Avery Leavitt (Northern District - Staunton, VA)

At just 22 years old, you're among the younger members of VPPA. What first sparked your interest in photography, and when did you realize you wanted to pursue it professionally?

I have been interested in photography for a long time, I remember getting a Canon Rebel when I was 13 and loving every minute of it, taking family pictures and Instagram posts for my buddies. I always knew I wanted to run my own business but was never sure what that would be. That's when Jim Call reached out to me, he was my buddy's father and someone I had done work for since I was 15, running photobooths and working events for him. He approached me with an opportunity to get involved in school photography and I took that leap.

How did you get started in volume photography, and what attracted you to that side of the industry?

I was approached by a friend's father after graduating community college and leaving my management position at Panera. Jim needed a set of hands and knew I was a good worker. I have always been attracted to working for myself and this was the opportunity I needed out of school to fund my life but also take a bet on myself. Volume photography and restaurant work have a ton of similarities and that was the life I had thrown myself into before and during college. I was originally going to school for hospitality management, then at 18 I was the manager at Panera Bread and while I hated the hours and restrictions I loved the processes that came from running an efficient crew and system. I hate standing still and having off days so volume photography gives me the schedule to stay busy and get better at taking pictures.

Volume photography often requires efficiency, consistency, and working with large numbers of people. What skills have you developed that you think are unique to that environment?

The skills involved in volume photography make you an elite photographer in every other environment. Posing in an effective manner, gaining rapport quickly to get that smile, setting up and packing up fast, fast delivery of images and a diverse clientele. I love volume photography and creating great images for people but the lessons I've learned have bled into every other gig I photograph. I always refer to school photography as "reps in the gym" "putting up shots”. Everything we do there is making us better photographers in other environments.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far in your photography career, and what did you learn from it?

The hardest challenge for me is less photography related and more geared towards entrepreneurship. The difficulties that come with working for yourself are endless but the reward is the ultimate freedom. No one tells us when to come in, what to do, how long my day is, and this is not how school trains you or how my brain thrives. Feeling fulfilled personally while managing a business is no joke, having so many decisions to make leads to indecision. I've learned to give myself some grace and not be so hard on myself, but I don't have an answer for this yet, if it were easy everyone would do it right?

As someone early in your professional journey, what has surprised you most about working in the photography industry?

I have been surprised by how many kinds of photography and videography that are available at a high level. Going to these conferences and meetings, I am always blown away at what other photographers do for a living.

What role has VPPA played in your growth as a photographer, and what have you gained from being part of the association?

VPPA has played a major role in my belief and growth as a professional photographer. Being a part of an organization as old and recognized as VPPA feels great, and the knowledge base of members is at another level. More specifically, Dan, Jamie, and Mary changed my life by introducing me to different sides of the industry and showing me what is possible with lighting and sales techniques.

When you think about your future in photography, are there other genres, specialties, or business opportunities you'd like to explore?

I love YouTube, and I've had the opportunity to film, edit, and produce a podcast for over a year now. This is my favorite project I work on, and it's extremely fulfilling but also brutal. I have generated over 4 million views in the last year between short form and long form videos, this is an area I have expertise in and also the skills to create amazing videos. In the future I hope my work looks more like YouTube management and design.

If we check back with you ten years from now, what would you hope your photography career looks like?

I hope my body of work will speak for itself. I want to continue to elevate my skills as a studio portrait photographer, but also become a better businessman. Scaling the school photography business is a huge goal of mine, and I believe in the next 10 years it will be a completely different landscape and I plan to evolve however the market moves. I will be very happy and proud if in 10 years I have fulfilled my life and financial goals through the photography medium.

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Some of Avery’s Favorite Images He's Ever Taken

Kathy Kupka (Northern District - Leesburg, VA)

How did you find your way into pet photography, and what continues to draw you to working with animals?

When I started my business in 1998, I specialized in photographing kids, then when I got my first dog, Buddie, I started photographing her, and then dogs of family and friends and strangers. They're just like photographing toddlers, need patience, parent's help, and different noises, including barking.

What do you love most about photographing pets that you don’t find in other types of photography?

Dogs are so innocent. The parents and I end up laughing so much, whether their dog accidentally puts a hole in my seamless backdrop, runs behind the backdrop, knocks over their props, or runs over to give me a big lick. I love them all! And, they never complain that they look too fat or old in their portraits!

Over a long career, perspectives tend to change. How has your outlook on photography or life shifted over the years?

I don't think anything can replace the experience of a fun and memorable photo session.

Was there a moment in your journey when photography took on a deeper or different meaning for you?

Yes, probably after going through cancer treatment for Multiple Myeloma. It led to the creation of my own line of dog-themed greeting cards and two self-published photobooks, "Cancer is Ruff" and "Online Dating is Ruff." I used the dogs (with parents' permission) in my portfolio with their great expressions to help with the mostly humorous captions.

What role has the VPPA community played in supporting or inspiring you at different stages of your career?

Any time I have a problem or question, my photo peeps are just a phone call away, and I bug them all the time!

Is there a session, image, or experience with a client that has stayed with you in a meaningful way?

It would be impossible to narrow it down to just one client. I've met the nicest people over the years. If you need one meaningful experience, it was when I photographed a little tripod that was the best model and smiled for me while running around with only three legs.  

As you look ahead, what excites you most about what’s still to come, creatively or personally?

My third book I'm working on right now,    "_____ is Ruff". To be announced soon, all new doggies.

Images That Have Shaped Kathy's Journey

Pierre Cannon (Northern District - Bristow, VA)

How did you get started in photography, and what drew you to it initially?

My photography journey started as a hobby when my girlfriend (now wife) got me a camera because I enjoyed nature and waterfalls. I would spend time in the spring and fall chasing waterfalls and enjoying the tranquil moments. 

What type of photography do you specialize in, and how has your style evolved over time?

I specialize in action Sports Photography. As a sports fan and long time retired athlete I realized I didn't have any photos from any of the sports i played growing up or from college football (Offensive lineman are rarely photographed). A friend who was a Varsity Basketball Coach invited me to cover his team so I could practice. As I learned the craft, another photographer gave me tips and connected me with one of the companies that has contracts with multiple schools in the DMV. Over time I honed my skills by learning the art (positioning, anticipation, emotion) and science (freezing the action, mastering ambient light, noise management) of sports photography. This led to becoming accepted into the MaxPreps network of sports photographers and the ability to provide high quality images to local families.  

What inspires your work creatively?

For sports it's hunting for an image that captures peak action and emotion. I have to be in the right place and the right time when the athlete is doing their job. It’s different for every sport, position, season, etc. There is no guarantee that everything will align perfectly. It requires me to anticipate being in the right place, tight framing, perfect focus, and often luck. There is no rewind or replays so the stars have to align. 

Can you share a session or project you’re especially proud of and why?

Because I cover a range of photography I have a few that I am really happy with for different reasons:

• Anytime I capture an image of an athlete that I am excited about (Peak action and emotion) that the Parent and athlete is super happy about I feel accomplished
• One of my first weddings I captured a fantastic sunset with beautiful clouds that were only outshined by the newlyweds
• Anytime I get PJ in front of my camera and he loves the photo. My 12 year old is a tough critic and likes being in front of the camera less than me.

How did you first get involved with VPPA, and what’s been the most valuable part of your membership?

Benson introduced me to VPPA. I have learned so much since joining VPPA. While I specialize in action sports, I do enjoy learning about seniors and portraiture. Learning lighting and the business of photography has been great. 

What advice would you give to photographers who are new to VPPA or just starting their professional journey?

Take advantage of every learning opportunity that excites you. It's just as important to know what type or style of photography that you DONT like as it is to see what you enjoy. Fun and creativity is more important than photographing something that drains your energy just because there is a payday. Photographers are a community, the more you engage with the community, the more you can support the community and in time you will grow with the community. 

When you’re not photographing, what do you enjoy doing?

Spending time with family, watching football (oddly enough most sports I don't watch), chasing waterfalls, and getting my family out in nature as much as they allow (getting away from wifi and electronics).