We had the good fortune of connecting with Asami Vallejo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Asami, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Socializing and Networking. The most important aspects of my career have been done through networking and supporting other small business owners by offering photography services to help them display the importance of their services & products. I, myself have always been an introvert and once I started going more into my career at Massage Heights as an Assistant Area Director had to strength my socialization skills to be the voice for my teams.
As already an existing member of the community trying to help others prioritize a healthy lifestyle with Massage Heights. I wanted to continue to find a way to help others create moments that they would remember forever. Whether it be through helping them start their portfolios to begin their journey to their careers, familiarizing myself with their products to ensure the best product photography for their companies or, just capturing moments at private events that will last a lifetime.
My goal with AKV Images is to help unite people together through small business owners or individuals who may be on similar paths but may not know it. Helping achieve their inner confidence is what I aim for. My style is more natural, I like to capture people’s personalities and characteristics through photography. I am not satisfied until my client is, like I tell my clients, I am here to provide suggestions but ultimately it is what you want out of your shoot. It’s very important to be able to communicate with your clients and ask them the right questions and provide answers if needed. I do consultations before every shoot to ensure we get a clear visualization of what clients want out of their shoots whether it be the first time they book with me or the 10th!
I have recently had the privilege of pairing up with Underground Syndicate and captured the DJs in their most comfortable atmospheres! I have also been working with Clark’s Jerky on doing some product photography for his local jerky business! I’m very excited to help several more individuals capture what they’re passionate about and continue to grow!
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.
Part of my process is creating a theme for my shoots; I like to familiarize myself with the clients I’m working with and allow them the opportunity to also get to know me. Which includes knowing exactly which moments or specific details my clients want captured. If there are any recommendations I have, I will discuss it with them prior. This allows me to make a timeline of how it’ll all take place allowing my client to make sure they get the most out of our time together.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting and in town, I would want her to have the best time so of course I would take her to all my favorite places in Houston. We would visit brash and make sure we are stocked up for the weeks trip with their delicious IPAs, and then stock up on all our favorite snacks from Seiwa. We would then make our way downtown and enjoy the current artist installations at the contemporary arts museum. Pick up some new records at Sig’s Lagoon to go with our brash beer and snacks once we get back home! I would save the best for last and take her to the best bar I know, Houston Watch Co. where they have the best staff. Not only do they make the best drinks, but they make everyone feel comfortable and have a great team making sure it’s a safe and fun environment for everyone.
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?
All of my clients deserve a shout out! They make it all possible for me to continue pursuing my dream by allowing me to help them achieve theirs. The clients I have worked with so far have excellent communication with me and trusted me throughout the process. This makes it that much more of an enjoyable experience.
Website: https://akvimages.myportfolio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akv.images/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akv.images
Image Credits
Al’s Party Balloons Clark’s Jerky Eliseo Tree Services Justin Gutierrez Lead Singer: From Me To You LUNA HAZE Underground Syndicate