Today we’d like to introduce you to Latrece Ragsdale.
Latrece, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It wasn’t too long ago that I had no idea I was a creative person. One day I randomly picked up a camera and I’ve been on the coolest journey since then. My camera has been more than just a tool used to take photos; it has been a bridge connector and door opener. We are all on a journey and we all have a story. I am on my own journey, constantly thinking of ideas and ways to capture those stories. My goal is to capture the real interactions and candid moments.
I am a student at Georgia State pursuing a degree in International Studies, and I have always had a big heart for the nations. My goal is to help bring awareness to the injustices and quality (or lack thereof) of life through photojournalism. On a normal day, you can find me pursuing that dream, getting coffee with a friend, indoor rock climbing, or tending to my urban garden.
Has it been a smooth road?
My photography journey has been up and down. I have questioned and continue to question my talent and potential. Some seasons I feel like I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else but then others I wonder if I have made the right decision by pursuing a career in photography. There are seasons where I have nothing booked and then others where I have so many clients that I have to reach out to other people to help lighten the load. Although there are plenty of things for me to be discouraged about, there is always plenty to be encouraged about. Returning clients encourage me.
When a photo shoot exceeds even my expectations, it encourages me. When I remember and reflect on all the beautiful places I have been and sweet people I have met because of photography, it encourages me. I enjoy learning and there is always something new to learn about photography. Even if the craft stopped progressing today, there is currently already a seemingly endless amount of things to learn about photography. I never feel like I know enough about it and I hope that never changes. I believe in the ability of visual art to change the world and so, therefore, I will never stop using my camera. I gave myself a rule a long time ago that no matter what I would create to create.
No matter how discouraging it gets I remind myself why I do photography. It helps me see the world differently. It challenges me to see the beauty in all things. It gives me the opportunity to change the way people see themselves. Booking jobs doesn’t define the progress of my photography. I will create to create even if nothing comes of it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Latrecespieces story. Tell us more about the business.
Latrecespieces is a photography business that currently specializes in portraits. I shoot a lot of variations within that, whether its couples, families, seniors, etc. I enjoy photographing couples proposals and engagements the most. Being able to share in that special moment is always an honor to me. I get just about as nervous as the person proposing whenever I am shooting a proposal. I hope that the nervousness never really goes away because it reminds me of the significance of the moments I am asked to be a part of.
Most clients, unless they are artist themselves, don’t hire a photographer based on skill and quality of photos. They hire based on who the photographer is and the price. I don’t believe anyone should devalue their work by giving low prices simply to compete. Artist prices should reflect the level of quality of the work. This means that a client is going to have to want to hire you because of who you are. Therefore, I try to make sure my clients and potential clients feel like they know and can connect to me. My mom once gave me the advice to treat every client like they are my family.
As simple as that sounds, I have taken that advice with me and it works. I have a personality that is full of life and joy. I know how to make people feel comfortable. I can read people well and can tell when something needs to be tweaked to fit a certain client. I connect to people quickly and easily. Having these skills helps me stand out amongst the sea of other photographers.
I have been able to travel outside of the country and help tell the stories of people in Central America. I have never been more in my element than when I got the opportunity to do that. That experience taught me so much about how photography can be used for good to improve the world around us. Photography has been used to exploit people in poverty and other harsh conditions. Everyone should have a rule that if you wouldn’t want that picture taken of you, don’t take it. I only photograph things that uphold the dignity of my subject.
While I finish up school here in Atlanta I will continue to do portraits of clients but then end goal is to be helping raise awareness for the conditions, injustices, and quality of life of people around the world. You can hear or read a story but actually, see it is so different. It helps you connect to the people the story is about. It helps you actually visually what’s being talked about. It’s a powerful tool.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
This is something I haven’t thought about too much. Photography is constantly improving. Cameras are very easily accessible and they are always getting better, more refined. I can see it being over saturated because it already feels that way.
I love the fun and new things people are doing with portraits but in my opinion, nothing can compete with a well done, simple portrait. My hope for the industry is that we would all find our niche and learn all we can to improve our skills. I know that the industry will continue to improve but I hope we never lose the beauty of the basics.
Contact Info:
- Website: Latrecespieces.com
- Email: Latrecespieces@gmail.com
- Instagram: latrecespieces
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