Andrew Knowles shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Andrew, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Being a dad! I have 3yr old twins and a 2yr old, and they bring me so much joy every day. Watching them grow has a way of slowing life down and magnifying the little moments- they’ve taught me to cherish time in a way I never did before.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Andrew Knowles, a portrait photographer and owner of AJK Images, a fine art photography studio in Dallas, Texas. I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2010, and my passion for photography started back in high school over 20 years ago.
I specialize in creating emotive, timeless portraits that blend fine art elegance with a modern, editorial feel. Every session is thoughtfully designed, where I help style multiple looks, provide professional hair and makeup, and deliver a luxury photography experience that feels effortless and personal.
I guide each client from start to finish, helping them feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. My goal is to create portraits that look natural and authentic while carrying the intentional artistry of fine portrait photography.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
In 2015, I won a national portrait competition that led to mentorship with world-renowned photographer Sue Bryce. She saw my potential long before I fully recognized it myself. At the time, I was still developing my voice as an artist, and she had this ability to look past the technical side of photography and focus on the heart of it – connection, emotion, and purpose.
Sue helped me see that portraiture is not just about creating a beautiful image but about revealing something true about the person in front of the camera. Through her mentorship, I began to understand the power of light and storytelling in a deeper way. She taught me how to connect with people, how to lead with empathy, and how to use my camera as a tool to celebrate who they are.
That experience completely transformed my approach to photography. It gave me the confidence to trust my instincts, refine my craft, and ultimately build AJK Images into the studio it is today.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For much of my life, I struggled with the fear of not being enough. Not talented enough, not prepared enough, not ready enough to take the next step. In creative work especially, it’s easy to overanalyze and compare yourself to others, which can quietly hold you back from taking risks that lead to real growth.
Over time, I realized that confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready. It comes from doing the work anyway and learning through experience. One of my favorite quotes from Sue is, “If you fear something, run towards it.” Once I started trusting my instincts and stopped seeking perfection before progress, everything changed. That shift allowed me to grow my business, refine my craft, and lead with purpose instead of fear.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Everyone needs to exist in photos.
Too often, people hide from the camera because they are waiting to feel more confident, more ready, or more worthy of being seen. But photos are not just about how we look. They are about preserving who we are, the connections we share, and the moments our loved ones will one day hold onto.
I believe every person deserves to see themselves represented in a way that feels honest and beautiful. Photography is about legacy and belonging, and everyone’s story deserves to be documented and remembered. That belief guides everything I do, both personally and professionally, and it is the reason I protect this value at all costs. I feel honored and grateful to be able to help people celebrate themselves and create something that will ultimately outlive them.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when everything slows down, when I can truly be present and notice the quiet beauty in ordinary moments. It happens in the mornings with my kids, when the house is still and the light is soft, and I’m reminded how fleeting time really is. Those moments center me and remind me why I do what I do.
I also find peace when I’m photographing someone and the world seems to disappear. There’s this stillness that happens when a person lets their guard down and I get to witness something real. It’s not about the perfect pose or expression, but about truth. That space between the subject and the lens feels sacred to me – where connection, art, and humanity all meet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AJKimages.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_knowles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJKimages
Image Credits
Sue Bryce
