Today we’d like to introduce you to Belinda Vickerson.
Hi Belinda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My dad was the first person to put a camera in my hands years ago when I was growing up in Anchorage, Alaska. I started studying film photography in high school and minored in photography at Howard University. But after college, I chose the corporate route and my professional experience was centered around sales and marketing management for more than 15 years. I left my job in 2012 to take care of my mother and started taking pictures again as a hobby. I bought my first digital camera in 2013 and I’ve been shooting ever since. I started by reaching out to local models, makeup artists and designers for collaborative shoots. I also started shooting local fashion shows and events. This quickly led to paid work and in 2015 I officially started Belinda Vickerson Photography.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road of entrepreneurship is never smooth! The biggest struggle is always in the uncertainty. You can have a great month and think that your on your way and then there is a sudden drop in income or bookings. When you are starting out that is difficult to manage. It’s not until you really start learning your business, your customer, and your marketing/branding that you can alleviate some of the fear uncertainty brings.
It’s about continuous education and improvement. I’ve gone back to school and am finishing up my MBA program in December. Though formal education is not necessary for success, I wanted to be in a better position to not only improve my own business but help others do the same.
Aside from formal education, I am constantly reading and learning new business ideas and strategies. The best way to address obstacles and challenges is through learning!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a portrait and fashion photographer. I specialize in photographing woman, whether that be branding portraits, maternity sessions or just individual sessions of celebration. What I am most proud of is that through my work, I get to celebrate and elevate Black women. I am known for creating fashion editorial experiences and magazine-quality images for everyday women.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Helping women feel confident and beautiful makes me happy. Being a creative makes me happy. Nature makes me happy. Seeing my family and friends doing well makes me happy. And of course, dark chocolate and a nice Cabernet Sauvignon!
These are my favorite things and all bring me joy. It is important to find those things that bring you joy and do more of that!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.belindavickerson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belindavickerson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BelindaVickerson
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/belindavick
Image Credits
Belinda Vickerson Photography
