Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Powers.
Hi Joy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I have been a professional portrait, wedding, event and automotive (yes! automotive) photographer for nearly twenty years. At first, it was a part-time weekend and night thing for me while I worked my full-time job. The very first wedding I photographed was in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I’d flown out for my little sister’s wedding and she did not have a photographer, so I served not only as a bridesmaid but also as her photographer. That was pre-digital photography days, so I had my Contax 35mm SLR, which I never left home without, and a lot of films. Weddings are too important not to have any photographs. Film was my first love, but I eventually transitioned to digital photography, like most everyone else. I still shoot film on occasion, but strictly for personal projects.
After photographing my sister’s wedding, I became a second shooter under my then mentor, Al Pomeroy. I learned a lot about the wedding industry and how to capture weddings. I learned both what to do and what not to do. My advice to any new photographer interested in photographing weddings is to be a second shooter and learn the ropes.
I got my start in portraits and weddings, but I also have a love for anything automotive and began to photograph automotive events, such as drifting and drag racing as well as static shows. This led me to doing contract photography for a local Lexus dealership for over five years as well as becoming editor of a print Volkswagen magazine, VolksAmerica. While serving as editor of the magazine, I was also a contributing photographer and writer. That part of my journey took me to Volkswagen car shows all over the United States to photograph the events for the magazine and event organizers. I met a lot of great people along that part of my journey and I continue to do so today in this next chapter of my business.
Nearly a year and a half ago, I left my job, I’d worked there for twenty years, and in my heart of hearts, I knew it was time to pursue my dreams and passions. I took a leap of faith and put in my notice. From there, my focus was solely on growing my photography business, Truly Vintage Photography. I was truly starting from scratch, running specials, and building my clientele base, As any small business owner knows, there are challenges to running a business, but I would rather deal with those challenges then go into a job that was no longer fulfilling and filled with stress. I love capturing families, seniors, children and couples interacting together and capturing those moments on “film.” I truly believe everyone should have access to a professional photographer. The majority of my sessions are done “on location” within the metro Atlanta area. I enjoy seeing my clients having fun with their sessions.
There is a lot of preparation that goes on leading up to a photo session and I love getting to know my clients and creating the vision for their session. Each session captures the essence of who my client is.
My “why” in portrait and wedding photography dates back to when I was a child. My paternal grandfather passed away well before I was born, so I never met him. Unfortunately, in my grandmother’s grief, she destroyed many of the photographs, so few remain of my Dad and his side of the family from when he was younger. Upon learning this, it became my mission to photograph everything and everyone. Memories are important. Photographs are forever. I am a huge proponent still for printing those favorite photographs and framing them or placing them in an album.
I cannot imagine not taking photographs. I have a camera in my hand every single day; my eye is always looking for my next favorite photograph, one that truly captures the moment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is any journey smooth? Naturally, with anything there are challenges along the way. My business was dormant for several years before I left my job, so I was literally starting from scratch, getting my name known. I am a year and a half into this and not necessarily where I envisioned I’d be, but I am grateful for all the opportunities and clients I’ve met along the way.
I’m a bit of an introvert, so I get in. my own way. I have a difficult time starting a conversation with a stranger. Carrying a big Nikon DSLR around is a conversation starter, however. Inevitably, the first question someone asks is, “Are you a photographer?” Hmmmm, maybe I should start carrying mine to the grocery store.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional portrait photographer with a passion for photographing people and all things automotive. In fact, I was recently hired for a maternity session by a fellow auto enthusiast. She shared that she chose me for her session because she knew I was an automotive enthusiast as well. She wanted to incorporate her car with her maternity photographs, which we did. And that session turned out amazingly well.
Capturing the essence of my clients and the moment is most important. My posing style is casual unless we are doing a wedding a headshot session, where a more formal portrait may be required.
One of my most memorable weddings was a carnival-themed wedding. I had so much fun with the bride and groom and wedding party. I am not sure we took any formal portraits during their wedding, but their photographs captured their personality entirely.
Photo sessions should be FUN! My goal is to create memories and fun with each session.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I have never considered myself a risk-taker, but I took a huge risk in leaving a well-paying job in which I worked a 30-hour work week and leaving all my benefits behind. No more paid time off for me.
I have always been more comfortable with having a steady paycheck, knowing when my next paycheck would be coming in.
I often tell people who are considering a major life change, such as leaving their job and starting a business, that if I can do it, anyone can. I left my comfort zone. And while I still have some growing to do and need to continue to step outside my comfort zone, I feel like anyone can do it if they are diligent and put forth effort.
I did not make the leap with no plan what-so-ever, but I did make the leap knowing I would no longer have that regular paycheck and I would need to work hard and daily to build my business and get my name out there.
Take that calculated risk. It’s worth it to pursue your dreams. There is never a perfect time nor perfect scenario unless you win the lottery and even then…there are challenges you have to overcome. The path to success is not linear, it’s filled with ups and downs and challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.trulyvintagephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyvintagephotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trulyvintagephotography/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/trulyvintagefot
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/truly-vintage-photography-conyers
Image Credits
All images are copyright of myself, Truly Vintage Photography
