Meet April Foltz | Portrait Photographer; Family, Newborn, High School Seniors, Pet, Car Culture, Headshots, Branding

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

Hi April, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business as a photographer was driven by a combination of passion, creativity, and the desire for independence. Photography has always been more than a hobby for me; it’s a way to capture the world through my unique perspective and tell stories that words alone cannot express. This deep-seated passion for the art of photography is what initially sparked the idea of turning it into a profession.

Creativity plays a significant role in my life, and working as a photographer allows me to continually challenge myself and grow artistically. Being my own boss gives me the freedom to experiment with different styles, techniques, and projects that genuinely interest me, rather than being confined to someone else’s vision. This creative autonomy is salve to my soul. Every session pushes me to a new limit. I am always striving to be better!

Being an extrovert, I am energized by interactions with others. Photography allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, whether it’s capturing a high school senior’s personality, creating cherished family memories, a beautiful automobile or helping professionals put their best foot forward. These interactions are incredibly rewarding and remind me why I chose this path every day.

When I photograph a person, hotrod, pet, or business, I am not merely taking a picture; I am freezing a moment in time. Each silent click of my shutter captures a unique, unrepeatable instant, preserving the emotions, expressions, and atmosphere that define that specific point. It’s like holding time still, creating a lasting record of a fleeting moment.This process is incredibly powerful. I capture not just the physical appearance of my subjects but the essence of who they are at that moment. Each photograph tells a story that will endure long after the moment has passed.

Freezing time in this way allows people to relive those special moments whenever they look at their photographs. It provides a tangible connection to the past, a way to remember and cherish experiences that might otherwise fade from memory. Each image becomes a treasured keepsake, a piece of personal history.

As a photographer, this ability to capture and preserve time is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. It’s a reminder of the beauty and significance of everyday moments and an affirmation of the lasting impact that a single photograph can have. This is why I am deeply passionate about what I do—because I get to create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Starting my own photography business was a decision rooted in a love for beauty, a desire for creative freedom, and the aspiration for personal and financial independence. It’s a journey that continues to challenge and inspire me, and one that I am deeply passionate about.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One thing that sets me apart is my versatility in photography. While some might say specializing in multiple genres isn’t ideal, I simply can’t choose—I love them all! This passion for diverse styles is what drives my unique approach, which has been coined “Creatography.”

In my work, I photograph, edit, and sometimes even create. My goal is always to produce the best, most stunning images possible. Whether it’s capturing the sleek beauty of a red 1999 Ford Lightning SVT, the tender moments of a newborn, the serene glow of a new mother, the excitement of a high school senior in her cap and gown, a touching legacy portrait of a great grandfather and his great grandson, or a professional headshot, I strive to make each image truly remarkable.

One of my proudest achievements is having my work featured on magazine covers. Being accepted into magazines is an honor, but landing the cover is a privilege that holds a special place in my heart.

I received my first camera at eight years old, so I’ve had a camera in my hand for the past 42 years. Balancing my art with homeschooling my two children for the past 18 years was both the hardest and easiest thing I’ve done. I cherished every moment spent raising them, but it was challenging for my creative soul. I have no regrets—homeschooling helped shape my kids into the amazing adults they are today.

With our daughter graduating a year ago, it was finally time to pursue my photography full-time. I have many wonderful clients, but I’m always looking to expand and get my name out there.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that you won’t find another photographer as dedicated as I am to creating beautiful and awesome works of art. I take my craft seriously, although I don’t take myself too seriously. My passion for photography and commitment to excellence are what define me and my work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OdySea Aqurium
Walk downtown Gilbert
OHSO Brewery
San Tan Village for shopping
Off-roading in my Jeep
Watch the sunset from the top of a mountain
Boating on Canyon Lake
Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon
Monument Valley
Mr. Brews Taphouse in Mesa
Handlebar Pub and Grill in Apache Junction
Head to the Car Meet on Saturday night put on by Flipside
Day Trip to Tucson
Eat at Graze
Saquaro National Forest
Float down the Salt River
Dinner at the Princess in Scottsdale

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Steve.

My journey in starting my own photography business would not have been possible without the unwavering support of him. From the very beginning, he has been my rock, consistently lifting me up and encouraging me to pursue my passion. His belief in my art and my ability to succeed has been a constant source of motivation and confidence.

Financially, he has provided the stability needed to launch my business. Knowing that he was there to support us allowed me to invest in the best equipment, take the time to hone my skills, and build my portfolio without the immediate pressure of turning a profit. His willingness to shoulder the financial burden during those initial stages gave me the freedom to focus entirely on my craft and business development.

But his support goes far beyond financial backing. He has always believed in my vision and talent, often more than I believed in myself. In moments of doubt or when faced with challenges, his encouragement has been invaluable. He has celebrated every success with me, no matter how small, and has been there to lift my spirits during setbacks.

His faith in my work and his enthusiasm for my achievements have been incredibly inspiring. Knowing that he values my art and sees its potential has pushed me to strive for excellence and never settle for less. His support has not only helped me grow as a photographer but has also strengthened our marriage, making our journey together even more meaningful.

My husband’s unwavering belief in me and his continuous support have been fundamental to the success of my photography business. His love, encouragement, and faith in my abilities have fueled my passion and driven me to pursue my dreams with confidence and determination.

Website: https://www.aprilfoltzphotography.com/

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

Facebook: https://facebook.com/aprilfoltzphotography

Image Credits
aprilfoltzphotography