We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Bigbee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The mission behind my business, Bigbee Visuals, is to capture the essence of every moment; that way, there’s a story and actual meaning to the images. When it comes to having clients, I always want to make sure they’re comfortable expressing themselves. When it comes to shooting for publications for their stories, the reader can easily connect the image to the work written, which adds a deeper understanding of what’s published.
Ashley, 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?
When I first started my photography career, I had recently stopped playing sports and began managing the Boy’s Basketball program at my high school. One thing I wish I had when I was still playing volleyball was images taken of me so I could look back at them for memories. That was when I decided to do it for other athletes who wanted the same thing.
I’d say that summer during COVID, that’s when I realized my worth as a photographer and how I could excel with my craft. I had started traveling with an AAU team all because a basketball coach had seen potential in my work and wanted to help out in any way he could to get me to where I wanted to go in my career. I also had my former volleyball coach and mentor help me when it came to really knowing the art of photography and mastering it on a business level.
When I came to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University as a freshman, I experienced working with other students who came from different backgrounds, which helped me understand what it’s like working with people who share different stories. Because of that, I became a photographer for FAMU Athletics and the first Photo Editor for the school newspaper, The Famuan.
While being in college, I was able to understand what it’s like working with those who have a college budget while balancing my work and school life. There would be times when I set up a whole mini photography studio because I couldn’t afford it, but I think that’s why other people viewed me as personable and continued to refer others to me. As long as I stay true to my character and accommodate those who might not have the money or bust schedules like myself, that makes people want to come back to you and know who you are as a person.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A time I distinctly recall a time when my pivot was when I moved from Metro-Atlanta to Tallahassee when my photography business was first on the rise. Back home, I didn’t get that much business. But as soon as I got on campus, there were so many events to shoot and finding other ways to network as well. Having those connections has allowed my foot to get in the door for more significant projects/internship opportunities I’m interested in.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
As a college student, it’s hard to upgrade my photography equipment since I don’t consistently have gigs compared to other photographers. I also have to use my gig money for personal reasons. Luckily, I was 1 of 25 students to become an AT&T Rising Future Maker, so that award money helped with expenses. I’ve started to learn that to balance the money I need for my business and myself; I should budget how much I make to satisfy both my personal and business needs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bigbeevisuals
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-bigbee-84b03526a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: ashleybigbee
- Other: **My website is currently in the process of being revamped!
Image Credits
Ashley Bigbee