Today we’d like to introduce you to Anderson Ayers.
Hi Anderson, 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 may have officially picked up a camera back in 2016, but my mind has always been in the space of a creative. As I started to progress through my photography my family had found an old photo of my grandfather and me and in the photo, he’s showing me all about a point and shoot film camera.
Yet, I do have to give credit to my cousin Jordan for sparking that photography mind of mine back in 2016. He and his girlfriend had visited me in Denver, where I used to live, and we adventured and hiked throughout the city, for days. Within these adventures, of course, he wanted photos of him and his boo in CO.
They had a basic Nikon camera, I want to say it was a Nikon D3400. I had a BLAST shooting them. It was the first time I ever used a “professional” camera. I loved how clear the photos looked compared to the phone. The mountains had looked so crisp, the sky was so blue, and the people seemed so clear. I tried to edit them with filters from Instagram or Snapchat, but it wasn’t enough for me, didn’t look how my mind wanted it to be. That led me to download ALL the Adobe programs, but I fell in love with Lightroom. All this excitement I had for this new hobby I discovered, wasn’t going unnoticed, and soon after that visit, I was gifted my very own professional camera.
Now, fast forward 5 years, it’s 2021, and I have created a style for myself. Created a name for me. I may not be known all around the nation, but here in Memphis, my name does ring a bell in the creative space and that means the world to me. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many creatives in this city, photographers, videographers, directors, writers, producers, musicians, and so many more. Photography is my outlet, if you’ve ever met me, I come with energy, but I’m human like anyone else, so I get sad, angry, depressed, anxious and etc.
And I don’t always express myself very well, but now I have this outlet and everyone can see the beauty of my emotions and mind. All of this being said, I don’t think if my cousin ever visited me and brought that camera, I don’t think I’d have pursued a photography lifestyle, I also couldn’t have progressed if it wasn’t for YouTube and all the tips and tricks I learned through the creatives I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, I guess it was a smooth process, and I say that because I didn’t know what I was doing. Everything looked good to me! I saw no wrong in my photos. I was just having fun with my new camera and editing apps.
Now that I have about 6 years of practice and experience under my belt, I tend to face obstacles often. Especially when I switched from Auto mode to Manual. MAN, all photographers know that when you transition from auto to manual, it’s a massive difference and a huge learning curve. Learning what all those buttons are for and what all those numbers on the screen mean, a struggle once you make that switch. Yet that switch was the best choice I EVER made. That being said, that may be the biggest “struggle” I’ve had thus far.
I still try to challenge myself though to shoot more out-of-the-box ideas, or to shoot more during a sunny day, haha sunny days I hate honestly. I prefer cloudy days, just makes for better-looking photos in my opinion. So trying to shoot during a super sunny day is definitely out of my comfort zone. I have other challenges of course but that was a quick example.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Anderson Ayers Photography is in the process of becoming more than just a guy who snaps and edits photos. I’ve come across so many people who have seen my work and got inspired to dabble in photography, that wants to pursue it as a career or side hustle. Anderson Ayers Photography has plans in the making to teach people who are ready to learn more about their cameras and help to find their style when it comes to how they shoot and edit.
I don’t really know what I specialize in haha. I really just come up with ideas and make it work. I think my specialty may be an edgy glamour look. I have always liked dark moods or tones when I shoot. Which in Memphis, I think it separates me from the rest of the city. The city is big on the music industry and the fashion scene so most of those shoots are flashy and in your face, which is no issue at all, but that’s just Memphis. Memphis is turning up so of course, the city is going to be in your face, the creatives are doing it on purpose. Better recognize! Haha, but back to what I was saying, I think the fact that I am not originally from here is the main reason why I feel I am different than other photographers in this city.
I also believe that my being from elsewhere has helped me create my brand so well. My energy is different than the average Memphian. Again, not throwing any shade whatsoever, I just am not from here so I talk different, act different, do differently. I come from a business background and a super wild family, so I have this super energetic and hype attitude that still comes with sincerity and the ability to relate to anyone. I know one day I will leave Memphis because Memphis isn’t my forever home, but my goal is to leave an impression on the city.
That when my name is said in another article or in a fashion magazine or some billboard that someone in Memphis will be like, “I remember him! He was a dope person and artist!” That right there is all I want. I just want my brand to exude positivity, excitement, genuine love and my name to be known as someone that always has your back.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Oh man, this may get people to look at me sideways haha. I don’t read any books to help with my business. I have read some books to help me elevate, such as GoPro, Outliers, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and a few more but it’s honestly been a while since I have read those books. I honestly haven’t read a book in a minute.
Hey! Don’t make that face haha! And the podcasts I listen to have nothing to do with my business or photography, lol. But if ya’ll want to know a little about me, I love the podcast called Morbid on Spotify. It’s two women who do fantastic research on crazy murders and crimes that have happened throughout time and man do they know how to keep you entertained!
Definitely check them out, my fiance and I stay listening to them. Also, check out Squaddd Cast by All Def Digital. If you mess with black comedians then that podcast is for you because man they are so relatable and mad hilarious!
Contact Info:
- Website: andersonayersphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/anderson_ayers
- Twitter: twitter.com/AndersonA94
Image Credits
Anderson Ayers Photography
