Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Matthews.
Hi Annette, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Growing up I can remember; I was always doing something creative. I always loved to get my hands dirty when it came to bringing my imagination to surface. Whether it was paint, clay or dirt, I used whatever moved me. I was always into paintings and drawings, of which most of it I still have.
As I got older, I became fascinated with printed images my mom would always get printed. I loved looking back at old memories in the photo books, and video film that she took even back before my sister and I were born. Once I held a camera in my hand and saw the world through that viewfinder, there was no looking back.
Starting with a Kodak 35mm film camera, to a disposable film, then digital, SLR, DSLR, and finally a full-frame professional camera, there’s never a moment that’s not captured by me… EVER! No one ever worried about a moment being lost as long as I was around. Printing photos is my jam! I have so many photo books and boxes of photos I don’t know what to do with.
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?
The road has not been smooth. The main struggles along the way was that I needed to get out of my head and share my work. Getting things off the ground was hard for me because I never thought my work was good enough to share with others. Secondly, I had no idea what I was doing business-wise, but I was fortunate enough to take courses, workshops and attend conferences that helped me on my path. Just when I thought that was the hardest part, then came marketing aspect of everything. Once I was able to hone in on processes and operations behind the scenes, things began to flow much better. Soon after, I began to attract clients from out of state who sought me out specifically. I had no idea how it all came to be, but once the ball started rolling, it rolled pretty fast.
Moving from my hometown in Detroit, then Phoenix and now in Dallas, the challenge has arisen again. Since because I have a grasp on how to run a business, I am happy to know this move to Dallas will be no different than the one in Phoenix. I embrace a good challenge. Challenges enable me to work harder for my goals and be prepared for when any change arise in my business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in personal brand & lifestyle portrait photography for entrepreneurs, small business owners, influencers, and other creative professionals who want high-quality visuals to help tell their story online. It’s really simple – I help people create high-quality branded content to help them enhance their online presence and grow their business.
I use photography as the medium for communicating your unique strengths, passions, and personality traits to others so that they get an idea of who YOU are before even meeting you face-to-face.
I specialize primarily in Personal Branding + Lifestyle Photography. In addition, I have added Digital Photo Booth rental to my book of business. The photo booth has been a great addition to my services especially being that I photograph a lot of retreats and events. Adding this has really improved the value that I can bring to my clientele.
In addition, I do work with individuals who want portrait photography for themselves such as milestones in their lives including but not limited to graduation, birthdays, or events.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When I first decided to take photography seriously, I thought I had it all together but I didn’t. As I began to join various photography groups, I latched on to those I admired business-wise. It was my first step and opportunity to be in the room with those of home are doing what I want to do and they were successful at it. Becoming familiar with their practices and learning from them by attending workshops and conferences that they held, I was able to gain a lot of knowledge, friendships, and coaches along the way. Being in the room with successful people will definitely rub off on someone who is aiming to be a successful entrepreneur themselves. Once I learned that piece, it was my intention to continue to grow my business the knowledge gained from mentors and friends in the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annettematthews.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annettematthewsphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annettematthewsphotography/
- Other: https://g.page/r/CbUjVk_X54JkEBE/review
Image Credits
Annette Matthews Photography
