Today we’d like to introduce you to TráVonna Hawkins.
Hi TráVonna, 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.
From a young age, I have always had an interest in art. It started as an obsession with dance, then music and soon afterward I was sketching. It wasn’t hard to cross into photography since my dad owned a camera and would often document family events. When I was twelve, I begged my parents to buy me my own camera so I could show the world what I see through my lens. Then the day came when they decided to buy me this little point-and-shoot Samsung camera that now exists only in my memories. Throughout my high school and college years, I opted for sports and socializing rather than the arts.
It wasn’t until the end of my second year of college that I needed a change of scenery and I left school to join the Memphis Air National Guard unit, where my dad worked at the time. The unit had a photojournalism position available and when I passed the ASVAB I was able to secure that position. The military introduced me to interchangeable lens filters, flash, studio photography, even composition, and my personal favorite, GELS! All of these were things I didn’t really know when about I was starting out with photography just being a hobby. When I got back home from training I started to take photos as a civilian and had fun in ways I couldn’t at work. I added props, retouching, and color-changing led lights. Now I am building my own business by “capturing moments that withstand a lifetime.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Believe it or not, it has not been a smooth road. My first personal professional camera was a Sony a7iii. I got it as payment for shooting a wedding for a dear friend in 2019. I had had the camera for about two years. when one day, I went on a shoot with another local photographer, I was running across the front street in downtown Memphis when the wrist strap failed and my camera and lens hit the asphalt in the middle of the road. My heart sank, my breath stopped and I’m pretty sure I even cried. Luckily, my fellow photographer had a backup and was even nice enough to help me get a new Sony a7riii.
In spite of it all, I think the mental challenge of being an artist is even harder than the physical or financial aspect. In the past, I have been known to be extremely critical of my own work. I would take a photo one week and love but by the next, I couldn’t even stand to look at it. there have even been projects where out of a hundred photos it felt like not a single one they were good enough. Over the years I’ve gotten better. I have a couple of mentors I consult if I ever feel the need to, and more recently I had someone challenge my work and I even stood up for myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in photography, however, I make flyers, design banners, and film model videos. What sets me apart from others is that I have a slight obsession with colors and specially colored lights, I love props and most importantly I strive for customer satisfaction.
While I may have started out as a photographer I consider myself more of a visual artist and I’m willing to give whichever project I’m working on 100%. I hope to start filming more videos and even acquire a 360 video machine as a part of my event package.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see my business expanding its video and event department. I would like to film more videos and increase the event department by offering a 360 machine and allowing customers to rent out ring lights for them to have a selfie booth at their events. I also hope to hire a few assistants as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: photosbyranetta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosbyranetta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbyranetta
Image Credits
Desmond Brown
