Audrey Koczanski (’25) discovered her passion for photography as a freshman in 2021 when she joined the Stampede Yearbook. Though she couldn’t attend the summer camp the class offers due to COVID-19 restrictions, she borrowed a camera during that time, sparking her love for photography.

   Koczanski recently launched her photography business, Audrey’s Lens Photography, and is steadily building her portfolio.

   “I’ve gotten one client so far, and I’m still setting some things up. I try to post [on Instagram] every Sunday to get my business out there a little bit more. I do senior photoshoots, and right now I’m trying to do Christmas photoshoots. I’m also trying to get more into sports portrait photography,” Koczanski said.

   Starting a business comes with challenges, but Koczanski is determined to tackle them head-on.

   “The challenge I’m facing now is trying to get more clients because there are so many other photographers in the area since it’s such a popular thing. It’s just kind of hard to get people to come to me, so I’ve been trying to post more to promote my business and telling my friends about it,” Koczanski said.

   To balance her busy senior year with college applications and academics, Koczanski focuses on her business primarily on Sundays, unless she has a photoshoot scheduled during the week.

   “If I’m doing a photoshoot, I prepare by making sure my battery is fully charged, my bag is packed with both lenses, and my SD card has enough space. I also look up inspiration pictures on Pinterest based on what the client wants,” Koczanski said, outlining her typical process.

   Koczanski primarily promotes her business through her Instagram account, @audreyslens_photography, where clients can directly message her to book an appointment.

   “I only charge $40 an hour. My last photoshoot was an hour and a half, so it came out to $65. I try to make it cheap and affordable for people so that they have control over their photoshoot. I know that sometimes when parents pay, they try to get what they want instead of what the student wants,” she said.

   Although she is mostly self-taught, Koczanski credits her growth to key moments and mentors. During her sophomore year, a fellow photographer at a football game helped her learn more about her camera after she accidentally deleted all her photos by pressing the Format button. She also learned a great deal from Mike Carlson, a teacher from River Ridge High School, during his photography class at Camp Orlando this past summer.

   Even with the demands of senior year, Koczanski has taken on the responsibility of running her business to pursue her passion.

   “If you want to book with me, you know where to find me,” Koczanski said with a smile.