Today we’d like to introduce you to Ezeomo Akhirome.
Ezeomo, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a Nigerian immigrant that migrated to the southern region of the United States in 1997. Moving to Atlanta was a source of cultural shock, because I had to adapt mindset that although I am black, I was still perceived as a foreigner with a British style of speaking – and at that time, Atlanta seemed to be in an infant state of acceptance as it relates to even the educated black American – so of course acceptance was rocky! Growing up, I was a shy child who attended two different middle schools and three different high schools. Moving around taught me a big lesson – the world is not kind to shy people! From that point I decided to build my confidence, not only for myself, but for my younger brothers.
Education was extremely important to my mother and father. Any Nigerian will tell you that Nigerian parents feel strongly about hard work and urge their children to pursue their education with no excuses. Thanks to this push, I graduated from college before I was 21 years old and I obtained my master’s degree before I was 23. After a brief stint in the career of finance, boredom kicked in. I changed my career and began a successful tenure working for the State of Georgia in the field of Procurement, where I procured services that eclipsed over $62 million dollars for the State. I was fantastic at my job, but even though I excelled in my position, it wasn’t until 2016 that I discovered my calling.
In February of 2016, I purchased my very first professional camera for an upcoming solo trip to Peru in October. As my new camera sat around in its packaging for months, awaiting its grand Macchu Piccu debut, I decided use the confidence instilled in me as a child to do something a bit daring. I was slated to attend a friend’s August wedding in Maryland, so I made a decision to break my camera in by taking pictures at the wedding. I figured this would be a great time learn how to use it, so I snapped away at her wedding as though I was the hired photographer. When I returned home, I edited the pictures and sent them to the couple. To my surprise the wife loved them! The quality of my captured images and the turnaround time was phenomenal. She stated that if she’d have known that I was a photographer, that she would have paid me to photograph her special day.
From there, an idea was born and a newfound love was found. I had discovered that I have a distinct eye for beauty and a knack for capturing unique images! I decided that I would start my journey of engagement and wedding photography. When I returned from my trip to Peru, I started booking engagements and weddings immediately. I was learning on the job! Over the next three years, I became a self-taught photographer. I began following the social media pages of photographers whose work I admired, while learning and adapting my techniques to improve my photography and editing skills. I became a sponge, soaking up all of the photography knowledge that I could get my hands on. Although I fell in love with photographing weddings – I especially fell in love with the one-on-one interaction of portraits. I gained hands-on experience by acting as second shot with various well-established industry photographers, where I learned tips and tricks on the logistics of booking weddings, managing client couple consultations, establishing viable timelines and learning how to ask the bride the “right” questions to reduce any spur of moment decisions on their special day. As they say, the rest is history – Echo Alpha Media was born!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Entrepreneurs learn quickly how unsupportive family and friends can be when you don’t follow their vision for your life or fit in the little box that they constructed for you. It wasn’t until I moved to Texas in late 2018 and started marketing my photography skills in a different region, that I found a more consistent group of people who were very supportive. Additionally, the road to being a successful photographer has been paved in patience. I thought I would quickly shoot straight to the top, but I realized it takes time to become the best. I learned that I had to become an expert in not only photography, but also in supporting skills such as marketing, taxes, incorporating and trademarking.
We’d love to hear more about Echo Alpha Media.
My company is Echo Alpha Media. Echo Alpha Media derived from a repetitive experience that I would have when I worked in procurement. Whenever I would speak to people, they always wanted me to spell my name for them, and I learned that they would understand me better when I used phonetics. I decided to incorporate my initials, E.A. into my company name – hence, Echo Alpha. I added “media” because I have a broad dream for my company, I envisioned being capable of more than just photography and I wanted my name to encompass that.
I specialize in curating weddings and capturing portraits. I am known for producing vibrant, high-quality pictures that capture the joy and beauty of the people and the moment. I am most proud of the reactions of couples and people before and after they receive their edited images. Their joy is what makes me not only proud, but happy to do what I do.
I believe that my personality sets me apart from other photographers. I have been told that my personality puts clients at ease, which makes for the best type of photography. I aim to make people laugh naturally, whether at my jokes, or smile at the beauty their own inner beauty. An investment in any area of my photography sessions is guaranteed to boost self-perception, self-esteem and self-motivation.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people who deserve credit in helping me and encouraging me. I appreciate my brothers, Ehi and Oba and I have tremendous gratitude to Nyneju, Dorna, Phelicia, Uyi, Sandra and all my clients. They’ve helped me by promoting my work and supporting my business not only in words, but in deeds. I feel very grateful for the honor they bestow on me with their trust and confidence in my skills and vision.
Pricing:
- An hour portrait session is $250. We have a $50 sale going on for the month of May
- Wedding packages start at $2300
Contact Info:
- Website: www.echoalphamedia.com
- Phone: 404-490-0667
- Email: info@echoalphamedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echo_alpha_media/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EchoAlphaMedia/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ezzy_Live
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/echoalphamedia/boards/
Image Credit:
Magnolia Mule Barn Events
IG: @magnoliamulebarn
Host/Planning-
Sarah Miller
IG: @sarahelizabethphotography
Florist-
Lovins Florist
IG: @lovinfloristlawrenceville
Baker-
Make it Cake
IG: @makeitcakega
Makeup and Hair-
Beautiful you by Nancy
IG: @beautifulyoubynancy
Bride//Groom-
Symphony + Jeffery
IG: @symph_sampson
High Fashion Bride-
Dakota Benefield
IG: @kota_benefield
Tableware-
Valerie with Prissy Plate Company
IG: @theprissyplatecompany
Dress-
Bride Beautiful of Atlanta
IG: @bridebeautifullnc
Veils-
Blanca Veils
IG: @blancaveils
Custom Garter-
True Purple Designs Custom Garters
IG: @truepurpledesigns
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