Today we’d like to introduce you to Avery Wooten.
Hi Avery, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Hang on tight… I have a long story but a very simple message!
Four years ago, I got married to my high school sweetheart (sort of- but I can talk more about that at another time!) and knew I wanted to start a family. I was at the time a teacher and dreamed of staying home with my own babies! Fast forward a few years, two children later, and the struggle of having young children but only seeing them a few hours each day was really tough. It pulled on my heartstrings and I knew I couldn’t do it much longer. I entered photography because of them- not only did I want to be with my girls while they were so little but I wanted to document it as much as possible too. My reasoning behind both of those things is that they are little for such a short amount of time. I love the changes and phases, but when it’s over, it’s over! As my inspiration for picking up a camera, it started as a way to document their stages and as a hobby to do the same for friends and family. At that point (looking back on my images) I was NO GOOD. I mean it! I never imagined someone paying me or even just wanting me to take pictures of them. So… the secret to everything I know… I got on YouTube. Literally. I sat in bed for hours each night teaching myself how to actually work the dang camera. Back then I thought my focus would be babies and families… so not only did I surf the internet for “settings for a Nikon blah, blah, blah…” but I also watched workflows from different photographers. My goal was to learn, and it still is, every day! So, after really digging in and expanding my actual knowledge of photography, I ended up being OK at it. I was better! I asked friends if I could do sessions for them, they (thank God) said yes, and slowly it grew. So now you’re probably like, but you do weddings?? So how did that happen? Well, that story is even lamer (but perfect!!!) in my opinion. It happened because of Starbucks. Which says so much about my life right now! I ran into an old friend (Krista Stevens) in the Starbucks line and it happened to be a “pay for the person behind you” thing. So, Krista (who I went to high school with and now often shoot with) was behind me and I paid for her drink! I didn’t know it, but she recognized me and messaged me on Instagram! Literally the next week we were having a playdate, drinking coffee, eating lunch, and reconnecting! She welcomed me with open arms to shoot with her and I haven’t stopped since!
The point of all those details is to say- we make plans, but God has even better plans for us! It’s the day-to-day, seemingly unimportant moments that lead you to where you’re supposed to be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My experiences have mainly been smooth, but I’ve definitely struggled. I think my biggest struggle was investing in myself. I have to be totally honest! It caught me way off guard on how much time, mind space, and money that would be put into becoming a photographer, and more so starting a business. My husband and I believe in investing in things that will be worth it, or that we see as something that will help us in the end. But I was a teacher, and from a money standpoint, I did not make that much! We argued some on what to pay for, what to do myself, and how much was too much for us in the season that we were in. I learned though- investing in yourself is absolutely necessary. Your time is so valuable and you can teach yourself so much if you just sit down and do it. I was in an amazing coaching group with Morgan Williams on how to run a profitable business. Was it cheap? No! But you get what you pay for 100%. Did I pull money from savings for it? Yep! Sure did! But my husband and I both knew it was literally an investment, we’d get it back later through my business if we were that dedicated to it being successful. That is still true today with equipment, networking, and anything you can think of! I don’t have an open weekend until November because I know that if I show up now it’s an investment- I’ll be rewarded for it later.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Raleigh-based wedding photographer for the southern bride! I specialize in timeless photography with a southern feel. I love pearls, lace, old homes, and big flowers. I love the cross between rustic and elegance because that’s who I am! I grew up fishing with my Daddy but was also the “preppy” sister (ha!) that had everything monogrammed. I love big flowers and greenery. I love simplicity with a high-end feel.
What sets me apart from others??? I’m FUN! I photograph your wedding because you hired me, yes, but I’m there for YOU! I don’t believe in standing in the corner the whole time or to just snap the picture and move on. I’m there to deliver one of the most important services of the day, but to make you ENJOY it! My bridal experience (I hope) shows off that element. This is the most exciting time of your life- it should be FUN!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love to collaborate! I am currently looking for second shooters as I start to book weddings!!
Always recommend my services to others! This can be done via conversation or social media! Social media is a wonderful thing!
Contact Info:
- Email: avery@averywootenphotography.com
- Website: https://averywootenphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averywootenphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averywootenphoto/
Image Credits
Krista Stevens Photography
