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

Hi Annette, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
What my business taught me boils down to this revelation: learning and honing skills is a forever gig. There’s always a bunch of ways to nail stuff, and folks in the business drop gems left and right. Having a dope crew of photog friends on the same wavelength is golden – we lift each other up. Back in the day, I was a solo camera queen. Having a crew of like-minded friends is the secret sauce really – you lift each other up. When I started, it was just me and my camera, no fancy circle. So, when I got serious, I knew I had to link up with a community of photo friends. That led me to conferences and workshops – not just with my crew but also being in the room with big-shot photographers from all over. Those wild assignments at workshops? They threw me way out of my comfort zone. Without all this, my photo game would be stuck, and I’d be wandering in the dark.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I approach my work in an artistic fashion with the look of film (using a digital camera). I think out of the box when I have a session. Trying to find the angle that I love, and the composition that I love. I got to where I am in business by continuously learning as the industry involve. It was not easy but it had to be done in order for me to thrive in this business. My most biggest challenge is that I still have a full-time job so to juggle between keeping up with my brand and working 8 hrs, it can be taxing. But having a written plan definitely helps.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite spot to eat here in Dallas is Chris and Johns. It is a Vietnamese and Mexican fusion known for their bria tacos and PHOrritos. This place does not disappoint. Its such a nice aesthetics inside, the staff is friendly and it will be one of the first places I take any guests.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A year ago, I was picked to join an incubator program for mentorship to small business owners who are just getting started or needed additional education for business. The program ran by Village United: Elevated Cities, was 12 weeks long and with a chance at graduation to pitch your business and win a grant. In the end, I was one of 5 selected to pitch at graduation and I came in first place. I was the grand prize winner and I could not believe it. Out of 300 entrants, approx 175 were chosen to enter the program, only 5 picked to compete in the competition, and I am who wins grand prize. I learned so much and this program changed my life.

Website: www.annettematthews.com

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

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

Image Credit: 
Photo of me – Photos by LJK

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.