We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Quinton Clay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Quinton below.

Quinton , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

My journey with photography started the moment one of my best friends asked me to take her pictures after school. From that moment, I have been completely infatuated with photo taking and fully expressing myself creatively. Upon graduating high school and entering into college, I’ve faced a few creative shifts. My first creative interest was actually in film at the time I attended the Arts Institute of Atlanta. I was a Filmmaking and Video Production major and I must say, I really enjoyed learning the art of film. That love for film led me to start my first Youtube channel, working with my best friend in recording and editing lookbooks, storytimes and do it yourself videos. Shortly after, I moved back home to Augusta and purchased my first DLSR camera and that ultimately started my journey in photography. The first shoot I completed was a maternity shoot for my oldest sister which was done outside. I cannot remember if I have those images still but with that experience and with the help of some others, I managed to take my talent of photography and grow to become the professional photographer I am today.

Quinton , 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?

My name is Quinton Clay and I am a photographer and creative director with over 4 years of professional experience. Growing up, I have always expressed interest in creative hobbies and endeavors. As I grew older and matured in my creative mindset, photography was the talent that stood out the most and I chose that to be a main focus of mine. With the help of my support system that consists of close family, friends and other acquaintances, I have grew to become an amazing photographer in my own lane.

In my services as a photographer, I specialize in several genres, including lifestyle, editorial, engagement/wedding and more. Additionally, I also offer other services within my business such as creative direction, style and beauty, and website building.

What I think sets me about from others is my overall determination to get the job done! There has been countless times that in preparing for a photoshoot, I fall short of a stylist, makeup artist, assistant and other helping hands to contribute in completing the shoot. Instead of me cancelling or postponing the shoot, I act in every single position needed to get the job done and my clients appreciate moments like that. As a small business, you often find yourself feeling like an octopus because you have to put on multiple hats to operate your business until you are able to grow and develop the team that you need. Having the experience of knowing how to operate multiple hats is actually beneficial due to in an event if someone falls short of what they need to do in your team, your business will not decline because you know how to operate that portion that needs to be completed.

My aim is to make anyone I photograph feel confident, unique and like they are the star of the moment! People see the worth in me and my work as I do with them.

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

Being a creative is being able to express yourself artistically with no limitations, no restrictions and overall showcasing what you can bring to the table! The most rewarding aspect through the talent of being a creative for me is my ability to make people feel like they are the star of the moment. It is a MUST, in my eyes, that I build a rapport and genuinely bond with my clients so that they feel 10000% comfortable in working with me and making our session one of a kind. I try hard not to think of photography as a job, but as a escape from reality and my clients love seeing me fully in my element. Even if my work is not as great as I would’ve intended, my clients would still show joy and appreciation because of the way I made them feel throughout the session and allow for me to work for as long as needed in order to make it right. My clients are the reason I do this!

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

Support comes in different forms and fashion. It is completely up to the individual on what their method of support would be. I often inform people that support does not always have to be booking a session. You can support by sharing new content a person releases, like and even leave a comment on said new content, refer their services to someone that is looking for it and many more. Again, as small business owners, we are our own team where most of the duties needed to complete are mostly done by us so we put the extra effort in ensuring or product and/or services are just as great or even better than those who have a big team. I even view a simple “Wow, your work is amazing” verbally as the easiest way to support. Support your fellow creatives people!

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @quintonkclay (personal) @quintonclayphotography (business)
• Facebook: Quinton Kendriques Clay