Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Strother.
Hi Andrew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always had an interest in photography as a kid but, when I got to college, I was asked if I wanted to take photos for the school newspaper and then I was off to the races. I fell in love with photojournalism and particularly with photographing sports. Within two years, I had begun cover pro sports in Houston as a freelancer, eventually having my work published in Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, and more, as well as interning at the Houston Chronicle under Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Smiley Pool.
After a couple of years of freelancing, I began contracting with USA Today Sports Images to provide coverage of all major pro and collegiate sports in Houston. I worked everything from NBA, NFL, and MLB playoffs, to UFC Main Events, to Super Bowl LI.
At the same time I was covering sports, I was developing a deep interest in shooting portraits and learning how to shape light. This obsession would continue for the next decade as I continued to narrow my focus on making powerful and impactful portraits and headshots. Eventually, in 2024, I would leave my corporate job and become a full time working photographer; opening my studio in the Theater District in the heart of Downtown Houston.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not smooth, though I would credit my training as a photojournalist and my time working at the Chronicle as something that was a major help in creating an adaptive and nimble mindset that has been an asset to me my entire career. I came into the industry as the traditional world of daily newspapers and print journalism were on their way out, so I had to be very intentional about how I was going to grow and pivot to make this into a viable career.
Luckily, I had opportunities early on to work with several great legal organizations and professional groups in Houston. This allowed me to begin building my reputation as the go-to photographer for lawyers and law firms in Houston. I have continued to focus and grow my work in this industry over the past decade and it has been a key part of my success with my business.
We’ve been impressed with Andrew Strother Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We specialize almost exclusively on corporate and executive photography, with an emphasis on headshots and branding portraits. I opened my studio in Downtown Houston as a direct response to feedback I was hearing from lawyers and execs who didn’t want to have to drive far to get their pictures made. So I said “no problem, I’ll come to you!”
I’ve been shooting professionally for 15 years now and have rented and worked in a LOT of studios, so I had a good idea of what I wanted to do in my space, and what I wanted to make sure I avoided. I very intentionally created my studio to feel comfortable and familiar to high end clients to help ensure that every part of their session is positive. Any time someone leaves a photo shoot and tells me what a great experience they had, I know I’ve succeeded.
Additionally, having my own dedicated studio has allowed me to offer greatly discounted services to local law school and college students. I remember college and how empty my bank account was, but I also remember how having a professional headshot helped me stand out from the crowd when I applied for internships and jobs, so I make sure to offer students a special rate that no one else can match, while still delivering my top-shelf quality that my clients know and expect.
My most proud moments are when people have seen my work and go out of their way to seek me out to work together on their own images. More and more often, I hear things like “you’re the lawyer photo guy!” or “you take those killer headshots!” and there is no better feeling than being known for the quality of your work.
Any big plans?
I’m coming up on the one-year anniversary of opening the studio, and the goal for year two is really to expand my reach and offer additional photo and video services to clients. I am also working on developing classes and workshops that I can offer to newer photographers so they have a space they can come into and learn in practical, hands-on sessions so they can be better equipped to succeed in their own businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andrewstrother.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrew.strother/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strotherandrew/
Image Credits
Andrew Strother Photography
