Friends, I am so excited for today's Showiteer Spotlight on Mr. Brady Bates. There was an image he posted a few weeks ago that caught our eye, and we just knew we had to feature him and his work.

But before I introduce you to this fantastic photographer, let me ask you a question:

What were you doing when you were 15 years old?

I personally was just trying to survive high school whilst being a brace-face four-eyed awkward disaster. I worked at my mom's convenience store in my spare time, and though it wasn't my favorite thing to do, I never imagined being a creative small business owner.

Well folks, meet Brady Bates of Brady Bates Photography. I posed the question above because Brady started his photography business when he was 15 years old! He's been in business for 2.5 years, which makes him a whopping 17 years old now. Keep reading to find out more about this special, and very young Showiteer:

Location? Culpeper, Virginia

Photography Specialty? Senior Portraits

Years in Business? 2.5 Years

How did you find out about Showit and how has it helped improve your business?

I found out about Showit through other photographers in my area and through Instagram. Showit has helped me develop an awesome website where people in my area can find me and get in touch with me!

If you could give one piece of advice to a new photographer starting out, what would you tell them?

Even though I am still learning lots and starting out myself, if there is one piece of advice I could give a photographer starting out it would have to be to practice, practice, practice. Take photos of anything and everything and it also helps if your friends let you take photos of them.

Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photography, and career path?

Some photographers that have influenced me are Katelyn James and Nic Donovan of NuGen Media. Both of these photographers produce beautiful work, they run awesome businesses, and have great marketing skills. Katelyn and Nic have made me re-think how I pose my models and have changed my editing workflow.

What does your work schedule look like on an average week?

Although I am still in school I have recently had the opportunity to work for a local photography and videography business, NuGen Media. I work as a second shooter at weddings on the weekend, and edit those photos throughout the week! When I am not doing wedding photography I take senior photos of students in my area.

What are some of things that have inspired you through the years in being creative?

I find lighting to be very inspirational. Recently I have finally understood how to take better photos in different types of lighting conditions.

What are some of the challenges/solutions you've found when balancing your personal life and photography?

Balancing my personal life, photography, and school can sometimes be difficult but I prioritize and always make sure to set enough time away for each of these things because they are all very important to me.

Brady! You are an awesome young man and I personally l learned so much from you. Wishing you all the best in business and life and school!

jihae watson

Hi! I'm Jihae Watson! I was born in Seoul, grew up in Toronto, Ontario and now live in Gilbert, Arizona. I love all three cities so very much as I have plenty of family, and favorite restaurants in all three locations.

I am married to a stud named Chris, and we have four fantastic kids. Together we love being a foster family, and we presently have the sweetest little foster babe.