Meet Varonika Brown of LA FOTO in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Varonika Brown.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When, I first picked up a camera it was my junior year in high school. I would always take photos of my friends and family. I would print them out and place them into a photo album which I have today. “I thought nothing of it, I just enjoyed taking pictures.”

I remember my college professor, Mrs. Dugan told me I had an eye which intrigued me. I would take photos of the football games, basketball games, photos of my classmates and events on campus. It wasn’t until my Sophomore year at Benedict College my passion found me.

As time went on, I began to book clients in the surrounding areas. I was only comfortable taking portraits at first. After modeling for a few years and networking, I was able to expand my photography skills.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, absolutely not! February 2009, I faced life-threatening health issues. Issues that gave me every opportunity to give up on myself and my dream. Ironically, it had the opposite effect on me; it strengthened my faith and my fortified, and my desire to pursue my passion for photography. Photography allows me to express myself, but it also helps bring focus to positive life experiences.

What should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the owner of LA FOTO. I specialize in portrait photography, fashion photography, wedding photography and lifestyle branding. I am known for capturing memories to delivering energetic, natural beauty and stylish fashion imagery. What I am most proud of as a photographer is hearing my client’s positive feedback, how I’m able to handle every aspect of my business and making sure my client visions come to life. What sets me apart from other photographers is that I am creative, and honest. I make every session fun and personable. Most sessions, clients tend to open up to me, enabling me to capture them at their most innocent and truths.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Over the years, I have had many moments I am proud of. The moment I’m most proud of is capturing The Laurier’s Wedding at 701 Whaley here in Columbia SC. I believe this was my first wedding booking. “For me it was a large wedding for my first time.” I was just amazed at how I was able to capture every moment of their day without feeling nervous. As of today, the video I created for them, I used it as an example to share with other potential wedding clients.

Pricing:

• $30 Thursday’s After Work Special
• $150 Boss Babe Branding Shoot (includes MUA and a Stylist)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.varonikalafoto.com
• Phone: 18034576564
• Email: varonikalafoto@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/varonikabrown/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/varonika.brown

Image Credit:
Breitani Turner: Photographer, Roderick Gaskins: BTS Credits

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