Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carrie Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Carrie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I started my photography journey in 2016. I mainly shot families, seniors and weddings. I got into a creative rut in 2018 and decided that I wanted to venture out and do something different with my photography. I have always enjoyed live music and going to concerts. In November 2018 I was going to be attending a show in Huntington, WV at the V Club seeing Town Mountain. I thought why not bring my camera? There wasn’t any photo policy so I decided to go out on a limb and bring it. A few of my favorite Appalachian female artists opened the show for Town Mountain. I was front and center capturing their essence. After their set, Town Mountain took the stage. I was in heaven capturing their modern day bluegrass vibe. Towards the end of their set, a fellow Appalachian artist joined the stage, Tyler Childers. If you don’t know who Tyler Childers is and Town Mountain you are missing out.. Following the show one of the members of Town Mountain asked to share my photo to their social media. This was huge! f I hadn’t took a risk and brought my camera I would of not had one of my favorite images I have ever taken.

Carrie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Lexington,Kentucky. Although I technically grew up here I consider Eastern Kentucky to be my home away from home. Both of my parents are from small towns in eastern and southeastern Kentucky. Growing up around small towns I always had a desire to live in one. I got married at 20 years old to a country boy from Nicholasville,KY. We live on the family farm with our two boys and dog-Junebug. I always had a camera in my hand before the times of iPhones. I loved my little disposable cameras and then moved onto my point and shoot camera.

In June 2015 I gave birth to my youngest son. 3 weeks later he was hospitalized with whooping cough. Following this diagnosis I decided to not go back to my full time job as a medical assistant. I was trying to find ways to make money from home when my aunt asked if I would be interested in taking my cousins senior photos. I have always loved taking photos but didn’t know much about the craft. I agreed and purchased a canon rebel camera from Best Buy. I never dreamed what that camera would bring. I was gifted a photography class with the super talented Mike Cyrus of Christopher Michael Images. He taught me how to use my camera on manual and lighting techniques. After that class I decided to start asking friends/family if I could take their photos to build my portfolio. I had such an influx in inquires , I became a legal business and began marketing on social media platforms. I have now been a full time photographer since 2016. I never dreamed by taking a risk I would be where I am today.

I love to provide images that show emotion and capture the raw moment in time. I try to always have a creative eye and capture the clients personality or vision. I am most proud of not giving up on myself time and time again. I have pushed through lots of things that have made me want to quit. I have so many supportive friends, family and clients who always keep me going.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I love this quote from Dolly Parton, ” You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” In my photography journey I have decided that I have to be brave to reach out to people, get out of the house, network, become friends with fellow creatives. Make a name for yourself, be different so people remember you!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

At the beginning of my career I wish I had known how important networking and social media played in this industry. Just a tag or share from someone can open a world of opportunities. It is amazing how much free marketing you can do! I have really branched out and tried to network and post more on social media to get my name out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cmwphotography.info
• Instagram: cmw_photography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mycmwphotography

Image Credits
1. Whitney Jones 2.Mady Goins 3. Travis Napier 4.. Erin Sliney 5..Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle shot for Aesthetic Magazine. 6.James Reed 7.Kris Bentley of Sundy Best 8.Jordan King