We recently connected with Ally Frantz and have shared our conversation below.
Ally, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
My journey began in 2011, when I purchased my first DSLR. I have always been interested in photography as a hobby, but that was when I really dove into learning the technicalities of the craft. I began by researching online and joining different photography forums. I also took a Lightroom class at our local technical college and sought to develop my skills.
Knowing what I know now, I could have taken more classes prior to curating my portfolio. When I first began to compile 150 images for my Click Pro application, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. It wasn’t until I received my first rejection letter that I realized I needed to really understand the technical aspects before I could apply my creative approach.
The skill I found most essential to my journey was an understanding of how cameras work, and how computers process that information. I find it ironic because I spend a lot of my time finding ways to shoot creatively (using specialty lenses like Lensbabys and prisms, etc.), but understanding the way digital images are created and processed gave me the confidence to explore the abstract.
Fear of failure stood in the way of learning more. I thought if I didn’t get it “right” the first time, then I shouldn’t be doing it. What my journey has taught me is that failure is genuinely the BEST way to learn, and also that there is no such thing as perfection.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a professional photographer, an ambassador for Click Pro Photographers and Lensbaby, and a brand advocate for Chatbooks. My business has transformed from capturing weddings, families, seniors, and children, to creating content and focusing on my ambassadorships.
What I think sets me apart from others is that I have found a balance between continuing to grow and develop new skills, while also maintaining the ability to create for myself. Photography is my passion, and I love that I’ve found a way to pursue it where I am able to “protect” it. There was a time when I was experiencing burnout from hours of editing and creating for clients. It has been such a gift to find a happy medium of working within the industry, while also getting to apply my voice and develop art that fulfills my need for creative freedom.
Through ambassadorships, I have the opportunity to connect with brilliant artists from around the world. I have been inspired and developed meaningful friendships that I cherish deeply. I am also able to stay up to date on the most recent developments in the photography world and am constantly learning new techniques and trying out new products. This journey has given me the opportunity to find my artistic voice, and the support and encouragement I have received is indescribable. One of the best parts is that I now have a platform where I can share what I have learned with others. The Click Community forum provides me with the opportunity to share tutorials and connect with photographers at all levels of their journey. Lensbaby hosts events like International Photowalks and the Shoot Extraordinary Conference where I have been able to share my knowledge and how I approach creating. To me, it is vital that I never stop learning, and that I continue to share what I have discovered along the way.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I was denied twice before being accepted as a Click Pro Elite. The process of becoming a member is rigorous and includes creating a portfolio of 150 images that meet the standards in 7 categories. The first time I was denied, I cried for a solid 24 hours. I almost gave up but decided to seek out courses to help me improve in the areas where I was lacking. I will never forget that one critique said “nearly every image lacks artistic intent”. This has been a motivator for me to be intentional in my creating. Had I not experienced the heartache, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When I received my second denial, I was only 3 points away from acceptance. The Click Community members were extremely encouraging and supported me to my success. It means so much to me to have worked hard, overcome rejection, and grown so much as an artist. Through this process, I have learned to put myself out there, and now when I hear “no” has come to mean not yet.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Absolutely, COVID. When the world shut down in 2020, it gave me the opportunity to reevaluate my business and my goals. Being stuck at home gave me the chance to take online classes, and focus on revamping my portfolio. It was during this time that I began to really focus on myself as an artist and set out to achieve creative goals. I’m not sure where I would be if I wasn’t forced to stop business as usual.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allyfrantzphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfrantzphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allyfrantzphotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/allyfrantzphoto
- Other: https://www.clickprophotographers.com/photographer-directory/ally-frantz-photography/
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