Today we’d like to introduce you to Davon Branch.
Hi Davon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started as a model for a friend who has his own photography business and that is where I discovered an interest in being a photographer myself. Unfortunately, I was a full-time college student and did not have consistent funds to purchase a camera and support a business. Soon after, May 2020, I received my first camera as a graduation gift from my wonderful parents and this was the start of my journey as a photographer! I started practicing by taking photos of nature, family, and close friends. A few months later I started buying studio equipment – lights, backdrops, stands – and doing photoshoots from my apartment. Thankfully, I was able to learn different techniques from established photographers by watching their YouTube videos and applying it to my work. Eventually, I started testing different concepts with friends and accepting new clients in my apartment studio. However, I needed more space and a safer location to execute my concepts. So, I came up with the idea to rent a close friend’s dance studio as a photography studio. After the big announcement and official move, my business really started to take off and I was able to expand my clientele! I made sure to market and advertise my business as much as possible on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
With the help of family and friends, I was able to work with many clients in the Chicagoland area. I’ve done different categories within photography such as birthday, graduation, couple, family, brand/business, beauty, headshots, and fashion shoots. I also had the opportunity to photograph my friend’s all girls dance company. I have received numerous word of mouth referrals, which really distinguished my business from others. As a photographer, not only did I want to focus on the quality of my work, but I also wanted to focus on the experience that my clients had while working with me. I had clients return for a second session and sometimes even a third! During summer of last year, I relocated to Atlanta because of a job offer in my career field. I have had the pleasure of working with some great people here so far and I am eager to connect with more clients as the year progresses!
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?
I would say I’ve had a 50/50 experience. I started my photography business at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had to make sure I was being safe, wearing a mask, and consistently disinfecting my equipment. I also believe that a lot of people were not confident in working with strangers/new people during this time because of the fear of contracting the virus. I wanted to do more in person activities such as popup shops, networking events, and photography workshops, but they weren’t happening as often during my first year as a photographer. On the other hand, my partner and close friends have been very supportive and helpful along the way. Whenever I needed a model to help me create marketing material for my social media platforms, I knew I had someone to rely on. Nonetheless, I am grateful for all of the experiences I had, good or bad, because they made me stronger and encouraged me to keep going.
We’ve been impressed with Davon A.B. Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Davon A.B. Photography’s primary focus is on the client’s needs. I have worked multiple jobs in customer service as a teenager, so I transferred that knowledge to my business. My brand is known for always putting the client first. I make sure to listen to what the client wants and guarantee that every request is taken care of. I offer services such as headshot, portrait, birthday, graduation, maternity, couple, brand/business, and fashion sessions. I’m also affordable! Every client receives high-quality photos stored in the cloud for easy access. I pride myself on being an effective communicator so my clients can have peace of mind. What sets me apart from others – the respect I have for my clients and their time. I make sure to utilize every second of the client’s photoshoot session so we can develop the best end product. I want the readers to know that when you schedule a session with me, I take it seriously. I am grateful for everyone I have and will work with. What am I most proud of brand-wise? I have received reviews from multiple clients emphasizing how they felt extremely comfortable around me and love the work I produce and that is why they come back. It makes me so happy to see my clients happy. That is my ultimate goal – their happiness.
What matters most to you?
The ability & opportunity to connect with other people matters most to me. I would not be where I am today without the help of my community. Throughout these past couple of years, I have learned that I cannot teach myself everything. I have learned something new from every single client I’ve worked with. I’ve also learned so much from different photographers on Instagram, YouTube, and in person. Personal connections motivate and inspire me to continue making a change in this world. I used to think that what I did wasn’t important, but I was wrong. Everyone has a purpose and it is up to us to keep encouraging others to shine their light.
Contact Info:
- Email: davonab.photography@gmail.com
- Website: https://davonabphotography.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/davonab.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davonabphotography/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@davonabphotography
Image Credits
Davon A.B. Photography
