Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrae Ricketts.
Hi Andrae, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Andrae B. Ricketts, founder of Alttr Photography LLC, and my story begins in Laurelton (Queens) New York. This story is a unique one—rooted in faith, vision, and divine purpose.
In 2014, I heard from God that He wanted me to use a camera as a tool to both glorify Him and provide for my newly formed family—I had just gotten married that same year. God instructed me to begin a social media ministry, sharing video devotionals and Bible studies, which He promised would grow into something greater.
Choosing to obey, I borrowed a Canon T3i from my brother-in-law—a camera that was far from professional—and started creating content. Within a few months, the ministry began to grow, and I reached a point where I needed better equipment to continue. I prayed, reminding God that I had used everything He’d given me to the fullest, and if He wanted this to continue, I’d need His provision.
Not long after, God answered through a dear friend, Marlow Scott, who took me to B&H Photo in New York City. There, he purchased the top videography camera of the time, the Sony A7sii ($3,000), along with a lens, a Mac desktop computer ($2,000), and all the necessary editing software. That moment marked a turning point—not just in my creative journey, but in my faith walk.
As the ministry grew, I began serving my church, offering photography and videography support for events. Church members soon took notice of my work and began requesting my services for their own occasions. I offered deeply discounted rates, and through word of mouth, my passion project evolved into a small business.
In 2017, I made a life-changing move to McDonogh, Georgia and decided to pursue photography full-time. My earnings grew from about $500 a month to $1,500 a month—not an enormous leap, but a clear sign of progress. During this time I covered engagement, wedding, fashion, portraiture and event coverage — including parties, religious services, and meetings. Over time, I felt led to transition into corporate event photography, specializing in conferences, conventions, trade shows, expos, and galas. This shift transformed my business completely.
Today, Alttr Photography serves clients not only across the United States, but also internationally, with assignments in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.
Through it all, I give all praise, honor, and glory to God, who spoke a simple message into my spirit one night and turned it into my life’s greatest work.
Lastly, I want to honor my incredible wife, Lysbeth Ricketts, who believed in this vision from the very beginning. Even during the seasons when it yielded little and we struggled, she stood by me faithfully. Her support means more than words can express, and I pray that the rewards she sees now are far greater than she ever imagined.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Building any business is challenging, and photography is no exception. One of the toughest parts is finding clients and effective marketing. There’s a lot of gatekeeping in this industry, and often, you have to pay thousands of dollars just to access even the most basic information.
When many photographers start out, they encounter clients who either can’t or won’t pay what their work is truly worth, which often leads to being undervalued and underpaid for the time and effort invested. If you have a family and this is your main source of income, that adds another layer of difficulty.
There’s also the sacrifice of time—both in being away for shoots and in the long hours spent editing at home. Photography and videography are only one part of the equation; you also have to learn business fundamentals, marketing, client relations, and how to carry yourself professionally in every setting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Alttr Photography LLC, we provide photography, videography, Onsite Headshot Stations, Photobooths, AI video, and editing services, specializing in corporate event coverage. Our niche includes corporate conventions, conferences, trade shows, expos, meetings, summits, and galas — both nationwide and internationally.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on luxury and artistic photography/videography. We cater to clients who desire something beyond the ordinary — a distinctive creative flair that elevates their brand and captures the essence of their event in a refined, visually compelling way.
I am most proud that my faith is at the forefront of everything I do. It continues to open doors and connect me with people and opportunities I could never have reached on my own. Our brand stands as a testament to the idea that our God-given gifts and talents are placed on His altar — used as a sacrifice of service to those we encounter.
We operate with integrity and fairness, ensuring that our clients receive honest pricing and exceptional value. Whether you need photography, videography, or creative direction, Alttr Photography is your one-stop destination. If there’s ever a service we don’t provide directly, we’ll find the right solution or expert who can — because our goal is to deliver excellence in every detail.
Outside of corporate photography, we also offer engagement, wedding, fashion, and event coverage — including parties, religious services, and meetings.
Any big plans?
There are two major changes on the horizon for Alttr Photography. First, we’ll be establishing new headquarters in multiple cities, beginning with New York and Florida. Second, we’re expanding our reach by taking on more international corporate events and stepping into the exciting world of international fashion photography and videography.
Outside of corporate photography, we also offer engagement, wedding, fashion, and event coverage — including parties, religious services, and meetings.
Pricing:
- Prices are customized to the clients needs
- Prices are customized to the clients needs
- Prices are customized to the clients needs
- Prices are customized to the clients needs
- Prices are customized to the clients needs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alttrphotography.com
- Instagram: alttr_photography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alttrphotography
Image Credits
Andrae B. Ricketts, Alttr Photography LLC
