Meet Adriana Adkins | Photographer & Creative Director
We had the good fortune of connecting with Adriana Adkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Adriana, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Bolivia, born there but we immigrated to the states when I was in elementary school. My cultural background and ethnicity is so richly embedded in my world view and values. It has certainly shaped me as a person and creative.
Where I currently live there actually isn’t the greatest diversity, so it’s a little difficult to bring forth some creative, diverse ideas I have in mind into fruition.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from other photographers is that I have an ability to easily bring out the confidence, attitude and charisma in my clients. I know that the hardest part about being in front of a lens is feeling confident in oneself in such a vulnerable all eyes on you state. I really strive to create an experience for my clients no matter what type of session. An enjoyable experience they can not only remember but also be confident in themselves and appreciate their images for years to come. Professionally, I first have degrees in education, which I enjoyed using until I had my own kid. I now homeschool and absolutely love it.
While I love teaching I have always enjoyed photography, in college I played with it, but motherhood really brought back that love for capturing moments.
My husband bought me a canon mirrorless camera I had my heart set on for our anniversary, I fell in love all over again and really dug in deep.
I cant say it was really difficult getting started, because it was not, it felt natural, exhilarating and word of mouth is responsible for the birth of “candid lens by Adriana”.
Some lessons I have learned in my 3 years of going official in this business.
Don’t let anyone box you in, I can’t tell you how many times I heard things like you have to pick a niche to be successful , you have to have a studio, you have to do x,y,z before doing this or that. It’s not true! Start where you’re at with what you’ve got.
You do have to be open to learn and be teachable But I firmly believe that you can’t set a limit to your passion.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Naples we are so lucky we have a little bit of everything. I would say the week has to start off with our renowned gulf coast beaches! The beach is a must the first couple days.
Local taco spots after the beach go hand in hand. People usually know about the big chains “tacos and tequila”, “roccos tacos” but in naples we have som local gems that have been here for decades, and still serving up the best authentic tacos.
At night , for dinner, reservations at Osteria Tulia, hob knob, Kareem’s Lebanese, Trulucks,Del Mar, 21 spices, the Bohemian (my favorite of all)
For drinks , bar Tulia, the Ritz , District, Side Bar , chartreuse and vine room for sure!
Visiting celebration park (a food truck park on the water nestled in the heart of the bayshore district is a must! And while down on that end, stopping at Rebecca’s for some choice wine and the BEST charcuterie.
Then, I would make sure to stop by our famous seed to table. It’s the grocery store of all grocery stores, and I’m pretty sure there is no other like it. Seed to table has several restaurants, bars, live entertainment seven nights a week, and my favorite juice bar & organic breakfast. I mean they give moms a free glass of wine while they shop and have a child care center , complimentary to shoppers!
We have so many nature parks, trails there really is just so much to do here!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my number one fan and friend , my husband Spencer Adkins who really pushed me into pursuing my hobby further (photography). His work ethic, entrepreneurship and integrity really motivate me in my creative endeavors.
Shout out to every single person that has ever let me place my camera before them! So appreciate when people trust me to capture moments.
Instagram: @candid.lens.byadriana
Facebook: Candid Lens By Adriana
Image Credits
All these images are mine
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