Meet Asante Holder | Photographer

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

Hi Asante, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, I started my business, Capture Photography By Asante, because I wanted to do my craft more. During the chaotic COVID pandemic I fell in love with photography. I found myself saying often “I would do it free if I could.” I wanted to increase my exposure so I could take more photos, so I created a website to offer my services. Creating the business has been the ultimate experience. It has been an absolutely joy to capture everlasting memories and make moments last forever.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Photographers are artists and the final product will be tailored to their eye and vision, however now a days there is not much that differentiates one photographer from the other in terms of product. The most differentiating piece is the experience. The energy a photographer brings to the event or session is really what makes the it unique. Just like the vision and eye of a photographer and artist, personalities differ as well. My personality is what separates me from the other talented photographers. This doesn’t mean better or worse than others, just different. All my life people have told me they comfortable around me faster than they typically do around others. Making people feel comfortable in photography is such an essential skill that I am thankful to have acquired naturally in life. I do not judge, and have a wide net for accepting new thoughts, behaviors, and ideologies. I understand that people are different and are entitled to their beliefs, cultures, and behaviors. My thought process is that as long as you are not harming or putting other people down I accept. I love people, being around them, and most importantly sharing experiences with them. A big lesson leaned is not to force connections. We are not made to connect with everyone. I am not the photographer for everyone and I accept that. I don’t take it personal not being picked for a project. Reject is a normal part of life, all I can do it put my best self forward and see what spurs from it. This is not an easy mindset to have right of the bat and definitely takes time to build and master.

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.
I operate out of Albany NY. My favorite spots are: – the Central Park Rose Garden in Schenectady,
– the parking garage in Albany Show casing the Egg and capital towers,
– downtown Albany
– Saratoga state park
– Yaddo gardens in Saratoga
– Central Studio in Albany
– Ken Clough Studio in Albany
– Jay st in Schenctady

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?
Mentors: Lamont Aulet – https://www.instagram.com/lamont.aulet/
Ken Clough – https://www.instagram.com/kensportraits/

Partners:
Ching Bling – https://www.instagram.com/chingxbling/
M-E-L-I – https://www.instagram.com/__m.e.l.i.__/
Alexa Ross – https://www.instagram.com/it.is.alexa/
Donell Carter – https://www.instagram.com/x2artphoto/
Alexander Gabriel – https://www.instagram.com/alexanderthegazelle/

Website: capturebyasante.myportfolio.com

Instagram: instagram.com/capturebyasante

Facebook: facebook.com/CapturebyAsante