Today we’d like to introduce you to Swae Lenz
Hi Swae, 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?
First and foremost, I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for this opportunity, and I’d also like to extend my gratitude to VoyageATL for giving me this platform to share my journey.
My journey with photography started back in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was still in high school, and like many people during that time, I was looking for something creative to dive into. I’ve always loved pictures—there’s something special about capturing a moment and turning it into a lasting memory. That summer, I decided to take a leap and bought my first camera, a Canon Rebel T3. At first, I used it just for fun, taking pictures of family and friends without really knowing what I was doing. It wasn’t something I took too seriously at the time—I was just enjoying the process.
It wasn’t until my senior year in 2022 that I started to see photography as something bigger than just a hobby. After graduating, I made the decision to attend Albany State University. I brought my camera with me, but at that point, I still didn’t think much of it. That all changed when I met two incredible photographers in Albany, GA—Colby Matthews and Patrick Williams. They played a huge role in helping me develop my skills and opened my eyes to the possibilities within this field.
What started as something I did for fun quickly turned into a passion. I went from doing free shoots simply because I loved it to realizing that this was something I could build a career around. Before I knew it, I was charging anywhere from $150 to $500 for my work while still in college. It’s been about two years now that I’ve been taking photography seriously, and I know this is just the beginning.
I give all the glory to God for putting me in this position and allowing me to grow in this craft. There is still so much to learn, and I embrace every opportunity to gain knowledge and refine my skills. When I’m back home in Atlanta, I focus heavily on networking and showcasing my unique style of photography and videography. Through networking, I’ve had the opportunity to work with artists like Lil Tony, Hunxho, and Noodah05. I’ve also connected with incredibly talented creatives like PublicGoat and AlmightyVisuals, who have played a big part in my development.
This journey has been a blessing, and I’m excited for what’s to come. Every shoot, every connection, and every lesson learned is a step toward something greater. I’m just getting started, and the best is yet to come!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anything worth having never comes easy, and my journey has definitely had its fair share of challenges.
In the early stages, one of my biggest struggles was not having the money to invest in my business the way I wanted to. Photography requires equipment, software, and resources, and there were times when I simply couldn’t afford to upgrade or expand. There was also a point where my page became stagnant—I felt like I wasn’t growing, and that was frustrating.
Comparison was another big hurdle for me. Seeing so many incredibly talented photographers in my area sometimes made me doubt myself. I’d question whether I was good enough or if I was moving at the right pace. On top of that, not having reliable transportation made things even harder. There were shoots I wanted to take on, opportunities that I knew could help me grow, but I had no way to get there. It was tough feeling like I was missing out on moments that could’ve elevated my platform.
But through all of these struggles, I’ve learned valuable lessons. I’ve had to develop patience, resilience, and faith in my own journey. Keeping God first has helped me push through those tough times, reminding me that everything happens for a reason. My perspective has shifted—I now understand that setbacks aren’t roadblocks, they’re just part of the process. God has brought me through every challenge, and I know He’ll continue to guide me as I grow.
Every struggle has shaped me into the photographer and person I am today, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would describe myself as a Visionary Storyteller—someone who doesn’t just take pictures but brings stories to life through the lens. What sets me apart from other great photographers is my ability to create emotion, depth, and meaning within my images. Photography, to me, is an art form, and I take pride in ensuring that every shot tells a story.
One of the things I value most is my creativity. No matter how small the inspiration, I’ve always had a knack for turning nothing into something—bringing ideas to life in ways that feel unique and captivating. Whether it’s an impromptu shoot or a carefully planned concept, I strive to create magic in every frame.
I would say I’m best known for my “Through Da’ Lenz” series—a project that showcases my ability to merge storytelling with visual artistry. It’s a collection of concept-based magazine editions where I craft narratives through my images, and it’s one of the things I’m most proud of. This series represents my vision, passion, and ability to push creative boundaries.
At the end of the day, I want my work to stand out not just because of its technical quality but because of the emotions and stories it conveys. That’s what makes my art special, and that’s what keeps me inspired every day.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are big, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. Once I graduate from my HBCU, Albany State University, my goal is to open my own studio in Atlanta—the city that raised me and continues to inspire me. I want to create a space where artists, creatives, and visionaries can come together to bring their ideas to life.
Beyond that, I have a passion for media and storytelling, so I plan to launch my own media platform where I can interview and highlight other creators. I want to give a voice to rising talents, showcase their journeys, and build a community that celebrates creativity.
Another major goal of mine is to start a modeling agency—a space where I can not only capture beauty through my lens but also help develop and guide aspiring models into their own careers.
At the end of the day, whatever God has planned for me will come to fruition. I pray that my vision aligns with His will, and I trust that every step I take is leading me toward something greater. The journey is just beginning, and I know the best is yet to come!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swaelenz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaelenz/?igsh=MTdrc3dpcWoxaGM5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#
Image Credits
All images in this article was shot by SwaeLenz.
