Today we’d like to introduce you to Willie Daniels.
Willie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Of course, so I started my journey back in July of 2016, at this time I was working for FedEx Express. I always had an interest in photography but never knew it was a passion of mine. I’ve always been that individual that didn’t have much of a drive because I had a steady job that was paying my bills. I was always afraid to step into the photography field until my girlfriend at the time, encouraged me to get a cheap camera. So, I decided to go on Craigslist and search for a starter camera that I could use and just give it a try. Eventually, I found a canon T3 for $125 and I couldn’t let that pass. I contacted the person and meet them at the Target on Moreland Ave. To my surprise, it was a young teen and his friend. At first, I thought it was about to be set up but I noticed that he did have the camera. We made the exchange and slowly my journey started to begin. I took my camera everywhere and took pictures of everything not even knowing anything about the basics of the photography. I started to go on Youtube and learn as much as I can. Spending countless hours learning the basics of photography in all the videos I watched opened up my mind to what photography can really do. After a few months of having my Canon T3, I felt good enough purchase another canon with the help from my family and friends on a Gofundme account. I was able to buy my trusty Canon 5d Mark ii and I still use it today. By this time, I wanted to start my own photography business so I created Snap Genius Photography, which was a very proud moment in my life. I didn’t charge high prices because I was still learning the camera, so many of my shots were free. After a few months of this, I then quit Fedex and pursued a career in photography. I built relationships with non-profits, daycares, and different businesses in Atlanta. When things slowed down, I got a job with Life Touch Photography in which I quit rather quickly because it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. Wig life touch, you didn’t even get to touch a camera, so there was nothing I could learn to better my skills. I then got a job with nationwide studios to have another source of income with Snap Genius Photography. I eventually got myself back in school at Atlanta Technical College for a degree in Design and Media Production with a focus in photography so I can add more credentials to my business. Now, I am an Instructor for KPA Upward Bound Summer Program for students 10th to 12th grade, teaching an Intro level class in photography, I also run my beloved Snap Genius Photography business.
Has it been a smooth road?
This was never a smooth road. When I quit Fedex to pursue a career in photography, I had no Idea of the struggles that would come. My business was up and down, I trying to promote on social media platforms, craigslist, and many others until I came to the conclusion that it just wasn’t working. I was falling behind in bills, not being able to afford insurance, and just so much more. I became depressed at times and really just wanted to give up. There were so many people who would book a shoot, but because I didn’t charge a deposit fee, many of them would cancel, which means I had no income. I was really close to losing my car, I had to explain so many times to my landlord why I am late on rent or why I may not haven’t this month, and so many more embarrassing moments. But I eventually got things together, still struggled a little, but I adjusted my lifestyle some and now things are coming together like a beautiful puzzle piece and I am enjoying every bit of it from the struggles, the teachings, and the knowledge.
We’d love to hear more about your company.
So, my company is Snap Genius Photography and it was created in the summer of 2017. It’s a freelance photography business that offers you many styles of photography, from family portraits, portfolio builds, business headshots, beginner photography instructing classes, and much more. I specialize in creative portraits. I like to consult with my clients so that I can understand what they are looking for in their shoot and make the suggestions they need to create the best shoot for them. What I am most proud of Snap Genius Photography is how it is building and being acknowledged after so much work to get it up and going. Every client loves the work that I provide for them. it’s the greatest feeling knowing that Snap Genius Photography creat that joy, that atmosphere and that image that the they were looking for. What sets Snap Genius Photography apart from others is the determination to give my clients exactly what they want as well as giving them the suggestions to create the ideal shoot for them. I want to capture that perfect smile and that fun time during a shoot. Whatever idea my clients have, I do everything I can to give them that perfect shot so that they can cherish it for life.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is perfect for any business in my opinion. As long as you have the hustle and the drive to build your empire, Atlanta will always take you under its wing. I would recommend this city to anyone but just be careful with the traffic.
Pricing:
- Shoots starting $85
- Family Shoots starting at $100
- Event Coverage starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: http://snapgeniusphotogra.wixsite.com/snapgenius
- Phone: (770) 616 4957
- Email: snapgeniusphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @snapgeniusphotography; @liberatingmindz
- Facebook: facebook.com/snapgeniusphotography
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