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

Hi Javan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that has been interested in something and does nothing about it. That’s pretty much how myself and photography were since freshman year of college about 10 years ago. After years of my dad (who was a photographer at the time) forcing high school me to be his practice model while he figured out his perfect lighting, I actually hated photography and wanted nothing to do with it. I had other interests and didn’t have time to help him perfect his craft (really feel like an ass for it now that I think back, sorry pops).

Years of watching YouTube videos and keeping this small hobby of mine to myself, I finally let my dad know I was interested in it, but didn’t want to buy anything until I was sure I was going to do something with it. And that push came a year later when I met my wife. I knew I wanted her to see what I saw when I looked at her. When I finally got my first DSLR (a wedding gift supplied by my pops) and did my first shoot, I definitely sucked! Everything did not turn out the way I wanted, but eventually I got better and stayed consistent in being a student of the art. Three years and three babies later, I’m looking to go full time in something I’m truly passionate about and provide for my family!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Tony Lake Photography LLC specializes in portrait beauty photography. This ranges from headshots and fun photos to share on your Social Media Platforms (both personal and professional) to graduations and engagements. We also provide branding and subscription based packages to help your business have a more professional look. What makes us different is our belief in three main goals for every client: 1. Showcasing your beauty inside out, 2. Professionalism and comfort throughout the session, and 3. Making your photo experience a precious memory in and of itself. I always require a phone/zoom consultation to discuss more details of each client shoot and to allow each client to get to know me personally before I push a camera into their face as well. Finally, as a black-owned business, we truly work hard to make sure each photo has skin tones that pop! We want each client to feel like their photos are a priceless work of art!

Creating anything from scratch is difficult. My worst enemy is myself! Self-doubt definitely held me back earlier on in my career, which the community of creatives around me has helped me overcome.

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?
Wow, I am really the worst person to ask this question unfortunately! My wife and I recently moved to the DC Metro Area during the pandemic and have young children. We don’t get out too often and whenever we do have free time, we spend it catching up on our shows and ordering in!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a few people who deserve a little credit to my photography story! My dad for introducing me to the craft and my wife for pushing me to grow and develop within my craft.

Website: www.tonylakephotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonylakephotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonylakephotography

Image Credits
Personal photo taken by RTW Photography (IG: @RTWPhotography_) All other photos are by Tony Lake Photography (IG: @TonyLakePhotography)

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