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

Hi Victoria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my photography business, my main goal was to highlight the Black experience at my HBCU and create an archive for students to one day show their kids and grandkids. It wasn’t even a business yet, I was taking photos for free! In a world that moves so fast and is dominated by digital content, I wanted to offer something that slows the pace down—a way to truly capture and preserve moments in a tangible, timeless way. Now, my business has grown and matured, it’s more than just documenting events, my photography is about storytelling, showing what it means to be Black in America through an authentic and artistic lens.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is all about emotive storytelling—capturing moments that feel raw, authentic, and timeless. What sets my work apart is my focus on documenting the Black experience in a way that feels intentional and archival. I don’t just take photos; I create memories that people can pass down for generations. Whether it’s film or digital, I want my work to slow things down in a world that moves so fast.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the community that has supported me along the way. When I started at Howard University, I wasn’t sure where my photography would take me. But the students embraced me, trusted my vision, and gave me the confidence to turn this into something real. That support pushed me to grow, and now, as I transition my business into wedding photography, I’m excited to capture love stories with the same intentionality.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Aside from the lack of clientele from moving back home to Atlanta, imposter syndrome has been one of my biggest challenges—questioning if my work was good enough or if I was qualified to call myself a professional. But I’ve learned that growth comes from pushing past self-doubt and showing up anyway. Every shoot, every client, every opportunity has taught me that I belong in this space.

What I want people to know about my brand and my story is that it’s rooted in legacy. Whether I’m documenting an HBCU experience or a wedding day, my goal is to create something that lasts beyond the moment. That’s why my business motto is being TIMELESS. I want my work to feel like a timeless archive of the warmest and most meaningful moments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:
Morning workout: Solidcore
Breakfast: Le Bon Nosh
Explore: Atlanta BeltLine & High Museum of Art
Dinner: Barcelona

Day 2:
Workout: Solidcore duhhh
*Post workout smoothie*
Brunch: Breakfast at Barney’s
Explore: AUC Tour & Trap Music Museum
Dinner: Chattahoochee Food Works

Day 3:
Workout: Yoga Sculpt at CorePower
Breakfast: The Salty (fresh donuts)
Explore: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Dinner: Grana or Saints & Counsel

Day 4:
Workout: F45
Breakfast: E+Rose for a post workout smoothie or acai bowl
Shop: Buckhead Village or Little Five Points

Day 5:
Workout: Solidcore duhhh
Game Day: Braves or Hawks game
Lunch: JJs Chicken & Fish
Explore: Tyler Perry Studios
Dinner: Two Urban Licks

I LOVEEEE a good workout every day. So I usually go to the gym and get a lift in or go to Pilates or HIIT classes. Then, I can’t go w out a nice protein packed smoothie or breakfast after the workout so that’s why we’d hit up E+Rose or I’d make breakfast at home which I love to do for friends and family! Then the rest of the itinerary are some of my fav spots + classic spots that you gotta try when you come to ATL. I also love a good wine bar so Barcelona and the Taste wine bar at the Chattahoochee Food Works have some great drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a huge shoutout to the students of Howard University. From the very beginning, they welcomed me with open arms and were incredibly receptive when I would randomly ask to take their photos on the Yard. Their immediate support—whether it was following my business on social media, hyping up my work, asking for a photoshoot, or simply encouraging me—gave me the push I needed to take my talents seriously. I’m so grateful for those who saw my vision early on and reminded me to keep going, especially when imposter syndrome started creeping in. Thank you to the illustrious Howard University campus and students.

Website: https://www.filmedbyvp.com/

Instagram: @filmedbyvp

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-poythress-354495215?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Myself

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