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

Hi Angela, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

A risk that I’ve taken would be when I decided to turn my love for photography into a business in 2015. A couple of friends kept encouraging me to do it- however, I was hesitant. I didn’t know the first thing about running a business. Furthermore, my greatest fear was not being accepted in an already saturated market amongst other photographers with much more experience than I. However, I eventually came to understand that what God has for you is for you.

Who knew that 4 years after starting my business, I (along with a fellow Black female photographer) would be invited to photograph members of Congress during a 2 day event on Capitol Hill? It was an event that I will never forget. When I received the initial email invitation for a meeting, I remember talking to my friend, Sheena, on the phone. I’d asked her, “Sheena, do you think this is spam?” After having me read it to her (along with verifying the email address that it was sent from), she responded, “Uh Angie, I don’t think so. You’d better respond to that!” It turns out, at that time- the White House had been seeking more female photographers of color in efforts to have more diversity with those that photographed various events. During their search, they came across my work, loved what they saw and decided to reach out to me.

Though this is just one example- it was the most beautiful moment that resulted from my decision to take a risk in starting my business.

Angela, 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’m originally from Michigan. I moved to the DMV in 2007 to continue my journey in education. Currently, I’m a full-time Reading Specialist in the school system. I provide reading intervention for students that may struggle in learning to read as well as enrich students that are more advanced, so that they don’t fall through the cracks. Additionally, with this role, I mentor teachers in my school and help them to improve their craft of teaching kids how to read.

How I began photography: I’ve been taking pictures since I was a little girl. My mother used to buy new cameras for me as I wore the ones that I had out! I loved capturing those “Kodak moments”- those special moments that couldn’t physically be recreated- however, they were saved through my pictures. This passion continued into my college years. It wasn’t until a couple of friends began encouraging me to turn it into a business. After some hesitation, I began what is now known as “Moments by Angie Marie” in 2015. This time has come with its ups, downs, and lots of continual growth (both professionally and in my actual craft).

I run my photography business when I’m not at the school. During the school year, I typically photograph on the weekends. During the summer, my schedule is more flexible and there’s more availability. Within the last year, I decided to niche down to lifestyle & branding photography. I realized how much I love helping business owners tell the story of their brands through beautiful imagery! Lately, I’ve also been assisting more educators of different levels (classroom teachers, principals, etc.) with their brand photos. I’d noticed an increase in educators beginning their own businesses and others just wanting to have professional photos in general as they seek higher positions in the school system. Though I’ve been primarily photographing educators and business owners, my branding sessions are open to anyone looking to elevate their personal or professional image.

I also photograph various events (except weddings).

I’m a photographer that loves to have fun during sessions and encourage you along the way! I want my clients to feel comfortable and truly enjoy themselves as it’s all about them! My goal is to always photograph in a way that highlights each client’s best features, capturing them in a way that makes them feel confident and look their absolute best. I don’t “see” the same thing with every client. When booking with me, there is a consultation prior to your session. I want know your story & vision so that I can plan to create the type of imagery that you desire to have.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Everyone has different experiences with where new clients will come from. Facebook has actually been a great platform for connecting me with new clients. Most people will say Instagram, but for me- it’s been Facebook. When I post sneak peeks of a client and tag them, that taps into their network. The client’s network is now able to see who took the photos and immediately reach out to me. Another major source that has actually brought the majority of my clients has been “word of mouth.” They say that “Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertisement.” I’ve found this to be true! Clients have reached out through my website (or called) and expressed how an acquaintance of theirs provided my information or they saw the pictures that I took for their loved one and wanted to book their own session.

In this journey, I’ve learned to work with what works best for you! What works for others, may or may not work the same for you and that’s okay.

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

My side hustle has not turned into my main career- YET. It is my goal for this to eventually happen down the road. For now, I’m keeping this full-time job (which is my other passion) to help continue funding my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://momentsbyangiemarie.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/momentsbyangiemarie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027716425812

Image Credits

My profile image credit goes to Vernon Davis of Vsdavisphotography