Today we’d like to introduce you to Peyton Fennell.
Hi Peyton, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
This isn’t my first time being featured in Voyage Mag. I am truly appreciative of these opportunities and I look forward to reading over my progress and to see how my answers / perspectives continue to change. I started photography in High School around 2013/2014 but my heart wasn’t in it until about two years ago. I started taking portraits under TheFennellFocus Photography, my business in 2019. Ever since, I’ve devoted majority of my time to photography and being behind a camera. As of December 2021, I work for Cady Studios where we photograph high school seniors and Threadz Atlanta where I manage the website visuals, handle website inventory and contribute to social media content while also being a free-lance photographer. I know it sounds like a lot because it is, but I’m still young and love the hustle. I have goals and I believe I’m headed in the right direction, on the right track made uniquely for me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but I don’t know any creatives who would describe their experience as smooth. I’m sure plenty of us face similar obstacles in this creative world such as inconsistent business, imposter syndrome, burn out and many more. Specifically for me, I’ve struggled with validation in making the right choices with my career and focusing so much on the end goal I miss out on the present, forgetting to acknowledge my progress. I’ve also struggled and continue to struggle with maintaining a social media presence to remain relevant in this industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m still in search for my own creative style within photography and figuring out my niche. I want to be known for inspiring others to dive into their passions regardless of what people may think is best for them. I am most proud of my Flower Child Series, which is an ongoing project consisting of photos that display the direct relationship between flowers and blackness. My first set of photos from this project was featured in All She Makes first photography exhibit curated by Lauren Zaknoun. I think what sets me apart as a photographer is my inclusivity, I make people who may have never felt comfortable in front of a camera feel like a model. I work with people who are up and coming fashion designers, new models, any and everyone.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I want everyone reading this to be intentionally about respecting creatives and respecting this as a career choice but also understanding that we are pouring so much into our art. Do not take advantage of creatives because it looks easy because it looks fun. Continue to support your black creatives and businesses.
Contact Info:
- Email: thefennellfocus@gmail.com
- Website: thefennellfocus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tffphotos/
