We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arleshia McGirt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Arleshia, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
My love for photography began at the age of 10 when my parents gifted me my first camera, the Polaroid 2000. It was love at first click! This spectacular device made me realize I wanted to be a photographer: the concept of capturing life’s moments and having instant prints was it for me. After graduating from Winston Salem State University in 2013 with a degree in Mass Communications, I received a DSLR camera as a birthday present, solidifying my desire to impact people’s lives through photography. I started by taking photos of my friend’s children and small events. Eventually, I found myself on stage at the University of Maryland, capturing university graduates embarking on their new journeys. In 2015, I pursued my passion further and officially launched Authorized Shot Photography.
From there, I expanded my work to include family portraits and events, and in 2017, I took a leap of faith into wedding photography. Although I was initially nervous about photographing such important moments, in the end, it turned out to be the best decision for my business. I absolutely love capturing weddings because I believe in love, and documenting my clients’ big day through my lens is incredibly fulfilling. In the coming year, I hope to continue expanding my business and reach more people with the artistry of Authorized Shot Photography.
Arleshia, 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 am a wedding, maternity, and lifestyle photographer with a photojournalistic style. If you need that extra encouragement to bring out the best in you, I’m the person who will help you shine. I strive to capture those special phases of their lives with timeless beauty. So, whether my clients prepare for a new addition to their family or plan their dream wedding, I always aim to satisfy and impress.
Venturing into entrepreneurship and overcoming all the challenges, especially the ones the COVID-19 pandemic brought, have to be my proudest moments. Through all this, I learned to believe in myself and stay grateful. And above all, I thank God, as without His guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to turn my passion into my profession.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back, I wish I had connected with my mentor, Rhea Whitney, when I started my business. She has played a significant role in the growth of my business and has taught me how to present myself as a professional. Additionally, I was fortunate to be a part of a support group consisting of women photographers. Joining a small business support group has many benefits, the most important being the support, advice, and networking opportunities they provide. It’s invaluable to connect with other business owners who have faced similar challenges and can offer guidance based on their experiences.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Last year, on August 8, 2022, all my equipment was stolen from my vehicle. It was a devastating experience for my business. At that moment, I felt defeated, but I refused to let it stop me. With the rise in thefts in the DC, MD, and VA areas, my team and I revamped our security protocols to ensure such incidents wouldn’t happen again. This setback only made me stronger and more determined to overcome challenges and continue pursuing my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: authorizedshotphotography.com
- Instagram: @authorizedshot
- Facebook: Authorized Shot
Image Credits
Authorized Shot Photography Arleshia McGirt