Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adrienne Walton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Adrienne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are often hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?
We all have those moments in our business careers where we would rather stay at home instead of attending that meeting that was scheduled months ago or working on that project that is due soon. As a photographer and business owner, I’ve had those moments. I woke up one morning feeling extremely overwhelmed, around 7:00 a.m I receive a text from a new client informing me she is on her way to the location of our photoshoot. Because it wasn’t a paid session I contemplated between whether I should reschedule or not. I always told myself that neglected opportunities never come back and my client was traveling from a different state so I made the decision not to reschedule. This particular shoot was very interesting, I was enlightened by my clients confidence and knowledge in front of the camera. We had random people wanting to take photos with her and even started to record our photoshoot. In that moment I had a shocking discovery that my client was Miss Imperial Alabama 2021 and has been featured on the Macy’s billboard in New York City. The portraits I captured of her turned out so beautifully that asked me to be her official pageant photographer. The emotion I felt in that moment brought tears of joy, I was beyond excited and honored. That day taught me a valuable lesson with being a business owner and that is to never allow an opportunity to pass by because when you miss one you miss a possibility of others.
Adrienne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Adrienne yes like the Rocky movie. I laugh a lot, and I’m attracted to joyous abandon. But I’m mostly an observer, drawn to subtle glances and nearly invisible gestures. I like to blend while standing out. It’s easier for me to notice beauty and light when i’m seamlessly sinking into scenes. I consider Pensacola, FL home but my parents call me a Tennessean because I spent majority of my life there. I love to travel and I always fall in love with every city, everywhere. I’m happiest in warm weather, white sand, and palm trees or on a scenic drive through the valley or desert. I love good meals shared with good friends, spontaneous adventures, and quiet mornings reading alone. I enjoy working with people who love art and love me as an artist- as an observer with her own vision.
I always had a passion for helping others, majority of my career was centered around healthcare, studying research and working in labs. Throughout my college career I always wanted to pursue entrepreneurship but I never knew where to start or the kind of business I would launch. A couple of years ago I would often reminisce on poems I wrote in my college literature class that received an A, or the drawings my parents show off when company comes over, even old photos in my phone that I took of random people. I always questioned how can I make my art and my vision a business. In 2022 I took it upon myself to start my photography business ANW Photoshoots in hopes to expand my vision through others. This journey has been tremendous and with little to no help on learning the ins and outs of creating content, websites, and other photography business needs, that is what I am most proud of. A few things I love about photography is problem solving for my clients and making the unimaginable happen for them while meeting people from all walks of life and maintaining a relationship with them through my art. I am looking forward to what the future holds for me while enduring my passion.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Photography equipment can be very expensive but good equipment can last a long time. I was gifted an amazing Canon camera to start my photography business and from there I would rent lenses and other equipment from a friend of mine who has a Master’s degree in videography. I was on facebook marketplace searching for a table one evening when i came across this couple selling 4 lenses for a decent price. I thought it was a bit sketchy because the price point for these good lenses was relatively low. I bought them any way because at the time i needed new lenses as I was tired of capturing portraits with my kit lens. When I met with this couple they not only arrived with the 4 lenses but they also hand me 2 tubs full of photography equipment. They told me to keep it because they were getting rid of stuff for an old friend that was a photographer. Til this day I am beyond blessed that I bought from that wonderful couple because they provided everything I needed and more for my business. As a new photographer Facebook Marketplace and Amazon have been my go-to’s for cheaper but quality equipment.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
As a photographer I enjoy taking care of my clients. How I keep in touch with my clients is by sending an email or text every 3 months do a check in on how they and/or their family is doing. I also send holiday cards and keep them up to date on any specials I am having for the current season or upcoming holiday. I do this to not only keep a friendly foundation with my clients but to continue a trusting and fun relationship with them. Not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera but with a little compassion and kindness, that can really help my clients and myself with capturing the perfect moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anwphotoshoots.com
- Instagram: anwphotoshoots
Image Credits
Miss Imperial Alabama 2021- Whitney Cardo Ashley Kendrick