Rising Stars: Meet Adjai Howard of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adjai Howard.

Hi Adjai, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi

I’m Adjai, a Georgia-based photographer, and my journey started with my granddad. He was the first person to introduce me to photography and inspire me to pick up a camera. What began as a way to learn from him quickly turned into a passion of my own. Over time, I dedicated myself to improving my skills, developing my creative style, and gaining experience through different projects and opportunities. Today, photography is both my profession and a way for me to tell stories, capture meaningful moments, and connect with people through images

Alright, 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?
Like many photographers, I found that one of the biggest challenges in the beginning was finding clients and getting people to trust my work. Building a portfolio and reputation takes time, and there were moments when I had to put myself out there, network, and take on projects just to gain experience and exposure.

Another challenge was finding my own style. Photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about developing a unique creative vision. That took years of practice, experimenting with different techniques, and learning what kind of stories I wanted my images to tell.

Perfecting my craft has also been an ongoing journey. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s lighting, editing, composition, or working with clients. I’ve invested a lot of time and money in equipment, education, and skill development before seeing a real return on that investment.

Despite the challenges, each obstacle helped me grow as a photographer and business owner. Looking back, those struggles taught me persistence, patience, and the value of continuously improving my craft.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for my attention to detail, my ability to put people at ease in front of the camera, and my commitment to delivering high-quality work. I believe the best photographs happen when people can be themselves, so I focus on creating a relaxed experience that allows natural moments to unfold.

What I’m most proud of is building a business around something that started as a passion I inherited from my granddad. Turning what began as a hobby into a profession has been incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients and the trust they place in me to capture important moments in their lives.

What sets me apart is my personal approach. I don’t see photography as just taking pictures.
I see it as preserving memories and telling stories that people can look back on for years to come. I take the time to understand my clients’ vision while bringing my own creativity and experience to every session, ensuring that each gallery feels unique and personal.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe that growth often comes from taking calculated risks. While I don’t consider myself someone who takes reckless chances, I’ve learned that pursuing your goals requires stepping outside of your comfort zone and trusting yourself, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

One of the biggest risks I took was investing in my photography business before it was generating consistent income. Quality camera equipment, lenses, editing software, education, and marketing all require a significant financial commitment. There were times when I was spending money to improve my craft and grow my business without knowing exactly when I would see a return on that investment.

My perspective on risk is that it’s often necessary for growth. Some of the best opportunities in my career have come from taking chances on myself, learning new skills, investing in my business, and saying yes to challenges. For me, the key is being willing to take calculated risks while staying committed to continuous learning and improvement.

Pricing:

• 360 photobooth (2hrs) $250
• Couples & Engagement | Package 1 (30mins) $160
• Family session (30mins) $175
• Seniors & Grad | Package II (1hr) $280
• Wedding | Basic package (3hrs) $750

Contact Info:

• Website: https://riskayphotography.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riskayphotography?igsh=YzlwNWlhNG10bTJl&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riskayphotography