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

Troy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Starting my photography business was not an easy feat. When I began my final semester of undergrad, back in 2021, I had to take into account what I would do once I graduated. Would I go back to school in pursuit of a masters degree? Or, would I jump straight into the work force? Many questions like these arose, and I was met with a lot of decisions. With impending choices constantly floating around in my head, I prepared to walk across the graduation stage. However, one day I got the idea to take my minor side hustle/passion, photography, and make it into an actual career for myself. At the time, I was naive to what was to come, but I was hopeful. After graduation had come and gone, I began to take the necessary steps to making my business legit. I was already doing shoots for small brands, friends, and family, but I knew it was time to take it to the next level. I researched and learned how to apply and register an LLC, got the necessary tax information set up for the business, and fully set up my website. Although I was able to accomplish those things I honesty did not know what to expect. Many times I felt as though things would come easy, as it had been when I was in school, but it was not – and is still not. However, I am thankful that Jesus brought me through all the hard times, and I was able to take a vision that He gave me, and through his faithfulness, see it come to fruition.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In all honesty, I got into the industry by doing photography as a hobby. Throughout high school and college, I was always taking pictures – which gradually progressed into an actual career in photography. Since graduating college, I have gone on to procure my LLC, garner return clients, and slowly build my brand identity; none of which could be done without my savior, Jesus Christ.

I have always tried to help brands, artists, and everyday clients develop lasting portraits that they cherish for a lifetime, offering them a service that is of quality. This has taken a lot of time and discipline, but I am thankful for the processes I have in place that help me deliver such a quality product – one that I am truly proud of; wether that be through timely responses to inquires, or hours spent carefully editing images.

Since developing my own style, I believe my unique perspective, styling choices, and editing set me apart from everyone in the industry right now. I have had friends tell me that they know my work without even having to see any info tags – haha.

Overall, I want to continue to grow and my work to reach across the world and truly bless people. Its not just about me, but the stories I get to tell through the special moments I get to capture.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I always try to deliver quality work, and through that I have been able to foster brand loyalty. I often have clients reach back out, without me prompting, requesting to shoot again. However, I do love to comment and engage with my previous clients and encourage them with their endeavors, which I believe is good to foster any relationship.

And overall, I am honestly so thankful they want to continually work with me – they truly are the best clients to work with!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, when learning photography, editing, and running a business in general, I found these three things most helpful:
1. Youtube & Skill Share – You can learn absolutely anything from youtube!
2. “Studio Anywhere” by Nick Fancher is a phenomenal book that sheds light on how you can yield great results with limited resources.
3. Honeybook or any booking software. Honeybook and their built in client contracts have really saved my butt when it has come to certain shoots. This software will take your business to new heights.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://troywilliamsphotos.com
• Instagram: troywilliamsphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troywilliamsphotography/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmi3mI0A6hJj1NMiEm4a6iA

Image Credits

Models: Brent P. , Braxton Van Alst, Clara Staggs. Doshie Dior, David Qui, Juan Castilla, Denissè Gonzalez ,Omar Galvan