We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Avery Amstutz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Avery, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Competition does not mean enemy.

As photographers, we are artists. This gives us a unique opportunity to stand out amongst the other people in our industry. Two artists are not the same, which means that my clients are not your clients. The people who are attracted to me and my work might not be attracted to you and your work so how can you even compare. We are both “photographers” but there will never ever be someone who sees the world exactly how I see it and photographs it the same exact way. Competition in our industry should be seen as who can treat their clients better, who can give the most exceptional service, or who is offering the most value for your ideal client. This, in turn, benefits anyone searching for a photographer, rather than tears down the other photographers in your community. Beyond that, on the flip-side we have an opportunity to uplift other artists who see the world from a different point of view.

I would never ever want a client to hire me if my work and artistry did not speak to them. Additionally, if we did not connect on a personal level, it would be extremely difficult to spend 9 hours on their wedding day with them. The more we can see other photographers as assets in our community, the less the petty fights and angry competition takes over. We all have something unique to offer, and that is not just a cliche. It’s truth. When you can stay in your lane, put your head down and work hard to offer an exceptional experience and hone in on your craft, you begin to attract only the ideal clients who are right for you and no one else, and your “competition” will be attracting clients who would never quite fit with you.

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

My name is Avery! I am a traveling destination wedding photographer, an online photo educator. I grew up with entrepreneurial parents and that inspired me to chase my dreams. In the last 3 years, I have grown my photography to a 6-figure business, built a mobile bar business, opened a photo studio and began teaching other photographers how to scale their own businesses. I am so excited and proud to provide a space for people to be cared for, whether that is my bridal clients on their wedding day or photographers who need a space to be creative.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

This one is easy.. at the beginning, as a photographer, you get to trade your time for money by practicing over and over again until you are ready to charge for your services. Photography has a relatively low cost of entry and as you learn and grow in your craft, you are able to charge more which allows you to invest deeper in education, equipment and more!

At the beginning, borrow a camera or find one for cheap and get people to model for you! Look on pinterest for posing ideas and practice on people to learn how to make it natural. Invest in education online so you can learn how to run the business behind the scenes! There are so many opportunities, you just have to be willing to put in the time.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part for me is using my craft to build relationships with other people and making them feel celebrated in their most vulnerable and exciting seasons of life. I am such a people person, and I have the gift of standing next to a bride moments before she is about to see her partner for the first time. I am able to sit down with aspiring photographers and encourage them that they can succeed if they keep trying. I can inspire others to step out of their comfort zone. The most rewarding part is making a difference in someone’s day by just being a caring friend.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.averylouisephoto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/flywith_ave
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/averylouisephotography