Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Alexander.
Hi Antonio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In my earlier years, I always had an eye for pictures. My friends and I would have photo sessions with our phones and take pictures for social media. I always remember being in such a calm state being able to see different angles that not many people could. It wasn’t until late 2020 that I got my start, it was mid-pandemic with everything closed and regulations in place. I was working at a local fast food place, I was fresh out of high school, and getting my jump start into college. At this point, I was trying to find my balance between everything. Long story short, I had a very difficult time trying to find a balance between school and work. I would have a hard time trying to find time for myself to even be my age. I had to deal with a lot during that time. Around November during Black Friday, I took out one of my last checks and invested in myself with no business plan in mind. All I knew is that I wanted a change in my life, I wanted a new start to something I like to do, and I had no idea I could take photography to such heights. Around the end of December 2020, I quit my job at the fast food restaurant, I was determined to find something new.
At the time, I had the starter camera and no actual knowledge of how to get around as a content creator. All I knew is that I had a passion for the beauty of photography and an eye to see angles that most wouldn’t see. About two months later at the end of February 2021, I was struggling to find work as a photographer and I didn’t know how to navigate as I do now. I was about to give up and I asked God for a sign. Not long after, I got an opportunity to volunteer and do photos every Sunday for a local church. It wasn’t much but I was happy enough to have a place to practice and cultivate myself into who I am today. Months passed, and I looked forward to every Sunday when I can get to try out new settings, new angles, and just about anything I learned from the last Sunday. I started to grow as a photographer and build a foundation that I would be able to stand on my own two feet. The Summer of 2021 was my first busy summer as a photographer. I was getting to be a part of music video shoots, promotional videos, and much more. It was the first time in my life that I felt so clear-minded and connected to something that is such a big part of my personality today. It started to become clear that maybe I am meant to do something more.
At the time I wasn’t being paid anything substantial to speak of, but I would save as much as I could after every shoot. I was also very frugal with my spending and did what was necessary. I saved just enough money to get my very first pro camera, a Canon Eos R6 around Black Friday of November 2021. I worked hard to get that camera and it meant so much that I did it with the money I earned from every one of my shoots. The New Year rolled in, and around February 2022 I decided to legitimize my business as an LLC. I was 19 at the time with little to no knowledge of what to do, but I realized that if you have the passion and the courage. Anything is possible for you. At this time I am writing to tell you my story, I am ending the year 2022, having to be a 20-year-old with my own full-time photography business, having shot content for various promotions for multiple businesses, working with various colleges and school districts, having a steady client base, and the strength to carry it all. I am Tony From Tonyvisions Photography Limited Liability Company and I can’t wait for you to see my artistic visions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Honestly, it has been easy for me, and it still isn’t. I always have to wake up every day and prove to my-self that I made the right decision going the route I took. I struggle with anxiety and not knowing if my work is good enough for a client. I also struggle with trying to be perfect, over-editing, and putting too much on myself. But I am here to tell you it is a natural feeling when you love something this much and want to be great. You are going to run into these kinds of problems. I also remember to always give 110 percent of myself in every opportunity, as long as I knew I did that was enough for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my journey, I like to classify myself as a freestyle photographer. I prefer not to restrict myself to just one style of photography or one art form. I like to be fluent in all art forms so I can create my own artistic vision. When I want to shoot a picture I look beyond the photo, I think to myself what do I want to see in these photos,and how do I want them to come out. It’s one thing to get your basic shots in your average concert, formal event, wedding, but when you can stretch your mind or your eye to see something most can’t see. That is when you find your own creative style. I am mainly known for having variety and being able to do many types of photography at a high quality. I am very proud of the fact that I do not restrict my artistic vision to just one art form when I can do as many as I want and be able to do them all. I love how free I am to create and show people how I perceive the world through my eyes.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I learned to always take chances and invest in myself. Never spend your life thinking about what if and could have. Instead, try to make an effort, have an experience, and find out. If I never took that chance, I don’t know where I would be today, and I am so grateful for the life I am steadily building for myself. This would have never happened if I only said what if, put your thoughts into action, and be great.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tonyvisions.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyvisionss/?next=%2Ftonyvisionss%2F
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tonyvisionss
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyVisionss
