Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Hutchinson
Hi Corey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio #GoBucks! My family always valued wholesome home cooking. Flavorful, freshly cooked meals prepared with love always brought our family together.
In 2006 I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. After working in I.T. for over a decade, I began to realize that I had a strong desire to further explore my creativity. These realizations became further amplified in 2020 when the world essentially came to a standstill due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. I used my down time to explore various forms of photography. During that time, there were a ton of photography virtual training courses and webinars. I signed up for as many as I could. I would often rent out professional cameras from a local camera store so I could practice what I was learning and familiarize myself with the functions of the camera.
I eventually decided I wanted to pursue food and beverage photography full-time. I purchased my first professional camera and lenses in 2023 along with lighting equipment, tripods, etc. I began developing my brand and building my portfolio. Though there were many sacrifices and late nights, I kept practicing and honing my craft. Most importantly I’ve never stopped learning because if you stop learning, you stop growing. In 2023, with the blessing from God, the support of other individuals in my circle, my fiancée, and mentorship from several members within my community, I officially launched CORE Photography!
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?
As the saying goes…” There’s no straight path to success.” I believe that anyone who has ever reached success has come up against some struggles and road blocks along the way. When it comes to being an entrepreneur; struggles never really leave completely. If you overcome one obstacle in your business, there’s a likely chance that another obstacle will arise down the road. I prefer to see those struggles/obstacles more as challenges. Challenges grow and shape your character which leads you to your ultimate destiny. The main challenge I relate to is putting myself out there in the first place. Publishing a portfolio/body of work for all of the world to see and judge creates a lot of vulnerability; but it’s also one of the things in my life I’m most proud of. Through my faith in God and perseverance, I am working to overcome challenges every day. I’m excited for my future and I look forward to serving others through my business and other talents that I have to help others grow.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Commercial Photographer I provide high quality Food & Beverage, and Real Estate, and Drone Photography services & Videography Services. I love to work together with businesses to help grow their presence and brand through top tier photos and videos. What sets me apart is my engineering background, high level of creativity, and my ability to solve complex problems for my clients. I’ve taken to time to “niche down” with-in the photography field. This allows me to take a more specialized approach because I understand the quality of great food and what it takes to best capture a particular dish, beverage, or product. I’ve always had a appreciation for nature, spending time outdoors, travel, and architecture. This led me to take steps toward the second phase of my business which is Real Estate and Drone Photography.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
While I don’t necessarily believe in luck; I do believe that God’s will, working hard, staying focused, and support from family and friends has helped me get to where I am today. I’m especially grateful to Wake Tech and the Launch Holly Springs program for the training and mentorship opportunities they provided. (I recently graduated from the program in May 2024). I appreciate the people within my inner circle, community, and everyone who took the time to uplift, encourage, and assist me. Not only in this season, but through-out my journey of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corephotography.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corephotographyrdu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corephotographyrdu