Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Whitney Ingram. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Whitney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In December 2019 I put in my notice at my job and a vacation request so that when I came back from my trip I would be done with that job. I went to Hawaii in January 2020 and came back without a safety net. I was so ready to begin my adventure as a freelance photographer! I had never really believed in myself before then and I still struggle with reassuring myself from time to time, but as soon as I got back I was landing client after client and sustaining myself! I was so confident for the first time in a very long time. Then Covid hit.
March 2020 shook the world and as an organ donor, I am considered immunocompromised. Doing photoshoots was a scary thought at first when no one was fully under covid, but as soon as masks became a proven way to prevent the spread of the virus I pivoted my business to enact safe practices and was able to continue doing what I love, but business definitely slowed up more than I was ready for. I was making juuuuust enough to keep myself afloat. I know this was the case for so many people so I never worried that I was doing something wrong or not trying hard enough.
Taking a risk is also a huge privilege so I don’t want to make it seem like it’s just some easy leap to take. I had a lot of support from my parents some financial since they worked steadily from home and my next gig was always pretty unpredictable, but mostly moral support (which I know seems like it wouldn’t be more needed than financial, but trust me it really is). I wouldn’t be able to have gotten to the point I’m at without the encouragement of others around me. Some people don’t really have a choice, but to take a risk and constantly bet on themselves in some way, but it’s a greater risk when you’re your only supporter. I’m very lucky and thankful for my support system!!
Whenever I’ve spoken to other aspiring photographers who’ve wanted to commit to it full time I’m pretty transparent about the challenges, how to put a plan in place, what I wish I knew sooner, and even what I’m still learning because even I don’t have it all figured out. If you’re unsure of yourself and feel scared to take the leap to do what you want just remember that you’re not required to do everything at once. Take a little extra time out of your day, difficult as it might be, and start researching information on what it is you’re interested in. Do what you can to put a plan in place!
Whitney, 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?
I’ve always wanted to be in a field that didn’t involve too much structure and I got into art in general because of my older sister. My sister got me into art when I was really little and I always wanted to do everything she was doing. She was a naturally talented drawer and painter, but where I can draw well I am not a painter (I’ve made many failed attempts enough to accept this haha). In high school, I took all the art electives possible; drawing, ceramics, and photography. When my sister passed away in my junior year I felt really lucky that she left me with an understanding of how cathartic art can be and so in my senior year I took art classes all year long as my main schedule. In photography class, I realized that was where I excelled and felt most connected. I still love to draw and make failed attempts at painting, but photo is powerful in the way it connects us. I am so introverted so photography helps me connect with people and get to know the world in a unique way.
I guess there’s a few things that set me apart. Firstly, with my photography, my priority is working with mainly Black women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The #1 complaint I hear is that most photographers really struggle to edit Black skin properly and #2 is that male photographers can be unpredictably creepy so I try to provide a safe space for the most mistreated individuals. Disability both visible or not is also at the forefront of my mind as I continue to grow my work. For every client that works with me, I always ask if there is a disability that they would like for me to be made aware of and if so I ask what I can do to properly accommodate their needs. For example, if someone gets easily overstimulated, I will offer to host the session somewhere that’s quiet and low foot traffic. Whatever I can do to create a calm and safe environment I will. Another thing that sets me apart is that I’m not in competition with anyone, but myself. If I don’t agree with how I’m being treated by a client, if I don’t align with the people I’m working with, and if I’m feeling like this job will only cause me stress then I decline and am very transparent with them as to why. I am always telling potential clients to respectfully find a photographer who can meet their needs, but it ain’t me. I usually have to send a pre-written version of what I’m about to say to my mom to make sure I wasn’t too mean, but people mistreat artists all the time- especially Black artists. We’re expected to be grateful for crumbs and that’s just not ok.
I mainly focus on portraiture (solo, family, couples, etc.) but I really love nature photography. It’s a passion I’m terrified to pursue because of bugs and also potentially being eaten so yeah…still being patient with myself on that one and sticking with humans for now. I’ve recently gotten into product photography and interior photography and those combined made me realize a new love: branding! Turns out I love creating a package of deliverables that all go together. It’s contradictory because part of me feels like the world kind of has enough products going around, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it was fun. Anything creative is always my goal so if photo doesn’t work out, which nothing lasts forever, I’m excited to pursue different creative paths! I’m really proud of where my portfolio is at and excited to keep building!
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
I think they further prove that money is indeed fake and therefore issues such as food shortages, housing, pay gaps, everything really, shouldn’t be as in-depth of a problem as they are. It’s interesting the items people have money to invest in all of a sudden, but not programs for those in need. Strange………
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Not really. I think when you’re born in tune with your creativity you’re always going to find a way to connect with that side of yourself one way or another. Everyone is creative it’s just about recognizing it and utilizing it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.odjaart.com
- Instagram: _odja
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-ingram
Image Credits
images courtesy of Whitney Ingram, Odja LLC