Meet Christian Wilson Wilson | Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian Wilson Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian Wilson, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I truly believe taking a risk is what gives you a chance to grow in the first place. To start a photography business you have to buy top of the line equipment and that comes with a very large cost. Lights, Lenses, Cameras, Batteries, Tripod, Microphones, Software, etc.. All of those purchases can add to $20,000-$30,000 varying on what level you buy. Before I started my photography business I was on the fence as to if I should spend this much without having any clientele or higher level skills. Ultimately, I decided to go full in establishing to myself and viewers the path I wanted the business to go. I have always enjoyed weddings and luxury events so my main goal was to focus on the personnel that were already in that field. Long story short I ended up filming Diner En Blanc where I met a large amount of weddings vendors to now working with these vendors consistently. Taking a risk for me was scary but now 3 years later everything has been incredible!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While I own my own photography business.. I also am a Director of Engineering for a radiology company. So, I do a large amount of work in databases and review imagery. I state this because many others have struggles while trying to build a business. I was trying to build a business while also having a pretty extensive highly detailed job. It surely assisted with the aspect of stress as my livelihood was not based on my photography business but to spend $25,000 on equipment changes your outlook. So the grind for me became personal as I put a lot into this therefore I need it to become successful. My brand is all about positivity and excitement. I feel with how the world is going as of the last 2 years people need to get back to finding simple actions that bring enjoyment. So, on all of my photoshoots the amount of energy, laughter, and joking that I bring is to have the couple and or single person simply just be happy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am located in Raleigh North Carolina. In regards to the city – Fayetteville street is a nice location. Nice restaurants and gives you that mini city feel. Places like the Big Easy and Sono Sushi. 5 minutes down the road is Whiskey Kitchen and Boxcar. Boxcar at times will do unlimited mimosas. Nothing better then playing old video games and drinking mimosa’s. Raleigh is only 2 hours from Charlotte and 2 hours from the beach as well. Wilmington beach is one of the most known ones. In a week long trip you are easily able to achieve a different experience everyday. A little further drive are the mountains and creeks to view and hike.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a few people that have allowed my business to grow. A good friend of mine named Dana Morgan was the main person who kept my interest in videography. On the days we would meet up I would sit there at times and watch him edit. While editing, I would be in amazement as to how he would turn “nothing” into a 1 minute mini story which brought happiness and excitement to others. Being able to create a story through your eyes and show others is very intriguing to me which ultimately assisted me in starting. Others that I would love to shoutout too are the PEO team. It started as just myself doing weddings to now a 4-5 man team that can cover your entire wedding experience. Ashlee Johnson & Stephen Branch have been with me since the first dual wedding event. I would also thank the vendors. Recognition is HUGE in todays society. Anyone in my opinion can start a successful business if they connect with the right people. I have been able to meet with some of the top wedding vendors in the US. Lastly, I would thank my wife! She has been supporting me throughout this whole process. She has at times changed her plans just to be sure I was able to complete an event. She has allowed me to get the business where it is today.

Website: peoproductions.com

Instagram: peo_productions

Image Credits
All of the images were shot by me.