Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Wilson.
Hi Angela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I decided to become a photographer and fine art instructor when I was just 17 years old in 1997 while taking a high school black and white darkroom class in my junior year. My teacher, Mr. Reeves, was instrumental in my success because he pushed me to achieve and want the most from education early. That summer, I entered a precollege program at Memphis College of Art and began dual enrollment my senior year at my local community college in Jacksonville, FL.
I attained a BFA degree from the University of Florida in Fine Art Photography with a minor in Art History in 2003. After my undergraduate, I took only a few months before starting graduate school for photography at the University of Arizona and moving across the country to Tucson. While attending Grad school, I worked at The Center for Creative Photography in print viewing and education. This is the second-largest archive for photographic images in the United States and was started by Ansel Adams and Harold Jones, my graduate school mentor and the first director of the Center.
After attaining my MFA degree in 2007, I moved with my husband to Atlanta and started “Angela Wilson Photography LLC.” My business focused on fine art portraiture and weddings. I was also simultaneously teaching adult education photography classes at Showcase School of Photography and offering private, professional photography workshops in the Atlanta area.
In 2015 I took my first break as a photographer to stay at home with my young kids and spend some time on personal endeavors. In 2017 I restarted my business as “Palm Portraits” after moving back home to Florida. I’ve since moved away from photographing weddings and instead focused on maternity, families, headshots, and events. I am a people person, and creating authentic and timeless heirloom portraits makes my soul happy.
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 entrepreneur, I’ve had to learn things never taught in school. Although I love the art of portraiture, business taxes, employee payroll, marketing, and being successful at social media have all been skills I’ve perfected over the years. In 2013 I experienced burnout from weddings. I missed most of my friend’s weddings due to photographing other weddings and as my kids began sports and activities. I was at the top of my industry in Atlanta, photographing at locations like Saint Regis, Biltmore Hotel, Georgian Terrace, and Chateau Elan. I never had weekends off. I needed to restructure my business and make changes to allow my schedule to be open for personal matters. In 2019 I was traveling the world for corporate events, and everything was glorious. Then came 2020 with Covid, and corporate events immediately stopped, especially traveling events. My business again had to restructure and change based on the Covid protocols.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in fine art editorial-style portraiture and on-location headshots and events. I photograph everyday people and help them pose; I fix their hair, make sure necklaces are straight, place hands on hips or pockets, and position their stances/legs for more natural imagery. I love the in-between moments after the initial pose while photographing. Everyone looks at me and smiles; then they give each other hugs. I asked them to turn and look at one another, tickle their kids, and finally, I had them turn back and give me their real smiles. I create actions on location. Those actions create real moments to cherish for a lifetime. I’ve become much faster, working with and posing large groups. That is one thing that can’t be taught in school. Experience is key! Being a people person and having the ability to be very outgoing is one of my best attributes. It helps me photograph portraits and allows clients to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I am proud to be moving to a mirrorless 45-megapixel Nikon Z 7II camera body in 2023. Technology keeps evolving, and I want to ensure that my equipment is top-notch for my clientele.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
My business is called Palm Portraits for a reason. I love photographing portraits in nature. Because I am a born and raised Floridian, I love palm trees, beaches, lush landscapes, and giant oak trees with hanging. Moss and the glorious colors of sunrise and sunset. My least favorite thing about this area is that the hurricanes have caused several parks to have issues with mud, down trees, and standing water, which brings mosquitos. I keep bug spray in my camera bag to combat the issue. However, some parks have remained closed for months, which makes it hard to schedule sessions.
Pricing:
- $250 for 30 minutes / 15 retouched images
- $350 for 1 hour / 25 retouched images
- $350 per hour for corporate events
- $150 per person for headshots (group rates available for 8 or more people)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PalmPortraits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmportraits/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalmPortraitsStudio
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Palm_Portraits
Image Credits
Copyright Palm Portraits by Angela Harden Wilson
