Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Wall Harris.
Victoria, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I studied photography at the college of Charleston is Charleston, South Carolina. I worked in darkrooms for local photographers and shot for an iPod accessories company while living there. I moved to NYC after graduation and worked for years under some of the best food and still life photographers in the business. I began shooting video on my own and editing together pieces with my husband who did the scores for the video. We launched our joint company, She Shoots, He Scores, and revamped my photography brand, Victoria Wall Harris, and then moved out west to Los Angeles and worked solely for myself. I shoot a mix of photography and video here in LA, and occasionally back in NYC. I shoot mostly lifestyle and food work, but lots of behind the scenes, brand videos, and the occasional music or fashion work. In early 2017 I will be launching my own photo studio in Eagle Rock.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think the life of any freelancer, especially a freelance artist has ups and downs. I would say whenever it got hard, I tried to just put that much more effort in. When I moved to NYC I was making very little money, but I would cold call every photographer I could and try to get in working with them until I could piece together enough for my rent. Once you get your foot in the door it’s a lot easier, but the first hurdle is always the hardest. When I moved to LA and branched out on my own things seemed to flow more smoothly. It felt like the right place at the right time. Adding video also helped me diversify the type of work I was getting, and I love being able to do different types of jobs for various clients.
What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
I think video is on the rise for sure. You can show so much more of your product or your company in 10 video seconds than in one still image.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge for you over the course of your career?
I think a freelance lifestyle can be rewarding but challenging. You have to deal with the highs and lows and rely on yourself when things are slow. It’s hard to remind yourself that things have an ebb and flow to them.
What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
I think it’s important to shoot a lot and to constantly be updating your website and reaching out to people you want to work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.VictoriaWallHarris.com, www.SheShootsHeScores.com
- Phone: 917.597.2458
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: VictoriaWallHarris, SheShootsHeScores
Image Credit:
food styling- Vivian Lui
hair/mu – Bethany Johnson
