Check Out Albert Thurman Jr.’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Albert Thurman Jr. 

Hi Albert, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love of photography started about 12 years ago. I had a $500 point-and-shoot camera I used for family events and people started asking how much I charged at the parties. So, before I started sending out invoices, I decided I better figure out how to really use the camera. From there I never really looked back. My love for photography simultaneously grew with the birth and popularity of Instagram. The post and play formate became very addicting and I embraced the new media platform. I stared to create my identity and shooting style making content for Instagram. IG also started a 15-second video feature that allowed me to showcase some terribly shaky behind-the-scenes footage. At the time a hybrid shooter (picture & video) was not an everyday occurrence like it is now. I studied and improved my skill set at doing video strictly to promote myself online. I believe my POV and storytelling ability help me stand out from everyone else and my video work became what I was most known for. 

Now my primary workflow is commercial videography and portrait photography. I enjoy helping people tell their stories and capture their individual beauty. 

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?
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing home finances and my passion. I got married to a young lady with two small kids about the same time if fell in love with the camera. This industry is not hard but it is very expensive. You don’t need the best of the best tools to make great images. But it helps out a lot… With that being said I had to teach myself how to do everything in the beginning and pay someone to teach me how to do it correctly later. Trial and error have been the name of the game for me. 

I would say the second thing that I really struggled with was the transition from the friendly neighborhood photographer to an actual business. At some point, my passion was considered part of my income and you have to set some boundaries and stay committed to the process. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in commercial videography and portrait photography. My career was started on social media so I have a knack for creating content and telling stories. The small business and local entrepreneurs have embraced my shooting style and used it to promote and create interest in their companies. These small businesses have been my bread and butter and I work hand and hand with each client to give them the best results. The thing I’m probably most proud of is that most of my work is still referral based. After establishing my business, I figured out that I still want to be creative and artistic so I don’t shoot a lot. Taking on a bunch of jobs for the money and putting out cookie-cutter product is not for me. I enjoy the to process of working with a client and helping them bring their vision to life. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite app is Instagram even now with all the changes it still works for me. I also listen to a lot of Inky Johnson and the Social Proof Podcast. They focus mostly on self-development and financial literacy. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Allouisj.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/allouisj

Image Credits
Jona W Lex
Neuenschwander
Jo Pleasant
Amanda Bloom
Je’Rae Guss
Jenna Brown