Conversations with A.J. Dunlap

Today we’d like to introduce you to A.J. Dunlap.

Hi A.J., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my photography business in 2010.

I was a young adult, married to my high school sweetheart, trying my hand at everything from the corporate world to advertising sales and even a nannying for a few years. Simply trying to find my way in life.

That was, until my older siblings began having kids.

Being the proud aunt I am, I began photographing their every move with my dinky little pocket camera. When that very quickly began frustrating me (because you know, that was 15+ years ago when iPhones weren’t nearly as good as they are now), I began diving in into the world of photography with the simple goal of taking better photos of my nieces and nephews. I started sharing those photos on social media, and people began asking me to photograph their families too…and I haven’t looked back since!

I now how 3 beautiful daughters, a husband of 20 years, and one very high energy puppy, and I crave beautiful images of them. I’m constantly trying to freeze time simply to remember an age, a moment in time, a feeling!

I don’t think it’s the act of taking the pictures that grabs me though. It’s the feelings the photos bring, and the connections I feel to those in the photos. That’s what I strive to give to all my photography families! I want each and every client to feel the way I feel when I look at a photo of my loved ones. Proud, joyful and thankful.

I want them walking by your portraits on the wall and smiling, or sitting on the couch and flipping through albums with their children and swooning over their tiny preciousness. There is nothing that makes me happier than hearing a photo I took photographer brings joy into a home & life

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Well, yes and no. It took off very quickly, which was amazing. I was able to go full time in my business after about a year, which was amazing. Like every business, there are ups an downs. I transitioned into the wedding industry for about a decade, and then back into full time family photography when my own kids needed me more on the weekends than weddings allowed. Transitioning from one business model to another and then back again definitely presented it’s struggles: new business model and re-establishing a family clientele again. But it’s all been worth it to be able to photograph so many wonderful families again, and be able to have most of my weekends back with my own family.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I opened my business in 2010 and have spent years perfecting an experience for moms just like myself. Busy moms who want to freeze time with their little ones. I take the stress out of photos by providing a wardrobe, helping to create memories and art while giving my clients the opportunity to be fully engaged in their family session because I’m handling all the hard details. I specialize in turning their images into albums and artwork, because family photos bring joy into a home!! They deserve a life beyond the digital realm. My clients love that they get digital files and printed pieces, because the true joy is in seeing and enjoying your photos!

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My clients constantly thank me for the the quality of communication and experience that I provide them. I believe in quick responses as well as details. I try to answer questions before they’re asked, so that my families feel comfortable and prepared for their sessions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ajdunlap.com/links
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajdunlap
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajdunlapphotography