We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaron Newcomb a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Aaron, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Back when I was in law school, I had this radical idea: instead of following the traditional path of prestige and high fees, I wanted to open my own firm dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground without breaking their budgets. The idea was simple—focus on volume and effort, putting the client first and bringing them real value. It wasn’t about chasing status; it was about creating an accessible service that put the client’s needs at the forefront.

That mindset has carried over into my work as a photographer. I’ve adopted what I call a “concierge photography” approach, where I bring value to my clients through technique, effort, and attention to detail, rather than leaning on the bloated norms of the industry. Instead of following trends or inflating my prices to reflect some elusive notion of prestige, I focus on the heart of the job: creating images that truly reflect my clients and their stories.

This is how I’m carving out my niche. By offering a highly personalized service, where my clients know they are receiving dedicated attention and a genuine investment in their moments, I’m able to stand out. It’s not about high-end gloss or chasing the market—it’s about delivering value through craftsmanship and connection. And just like my law school idea, it’s this foundation of effort and commitment to the client that drives me.

Aaron, 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?

I’ve been behind a camera since I was around 7 years old, when my father gave me my first one. What started as a childhood fascination has evolved into a career I never quite anticipated. My professional life didn’t follow a straight path—I initially pursued an engineering degree before discovering a love for Philosophy, which led me to a bachelor’s degree in it, along with a minor in Legal Studies. As the saying goes, with a Philosophy degree, you either go to law school or teach. I chose law school.

After graduating, I moved to New York and began studying for the BAR, but during that time, I found myself working in marketing for the beverage industry. Photography quickly became a central part of my work, as I began taking commercial photos for the businesses I worked with. That rekindled my passion for photography, and I started exploring street photography in my free time.

Once Covid hit and my first child was born, I became a stay-at-home parent—and the household’s official photographer. Chasing a toddler around with a camera sharpened my skills in ways I hadn’t expected, and I found that the candid, on-the-fly moments I captured translated perfectly into professional photography.

Today, I provide what I call “concierge photography.” Instead of locking into one particular style, I customize my work to fit my clients’ needs. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, candids, or a studio portrait, I’m committed to understanding and capturing the unique vision of each client. My focus is always on bringing their stories to life, rather than imposing my style on their moments.

What sets me apart is my ability to adapt and my commitment to detail. I don’t approach shoots with a rigid plan. Instead, I listen to what my clients want and ensure that the final images reflect their vision. I’ve built my business on this philosophy, and I’m proud to say that I rarely, if ever, receive negative feedback.

My work is about more than just taking photos. It’s about capturing moments that matter, in a way that’s uniquely tailored to my subjects.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding my business was a gradual process. When I first started, the photography industry had shifted significantly, especially after Covid. It felt like everyone with a credit card and an internet connection was suddenly a “professional photographer.” A lot of people bought entry-level cameras like the Canon T7, slapped on the title, and jumped into the field without truly understanding the craft. I mention that model specifically because I see it everywhere during location shoots, used by people trying to project professionalism without necessarily offering the quality or experience to back it up.

For me, that was never the route. I started small and practical. My first serious camera was a Canon 5D Mark II that I found on Craigslist. It was already 14 years old at the time, but it delivered incredible quality—far beyond what a newer entry-level camera could do. I built my business on the idea that quality and effort would always win over expediency.

Since then, I’ve upgraded my kit piece by piece, each purchase made thoughtfully and as my business grew. One tax return here, a client invoice there, the occasional bonus check—it all went right back into building a more modern and versatile setup.

What I’m most proud of is that everything I’ve built, I’ve done organically. I didn’t rush into the business with a shiny new camera, but rather with the belief that by focusing on the craft and delivering high-quality results, I’d create something sustainable and long-lasting. That’s how I’ve built my business, and that’s why I continue to grow.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom to do what I truly want to do. As a Millennial, I was pushed through the traditional expectations of professional development—high school, college, a career, spouse, two kids. I did all the steps, but after working under enough bad managers and cycling through roles that felt unfulfilling, I knew the next chapter of my life needed to be something I controlled. It had to be on my own terms.

When I started taking on leadership roles, I was struck by how many people in those positions really didn’t have it together. That realization gave me the confidence and perspective to break out on my own. I wanted to build something where I could set the tone, where the quality of the work mattered more than the hierarchy of the workplace. And now, being able to run my own photography business, where I get to control not only the creative process but also the client experience, is incredibly rewarding.

What really drives me is the connection I build with my clients. Photography, for me, isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about capturing moments that matter to people, moments that they can hold onto. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s reaction when they see themselves or their family reflected back in a way that feels true and meaningful.

And then there’s the thrill of the unexpected. Those little fleeting moments—a spontaneous laugh, a quiet expression, a shared glance—those are the ones I love to capture. Being able to freeze time, to give people a piece of something real, something they didn’t even know they wanted until they see it—that’s the magic of this work. And getting to do it on my own terms makes it all the more fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anewcombphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copywritten_/

Image Credits

I have retained all rights to the photos included.