Today we’d like to introduce you to Allen Henry.
Allen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Photography for ABH Studios (A.B.H.S) started 20 years ago when like many clients I work with back then I could only afford photography but had no money left in the budget for Video. Not to be deterred, I borrowed a flip video camera and filmed everything I could while on my honeymoon. The challenge back at that time was how to best edit the video. With little knowledge but, tons of experience watching TV and movies, I purchased a $700 editing VCR. I still watch the crude but enjoyable edit to this day. Like all aspiring photographers, I felt there was a better way. There are so many paths and options to a better way, however, not all are the right path for you. I discovered the wonderful world of no-leaner video editing. I cut my teeth doing small weddings and athletic recruiting videos. As the demand for my services and types of projects offered began to increase, the need for photography support for videos increased. With many hours of practice, my photography and Video skills increased. In 2005, I purchased my first DSLR, a canon 20D. Unbelievable quality difference from the point and shoot I was using. The flip side was the steep curve that came with the many options and advanced features manual operation affords. In addition to learning the basics of shooting video, editing and learning to shoot marketable pictures, I had to navigate what all free-lance photographers without an IT department must master. Self IT support. This is one of the biggest challenges that a photographer can face. To pay for equipment training, equipment maintenance, website design and graphic design can kill not only the basic passion for photography but, its growth as well. The journey to where A.B.H.S is today is a story of dedication and persistence amongst many forces that suggested finding another field of interest. Photography for ABH Studios began locally in Atlanta with a model that was full of potential and tremendously photogenic. The quality of the work product and knowledge gained with this model on creating great pictures grew experientially. For new photographers starting out, finding an extremely photogenic model with limited experience is the best thing you can do. It forces you to grow and learn the very important skill-set of controlling a photo session and ensuring the vision stays on track by providing the model and crew with good instructions. Working with experienced models has its place and importance but, in the beginning, If everything is done for you, you will never learn. I found my time spent was very beneficial and is the backbone of my understanding and professionalism today. There have been approximately ten models that deserve a sincere thank you for their dedicated time and patience while working and learning with me through the years. A pivotal point in my development as a photographer occurred during a 2-day mentoring session in the form of a workshop I have had with an extraordinary photographer out of the Orlando Florida Area, Carmine Warren of “shoot The Look”. The principles of lighting, instruction, patience, equipment selection and editing I incorporate in my workshop sessions with aspiring photographers. There is no substitution for hard work and creative ability but, to have someone to open your mind to possibilities through real life hands-on experience is invaluable. you can read books and watch YouTube videos all day but, the only way to master what you have read or been taught is to shoot, shoot, shoot and then shoot some more. Through word of mouth and social media, I have developed a small but steadily growing fan base. Over the years I have built on my skills as a photographer by shooting weddings, sporting events, corporate events, fashion and even 3 years of daycare pictures. The last few years have been full of what I would like to call great recognition and advancement of my photography projects. Photography, Video and Graphic Design Work with a local chapter of a well-known Sorority has afforded me with the opportunity to work with some of Atlanta’s most prominent professionals including attorneys, doctors, radio and TV personalities, some of the most talented youth community activists as well as several local/national well known personalities. In an effort to take the models and photographers I work with to a new level, I conducted two workshops on an elevated stage for the purpose of portfolio development. The first workshop was in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island/ Jekyll Island, Georgia and the second at Navarre Beach, Navarre Florida. Both of the workshops were conducted to provide opportunities that are often offered to experienced models and photographers. Both were a tremendous success for all members involved as well as myself. Both workshops have been encapsulated in Editions of Gemz 68 Magazine. Gemz 68 Magazine was created to showcase the photography of ABH Studios but more importantly to create a stage from which new models can embrace and thrive. Many magazine opportunities require a level of physical exposure that most new models don’t have the experience and confidence for and often are just simply not ready for. The style of ABH Studios is one of elegance rooted in natural beauty with an edge. As the awareness of ABH Studios and Gemz 68 Magazine grows, I am hopeful that the photography style of ABH Studios will become a sought after service.
Has it been a smooth road?
Photography and Videography is a profession in that to gain a level of notoriety requires consistency and uniqueness. The big challenge has been committing the amount of time necessary to keep online content fresh and to maintain a consistent flow of content on social media. If you are not a part of a photography group/ team, all training, support for equipment, advertising, social media support and coordinating of projects is on you. If you cannot be your own support, the cost associated with accomplishing these tasks can make being successful as a free-lance photographer all but a losing battle. It takes a serious passion for creating and a determined vision to achieve a marked level of success. The key for not throwing in the towel is to just be true to your passion and trust that your work is being appreciated. It is refreshing to get feedback through the form of comments and likes on social media. It lets you know that you are doing something right.
When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
Anyone trying to make a name for themselves and reach to higher levels of photography will experience “Difficult Moments” At times, these difficulties may make you feel as though your hard work is inconsequential and there is no point on pouring time and effort into a seemingly sinking ship of effort. That is the time that you have to step back and rethink your approach. I have done this many times. The prevailing thought has to be, “what do you really want” When trying to break into new circles and new levels, the tendency is to want to run with and be on par with individuals who have been established and have paid their dues. A somewhat impossible task. However, if you are worth your salt, you feel that way and want to obtain that as quickly as possible. The reality is that you have to pay your dues and earn respect for your work. This transition period can be very brutal on one’s patience. I have come to realize that the best course of action is to step back and focus on what you do best and not try to out due to the status quo. When the thought of quitting surges forward, just keep doing you. At the end of the day, your work will give back what you put into it. What is meant to be, will be.
Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
I have been very fortunate that in my efforts to be the best that I can be. I have met some truly beautiful people that share a common vision, making great pictures. I advise every model that I work with in building portfolios to be dedicated to their craft and always give an honest effort. They quickly learn that having the confidence of knowing they can handle anything thrown at them including returning a deposit when a shoot is not within their limitations or disrespects their brand, is empowering. The true test of a great picture is does the viewer believe the model in the picture? If so, you have done your job as a model. As for photographers, never underestimate your value. Always believe that no one else can push the button on your camera better than you!
Is there something you are particularly excited about or working towards?
My outlook for the future is very positive. I have had some very special individuals assist me in building my portfolio and bringing to life some epic location photo shoots which have been published in my new magazine, Gemz 68 Magazine. The magazine is in the beginning stages with four issues in publication at this point. We plan on continuing to do what we do and not get caught up in the who can show the most skin race that seems to be the popular theme of many photographers and magazines. I am hopeful that Gemz 68 Magazine will catch on across the country and provide new models and photographers with a stage from which they can share the fruit of their hours of hard work and creativity. I am confident that in time, not only will the magazine catch on but, it will grow and mature just like a good portfolio.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.abhstudios.com
- Email: abhstudios@gmail.com
- Instagram: @abhstduios
- Other: http://www.gemz68mag.com/
Image Credit:
Josselyn Marie, Christian Willis, I Am Amore
