Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette James.
Hi Annette, 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?
I have been a photographer/videographer for over 8 years. I became a photographer because I really loved stilling the moment. I grew up in Ohio, and there are so many beautiful landscapes, so it was important to capture those images as much as possible. Shortly after, I began freelance photography as a junior in college, where I took picture of peers. Becoming a freelancer in an area where photographers were slim picking pushed me to study the artistic and business side of photography. That push was profitable, and photography blossomed into a craft that was so rewarding. A few years later, I became the in-house photographer for a non-profit and started my own photography company, AMQ Media. Being a part of the non-profit caused me to become a published photographer and help me narrow down the type of photography I wanted to do. Today, I take portraits of individuals and family, and headshots of local small business owners. I enjoy what I do, and I pray that even during this hard time, I can continue making a living from it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a business owner, I certainly have faced hardships. Some of the struggles included learning how to operate as a successful business, interacting with an array of different clients, and how to scale my business up. No one tells you when you initially start a business that you must become the CEO, the talent, the H.R. Director, etc. So, you’re tasked with not only playing these roles, but you’re also task with building a business with structure in order to bring in a team to help you along the way. Notwithstanding, you are responsible for having good customer service, even when you don’t have a “good customer”. Lastly, I personally want my business to grow, and growth sometimes comes with “growing pains”. Stretching also can be very uncomfortable, but in the end, consistency will bring a great reward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the owner of AMQ Media, I understand that I am an Artist first and a business owner second. As an artist, I’ve been blessed to add onto my skill set; I started off as a photographer, and along the way, I added graphic design and videography. I specialize in Professional Headshots, Flyer Design, and Motion Graphics. And I am most proud of the fact that I can do and be multiple things to my clients, and provided brand consistency across the board because AMQ Media is providing headshots, video services, and marketing collateral for our clients. I believe this is what sets me apart from others; my ability to be a one-stop shop for all things marketing.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The biggest piece of advice I can give those starting out is to study the market you plan to go in! Study those that you admire and be a sponge for information. It’s very important to consistently have the posture of a student, not allowing yourself to get in a place where you feel you’ve learned all you can in your market.
Starting out, I wish I would have found a mentor, that was successful at doing what I had the desire to do. I have always been an introvert, so I was deathly afraid of reaching out and asking for help. Knowing what I know now, I believe I would have bypassed a lot of hardship in my business if I would have just reached out for help.
Pricing:
- Professional Headshots Start off at $150
- E-Flyer Design Starts off at $50
- Motion Graphics Start off at $140
- Videography Services Start off at $400
Contact Info:
- Email: amqmedia1@gmail.com
- Website: amqmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amqmedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amqmedia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqZPZSnONyFyPZIQ0s0Szng
