We recently connected with Po and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Po thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned the process by carefully studying the elements of photography; specifically, lighting and framing. I spent time with people trying to understand how to build relationships in a short amount of time, and I practiced non-stop. I think my learning process took a natural route, speed was not my concern, I wanted to focus on the things that were important by making sure my technique was sound, and that I enjoyed doing what I was doing. I was not worried about being the fastest, my priority was becoming the best that I could be. The most important skill is knowing that people are the basis of the business, as anyone can pick up a camera and take pictures of someone, but not everyone can make a person feel like the best versions of themselves; it’s my job to do that. There were no obstacles that stopped me from learning more, we are in the information age, and knowledge is readily available for people with the means to attain it. I can say that I was in a fortunate position that allowed me to have access, and I used my time and opportunity to learn as much as possible, and I continue to do so.

Po, 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?

Hello, my name is Po, and I have been a professional photographer for about 12 years. I got into photography because I have always been interested in expressing art in various ways, most notably with writing and music. Growing up, I bought many music magazines, and the pictures of the artists intrigued me, and I always wondered who took those pictures? Abou a year prior to me getting my first camera, a friend of mine bought one, and I was impressed that the camera could take great pictures; but also had video capabilities. Upon finding a good deal on my first camera, I took some pictures at my cousin’s wedding and was very happy with the results, I then started shooting my friends and family, after that I got my first gig doing photography for a local music act, and I haven’t looked back since! I offer photography services that run the spectrum, I specialize in portraits, weddings, fashion, and lifestyle photography. I believe that I bring years of knowledge and great people skills to the table, I am able to comfortably work with first-time models and seasoned veterans and get outcomes that bring out the true spirit and beauty in the people that I have the opportunity to shoot with. I am truly grateful for every photo shoot that I do, but a major accomplishment for me was being the house photographer for the Tampa Bay Fashion Week Fashion show for 2023 and 2024. Those were amazing experiences which allowed me to meet some awesome people and test my skillset at an extremely high level. I am also very proud that I have had many repeat clients throughout the years, which in turn have also referred me to their friends and families, it is a truly wonderful feeling knowing that people enjoyed themselves enough to book with me again. What I want people to know most of all about my brand is that I will give the direction when needed, but I will also take a backseat to receive your input, the best things happen when we collaborate in search of a common goal! I am truly passionate about what I do, but I also love what I do, I believe you have to have both characteristics to be successful in this field, and I believe that’s the reason new clients seek me out, and why past clients continue to work with me!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is freedom. I can do what I want to do with no restraints or constraints, with the only limiting factor being the limitations I place on myself. This is the most rewarding part of being a photographer, however with that being said one must learn to balance the artistic vision with the responsibility of being a business owner. The fact that I do not have to answer to anyone but myself, means that I have to make sure everything is done to the highest standards, and if it is not, I have to bear those consequences myself. The ability to go where I want; and create with whoever I want to create with is of the utmost importance to me, and I relish in the fact that I consider this path a blessing which I will never take for granted.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best thing that society can do to support artists is to pay them appropriately for their services and to tell others about their experiences with the creatives they work with. In this age of ever-increasing technology, artists are more important than ever, and there can be nothing that replaces the human experience of an expert in their field. There are many years, and lots of financial investment that artists like me put into learning and honing their craft, the audience sees the end result, but many times are unaware of the effort it takes to get there. If people don’t personally work with the artist, and they see their work and like it, they can still share it with others which will help booster their individual profiles, and by proxy others in the field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theartofpo.com
• Instagram: theartofpo
• Youtube: theartofpomedia

Image Credits

All are Instagram handles

@shanellthemodel
@xo_fineassnene
@confidence_on_stilettos
@ashontifordreports
@justbriana_
@deonna_d