November 14, 2017

Meet Andrew Draper of Where’s The Ice Cream Photography in Lawrenceville

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Draper.

Andrew, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2013, during a time where I found myself doing some soul searching, I found myself alone on the top of Stone Mountain with nothing other than an iPhone 4s. As I sat on the massive rock, I snapped a couple of photos that I thought would look cool- the typical shot of your feet out in front of you to show some foreground for the panorama that sits behind it; the city of Atlanta and the beautiful view of her skyline. As I walked back down the mountain that day, I told myself that I would come back, and that I should find a camera to bring with me the next time that I come. I remember that sometime before, I was given a little SONY point and shoot camera by a friend. The camera was quite limited to the cameras that were popular even four or five years ago, yet it was still lightyears beyond my comprehension or understanding, especially when you flick the top dial into “M,” or manual mode. My next visit to the top of the mountain was the catalyst of curiosity that I had apparently been looking for, and that marks the beginning of my interest in photography. I haven’t been able to put the camera down since then!

Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been very tough. I’ve finished my college education, moved to and from jobs, homes, and have learned the hard lessons the hard way more times than I’d like to admit, but I truly believe that the heart is what carries us through difficulty. I find easier ways to do things, I experiment, and try to remain as frugal as I possibly can. In fact, my entire camera/gear setup has all come from used purchases on Craigslist. I’ve driven to other states just to save $500. I believe that everyone has a way of doing things, and I’d say that for the most part, I run the same path as many others, but when it comes time to do things my way, I have all the confidence that I need to make it work!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a self-taught “photographer.” I use quotations for photographer because I still have a hard time calling myself one. After all, I haven’t had any formal training or vocational experience in the field. All I have is the ability and will to research and learn. Aside from that, I believe that my curiosity as an individual is the fuel that I use to learn and understand more about the medium! Currently, I find that I shoot a lot of weddings, family portraits, headshots, and event/conferences. However, I know that some of the most reputable photographer’s fins a niche, or a category to nestle themselves into.

I feel the need to identify my niche, but I’m still having fun capturing the people that I encounter every time I get the camera out. I still have hopes of working for National Geographic one day. I realize that it’s a lofty goal, but what’s the point of making a goal if it doesn’t take you somewhere amazing?!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Atlanta is a fantastic city for photographers because of its climate, history, and renewed role in southern culture. However, there are MANY photographers in Atlanta, and I feel that the market is quite saturated with many talented people. By no means does that mean it isn’t worth trying, I think that there are opportunities for everyone. If Atlanta were to improve anything, I feel as though I would lean toward lowering crime rates, specifically theft. I was robbed in Buckhead and had all of my gear stolen three years ago, and I personally know a few other people that have experienced catastrophe-level burglaries.

Pricing:

Standard rate: $150/hr

Contact Info:

Website: WheresTheIceCream.com
Phone: 678-602-2215
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalexander/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheresTheIceCreamPhotography/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewDrapers

Image Credit:
@andalexander

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