We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Pruitt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One trend that is prevalent in the photography world is over-delivering. For the past few years, especially with weddings, a lot of clients are looking for “unlimited photos.” It’s created a certain message that your photographer won’t miss a single moment, and you get every picture back.
At first glance, this trend makes sense. Who doesn’t want all of the photos from their wedding or photoshoot? Clients naturally want what they pay for – memories they make, curated by the photographer. When I have partaken in this trend, I have often been surprised at my clients’ favorites. They tend to love the photos that may not have been added to the final gallery. Clients are satisfied to see every reaction, embrace, and laugh from the pictures.
However, I’ve found an overconsumption issue with this trend. The idea that unlimited photos exist can be daunting for the client and the photographer. In my personal experience, it can be difficult to give the same attention to every photo when the aim is to deliver every single photo. Not to mention the digital clutter that now encompasses the client and photographer lives. It seems like a direct correlation to the general overconsumption trend of society we see today – whether that’s clothes, opinions, makeup, or just a bunch of stuff!
My personal preference on this trend has been to fall back to the art of photography – guided by this quote I saw years ago in a photography online group: “Your gallery is as only good as your worst photo.” That doesn’t mean skimping out on photos – far from it! The photos my clients see are thoughtfully curated, edited, and something I’m proud to deliver. I have found my business to be that much more fulfilling when I know every product I’m delivering is of the same quality I would want.

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 traveling photographer based in Arkansas. I offer photography for weddings, couples, families, graduating seniors, and headshots. I have done photography as my full time job since January 2022, after completing my Master in Counseling. Because of my background in mental health, something I’m most proud of in my business is my connection with clients, and being able to provide an experience that makes them feel as good as possible. My biggest mission is to provide a satisfying photoshoot so you remember how the photos felt, not just how they look. Creating a fun and relaxed environment while I’m working is my biggest priority!

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I did photography as a lucrative hobby for 3 years before I officially made it my business! It first began when I was a senior in college. I had friends ask me for senior pictures – something I was hesitant to provide since I had never delivered photos before. I have always loved the art of photography, and friends obviously knew I was someone to ask. Once I did a couple photoshoots in exchange for a meal (college kids love free food), I eventually had strangers asking me for photoshoots. I was obtaining my masters at this point, so it was a perfect seasonal side hustle while taking classes. For years I would get questions about pursuing photography, marketing myself, etc. I would continuously answer that I would if I could, but didn’t have the faith that I could actually make a living off of it. Once I wasn’t a student anymore and desperate to take a break from my intended field, I put my focus into photography. It kept growing into a business that I was becoming proud of, and something I didn’t want to let go. Nine months later that first year, I remember the moment I was doing accounting for the business, and realized I had officially accrued enough photoshoots for a (small) salary. I had underestimated myself for years, just to realize if I wanted it enough, I could make it happen.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think communication has been extremely helpful with my reputation. Because of my counseling background, I have always attempted to keep my customer service upfront. If I am overwhelmed or behind, I want to communicate. If I am fangirling over a client, I want to communicate. I definitely don’t always do it perfectly, but my aim is to be authentic with clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://andreapruittphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapruittphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreapruittphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-bollinger-pruitt-m-s-b55619232/

Image Credits

All images are mine.