Today we’d like to introduce you to Lamar Wells.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My best friend’s wife who is a film teacher at Notre Dame in California, asked me to assist her in a photography session. Once on site, I realized that from assisting with lighting to helping with poses and adjusting the clients per the backgrounds or scenery, I had a passion for photography. I also realized that I had talent in getting clients to give off positive energy, interact and respond well to be able to take the best photos possible. Ever since that opportunity, I have been driven to learn all that I can to improve my craft.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride; however, I make the best out of each situation. I have learned to adjust to different attitudes and personalities over time. Also, I adapt to each individual request from a variety of different clients. Some of the struggl.es along the way include clients who are late for their sessions, acquiring equipment because of cost, and not having a computer.
After attending the first photo session I was invited to assist with, I then became a photographer developing my skills for over 6 to 7 years but could not afford my own camera, so I was always using hers. As the demand within the business increased, her husband saw the potential in the business and went to school for it. Once completed, he kicked me out to keep the money in-house. A lot of the regular clients that we had were acquired through myself, my family, and friends. Although a few of my family members were supportive, a majority of them were not. They would hire other photographers instead of me, wanted to shoot for free, and did not want to pay for pictures. Gong through that process I’ve learned that it became more than just taking pictures but more of a form of therapy for me. It gave me a world within a world and the freedom to express my deeper thoughts to help me visualize them and make them a reality.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m most proud that I made the decision to go to school to become an aviation technician. My previous job was as a professional Chauffeur. I’m also proud that I finished a 12-month program working 12 to 18-hour shifts 6 days a week and also attending class from 5 pm to midnight Monday through Friday. I am proud that I was able to complete my program without failing or missing a class. I was also able to graduate on time. I’m known for being very good with people, networking, and developing relationships that I never thought I would be in. What sets me apart from others is that I am very transparent and open-minded.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
I believe wealth is not money that is given but the relationships that you develop throughout your lifetime and maintain. Maintaining a positive attitude and displaying a form of love no matter what the situation is. God is a very important aspect of my life; God gave me the ability to understand the power that I possess.
Pricing:
- 2 Hour Photo Shoot and 2 outfit changes for $175 (Includes Only 2 Edited photos, all others are online where prints can be purchased)
- 4 Hour minimum for Event Shoots $500 (zip drive with all unedited photos included)
- Travel Shoots – All expenses included (Room and board, flights, food) $1000 & Up depending on location and request
- Group Shoot (Ex. Family photos, friends) Minimum of 2 hours. (Includes Only 2 Edited photos, all others are online where prints can be purchased)
- Weddings Shoots – Photos Only $1500 and Up, Videography including edited video $1000
Contact Info:
- Instagram: a.y.c.81 and a.y.c.81reels
- Facebook: A. Y.C Videography, Photography
- Twitter: kingwell1981
- Other: a.y.c.81 for ticktock; kingswells81 for Pintrest
