October 15, 2016

Meet Stone Mountain Photographer and Development Associate: Alexis Powers

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Powers.

Alexis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always been interested in the arts but had absolutely no drawing or painting abilities. When I got frustrated that I couldn’t create these beautiful images on my own I picked up a camera. From then on I was hooked. Photography allows me to capture immense detail, and freeze moments in time that I feel are beautiful, tender and sweet. When I was a kid polaroids were my medium of choice, then I progressed to a point and shoot, and now I use a DSLR. There is always more room to grow and there are always new things to experiment with and learn and I think that is part of what makes photography so exciting for me.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’m not sure there is ever such a thing as a smooth road. With the economy how it is at the moment nothing is easy. Starting a business on your own is not easy, especially when dealing with the toil of everyday life. So while I don’t think I have had the rockiest of rocky roads, I have not had smooth sailing by any means. In the future, I hope my business will expand to the point where I don’t have to maintain another job as well as a photography business, but I love photography for the art and I will be happy just having the opportunity to take beautiful pictures, of beautiful people, beautiful things, and beautiful spaces.

Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over?
I don’t think I’ve ever truly felt like quitting. I love photography and art in general. There have been many times where I have felt overwhelmed maintaining a regular 9-5 job while still trying to grow my photography business and really nurture it the way I should, however, I would never quit because it is very special to me. For me, photography isn’t even really about money, but it is a really nice perk to get paid for doing something you love. The only other really hard times have been when people take advantage of my kindness. I have occasionally taken pictures for people or businesses I am involved with for no charge or a steep discount the first time so that they can get an idea of my style and if they like it, but they assume It will be the same in the future. That is never a fun thing to deal with.

What would you tell someone who is just starting out?
Be true to yourself and your style, Always strive to learn, and improve your craft, and know your worth. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you do, shameless self-promotion is ok, and it allows you to gain connections and grow a client base. But if you ever get bogged down and feel yourself losing creativity make sure you take the time to do some shoots that you want to do, it shouldn’t feel like a job or a chore.

What are you most excited about these days?
I am always excited by what the future and what it could bring. I’d love to potentially do some travel writing and photography, grow my business and spend more time photographing beautiful memories. I’d also love to do some Atlanta Street Style Photography. Getting published would be pretty cool as well.

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