We recently connected with Avonné Stalling and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Avonné, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Often times many business professionals think that constant marketing, social media, paying for ads, networking, etc… creates pathways for success. While those do help, that isn’t what rang true for me. I have been a wedding photographer for 14 years and clients have flown me to many countries to document their big day. I am not “In” with a lot of planners, venues, and other creatives. I tend to keep my head down and do my thing. What I have learned in these years, is that doing right by people and staying true to your brand creates success. When scouters are looking for new talent, they aren’t looking at “trendy” creative who follow the masses to blend in. Instead, they are looking for the exact opposite. The are looking for people who push boundaries and create ART in their everyday. Those kinds of creatives bring a fresh take into the industry and create that “one-of-a-kind” type of essence into their work. Their out of the box tactics haven’t been seen before which draws people in. If you want a successful brand, you have to “sit in your work” as I call it. You have to be so sure, that the product that you provide is unique and can only be from your brain. It can’t be morphed into what the masses are doing. That to me, doesn’t scream “artist”, it just says, “hey I heard you can make money from this so I am doing what every one does so I can make a buck”. You have to LOVE this and truly love people to be successful in this industry. Doing right by them, going out of your way so they feel cared for and that they are the only client you have. I care for my clients with every part of me and I want them to feel as though they are extremely important; because they are. Clients will always remember how you made them feel over the product you give them and caring for them every single step of the way goes from happy clients, to word of mouth, to being on vendor lists, to be nominated for big awards and so on. Do right by people with no ulterior motive to gain for yourself and your success will quite literally fall in your lap.

Avonné, 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?

I am Avonné. I am an extremely expressive human who has the arts running through her veins. I used to be a professional singer, trained in opera, jazz, and musical theatre. I used to spend my days in my undergrad singing classical music, and in vocal jazz groups while creating 7 part harmonies on video in my apartment while also photographing students around campus for graduations, headshots and eventually shot my first wedding in 2010. After that first wedding I felt a shift in me. I loved problem solving and overcoming challenges behind the scenes. It almost felt like working as a stage hand behind the curtain of a musical. After that first wedding, I felt a hard pull to shooting more, creating happiness for a couple that I could physically see. That feeling was like none other. I researched, failed, succeeded, and failed again. Worked alongside of another photographer who I admired and started getting my feet wet in the industry shooting large Russian weddings. Once I felt I had it, I began booking my own clients, and learning more about creating a client experience for them. Anyone who knows me, knows that client experience is the biggest part of my business. Clients will always remember how you made them feel over just the amazing photos you receive. I create an experience for them that make them feel seen, cared for and super important, because they are. I have questionnaires I send out after our initial video call that have personal questions about things that they may not even know affect their images ( family dynamics, family heirlooms, their must have images, etc,.) I create vision board for their engagement sessions and style them, I create custom proposals are thorough and detailed, custom, hand designed albums, client gift boxes, etc.. My mindset is not for being the biggest and most sought out photographer whatsoever. It’s not about that in the least bit. These days in our clients lives are literally once in a lifetime in most cases and these events are not transactional. Instead, our clients are investing thousands because they trust you. We photographers are here to serve. Making sure our clients know that we’ve got them so they can be present. My main focus 100% of the time is simply “are my clients happy?”. I’ve created a module over the years to ensure that this happens every time. not, ” how many followers do I have?” “is this wedding in trend?” ” are the other vendors well known?”.. NONE of that matters whatsoever and will only do a disservice to your couple if that is always the driving force of your brand.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Doing everything in excellence. Your brand is your legacy. Your brand should be represented in everything you do. Saying no to things that do not align with your brand and your goals for your business keeps you consistent and unwavering. It shows that you care about how your company is portrayed which gives your brand value and a “name”.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Seeing the look on your clients face, or receiving a video they took time creating of them reacting to your photos. Unlike any other feeling as a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.avonnephotography.com
• Instagram: @avonnephotography_