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

Hi Ava, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Honestly, no. I think I started my photography career at the right age. Being 16, a camera in hand, creative mind, and a drivers license, I do believe it was the right time. I had the basic camera knowledge under my belt with reading a few books, competing in contests, and practicing. It was the right time to not necessarily start a business but begin on my creative journey.

Running a business is hard work, and especially at the ripe age of 16. I had no experience in that except for the family business knowledge that ran in my blood. My parents own a garden center in where I have helped and worked at for many years. I understood, again the basics, of money handling, customer interaction, and staying on task. It definitely helped.

I really began into my business creation a year in. I had a base clientele, a camera, a few lenses, and editing software. I created a website, social media pages, and then boom. It all too off from there.

I don’t believe that I would have been able to start my business right at 16 but I definitely grew into it. The first photos taken were Red Truck Minis and it grew from there.

Ava, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I am Ava Neff and I own Ava Lauren Photography. Lauren is actually my middle name and is pronounced La-ren instead of Lauren. It flows much better when you know how to pronounce it! I got into the photography industry when I was 16 years old starting with Christmas mini sessions and a few seniors. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

I am now almost 4 years into the business as a Lifestyle photographer. What does that mean exactly? Well I photograph portraits with an eye for a creative aspect, we are able to not only pose but capture the special moments, candid’s. I shoot almost all kinds of portraits such as weddings and couples, high school and college seniors, maternity and milestones, as well as families and boudoir. I don’t have a speciality but work a lot with high school seniors and couples! All of my portrait packages do not have a limit on photos returns, they typically have a minimum and are delivered that and maybe more!

I am so proud of the person I have become through my business. I have learned so many life skills, more than the average teenager, through business growth. I have been able to connect with so many amazing photographers, connect and give back to the community, and learned that hard work leads to success.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, is the countless responses of clients after seeing the final product. I also love hearing how the little ones had so much fun and cannot wait to come back or even seeing the emotion of seeing beautiful images of themselves. It is such a rewarding outcome when people love your work, refer you, and the little ones have fun. After all, I want you to enjoy the experience and not think it was just another photoshoot.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Starting a social media page is kind of like a no brainer in the world today. Almost everyone has a social media page. However, you have to know your audience. Many teenagers are on Instagram and TikTok where people over the age of 30 (don’t quote me there) are typically on or have Facebook. I would recommend not only starting an Instagram but Facebook too. Facebook has so many creative jobs to join and share your work plus all your family can share your work for others to see. I would also recommend connecting the two through Business Meta. You can share your work through both pages at the same time, schedule posts, and see all the insights.

Contact Info:

• Website: Avalaurenphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/avalaurenphotography
• Facebook: Facebook.com/avalaurenphotography
• Other: TikTok: @avalaurenphoto

Image Credits
Headshot taken by Alaina Renee Photography