Meet Audri Anciso | Photographer

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

Hi Audri, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My name is Audri but everybody calls me Audi! I am the L in LGBT and from A small outskirt town in Dallas Texas, called Little Elm. I went to Little Elm high school graduated from there and then went to college in South Texas next to South Padre Island.

This is where I feel my journey started because it was a whirlwind.

I would have to say that my college years were extremely rough. What was supposed to be years to remember became years that I wanted to forget. I was in a very abusive relationship during my college years and it distracted me from continuing there anymore. The only classes and activities that I would find myself doing we’re creative ones and within the fine arts. I took an interest on Modeling and Photography, but during that time it was barley peaking through, it was hard to concentrate on anything that could possibly make me happy. I didn’t have any family down there, but I had a small handful of friends.

After some thinking I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and joined the military. I started that process and in the middle of me enlisting / getting ready to move, I met my wife! During the time we were dating and endured a long distance relationship. She was so patient with me and my chaos, encouraging me that I could do anything I set my mind to. She still does haha.

While enlisted by tore my IT band and ruptured my knee and was medically discharged from the military.

This sent me into a plummet.

I was then diagnosed with depression and anxiety. My friends and my wife noticed that when they would come in to hug me or just exist around me… even just closing a door loudly, I would flinch or get scared easily and it would make my anxiety worse. I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression due to previous circumstances including the previous relationship.

After a couple of months home, I knew I had to get a job, so of course I got a desk job and worked there for a year. I didn’t mind it and it was fun from time to time. I found myself at my job taking a lot of pictures with my phone of cars and wanting to do more creative stuff with the company. I was denied that access when I asked permission, then Suddenly hit me!
“I want to run my own business!”

As I was thinking, Someone came to me and told me we were having our morning meeting with the managers. I’m walking to the managers desk and the first thing I hear from one of the managers is, “I just bought a boat, so I’m gonna need y’all to buckle down and make sure I’m able to keep it.”

I was kind of in shock and at that moment I knew I didn’t want to work under anybody anymore. I only wanted to work for me and I needed to make sure I had a game plan and the dedication to myself that I deserve, to make this happen.

First and foremost I wanted to have the right mindset, so with the help of my wife, I got brave and went to get help. Even though I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression, I didn’t want that to be an excuse why I can’t excel. I didn’t want that to conquer me and make me feel like it was superior in my life. It was not!

This all happened during Covid. I was laid off April 1, 2020. I thought it was an April fools joke but it wasn’t. I Got help while building my brand during and the rest is history.

After being laid off, I went straight home and told my wife my game plan.

My game plan to become a Creative Photographer and Director.

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.
I could say that my art in my work is unique in comparison to some photographers but it just wouldn’t be true. Every single photographer you meet has a unique style and form of art that they create. Whether I’m working with Celebrities/DJs and Family sessions, My style is always very sharp, edgy and colorful.

What I’m most excited for coming up is networking opportunities, small and big. Every time you’re around someone you do not know and have never met before, is a chance to network. Networking is not always about making a quick dollar or meeting fame. It’s a chance for you to create a lifetime colleague that can come to you when they need someone with your background. I never know who I’m going to meet during my days or what opportunities will come up within the next couple hours. That’s some exciting stuff!

Now, I’m not gonna lie, it was a little difficult starting up. A lot of the time when you’re learning, typically in the photography field, You do a lot of free photo shoots to help you build up your portfolio and practice your hand getting better. The last thing that I feel personally was difficult, is getting your brand name out there for everyone to see. Building up your brand, as something to talk about. Your brand won’t be talked about unless you’re doing something amazing with it. That’s where networking comes in. This helps your name build along with helping you meet people that are way off track from your regular friends list.

There’s really not much to say about my brand or for the world to know. Since everybody calls me Audi, that kind of stuck with the brand name, including me owning a studio in the future. In reality I’m just a small town girl that has Big dreams to travel for a living through her job and to have her pictures up one day in Times Square.

Speak it into existence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, don’t have any favorite locations here in Dallas, but I do like rooftop bars scenery! I think it’s very pretty when you can see the whole skyline of Dallas! Plus Dallas has great places to eat. My favorite is Nick and Sam’s. Because I do a lot of DJ photography, I do like going to clubs and bars. One of the streets that’s in downtown Dallas is called Cedar Springs. There’s a lot of LGBT clubs that are around there and my favorite one is S4 ha ha. Please don’t judge me.

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?
I would like to dedicate the shout out to three people:

First and foremost,
My wife Jhoselyn, my best friend, Because without you I wouldn’t be as dedicated as I am and progressive as a photographer. You taught me to truly believe in myself especially if you have your mindset to something. You taught me to love myself for who I am and were there for me in my darkest places. You built me back up and helped me find my missing pieces. You believed in me when nobody else did when I started. You taught me that dedication is key because without it, you won’t succeed.
I love you!

DJSC,
The Best Bro, Friend, Colleague, DJ in the world. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today. You took a chance with me and you’ve helped me grow. You’ve provided the tools and have watched me get to work. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to teach me what it means to network and learn.

Lastly,
Anybody that has ever worked with me! Believing me and giving me the opportunity to work with in a field and career that I love! It brings me joy and fulfillment to know that you appreciate the art that I create, and allow me to make that creation with you!

Website: Www.audiastudio.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/audiastudiollc/

Linkedin: Audri Anciso

Facebook: Facebook.com/audiastudiollc/

Image Credits
First Picture Coffey Anderson Second Picture Nelly Third Picture (left) – The Dallas Cowboys DJ; DJSC Fourth Picture (Right) – Waka Flocka Flame Fifth Picture – The One and Only Snoop Dogg