Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Austin.
Hi Alexandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started taking photos when I was in jr. high. I loved using Photoshop and wanted to re-create the old school Apple iPod advertisements with the cutout of people dancing on a colored background. In my senior year of high school and early college years, I started to ask my friends if I could take photos of them and create concept photoshoots. I would create mood boards and would go shopping for props in order to create or re-create scenes or styled concepts that I envisioned. Slowly but surely, I continued to build my portfolio and people started to reach out requesting photoshoots. In the fall of 2018, I finally made my photography business official.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has taught me many lessons. I had a few mentors that I would shadow ahead of starting my business and during the first couple of years. I would definitely say that writing out a business plan is helpful and be willing to revise and refine as needed. You and your business will evolve, especially in a world that relies so heavily on evolving technology.
I wish that I didn’t undersell my work for as long as I did. I have been learning to not be timid in charging the real value of my time and work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a portrait photographer. Lately, I tend to lean more heavily on family photos, but I started out with more fine art photography. My sister, Arielle Austin, is a painter, and she and I used to collaborate on projects together as seen in the side-by-side painting and photographs. I am looking forward to leaning back into that area of creativity and focus and allowing my portfolio to showcase more of that side as well.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me most in my business is that the client is happy with what they are receiving at the end of the day and creating a space, a photography session that is enjoyable for them. In the beginning of my career, I remember feeling the pressure of creating work that was popular on social media regardless of whether I loved the style or not. Truthfully, that can be so self-serving and stressful. Once I started to make the client and their needs the main focus, the more enjoyable, satisfying, and rewarding the work became even more so than before.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexaustinphoto.com
Image Credits:
All photos are taken by me. Paintings by Arielle Austin.
