Today we’d like to introduce you to JoAnna Duke.
Hi JoAnna, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I remember gaining interest in photography while I was in middle school. I didn’t try to pursue it because I knew we couldn’t afford to get an expensive camera, especially when I had no experience. My parents had a silver Kodak EasyShare digital camera that I basically took over. I would dress my little sister up to take pictures; she’s always been my muse in photography. As time went on, I grew a love for fashion and decided that I’ll become a costumer or wardrobe assistant for movies, television, or music videos. I went to Kent State University in Ohio to go after my dreams in fashion. My freshman year in college, a group of friends and I teamed up for the marketing for a streetwear clothing line. My task for the summer was to capture photos of both friends and strangers wearing the latest fashion trends. At this point, I still had not bought a camera. My first “photoshoot” was in my friend’s garage with an iPhone 7 and that’s when I fell in love with photography! I loved the freedom of creating your own story and watching the story come to life through the images.
Once I went back to school, I added photography as my minor because I knew the classes would require me to get a DSLR camera at the price I dreaded so much. Once I got started, I quickly began to build clientele in Ohio. Just a few months before I graduated, I decided I’d start my own photography and graphic design business once I move back to Texas. The thing I did not consider was that I had no clients in Texas, nor did I have a car, so it was nearly impossible for me to travel around DFW doing photoshoots. I was able to work with friends and do a few free photoshoots in hopes to get the word out, but it didn’t work out that way. I figured I’d just have to settle for whatever job I could get. I felt no fulfillment in my work and, quite frankly, miserable. I did this for years, I was just working to survive, and that’s far from the life I envisioned for myself.
It wasn’t until late November in 2021 when I started to feel a strong urge to get back into photography. It was as if God continued to whisper that to me and put photography on my heart. My mother and my older sister both had big moments during the spring of this year that they wanted me to capture. I found photo studios in the DFW area, and shortly after photographing them, I realized it was time for me to take a huge leap of faith. I left my job, reached out to a phenomenal photographer, Darnell Porter, about a mentorship, and I invested into my brand for more equipment and resources. I’ve seen my work get better exponentially in just a short amount of time! I am still on my photography journey, but I’m loving where I’m headed!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say that my experience has been more of a bumpy, curvy road. The biggest struggle I’ve had along the way is the need for more and more equipment that could easily cost thousands per item (such a costly dream). Another struggle along the way was to trust the process. Leaving the “secure” 9-5 to move into entrepreneurship is SO scary. I’ve really had to trust God in all areas of my life, especially financially, because if you’re not booked, then you’re not paid. The last struggle I’ve dealt with was recognizing my worth and talent in my work. It was so easy for me to overthink and to have self-doubt I was determined to overcome that type of thinking. I like to approach everything with confidence now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer and graphic designer, though my main focus is photography. I specialize in creating stunning imagery for others! I capture images for branding, fashion, maternity and newborn, engagements, graduations, events, and more. I especially love working with entrepreneurs and small businesses with their branding through headshots or product photos, logos, web design, social media content, etc. The motto or slogan for my brand is “create the world you envision.” I like to encourage and help others in every way that I can to go after their dreams and walk in their purpose.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love to write! It’s always so relaxing to me and helps me to reach another level of creativity. I write songs and I’ve been working on a book the last year and a half!
Pricing:
- Bronze Photo Package $175
- Silver Photo Package $275
- Gold Photo Package $375
Contact Info:
- Website: envisionsworld.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/envisionsworld/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/envisionsworld
- Other: linktr.ee/envisionsworld
