Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette Collins.
Hi Colette, 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 Colette Collins, and I’m a proud Atlanta native. I’ve pursued art and design my entire life and really decided to go all in when I graduated college with a degree in graphic design. From there, I started taking photography classes and was hooked immediately. My background includes photography, graphic design, fine arts, mural design and installation, special effects makeup, event planning, social media management, digital marketing, and architecture & engineering.
During the day, I work at an in-town engineering firm; and when I’m not doing that, I’m focusing on photography and design! Photography has become my true creative outlet, and over the past couple years, my work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Eater, Rough Draft ATL, The Atlantan, and more. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I make it a point to recognize the hard work that got me here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a journey! I’ve worked a variety of jobs to support myself while building my photography portfolio. Right now, I balance a full-time role at an engineering firm in Atlanta while also running my own photography business. Looking back, the worst job I’ve had was cold-calling to sell life insurance – definitely one of those “what was I thinking?” moments. But through it all, working in different industries has given me a broader perspective on small businesses and how they operate.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work across different creative mediums, but my main focus is photography. I’m especially drawn to the way light interacts with shapes and textures – how a single moment can tell a story or evoke a feeling. While I work with a variety of clients, I have a particular passion photographing for restaurants and bars. Having worked in the service industry throughout college, I see the art behind crafting cocktails, plating intricate dishes, and the rhythm of a well-run dinner service.
I’m also really drawn to photographing architecture and interiors. When I worked in architecture, I’d attend photoshoots and see firsthand how much effort goes into capturing the perfect shot—every detail, every shadow, all to create an image worthy of top design publications. It can be challenging at times, but I love the process of showcasing a space in a way that makes people imagine themselves living in it. The right lighting and styling truly make all the difference!
One of my proudest achievements was having my photography published and credited in The New York Times last year. The article highlighted the top 25 dishes across the U.S. in 2024, and one of my clients made the list – very rewarding to see my work featured on that scale.
What sets me apart is my blend of technical and creative skills. By day, I work in technical engineering, and photography serves as a creative outlet. People find it interesting that I balance these two very different worlds, but having a structured, analytical career and a free-flowing artistic pursuit allows me to shift perspectives and stay inspired.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I am a proud Atlanta-native! Atlanta has a unique, creative energy that’s incredibly inspiring. It’s exciting to see it grow into the hub of the Southeast, with more opportunities for artists, the rise of minority-owned small businesses, and world-class facilities; the city’s evolution – both culturally and structurally – has been amazing to watch. That said, coming from my engineering side, I have to say my least favorite thing is the traffic. But honestly, there aren’t many downsides to living in Atlanta!
Contact Info:
- Website: In Progress!
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colette_collins_art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colette-collins-00b716114/
Image Credits
All photo credits belong to myself, Colette Collins
