Today we’d like to introduce you to Anquinette Robinson.
Hi Anquinette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography journey began at 17 years old in Dayton, Ohio, when my cousin gifted me my first digital camera. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion. Around that time, I joined a youth program called ACT-SO, sponsored by the NAACP.
ACT-SO, which stands for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, is a year-long program that supports and celebrates the achievements of African-American high school students in areas like STEM, humanities, business, visual and performing arts, and more. I competed in the photography category, won my local competition in Dayton, and earned the opportunity to represent my city at the national competition in Los Angeles, California.
At that stage, I was primarily capturing landscapes, nature, and family events. I continued exploring my creativity through photography until I began my undergraduate studies at North Carolina Central University. Once in college, photography was placed on the back burner as I focused on earning my B.A. in History. Later, I moved to California to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration at California State University, Long Beach. While I wasn’t actively shooting during those years, the love for photography never left me.
After returning to North Carolina and working at Duke Health, I realized I wasn’t fulfilled. It had nothing to do with my job, coworkers, or leadership—I just wasn’t feeling joy. That led me back to my passion for photography and a deeper desire to take it more seriously.
I initially explored the idea of joining a photography franchise to learn the business side and sharpen my skills. But that path didn’t work out. By the time I discovered it wasn’t the right fit, I had already registered my LLC and chosen a name for my business. Feeling disappointed, I confided in a friend who encouraged me to move forward on my own. They reminded me that I already had the essentials—and could learn the rest as I grew.
So I launched Only Captured By AQ. While event photography and capturing everyday life were already in my wheelhouse, portrait photography was new for me. Still, I embraced the challenge, learned as I went, and leaned into the process of building a business rooted in creativity and joy.
Running a photography business full-time is no easy feat, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Every session reminds me why I returned to this work. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh no, it has definitely not been a smooth road—haha! There were quite a few hills and bumpy roads I had to navigate.
One of the first challenges was figuring out the legal and financial side of running a business—especially taxes! Learning how to file on your own, understanding business expenses, and staying on top of all the paperwork was a steep learning curve.
Then came time management and boundaries. When you’re a business owner, nothing stops unless you stop it. There’s always something to do, and it’s easy to fall into a cycle of nonstop work.
Confidence was another big hurdle—staying grounded and maintaining a positive self-image as both a person and a creative. There were moments of serious self-doubt. I’d ask myself: “Am I crazy for starting a photography business after going to college for something completely different?” “Does my work even measure up?” “Can I really make this successful?”
And of course, there was comparison—constantly looking at other photographers and thinking, “Their work is so much better than mine… maybe I should just quit.” That mindset can quickly rob you of joy and creativity.
There were also periods where I lost myself in the work. Even though photography is my passion, it started to feel like I was always “on.” And while it’s fulfilling, it’s still work. I had to learn the value of taking time to rest and simply exist—without pressure, deadlines, or expectations.
What helped me get through all of that was reminding myself that everyone starts somewhere. Every expert was once a beginner. I focused on learning and growing at my own pace. I also sought support from organizations like the Small Business Center Network, which offers guidance and resources for small business owners.
Eventually, I stopped second-guessing myself. I let go of the comparisons. And while it didn’t happen overnight—it took time (a lot of time, haha)—I gave myself grace to grow through every stage.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer who specializes in event photography, nature and landscape photography, and portrait sessions. I capture all kinds of events—except weddings—and I’m currently expanding my skills to include newborn photography in the near future.
While I offer a variety of services, I’m most known for my event photography. That said, I hold a deep personal pride in my landscape and nature work. It’s where my journey began, and to this day, I can spend hours immersed in capturing the beauty of the natural world.
What truly sets me apart is that a session with me is more than just taking pictures—it’s an experience. Whether I’m photographing an event or a personal portrait session, my goal is to help you walk away having learned something new about yourself or the moment we’re capturing.
I’ve been told that my energy is warm, inviting, and even therapeutic. I have a tendency to notice the small, often overlooked details and bring them to light in a way that offers a fresh perspective.
When I’m doing a portrait session, it’s not just about showing up with a camera, finding a pose, and getting the lighting right. It’s about learning your story, telling your story, and reflecting it back to you through images that remind you just how incredible you are. My photography is about connection, storytelling, and helping people see the beauty in themselves and their experiences.
What does success mean to you?
Honestly, joy. To me, if you have joy, you are successful.
I’ve learned that joy is one of the hardest things to come by. It’s not about material things, money, or even relationships. Those things can often be attained with hard work, time, and patience. But joy? True, lasting joy? That requires something deeper. It requires inner work, self-awareness, and alignment.
I think a lot of people confuse joy with happiness. But the difference is this: happiness is often tied to circumstances, it’s fleeting. Joy, on the other hand, is rooted within you. It’s steady. It lasts. It doesn’t depend on anything external.
For a long time, I chased what I thought success looked like. I got the degrees, I built connections, I landed the jobs, and I achieved a level of material success. But even with all that, I wasn’t fulfilled. It wasn’t until I reconnected with my joy, my passion for photography and creative expression, that I began to feel truly successful.
So for me, success isn’t about how things look from the outside. It’s about how things feel on the inside. And when you’re living with joy, that quiet, grounded kind, you’ve made it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.onlycapturedbyaq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlycapturedbyaq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YvELtHJvK/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anquinetterobinson
