & 25+ edited photos for $250
- Silver Package: 45 minute session & 50+ edited photos for $350
- Gold Package: 1 hour session & 75+ edited photos for $450
- Weddings & Events start at $1,000, contact me for details
Contact Info:
- Email: aubreyelisephotography@gmail.com
- Website: https://aubreyelisephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyelisephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreyelisephotography
Image Credits
BC Artisrty and Aubrey Elise Photography
