We recently connected with Akila Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Akila, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned and still learning to perfect my craft by looking at other photographers, watching video after video on how to do and get better at certain elements of photography. I am always asking for advice from other photographers and asking them to teach me new skills and/or asking to be lead in the direction that will allow me to learn what I am needing help on. Knowing what I know now, I would’ve started sooner with my business. If I knew what I know now I would just go for it. I spent so much time trying to get every aspect down and perfect before I started putting myself out there to make a profit. Its best to just get started, that’s the hardest part. So I would go for it and just continue to learn and be open to criticism to that I would get better. I would also shoot more, every change I got I would be picking up my camera so I could practice practice practice. The most essential skill in this whole process is understanding that there is always room for growth. Being a student is important so that you can learn things that will allow your business to flourish. The only thing that stood in the way of learning more was not having the money to take courses or get mentorship. Also, getting people to just come take pictures with my randomly for practice was very hard.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am from Ennis, Texas about 45 mines from Downtown Dallas. I am an educator who has a passion for photography and who is a freelance photographer as well. I got into photography while I was in college and didn’t really get serious about it until well into my adult years. When I realized I could take something I loved and turn it into a successful business of my own it was up from there on out. My very first camera was a Canon 70D and I found at a pawn shop and paid it off within 6 months, I was able to upgrade my equipment after a few years and I now shoot with a Canon Eos R, I may do another upgrade here pretty soon but I’m not sure. I provide high quality photos to my clients. I do everything from headshots to family photos. I do product photography and I shoot content for social media influencers and boutiques in the city. I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I’ll try to bring any vision to life that you have for your photos. I may need a little help lol but we will always get it done. If I say I can do it I mean it. I am mainly proud of not giving up, there has been plenty of times and situations that have occurred that could’ve pushed me to throw in the towel but I never did. Im going stronger than ever and getting better at my craft each and every day. So I want my future clients to know that they will have a great experience with me as their photographer, I strive to make my clients feel comfortable and I pride myself on being quick and precise. I can’t wait to meet all the new clients coming my way this year.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal is to continue to build my business so it’ll hopefully open up more opportunities to work with more social media influencers, brands and maybe even some celebrities. The ultimate goal is really to just build a empire and establish financial stability me and my family. So one day soon we may wake up do something we love and be able to make a living off of that.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The one thing I had to unlearn was doubting myself. There are things that I know I can do and do well but there is that little person in the back of my head saying it can not be done. I had to realize I have the power of creativity and I should not be afraid to share it with the world. Every time I form the confidence to do something great, it always comes out even better than expected.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamakilaj
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamakilaj

Image Credits
All Photos Shot By Me: Akila Anderson Photography