We recently connected with Rudolph Tolar and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rudolph thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

The legacy someone hopes to build often reflects their desire to leave a lasting impact on the world and be remembered for their contributions. I aspire to leave a legacy where people remember me as a dedicated supporter of the community, and someone who genuinely celebrates the success of others. I want my legacy to be defined by the emotions and memories I’ve captured for people during significant moments in their lives, such as weddings, senior years, families, business launches, birthdays, and anniversaries. I want people to remember the honor of having me document their cherished moments, providing them with memories they can cherish for years to come. Finally, I want my unborn baby girl to recognize the talent and passion I’ve poured into my photography, with the hope that she may inherit and continue this creative legacy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I originally hail from the South Side of Chicago. In 1997, I embarked on a journey to Oklahoma, where I enrolled in the prestigious Langston University, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems. Subsequently, I relocated to Oklahoma City (OKC), where I embarked on a career in the Information Technology sector, primarily working at Dell Technologies.

My venture into the world of photography began in 2009, quite unexpectedly, when I started capturing moments at family gatherings and local events with my point-and-shoot camera, purely for the enjoyment of it. Later, I was gifted a Nikon D40, igniting my passion for photography.

My specialization in photography spans various areas, including Portrait and Event Photography. I excel in capturing Personal Branding and Professional Headshots, Seniors, Weddings and Engagements, Families, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Local Events, and much more. I take pride in helping clients bring their unique visions to life, whether it’s crafting a distinct brand image, telling the story of their special day at weddings, or immortalizing cherished moments with family and friends.

I consider photography a gift from God that allows me to connect with people from all walks of life and make a profound impact on their lives. I’m deeply passionate about my craft and am more than willing to share it with the world to bring others’ visions to life.”

Have you ever had to pivot?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the photography market experienced a noticeable shift in consumer behavior, with some clients seeking more cost-effective photography services. As a professional photographer, I recognized the need to adapt to this changing landscape. Instead of solely relying on my traditional portrait and event sessions, I diversified my portfolio.

I seized new opportunities by freelancing for a local magazine, which allowed me to explore different styles and subject matter through my photography. Additionally, I ventured into theatre photography, capturing the drama and artistry of live performances. A significant turning point came when I secured a role as a sports photographer for a local high school football team, broadening my skill set and client base.

Surprisingly, despite the slowdown in my usual photography sessions, I found that I could generate higher income while working fewer hours than before. This transformation reflects the evolving dynamics of the post-pandemic photography market, where adaptability and diversification are key to success.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the photography market has been a journey shaped by a clear focus and authenticity. Firstly, I’ve concentrated on establishing a niche within photography, emphasizing what I wanted to be known for. This specialization allowed me to hone my skills and deliver consistently exceptional work in that particular area.

Equally important is the authenticity I bring to my profession. I’ve always remained true to myself, not altering how I present myself to the world. Clients appreciate genuine interactions and trust photographers who are authentic in their approach.

Additionally, maintaining high standards of professionalism and consistently delivering quality work has been instrumental. Word-of-mouth referrals and satisfied clients play a vital role in growing my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sofocusphotos.com
• Instagram: @Sofocusphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoFocusPhotosByRTolar/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudolph-tolar-0733433/

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Pic of Me by Elle Barnett Feature Photos by Me