Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Dietz.
Jeff, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My love of photography started when I was just out of college and started working with local and national rock bands, managing and promoting concerts. I started to take photos for their press kits and things grew from there. I got an opportunity to photograph the wedding of someone I graduated high school with. I then spent time studying with some of the best photographers in the world and within about 3 short years we had established our company as one of the premier wedding photography studios on the east coast. I opened officially in Pennsylvania in 2006 primarily focusing on wedding photography.
Roughly two years ago now, I decided it was time for a change. I packed up the house and moved halfway across the country to McKinney Texas. I loved the friendly and family-oriented environment as well as the deep traditions that they still take part in here in Texas. It was a great opportunity for the transition I was making in my photography to focus more on portrait work.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
For me, photography starts with the most important element, light. I think what stands apart about my photography is how we are able to light a person to emphasize a mood or to highlight and make a person look their best. Learning lighting is a dying part of the industry of late, but to me, it’s one of the most important elements of a great photograph.
The other element is getting the subject of your portrait to relax, feel at ease, and open up to the camera. We do this through not just creating a fun environment, but also through them knowing that we are going to help them with picking their outfits, posing, and everything else needed to finish the vision of their message.
We specialize in Fashion inspired senior portraits, creative family photos, and emotion-driven couples photos such as engagements. We also offer business portraits such as headshots and personal branding, which will help tell the message of your business.
My work has been described often as having a Vanity Fair type of feel, and I would agree with that. I like having people feel like they are stepping off the pages of their favorite magazine.
With us, it’s not just about having a photo taken. It’s about how can we help you feel great about yourself, become closer together as a family or a couple, or take your business image to the next level.
We are a print first studio, which means we focus on finishing our photographs in prints and artwork for your home that will live loud and proud as a constant reminder of the experience we created together. We want to fill your home with these moments that make you feel amazing every time you look at them. Just like a 5-star chef isn’t finished until the meal is plated and, on your table, a photograph isn’t complete until it’s printed and living in your home.
Although we are located in McKinney Texas, we can travel anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We are also available for national or international travel anywhere in the world.
We offer a few special things with our senior portrait experiences. First, we are one of the few places that put a large emphasis on creating an amazing experience for guys senior portraits. I want the guys to feel just as awesome as the ladies and cater their photo shoot to fit their personality and interests with a style that looks like it came from GQ magazine. Guys also get to go out and get fitted for a new suit for their photos that is included in the session fee.
In addition, we are also the home of the best Senior Portrait Ambassador program anywhere in Dallas. We feature a year-long program that students can join and be a part of, that will include individual and group photo shoots throughout the year, special coverage of the senior events like prom, homecoming, and graduation as well as special events to prepare them for college. We are also planning some national and international trips that they will get first exclusive access to. It’s a really exciting program!
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
The best thing I can tell anyone that wants to make a business from their art is… learn how to run a business. The art comes naturally in some ways where those business skills may not. I encourage people to learn and take classes about business and see what it really takes. Don’t work for “free” or for “exposure” or “fake it till you make it”. Know your worth and what you do has great value in people’s lives.
As far as the art side of things focus on finishing your artwork. Present your work in ways that will last for generations. ‘Digital” copy of things are meant to be lost or corrupt over time (raise your hand if you own VHS tapes you can’t play).
Da Vinci put his artwork to paper, and photography should be no different.
It’s also important to learn your craft. Not the “quick way”, but the right way. Learn and become a master of things like lighting, composition, expression, and creativity. There is no shortcut that will last.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The best place to see our work is of course to schedule a time to come meet us in person! Consultations are free! We would love to hear more about your story.
Here are a few links to our various online experiences. Definitely stop by and comment on your favorite photos or leave blog comments on your favorite stories.
Website: www.jeffdietzphotography.com
Instagram: @jeffdietz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeffdietzportraitphotography
Phone: 214-998-7001
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeffdietzphotography.com
- Phone: 214-998-7001
- Email: jeff@jeffdietzphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffdietz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffdietzportraitphotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffdietzphoto
Image Credit:
Jeff Dietz / Jeff Dietz Photography
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