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

Geno, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

Starting a business is one of the most fulfilling and meaningful things. Like any other business it requires putting in the ground work and making the right sacrifices. Photography requires a great deal of practice in honing your skills that requires a lot of time. I wanted to make sure that once I start promoting myself as a business entity that I’d be at a professional level. Through a series of practice sessions with local models, my family members and friends I would conduct photoshoots on a TFP (trade for prints) basis with the hope of sharing the images on social media platforms in an effort to get my work out there. Word of mouth played an integral part in the process. It wasn’t easy because some would be hesitant trusting you to take their photo when you’re a newbie and not 100% with your skillset . Thank God to the few people who believed in me. It was due to all of that I was able to get my first paid photoshoot from a 16yr old client. Looking back at those photos I can say I wasn’t there yet. I can be hard on myself so my first paid shoot I challenged myself to be better. It was due that first paid shoot that created the foundation of my business and what I seek to represent. It was a blessing that materialized into a series of bookings to follow.

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

I am a self taught photographer/videographer based in Atlanta. I got into the industry based on my love for Architecture and the birth of my son. Having to want to take better photos I bought my first point and shoot camera. Within a year I was consumed by the arts. Found myself always with a camera. Funny enough I wasn’t into photos and didn’t care too much for it. I preferred to be behind the camera than in-front. At the time where I was located in South Carolina, there was a need for photographers so I wanted to be that creative to provide wedding, engagement, portraits and editorial needs in a story telling fashion. I pride myself in what I do and if I do something I’m 100% invested. So, I take what I do seriously and with great passion and zeal.

I believe when it comes on to the nature of photography things can be pretty standard. With each photographer comes a different experience and business culture. What makes me different is the unique way in which I conduct myself. It’s not all about the money for me but the love for what I do. People can sense that passion when they are around me which in turn adds to the whole experience. What I can say most throughout this journey I’m most proud of is my growth. I’m always looking to learn, experiment and don’t limit myself. Looking back from when I started to now I can safely say I’ve seen tremendous growth in my work, business practices and also attitude. One thing for sure I can say is that whatever is expected of my clients, is what I am expected to deliver. There’s no compromise. I go by the notion that you treat people right and respectful the world opens up. Thank you.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Challenges are not avoidable. That’s apart of any journey you embark on. The same can be said about photography. There are moments you question yourself, have doubts and just feel out of it. Truth is you’re not always going to feel motivated. The way I crack that is to remain consistent and discipline.

“When motivation is limited, be consistent and discipline no matter what.”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The ability to be a better you everyday drives my creativity journey. Life experiences will shape you or break you and it is through these life experiences that catapult my desire to always create. I look on everything in and around me and gain motivation from it. I owe it to myself to be the best I can at what I do. Optimistic at everything I do, trusting God and the journey with the determination to ensure I succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.genosnapsphotography.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/genosnaps
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genosnaps

Image Credits
Cedar, Rue, Ryan, Anita and Tresmond, Olga, Luciana, Caroll, Lucie, Shanice, Maarz