Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrey Cooley.
Aubrey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
How I got started – My love of photography started for me when I was 7. I received my first Polaroid while I was at summer camp and I haven’t taken my finger off of the shutter button yet! I have always known how important photography was to me because I never stopped trying to learn more about it. Whether it was taking photos for the school yearbook, or endless random shoots with my friends, I was learning what my style was and how much I truly loved taking pictures. My junior year I was gifted a Canon Rebel and it’s been a wonderful journey since!
How I got to where I am today – I went to school for Emergency Administration and Disaster Planning at the University of North Texas, which prepared me to help vulnerable populations before, during and after a disaster. I traveled to India to study International Disasters. It was there I developed an even bigger passion for photography. I was inspired everywhere I went and by the amazing stories, I heard. I came back so fired up and ready to take on the world. I had to start relying on photography to escape from the fluorescent-lit cubicle that was sucking all the creativity from me. I wasn’t getting a chance to connect with and help people which was my passion. I think the people around me were starting to see how uninspired and unhappy I was becoming from cubicle life, but was lucky enough to have friends and family who were so encouraging. They kept dropping not-so-subtle hints that I should start my photography business. One day I finally listened.
When I started my business, I was mainly taking high school senior portraits and couples. I then branched out to do campaign work for non-profit organizations. I was nearing the end of an AmeriCorps term when I needed to find something new. I landed a job at a shop for mid-century modern furniture and home decor called West Elm in Fort Worth, Texas as their Social Media Coordinator. I was posting 5-6 authentic images a week about mid-century design, incorporating the beauty of the Fort Worth community.
It was really wonderful because I was coming up with and executing new concepts, while taking photos in the store, as well as all over the Fort Worth area. Whether it was taking photos in someone’s home, a wedding venue, or an occasional parking garage with a mural to showcase a new piece, I was constantly upping my game and always proud of my work. Since then I’ve put more energy into portrait photography as my business continues to grow.
Has it been a smooth road?
There were times I was not being compensated fairly for my work and really had to think about what I was willing to give up for what I loved to do. I couldn’t work for free anymore. I think a lot of artists struggle with this and it took me a while to realize I was talented enough to turn this into a career rather than a hobby where I could support myself more financially. Of course, I want to do as many projects as I can get my hands on, but I think every artist reaches a breaking point where just getting “exposure” isn’t exactly enough. I’ve learned to trust my gut and ask for what I’m worth.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rose & Co. Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I am currently a certified special education teacher in the Keller School District, but I also have a photography business called Rose & Co. Photography. I specialize in portrait, engagement, event and product photography. I do try not to limit myself.
What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I am proud that I have been able to develop my own sense of style and have stopped comparing myself to others. I put every ounce of myself into my work and I am grateful for the opportunity to put it out into the world. I believe the diversity of my work sets me apart from others. I try not to limit myself to just being one type of photographer. Whether it’s the work I’ve created for West Elm, taking photos of trash for a litter campaign, product photography or the first portraits of a newborn baby, it’s mine and I find the beauty in all of it.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It’s become obvious that photography isn’t so rigid and traditional anymore. I think photography is pushing the boundaries of art with new perspectives while playing with the delicate balance of light and color. We’re stepping away from what is expected from us in every form of photography and really pushing ourselves to show how our perspective is unique.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aubrey-cooley.format.com/
- Email: aubreyrosec@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rosecophoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/acooleyphotography/
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