Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Walston.
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is probably similar to a lot of people out there. I first started photography as a hobby in high school. I found myself taking pictures of landscapes, old building, and anything that caught my eye outdoors. After high school I started bringing my camera to the church I was attending at the time and took pictures of events, baptisms, and other church functions. I never really thought about photography as a career even then, it was just something I loved doing. Shortly after posting my pictures on the church’s social media, I had close friends interested in me taking pictures for them.
That’s how it all started with me branching off into the professional world of photography. I had no clue I would be where I am today. All my work was strictly word of mouth because I had a full-time job and I just didn’t have the time to advertise and I was trying to keep the workload light so it didn’t interfere with my other job.
As years went by my business grew and grew. I knew then I needed to devote more time to it. This was something that started as a hobby but quickly turned into a passion. I am self-taught but luckily there are a lot of great resources online and other photographers who are willing to share their knowledge. I just dove in and wanted to learn anything and everything.
A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into this business but I never put down my camera. I worked hard over the years and found myself finally feeling like a “real” photographer. I’ve recently been named best photographer of 2021 by Best of Texoma!
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?
Any business owner will tell you it’s never a smooth road. It’s just part of the job but you have to learn how to adapt and overcome. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is a successful business doesn’t happen overnight, it takes years. And sometimes the progress isn’t consistent.
One of the things I’ve struggled with is time. The time I could actually devote and the amount of time I thought my business should have been established. Don’t put a time limit on anything, you’ll only let yourself down. Keep your head down and work hard. The timing part will work itself out.
I say keep your head down because I also struggled with comparing myself to others. Don’t look to the left and right comparing yourself to what everyone else is doing. I did that for a lot of years. It doesn’t work. The last couple years I focused on me and what makes me happy. I found my own style and just ran with it. After I learned who I was as a photographer, my business has really grown. I had to regroup and ask myself why did I even start photography. It’ so easy to get off path when you’re out there running a business basically by yourself but just stay true to yourself.
In my county, there are a lot of photographers so there’s a lot of competition. That’s probably another struggle I had over the years. It’s so easy for the client to quickly move on to someone else so you have the pressure of always being on your A-game. You just have to learn to not let those small pressures get to you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in weddings, high school seniors, and couples. I found I enjoy these the most and I think my work reflects that. I still enjoy sports, events, and product photography.
I like to shoot a lot of in-the-moment shots. I’ve had people tell me they book with me because of my artistic eye and my style. I do consider myself an artist so I’m glad that people recognize that. I like to be creative and try new things.
I’m known for shooting outdoors. That’s my go-to. I’m a natural light photographer and I enjoy shooting during golden hour. I shoot a lot towards the sun so you’ll see a lot of beautiful sun flares in my photos.
A funny thing I’m also known for is the way a stand. A lot of people make comments on my awkward standing while I shoot – so I’ve learned to embrace it!
What makes you happy?
This business is extremely rewarding. I love sending out previews or galleries and my clients being ecstatic with the final product. My happiness comes from making the clients happy. That’s what keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Email: mwphotography.ntx@gmail.com
- Website: https://mwphotography.pic-time.com/client
- Instagram: instagram.com/mwphotography.ntx
- Facebook: facebook.com/michellewalstonphotography
