Today we’d like to introduce you to Wade Buckner.
Hi Wade, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work lifework life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I attended Florissant Valley and UMSL, majoring in Mass Communication. What I love about that major is that you have so many options when it comes to career paths. I took terrific courses like Advertising, Acting, Broadcasting, and TV/Radio Productions. Once photography became a required course, I was very skeptical. I almost didn’t think I would like it, but I gave it a shot. Gaining my experience through each project we completed, my vision of art started to change, and I fell in love with the many ideas for capturing different scenes and expressions. After I completed that course, I signed up for Photography 2 and found my first photography gig at Busch Stadium, where I was a “Fan Photographer.” That was a great experience because I’m a huge sports fan and found my love for photography. After I completed college, I continued studying on YouTube and following other great photographers, meeting other photographers and great entrepreneurs. My inspiration became so full, and I felt motivated to begin my career as a full-time photographer.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
My first year as a full-time photographer was rough. The process of getting people to know that you exist was very challenging. I understood that people had to trust you to capture the moment they requested. When clients saw that I didn’t have specific experiences with specific themes, they would be skeptical about booking me. So, I built a Brand Ambassadors team to gain more practice with all types of themes to better my craft and have more to advertise. Going through that process, I noticed a bigger crowd forming around my business.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While gaining a client’s attention, I dipped back into my college experience of knowing to be creative. I learned how to design my logo, flyers, and business cards. Once I felt comfortable creating my own, I started advertising that I could design Business Cards and Logos Videography services for others. It was easy to gain requests for their services because people began to put their trust in me to perform great services upon their request. Along that journey, I begin my studies to become an influencer on all social media platforms. I use Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to advertise my business. I give people something to laugh at, love, and remember.
What makes you happy?
The 2 that makes me happy the most are my 2 beautiful daughters, Joi and Jayla Buckner. They motivate me the most. They give me every reason to continue working hard. My daughters see me performing photography work all the time, and they love wanting to help me do my job. It’s to the point where my daughters are asking me to teach them how to work the camera and a course I teach them. My daughters love it when I take photos of them. They are my little models ❤️ Overall, being successful makes me very happy and proud. I constantly reflect on my old artwork and remind myself that I improved a lot and I’m still not done.
Pricing:
- $175 for Mini Sessions
- $250 Hour Sessions
- $325 Family Sessions
- $450 Business/Group Sessions
- $150/hr. for Weddings
Contact Info:
- Website: www.higherartportraits.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/higherartproductions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/215157391885343/?ref=share
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@higherartproductions
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@higherartproductions
Image Credits
I want to thank 3 of my Brand Ambassadors, Latoi, Raven, and Shoni, for being my most dedicated Ambassadors and always being available for the fantastic ideas we came up with.
