Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Selam Woldemichael. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Selam, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
I was blessed with amazing parents who each played a big part in shaping who I am today. My dad was a well-known businessman who taught us early on the importance of expressing ourselves, working hard, and carrying ourselves with respect and discipline. He believed in exposing us to business at a young age, which gave me the confidence to take risks and build something of my own later in life. My mom, on the other hand, encouraged us to look beyond traditional roles. She wanted us to be independent, involved, and capable of handling things outside the house. Together, they created a home full of love, ambition, and encouragement — and that balance of discipline and warmth has stayed with me throughout my life and career. It’s the foundation of how I approach both my business and the way I raise my own kids.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Selam Woldemichael, a professional photographer based in Atlanta and the owner of Selam Photogenic. My journey into photography started with a deep love for capturing real, meaningful moments — the kind that tell stories beyond words. Over time, that passion grew into a business that celebrates people, culture, and connection.
At Selam Photogenic, I specialize in portraits, events, and headshot photography , but what truly sets my work apart is the personal connection I build with every client. I take time to understand who they are and what story they want to tell, so each photo feels authentic and alive. My clients often tell me that my sessions are not just about pictures — they’re about confidence, joy, and self-expression.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built within my community and the opportunity to capture milestones that people will cherish for a lifetime. My goal is to continue creating art that reflects beauty, emotion, and culture, while inspiring others — especially women and creatives — to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Actually , Photography started as a passion for me — something I did out of pure love for capturing emotion and storytelling through images. I was working elsewhere while doing photo sessions on weekends and evenings. Over time, as my work started reaching more people and clients began referring me, I realized it was becoming more than just a hobby — it was my calling.
The turning point came when I started booking consistent clients and seeing how much joy my photos brought to people. That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith, officially launch Selam Photogenic, and focus on building my brand. I created a studio space and began specializing in portraits, family pictures, maternity, headshots , and event photography.
It hasn’t always been easy — there have been challenges and moments of doubt — but every experience has taught me something valuable. What started as a creative outlet has now become my full-time business and a reflection of who I am. One of my proudest milestones has been how much I improved through out the years and seeing my clients’ reactions when they see my photos — that’s when I know I’m doing what I was meant to do.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
My best sources of new clients have been social media and word of mouth. Many people discover my work through different social media platforms, where I love sharing my latest projects and behind-the-scenes moments. Word of mouth has also been incredibly powerful — when clients recommend me to their friends or family, it feels like the best kind of proof that I’ve earned their trust. It’s personal, genuine, and the most rewarding way to grow.
Image Credits
Selam Photogenic