We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anquinette Robinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anquinette below.

Anquinette , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The mission behind Only Captured By AQ came from a mix of personal experience and deep reflection. After earning my degrees, building a career, and doing what I thought I was supposed to do, I realized I still didn’t feel fulfilled. When I picked up my camera again, something shifted. Photography wasn’t just something I enjoyed. It became a way to honor people exactly as they are. That realization changed everything and became the heart of my work.

My mission is to capture the moments that matter with heart, honesty, and accessibility.

I believe art should be free. It should be expansive, unbound by rigid definitions or expectations. That’s why I support all forms of expression, even those rooted in pain, rebellion, or what some might dismiss as “low vibrational.” To me, art is about truth in all its forms, not just the parts that are polished or presentable. The shadows are just as important as the light. Every expression has its place, its reason, and its timing. I believe everything that exists is here with purpose. Even the pieces we struggle to understand.

With Only Captured By AQ, I aim to preserve real-life moments while honoring each person’s budget, comfort, and autonomy. Whether someone is investing $25 or $2,000, they deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and accepted without judgment.

This mission is personal. I know what it feels like to want to express yourself freely but be limited by circumstances outside your control. That’s why my work is rooted in compassion, created with care, and always centered on people, not just profit.

My photography isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about creating a space where people can show up exactly as they are and walk away with something that reflects the beauty and truth of their existence.

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

Hi, I’m Anquinette Robinson, also known as Quin, photographer, storyteller, and the heart behind Only Captured By AQ.

This business started with a gift and a feeling. At 17, a cousin gave me my first camera. I began photographing nature and family events, walking around with my camera and capturing little moments others didn’t even notice. That joy quickly turned into a passion.

In high school, I won my local NAACP ACT-SO photography competition and had the honor of competing nationally in Los Angeles. Though I later paused photography to focus on academics, earning a B.A. in History from North Carolina Central University and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach, the love for photography never left me.

After returning to North Carolina and working at Duke Health, I realized I was missing joy. That realization led me back to the lens, this time with serious intent. I launched Only Captured By AQ to offer more than photography. I wanted to create a space for people to feel seen, safe, and celebrated.

I specialize in event, portrait, and nature photography. I capture all kinds of events (except weddings) and am currently expanding into newborn photography. While I’m best known for events, my nature and landscape work will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where this journey began, and it’s where I feel the most at peace and creatively connected.

What sets my brand apart is the experience. A session with me isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about connection. Whether I’m capturing an event or guiding a portrait session, I aim to help clients learn something about themselves and the moment we’re preserving. I’ve been told that my energy is warm, therapeutic, and intuitive. I notice details others often miss and reveal stories hidden in plain sight.

One of my most meaningful offerings is my freestyle model. I capture everyday moments at community events I already plan to attend, then offer attendees the opportunity to view and purchase only the images they love. No pressure. No packages. Just access to quality photography on their terms. For those who prefer more structured sessions, I also offer bundles and private bookings.

Regardless of the format, the heart of my brand stays the same: empathy, honesty, and artistry. I don’t believe in shaming people over pricing or pressuring them to spend beyond their means. I’ve worked in retail and seen how easily sales tactics can disconnect us from people’s real needs. I promised myself I’d never build a business that way.

So I created my own path. One where art is accessible, people are respected, and every photo is created with care. I believe photography isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. My job is to reflect the beauty, complexity, and humanity of the communities I’m a part of.

When I’m not behind the camera, I enjoy reading, music, and working on my fitness goals. I’m proudly from Dayton, Ohio, and grateful every day that I get to build a business rooted in integrity, creativity, and joy.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that stands out is when I initially explored joining a photography franchise. I thought it would give me the structure, training, and support I needed to turn my passion into a full-time business. I had already registered my LLC and chosen my name, Only Captured By AQ, so when I realized the franchise wasn’t the right fit, I felt defeated. For a moment, I questioned whether I should move forward at all.

I remember confiding in someone about it. They reminded me that I already had the essentials: talent, purpose, and passion. That conversation helped shift my perspective. I didn’t need a franchise to give me permission to begin. I could build something of my own.

So I did. I leaned into what felt right for me. I created a business model that centered compassion, autonomy, and affordability. I offered flexible options, built real connections with my clients, and let my creativity lead the way.

That moment taught me that resilience isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s quiet. It’s choosing to keep going when plans fall apart. It’s trusting yourself enough to pivot. Launching Only Captured By AQ on my own was one of the first major steps I took in reclaiming my power as a creative and entrepreneur.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My creative journey is driven by a deep desire to reflect truth, honor presence, and offer people a space where they feel genuinely seen. Photography is my way of preserving not just moments, but meaning. I want people to walk away from a session with more than just beautiful images. I want them to feel understood, affirmed, and free.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to accessibility and care. I believe that everyone, regardless of background or budget, deserves to be captured with dignity and creativity. That belief informs everything from my pricing model to how I interact with clients.

Long-term, I see my work continuing to expand, not just creatively, but impactfully. I’m laying the foundation for a life that weaves together art, contribution, and purpose. I want my creativity to open doors for others. I want to build something lasting that goes beyond photography and becomes a source of restoration, empowerment, and community.

This journey is about more than business. It is about becoming the kind of person who helps others remember their worth. Every image I capture is part of that mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.onlycapturedbyaq.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlycapturedbyaq
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YvELtHJvK/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anquinetterobinson
• Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Onlycapturedbyaq

  Buy me a coffee: http://buymeacoffee.com/onlycapturedbyaq