Today we’d like to introduce you to Collen Pryor.
Hi Collen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started young! My mom was a photographer and I used to use her old film camera to capture my brother’s baseball games for fun. The parents were so impressed that I started charging for my services at 11 years old. Eventually, I put it down for a few years to only pick it up with my GoPro and fall back in love in my early 20s.
Around that time, I was in school to get my A. A which was cut off as I took my mom’s other camera (sorry mom!) and went to a show. What was supposed to be a fun day of eating and drinking, I was front and center for my favorite artist snapping a few pics. Once I realized I was able to capture the magic musicians create on stage with cameras, I dropped out of school and when all in photography, specializing in Live Music/ \Event Photography.
Shortly after, I hopped on Team Nikon and developed a whole bag of professional gear. I jumped full-time freelance this past year and enjoying all of the journeys. I have defiantly made progress over these last few years, getting opp and I am so thankful for the festivals, artists, and managers that gave me a chance to work with them. The goal is to get on a tour bus this year! Fingers crossed!
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?
Saturation- it’s not just a slider on editing software. It’s the word to describe the industry! You have to be unique, hard-working, and flexible. I have learned to bring on other services which make you stand out a bit.
If my schedule is dry, I’ll go to pages to fill up the month; that brings on a whole other challenge. There are dozens of other photogs doing the same as you! I’ve seen posts flooded with 15 or more responses in the first 30 minutes! Shoot your shot (pun defiantly intended) when they’re posted. Our industry is interesting.
It has a communal sense to it but it’s also very competitive. In the Live Music aspects of our industry, it’s common to see fresh photographers offer for free in return for exposure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What makes me different is my ability to gladly hop in stressful situations. When I started, it was just photos. I wanted to be flexible so I learned to edit. Wanted to learn more, next came video then video editing and networking. Do you see the pattern? Never. Stop. Learning. Growth isn’t comfortable!
Video does have a learning curve but it is nice to switch it up every once in a while. Some gigs I will do both. Is it a lot? Yes, however, you just work through it and keep a level head. When I am not doing either, it’s Production Running for shows in Tampa/ St. Pete.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find happiness everywhere I look. Appreciating the little things can give you a good mindset. When I am not doing photo/video/running I still love to go to shows and festivals with my Festival Family and make new friends and memories along the way.
If I have some free time, I go visit my family and dogs in New Smyrna Beach. I go coast to coast often and what gets me through that is a good playlist. I teamed up with a buddy and currently learning how to do lighting for shows. I treat that as an old soul treats a muscle car project; get frustrated occasionally but enjoy each step of progress.
Lastly, I love to cook. Acts of Service is one of my Love Languages, so I gladly will spend a couple of hours with a bottle of wine and cooking for whoever is at my house! Need an invite?
Contact Info:
- Email: collenpryor@gmail.com
- Website: Www.Red-hatphotography.com
- Instagram: @RedHatPhotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collenpryor99
