By Pauly
Allen B. Thompson
BIO:
Ag Photography” photographer Allen B. Thompson is a graduate from Jackson State University with a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations and Marketing and currently working on his Masters in Commutations in graphics. Allen B. Is a native of St. Louis, Missouri byway of Mississippi. He began photography while in college where he interned for a fashion photographer in Mississippi for twelve months. In July of 2008 after he graduated from Jackson State University, he started his own photography company which is called Ag Photography located in St. Louis, Missouri. Contrary to popular belief Allen B. did not name his company after him many people believe Ag is from his initials. He got the concept from the periodical table in which Ag stands for silver because the inside of the camera is built with silver meaning if there is no silver on the inside of a camera it will not flash. This interesting fact inspired him because he did not want the company to be only focused on him. His inspiration came from the craft of photography because there is more to photography than taking a picture and he also wanted to be an entrepreneur and what better way than to start something that you enjoy doing. Allen B. has an immense passion for photography which allows his creativity to make life into beautiful art work!
Pauly: Allen, tell me: What’s Your Strive(s)?
Allen: My ultimate strive is to expand Ag Photography as far as location and number of clients. My objective is to produce quality work that turns my clients into the stars they see in magazines. The motto for Ag is “Where Life Meets Art” which is what we strive for.
Pauly: Where are you from?
Allen: I am from St. Louis, MO byway of Mississippi.
Pauly: How did you get started?
Allen: During college I was introduced to photography by my roommate.
Pauly: What steps are you taking to achieve your goals?
Allen: The web is my biggest form of marketing but direct marketing is huge also. I have once a week meetings with my business associate and consult with other entrepreneurs.
Pauly: With everybody trying to make it into the entertainment business, what do you do to separate yourself from the crowd?
Allen: Photography is a thing of opinion. I do what I feel and that is the reason people like Ag Photography. Every photographer’s art work does not look the same, so separation comes easy. We push ourselves to the limit because we want to be the company that tries the unthinkable and undoable; we just want to be known as Ag Photography.
Pauly: What are you currently working on?
Allen: Currently I have a calendar that will come out around May; we are also hosting parties during the summer, some out-of-town photo shoots booked.
Pauly: Do you feel that your art form is a way to express yourself, or a way of life?
Allen: Yes, I feel that is a way of expression because every shot is a shot of mind. Ag’s art form is a variety of things from urban, fashion, family portraits, we do it all!
Pauly: What’s your resume?
Allen: I am an after-school photography teacher at Jennings School District. I have taken numerous school pictures for St. Louis Metro area school districts. Currently shoot for various modeling agencies, local artist and out-of-state artist.
Pauly: Do you have a contract, or are you currently shopping around?
Allen: No, I work for myself.
Pauly: What suggestions do you have for other aspiring strivers?
Allen: Stay dedicated and optimistic instead of allowing the negativity to bring you down let it build you and watch how fast things will change! Keep promoting and searching for new artist because like Jay-Z says everyday a star is born.
Pauly: Any other upcoming projects you’d like to mention?
Allen: Look out for the calendar that will be coming out soon, parties we will be hosting and also check out the website www.AgPhotosonline.com.
Pauly: Well much success Allen, keep striving!
