We were lucky to catch up with Terrance Walker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Terrance , appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The story behind of getting my business name came from prayer and waiting on God. I honestly got the name of my business around 1 am. I was awaken and begin to write down the idea and design that God implanted in me. I have a cross and with my business name around it because I want God in the center of everything I do. The name came with part of my name Terr-ance Terr-ell Walker; Terr-ifically Taken Photos. It is a Christian based company, so I don’t do exotic, homosexual, half-naked, or anything that can cause my business to be guided by the world. God has called me to be different and have to honor that because I am based on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. When I stay based on God, my business will forever be blessed and I will keep the favor of men. I offer great quality and terrific customer service.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

How my business started was one day my wife and I were sitting on the couch and I mentioned how I wanted to do something for extra income. We brainstormed on several ideas and I remember her saying, “How about photography?” I was like uhh sure. A few days or weeks went by and I kind of let the idea stagger.

Now, it was close to Father’s Day during the time we were discussing what to do for extra income. One day boxes started coming to the house from UPS. You know how women always order things from Amazon, lol, so I didn’t pay any mind to the boxes.  Come to find out the boxes were not for her but for me. They were photography materials, camera, lens, tripod, etc. I was ecstatic because she took it serious and I was not making any motion towards it. I let the camera sit in the box for some days then I finally decided to try it out.

My first engagement was a wedding in November. I was nervous due to the lack of training and experience, but God. By His grace I was able to complete this task, which started something wonderful and amazing. I am still growing and learning, yet aiming for the stars and highest mountain to take my business.

What set me apart are the prices and how I give excellent customer service to each client. I truly believe in staying humble and treat each client as a “celebrity.” I always want my clients to feel comfortable and welcome whenever they are doing a photo shoot because the tension and nervousness can show in each picture. I give the best deals and prices because sometimes it’s not all about the money because clients want to have a great experience whether it is their first time or 5th time taking pictures. I want the customer to know that the prices that I offer are great that comes with great quality of editing. These are the things that set me apart.

One of the things that I am proud of is how I am self taught. I had someone I call a mentor that gave me instructions on what equipment to purchase, but I learned the editing on and how to work the camera by YouTube and trial. I am constantly learning still and want to become the best in the state of Mississippi. I aim to learn how to do everything with editing and the settings of the camera. Because I can later teach classes and help others to do what they desire.

I want potential clients and my followers to know that they can trust me and see the quality of my work. I want each client to feel that Terrifically Taken Photos has the best service and prices. Terrifically Taken Photos stand on honest and integrity. I have given free photo shoots to single mothers, I have given out scholarship checks to high school graduates, I have blessed schools with free photo shoots for athletic games, I have given donations for Christmas to families and the list can go on. I help the community when possible because this what people want to see from businesses. It is more than just gaining income, but also giving back as well.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What I think helped build my reputation was being consistent with clients on giving thank you cards after each session. Also, offering my service to any event or occasion. The reason for this is because people want to have memories of a lot of things now. The ideal of having pictures to show on social media is very popular. Moments and memories are very essential and necessary because everyone now-a-days want to show everything via social media. There are many photographers in this area that does not do events or athletic events or even weddings. So, I offer service to all because why miss the opportunity of turning a client away when I have the equipment to perform the job. These type of services helps my reputation and expands my business because casual events are very popular in this area.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy is to post majority of my work on social media because it is free publicity where over thousands of individuals can view. That is how over 95% of my clients has grown in the past 3 years. I use Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram to showcase my work. I am now working on making flyers to post on bulletins in major stores and use other ways to advertise my business. The more I advertise it will draw more clients to see my logo and business. I also treat each client with great service and it brings them comfort when they are treated with high respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ttphotollc.com
• Instagram: t.t.photosllc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/terrificallytakenphotos

Image Credits
Coach Taylor, Prophetess Ashely, Edward & Takisha, Simone, Jaidyn, Erica, Jaylen and Satoria.