Meet Tremayne Clarkson Jr of Norwood Studios in North Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tremayne Clarkson Jr.

Tremayne, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my photography journey in September 2019. I was working on having a small clothing line while being a computer engineer during the day. I knew I would need pictures for my products so I decided to try to do it myself. Bought a beginner’s camera, the Canon T7, and started YouTubing and practicing. My friends were very supportive in helping me get better. Who would turn down free pictures? Every chance I got, I brought my camera and took pictures. Eventually, I drifted away from my clothing line aspirations and noticed all my time consumed in taking pictures.

I started to become more passionate and invested in being a photographer, but it was still difficult due to my daily job. I would work Monday-Friday, 10 am – 4 pm and watch photography tutorials throughout the night. Everything I learned, I would practice with my daughter and friends on the weekends. People started to notice my improvement and asked me to shoot them. At first, I had no clue how the business worked: prices, studios fees, picture amount, etc. I remember one of my first gigs was to do product photography for a ladies’ jewelry business. I charged her $50/hr and she worked me like a slave. I think we did over 100 pieces of jewelry.

After that experience, I had to sit and ask myself if this was something I really wanted to do. I had to understand what my value was and if I was to continue to stand firm on my beliefs. From that point on, I believe I took off. More requests were coming in and my work was improving. Everything was going well, then Covid hit. My job laid off a huge number of employees and my work status was the same as other Americans impacted, unemployed. This gave me a lot of time to focus on photography and it eventually became a do or die situation. Either make it work and do your best or keep applying for jobs that are barely hiring due to the pandemic. Because of the pandemic, I was able to meet great creatives, work with well-known directors and improve my craft. I went from taking pictures of friends to getting behind the scenes for Gucci Mane, Lil Baby, and Gunna. Going down this path has been very humbling and a blessing all in one.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been far from smooth—definitely a lot of trial and error. The biggest challenge is Covid. Not being able to interact with other creatives and clients like you usually would have an effect. It slows progression but also forces you to be creative in other ways, which is a positive.

We’d love to hear more about Norwood Studios.
My business is at Norwood Studios. The name comes from the neighborhood I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. I provide photography and videography services, from headshots, portraits, graduations, events, and music videos. Currently, I specialize in portrait photography but am currently venturing out to be better in other categories. The experience I provide is what I am most proud of as a company. My goal is to try to create a fun, comfortable experience that can go along with the great pictures/video you’ll receive. I believe my personality and how I interact with my client is what makes me different. It’s difficult to explain, but they can explain it for me.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family and friends are my supporters. They see every picture I take and I value their opinions dearly. If I urgently need equipment, they are there to assist if able. My daughter is my biggest cheerleader. She’s very photogenic and lets me snap her up 24/7. She deserves the majority of the credit.

Pricing:

• 1 hr Studio shoot – $250
• 1 hr Location shoot – $200
• Engagement shoot – $250

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheNorwoodStudios.com 
• Phone: 2052002018
• Email: trey@thenorwoodstudio.com
• Instagram: @xkingtrey, @norwoodstudios

Image Credit:
Tremayne Clarkson Jr

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