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

Autumn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I’ve always LOVED taking photos. My eyes and my mind always worked in this way – seeing something and saying, “Wow, that would be a great photo.” Interestingly enough, I never ever thought of running a photography business, and I really don’t know why it never crossed my mind.

Funny thing is, my mom told me that she suggested going to school for photography when I was apply to colleges in high school. I think my response was, “But mom, photographers don’t make money!” Long story short, I was wrong. Listen to your mom kids.

In 2020 during the height of the pandemic and working from home, I bought a cheap Canon camera on Amazon. Then friends would ask me to take photos and videos for them, and offered to pay me. That is literally all it took for me to start. People overthink too much, they have too much fear of change or “risk” whether they want to admit it or not.

I made an Instagram. I followed lots of local vendors. I introduced myself. I did LOTS of free shoots. I met people. I promoted myself & my brand. Maybe I did the things most people wouldn’t want to, but I knew it was necessary. I was presented with a part time job opportunity and took it. I made less than I did at my full time job, had no benefits – all the “scary” things. But the fact is, had I not done that, I would not be where I am today. I also got fired from that job 7 months later and now am full time in my business. Something I’ve wanted for a very long time, to be a full time entrepreneur.

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

I absolutely love what I do. I freeze moments in time for people, some of the most precious moments of their lives. I do not take it lightly when someone asks me to photograph them and their loved ones, it’s truly an honor.

I love to treat people, not even just clients, as though we’ve been friends for years. Making someone comfortable is big for me, because I know how uncomfortable getting your photos taken can be. If someone wants to grab coffee, FaceTime, go back and forth via text, or share a meal to get to know me before hiring me, I’m always down to do so.

I love to capture the essence of people, in their element, being genuinely themselves. So whatever makes that process easy for all parties, I’m here for it!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I love talking about this because community is so, so vital! When I started my social media, I was not just adding local wedding and event vendors, I was also adding other photographers! I would usually go for pages that had a little less of a following, because I knew that they were also new to the business and might be a little bit more open to following back.

I would support peoples posts, liking and commenting, responding to stories, re-posting peoples reels and posts, you name it. And I still do that, nothing has changed! If you support the people around you, they will want to also.

And show your face on your stories! Don’t be afraid to be you. In a world of people trying to look perfect on Instagram, I always show up as the person I am outside of the internet. If I stumble over my words or trip over something as I’m walking and recording an Instagram story, it’s still getting posted! And I believe it gives people permission to be authentic as well!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I mentioned before that I have done a lot of free shoots! Whether that be a giveaway on Instagram, asking someone to model for me, or participating in styled shoots. At the time, you’re obviously not getting paid, but you get to meet other vendors, gain followers and friends, and practice your skill!

Lately, I’ve been more involved in doing wedding expos and I have been loving it! It’s not for everyone though, it’s a fast paced, long day with an overwhelming amount of people at times! But I love it because I got to meet potential clients face-to-face and chat with them, which to me is better than someone responding to my ad online!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vznsmedia.net
• Instagram: @vzns_media