Today we’d like to introduce you to Aiden Wieprecht.
Hi Aiden, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory is taking photos on my iPhone 6 at a lake near my house, just experimenting with light and moments that caught my eye. In middle school, I started shooting for the Quincy Junior High School football team, thanks to Coach Cottrell and the yearbook. I would borrow the school’s camera on weekends and practice whenever I could.
Everything changed when I got my first Canon camera for Christmas 2022. Holding it felt like the world was in my hands — it was a turning point where I realized this wasn’t just a hobby anymore. My family has always been super supportive, proud of how quickly I’ve grown and dedicated I am.
My internship at The Crossing really solidified my passion. That’s when I knew photography was the path I wanted to take seriously. Then, after attending ShutterFest in April 2025, I was blown away by the creative energy and knew I wanted to build something bigger. That’s how AW Modeling Co. started — originally just a small group of models but quickly growing into a full business with the help of my intern, Emily Ryan.
I’ve faced doubts and challenges, but I stopped comparing myself to others and started focusing on my own gift and growth. My first paid shoot was busy and underpaid, but it taught me the value of knowing my worth. Balancing school, shoots, editing, and running two brands isn’t easy, but I’m passionate about creating work that connects and inspires.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being only 16, I’ve faced challenges balancing school, shoots, and running two businesses at once. There have been times when I felt overwhelmed—pulling all-nighters just to meet deadlines or finish editing. Sometimes I doubted myself, especially when I compared my progress to others in the industry. But over time, I learned to stop the comparisons and focus on my own growth and the unique vision I bring. Another struggle has been managing everything on my own, from creative direction to business logistics, but having a great intern like Emily has helped a lot. Every challenge has taught me something new and pushed me to get better.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At 16, I’ve developed a strong skill set that’s rare for someone my age. I’m confident in my technical abilities—lighting, composition, editing—and I use them across a variety of shoots including portraits, sports, events, and family sessions.
What really sets me apart is my passion for creative shoots that don’t just follow trends but celebrate individuality and storytelling. Through projects with AW Modeling Co., I’ve been able to experiment with bold concepts, cinematic vibes, and emotional storytelling that push the boundaries of typical photography.
I’m deeply involved in every part of the process—from directing and styling to managing shoots and editing all the images myself. Balancing this with school while running two brands shows my dedication and maturity beyond my years.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think risk-taking is essential, especially when you’re young and have the freedom to explore and fail without huge consequences. For me, taking risks means stepping outside my comfort zone creatively and business-wise. Starting AW Modeling Co. was definitely a big risk — I went from focusing solely on photography to launching a whole new brand, managing models, and leading a team at 16. It wasn’t guaranteed to work, and there were moments of uncertainty, but I believed in the vision enough to commit fully.
Another risk has been putting myself out there on social media, sharing personal and emotional projects like Voided. That vulnerability could have backfired, but it ended up connecting me deeply with my audience.
I don’t think risk means reckless decisions — it’s about calculated moves that challenge you to grow. I try to weigh the potential benefits and downsides but ultimately trust my instincts to push forward, even if it feels uncomfortable
Pricing:
- Portraits : $250
- Family : $300
- Wedding : $550
- Model Development : $220
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aidenwphoto.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidenwphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Aiden-W-Photo/100088242221466/
- Other: https://aidenwphoto.mypixieset.com/links
