Today we’d like to introduce you to Avion Thomas.
Avion, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I remained persistent and dedicated and never let anything or anyone stops me.
The Story Line – From a young age, I had a passion for photography but couldn’t afford my own camera, so I would just use my phone. While in college back in 2014, I attended a Corvette Car Club meetup and I used my phone to take pictures. A gentleman in attendance (Lonzo Gaines) knew of me and my work and asked if I would like to use his camera and take some photos for the club members. I was ecstatic for the chance to use a real camera (Canon T3i) and to photograph the cars. They loved the images and encouraged me to pursue photography, conveying to me that I had a good eye. But, of course, not possessing a professional grade camera I brushed off their kind remarks and reluctantly said: “Thank you, I will”. This left me feeling discouraged for not owning a camera. Lonzo and the other members had a brief discussion on the matter and they agreed to pay me and to take me to the next Corvette Car Club meetup as their personal photographer. I felt like a kid in a candy store! After the following car show, Lonzo told me if I was serious he would loan me his camera anytime I wanted. I felt it was raining blessings! Ironically, right after I said I was serious he says “Cool… my brother is a DJ and he wants some nightclub photos. Free drinks, free entry in the club and getting paid a little cash? What more could a college kid want?” I was LIT!!! Fast forward to posting the nightclub images to my facebook page, I was offered another job, “another 1” at Cameron University to cover a fashion show and long story short, I kept on using photography as a hustle to help me pay for my college tuition and I haven’t stopped hustling with it since!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey definitely has not been a smooth ride but nothing ever truly worth having comes easy. Some of the struggles I’ve faced was not having a camera and not believing in myself and my quality of work, which was a major hurdle to jump. It wasn’t until the summer of 2017 when I truly began to turn my hustle into a sustainable and profitable business. A massive shift occurred which also came with difficulties. This meant learning how to run a successful business and having a colossal change in mindset.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a traveling photographer who specializes in capturing the natural spontaneity and cinematic storytelling. I provide everyday people with magazine style photography experience and assist them to see the value in themselves by seeing them-self as the best possible version of themselves. I observe people transform through the experience repeatedly and I’m in LOVE with their transformation and giving them the experience of empowerment.
I am best known for my daring style of capturing people in harsh sunlight conditions as most people shy away from this technique or simply shoot indoors. What I take most pride in is having 100% satisfaction by my clients. It gives me great joy in being able to offer value and service everyday.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always adventurous and free spirited but reserved at the same time. I was always playing football (soccer) and staying out past curfew. My interests were computers and football.
Pricing:
- Magazine Style Portrait Experience- starts at $1300
- Digital Content Creation- Monthly Investment starts at $450 | 1 HR Investment starts at $275
Contact Info:
- Website: www.avionthomasphotography.com
- Phone: 407-580-9000
- Email: info@avionthomasphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/avionthomasphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/avionthomaphotography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
