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

Aubrey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the biggest photography trends I see is colorful but natural-looking photos. This trend has influenced weddings to have bright color schemes, encouraged photographers to change their editing for a more radiant look, and has clients wearing outfits other than neutrals. In the past neutral and moody photos have had a hold on everyone, but in 2023 that has changed! I used to fall under the neutral and moody category, but I recently changed my editing to keep up with what my clients want. It is so fun when industries go through significant shifts like this one; it keeps everything exciting and new.

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 professional photographer in the northern Utah area, and yes, I travel too. I have been in business since 2016 and have moved my business across three states. I started in Washington State where I grew up, then took it to Idaho during college, and I’ve landed here in Utah. I absolutely love the landscapes Utah has to offer when it comes to locations for photo sessions. It has been, by far, my favorite place to work.

I fell in love with photography when I started seeing self-love as a result of my photos. Clients will get back to me telling me how much they love themselves in the photos I took, and nothing beats that feeling. Being able to see yourself in photos and loving what you see is powerful.

Throughout my years working as a photographer, the thing I love the most is being a part of my client’s lives. I often will have clients hire me for their engagements, bridals, wedding, maternity, family sessions, and so on. It is so cool to be a part of others biggest moments in life.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Right now, the biggest social media platforms are Instagram and TikTok. What do they share in common? Videos. I have grown my social media by becoming a video creator. Yes, I take photos, not videos; however, there are plenty of things to make a video about. I often post behind the scenes, use trending sounds, and put my photos to music. I have found great success with utilizing the video features of apps. Social media platforms are pushing videos to their users right now, and it’s essential to do what it is pushing. There is a guarantee of growth if you do.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I started photography as a way to make money during high school. I took my friend’s senior photos and did the occasional couple shoot. Word started to get around, and suddenly, I booked a wedding! That was a massive deal for me. I was super nervous and brought my Dad along to help me since he is a photographer as well, a nature photographer. I figured he could get some shots in case I mess something up. That was a crucial milestone in my career and the most money I had ever made. I realized I need to be doing more weddings and bigger shoots.

After high school, I went to college in Idaho and continued photography. I studied psychology with a minor in statistics and paid for it all with my photography business. After getting my degree I was going to get a master’s when I realized, I should be doing photography full-time. Why get a masters if I already have a well-paying job?

Here we are seven years later, and I am a full-time photographer. I have had spells where I picked up other jobs to help keep a steady income, but recently have gone entirely full-time. It feels amazing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aubreyelisephotography.com/
• Instagram: instagram.com/aubreyelisephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreyelisephotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrey-williams1/