ANNELIE DILLMAN BUSINESS: VISUAL STORM
Holding that camera for the 1st time, that exact moment in time, is where the dream was born and of course my parents unwavering support and belief in me, allowed me to believe I can be anything I want to be, in a time when you either became a teacher or a doctor.
Why did you pursue a career as a photographer?
I was intrigued and fascinated by light, cameras, and old family photographs from a young age. I bought my first camera at the age of 16, with money that I worked for waiting tables and washing my dad’s car. It was a beautiful camera…………….
Top of the range Olympus MJU Zoom.
Holding that camera for the 1st time, that exact moment in time, is where the dream was born and of course my parents unwavering support and belief in me, allowed me to believe I can be anything I want to be, in a time when you either became a teacher or a doctor.
Whose work has influenced you most?
I do not ever cook from a recipe, even when I try, I read through the recipe and end up following my own ideas. I guess photography is a little bit the same. I spend hours looking at different photographs, visualizing how the set up was done……. And then go out and follow my own ideas. If I had to pick one, it would be Felix Kunze, oh and Sue Bryce, so I guess that is two people. Lol.
How did you restart your business after the hard lockdown?
In June 2020, I could open my studio doors again, after a hard lockdown.
But photography at that point was a luxury when many could not afford luxury.
People also gained weight, had no beauty treatments or haircuts for months.
And I was desperate to get feet passing through the studio
Our “Black Tuesday Special” was born.
GOAL: Generate sales
Strategy: High Quality Photos, at big bargain prices.
Objective: 1 set up that can bring out the best in everyone.
Success: 12 months down the line, Black Tuesday still happens once a month, benefiting both my clients and my business.
Why Black and White photos?
It is flattering. Also, humans see the world in colour, and a rendition of a person in black & white, makes us pause, look a little closer. It is also classic, classy, and timeless. Your own face may age (apologies for the reminder) but you do not want your portrait to do the same.
What makes you different?
It is a choice. I deliberately find gaps in the market and then create a need for it.
When everybody is taking outdoor location photos, I specialize in Black and White studio portraits.
What is your “WHY”?
My mission with every photo session, is to change or enhance how people see themselves. That they walk away and celebrate their unique one-of-a-kind beauty, with confidence.
That they see themselves as spectacular, instead of ordinary.
Because I believe you deserve to stand out, in fact, I believe you have a RIGHT to stand out.