Meet Aleks Antonio | Urban Photographer

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

Hi Aleks, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is “Do it scared”. One thing I have learned about running your own business is that it can be a scary place. Having to think about the “not so fun” things, taxes, prices, and such; you don’t want to make a mistake on that at all. When it comes to dealing with clients can be a scary place as well. Some clients are easier to work with than other but that’s part of the business. There are a few clients that have some big great projects and it can be a scary thing just planning the shoot but one thing I always tell myself is that if I am too scared to do it I will pass on it and step away from my passion so I just pack up my bag and DO IT SCARED, do it the best I can and knock it out the park.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a photographer is something I love doing, it started as a hobby and then it turned into more. If I can be honest, I am most excited about the people I have met along the way. I have met many people from other creatives to amazing clients. It wasn’t easy getting to the point I am right now, it took a lot of work and some falls but we are here and we are loving it. I try to keep a positive outlook in life and try my best to look at the hard times as stepping rocks to build a stronger foundation.
One very important lesson I learned was from working with the Grind City Meet here in Memphis, the biggest thing I have learned there is to never underestimate other creatives, everyone is walking the same road, some maybe farther along but regardless where you are on that road, we can always help and learn from each other.
The biggest thing I want people to know about my brand is that we are a brand that isn’t afraid to be different, we have a very specific style and we are proud of it.

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 am big on supporting local business. We will for sure hit some of my favorite local spots. We would hit some of my favorite spots for breakfast, Sunrise, Bryants, Brother Juniper’s, The Liquor Store has some great breakfast and we have to get some donuts from the best spot in the country, Gibson’s Donuts.
Lunch time comes and we have to get what Memphis is known for, some of the best BBQ in the country, One and Only BBQ, Central BBQ, we would go to the oldest bar in Memphis, The Green Beetle, and can’t skip Earnestine and Hazel’s for a late night Soul Burger.
Dinner will get real, Hog & Hominy, Second Line, would hit LaFayette’s Music Room for some live music or maybe BB King’s and enjoy some blues as well.
We would hit some amazing museums as well, MoSH, The Civil Rights Museum, Stax, Sun Studio. I personally love doing the city tours, one night we can do the Haunted Pub Crawl, BackBeat Tours and even catch a live show at the Overton Park Shell or The Botanic Gardens

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I were to add people that have helped me in my journey, you will be reading for the next 2 weeks. I want to start with my wife and kiddos, they have supported me since the beginning, from long nights editing, to me running from event to event to wedding and more.
One of my closest friends Michael Butler Jr, he has been an encouragement to me and providing raw love, wether is to tell me he is proud of something I am doing or to let me know if something isn’t good enough. I can count on him to push me to do better. You can’t find friends like that anymore.
One last name is Kimberly Hill, she is my right hand, partner in crime when it comes to most shoots. She makes sure I stay grounded while we are working a wedding. She is one half of my brain and one person I know I can trust with my clients.
There are many more, I haven’t forgotten them but they know who they are.

Website: www.aleksworksphoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleksworks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aleksworks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AleksAntonioPhotography