We recently connected with Isaiah Foster and have shared our conversation below.

Isaiah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have reached an incredible milestone in my life—I am now a full-time photographer, successfully taking care of myself and my financial obligations. This achievement didn’t come easily; it was a journey filled with countless ups and downs, early mornings, and long nights. I poured my heart and soul into pursuing my passion, even though it meant leaving the security of my 9-5 job. It was an incredibly scary step, but I firmly believe that sometimes, we need to take that leap of faith to unlock our true potential.

In the first couple of years, I faced moments of doubt when I questioned whether I could give it my all. Balancing my dream with the reality of bills to pay meant working regular jobs that didn’t fulfill me. However, I made a decision to buckle down and save every penny until I had enough to make a bold move. That’s when I took a leap and relocated to Atlanta, where I believed the opportunities I needed would unfold. It wasn’t an overnight success; it took me a year and a half of relentless dedication and hard work.

I immersed myself in multiple events, pop-up shops, and video shoots, tirelessly building my reputation and expanding my clientele. It wasn’t always easy, but I refused to give up. And now, here I am, working for a major clothing brand, Milano Di Rogue, while still keeping up with my other clients. This journey has taught me that hard work truly pays off, and with unwavering determination, we can surpass our wildest dreams.

Isaiah, 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?

Greetings everyone, my name is Isaiah, but I go by Shine. I was born and raised in the vibrant landscapes of Long Island, New York. My journey into the world of photography began unexpectedly, as I initially pursued a career as a model. One fateful day, my father handed me a camera and encouraged me to explore its capabilities. Little did I know that this simple act would ignite a profound passion within me.

At first, I believed that learning photography would enhance my skills in front of the camera. However, as I delved deeper into the art form, I fell head over heels in love with being behind the lens. I found myself capturing everything that caught my eye – from magazine images to photoshoots, events, food, cars, and breathtaking landscapes. I became enamored with the ability to freeze moments in time, to encapsulate emotions and stories within a single frame.

As I embarked on my journey to build a clientele, I faced numerous challenges and frustrations. Many were hesitant to give me an opportunity, but undeterred, I began shooting my friends and family. Through countless hours of practice, my work gradually evolved, and I developed a keen eye for capturing the essence of my subjects. I dedicated myself to perfecting my craft, from the art of editing to the intricacies of shooting, aiming to create images that resonated like those in magazines.

Late nights of editing, early mornings of posting, and tireless research became my routine as I strived to become the best version of myself. Over time, I had the privilege of being the lead/main photographer for RVA Fashion Week, consecutively for multiple years. I have also had the honor of collaborating with organizations such as RAW Artists Richmond, DC, and the illustrious Biltmore. In fact, during my last show in DC, I was invited to showcase my work exclusively.

My photography has graced the cover page of Veterans Magazine, and I have had the incredible opportunity to have my work featured on H&M’s website as well as in The Source Magazine. Presently, I am humbled to share that the majority, if not all, of the images featured on the Milan Di Rouge website are my creations. While these achievements are undoubtedly significant, my ambitions stretch even further.

My ultimate dream is to see billboards adorned with my work across the globe. I aspire to have my images grace the pages of esteemed publications like Vogue and Elle, transcending borders and cultures. I long for my art to take me to unexplored territories, to inspire awe and wonder in places I have yet to witness. More than anything, I yearn to inspire others to fearlessly chase their dreams, to disregard doubts and naysayers, and to wholeheartedly embrace their passions.

In conclusion, I stand before you as a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering determination. I am Isaiah, known as Shine, a photographer who wholeheartedly believes that dreams are worth chasing. With each click of my camera, I strive to capture the beauty that surrounds us and inspire others to embark on their own creative journeys. Together, let us break through the barriers of doubt and create a world where dreams know no bounds.”

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During my test shoot and interview with Milan Di Rouge, it seemed as though everything that could go wrong did. I encountered multiple challenges, starting with the unfortunate incident of breaking my strobe. Determined to overcome this setback, I had to quickly devise a plan to ensure perfect lighting for my subject. Despite feeling nervous due to the incredible opportunity before me, I remained focused.

In order to compensate for the broken strobe, I utilized a steady light available on set. Additionally, I attached an on-board flash to my camera, knowing that with proper editing, I could enhance the quality of the shots. Despite the hurdles, I persevered.

One week later, to my astonishment, I received the news that I had been offered the job. This experience reaffirmed my belief that no matter how challenging the circumstances, giving up is never an option. It taught me that with determination and a proactive mindset, solutions can always be found.

This journey has reinforced my understanding that anything is possible as long as you remain steadfast and resilient. Challenges may arise, but they are merely opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing the mindset of never giving up, we open ourselves to a world of endless possibilities.

In conclusion, my experience with Milan Di Rouge served as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance. It showed me that even when faced with adversity, staying committed and finding solutions ultimately leads to success. I am grateful for the lessons learned and look forward to tackling future challenges with unwavering determination.

Remember, in the face of obstacles, never lose sight of your dreams. With persistence, resilience, and an unwavering spirit, you can overcome any hurdle and achieve greatness.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

When it came to building my clientele, I discovered that the most effective approach was to step outside and engage in genuine networking with fellow photographers. By actively connecting with others in the industry, I was able to establish meaningful relationships and foster a supportive community.

Word of mouth also played a pivotal role in expanding my client base. I dedicated myself to providing exceptional service, going above and beyond to ensure my clients’ satisfaction. My utmost priority was to not only meet but exceed their expectations. By consistently delivering outstanding results and creating a positive experience, I aimed to leave a lasting impression.

I firmly believe that a satisfied client is the best advocate. By striving to please each and every client, I aimed to cultivate a reputation that would be backed not only by my work but also by the genuine testimonials and recommendations from those who had experienced my services firsthand.

I truly value the trust and support of my clients, and I am immensely grateful for their kind words and referrals. Their satisfaction and positive feedback serve as a testament to my dedication and commitment to providing an exceptional client experience. It is through these genuine interactions and the resulting word of mouth that my clientele continues to grow.

In conclusion, by actively engaging with my peers, consistently delivering exceptional work, and prioritizing client satisfaction, I have been able to build my clientele organically. The power of networking and word of mouth has proven invaluable, and I am humbled by the positive impact it has had on my journey. I remain committed to going above and beyond for my clients, ensuring that their experience is nothing short of remarkable.

Thank you to all my clients for their trust and support. Your satisfaction and positive feedback not only drive my passion but also inspire me to continually excel in my craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.ShineIncPhotography.com
• Instagram: Shine_inc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shineincphotography
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/MyShineLife

Image Credits
@IamMilanDiRouge @kelseyashley_ @Mspalomag @felicerosee @tahjoenae_ @vada.veli @astoldbynneoma