Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Davenport.
Lindsay, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was always the girl with the camera when I was younger. I would play with disposable cameras at elementary birthday parties, took my point and shoot camera all around the farm country roads I grew up on and graduated to a DSLR camera my sophomore year of college. I bought this camera just considering myself worthy of a “real” camera because of my love for it, and I had no idea it would lead me to a career.
At that time, I was in my undergraduate degree for speech pathology and didn’t know how to use my camera in manual. I would use it on Auto at my friend’s bridal showers, out in the country or anywhere I found the opportunity. It was until my roommates Jess got engaged and didn’t want engagement pictures that my OTHER roommate suggested I go take her pictures. From that moment on, I couldn’t get enough.
Having joyful people in love in front of your camera almost can’t be beaten. At this time, I was about to graduate, get married and start my first of 2 years in graduate school for speech pathology. I spent my two years of graduate school teaching myself how to use my camera, start a business and jump into wedding photography. It was the best side hustle. These were the busiest, more exhilarating years of my life.
We moved to Dallas upon my graduation and launched our business in Dallas. Once a husband and wife team and now a solo photographer, I made the transition smoothly, quit my full-time job as an SLP after 1 year and have been photographing weddings solely for almost two years now. Pinch me! 🙂
It’s been a whirlwind of a journey, but what I love most about it is that I clearly didn’t write it. This was never in my plan, and I love just THAT about it! Now I am a “working mom” yet am a “full-time mom”, and I’m learning to accept that I fit into my own box that I’m creating. It’s a fulfilling, flexible, creative and fun job that I get to have!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes and no! Looking back, it seems as though some points were smooth (although, they didn’t feel smooth at the time), and there were others that were extremely bumpy.
It was a huge struggle when we moved from New Mexico to Dallas. I was working a full-time job Monday-Friday, shooting weddings on the weekend and had sessions most evenings after my day job. My husband worked nights as a nurse, and we rarely saw one another. I barely had time to even edit which made our social life difficult and other important aspects of our life that we became distant from. On top of that, we were putting in hours to fix up a fixer upper that we had bought. Um. We were CRAZY! It was the most hectic time in my life that I hope we never have to feel again.
But honestly, I knew I had to “hustle” hard to get my name out in this new city of extremely talented photographers and creatives, and I loved making friendships, connecting with others and photographing in so many eye-opening, beautiful venues and areas in Dallas. Coming from New Mexico, this was so thrilling to me!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lindsay Davenport Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I own a wedding photography business in Richardson, TX and specialize in just that–weddings, bridals and engagement sessions all around DFW. I once photographed it all, but now I know that working with couples is what I’m supposed to be doing–for now at least. I think what can set me apart is that I view my relationship with couples as an ongoing friendship, and I truly care for their marriage.
To me, it’s not just about the wedding. The wedding is a truly exciting and special memory in their story, but it’s just the beginning. I’m passionate about being there for my couples after the wedding and providing them with resources and hopefully encouragement to pour back into their marriages after they say, “I do”.
My husband and I have been married long enough to know that it takes work to grow a marriage, and if you’re intentional about putting that work in, it can really give back to you and others ten-fold.
I’m proud that my husband and I launched this business in NM that transferred smoothly to Dallas, TX. I’m also proud to be known as a photographer who cares more about the wedding but also the couple.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are held very lightly. I seem to always be thinking up new ideas or creative business plans, so who knows what the future will hold. I currently have found a groove and am loving photographing 25-28 weddings a year and being a mom to my son who’s 16 months.
We recently launched an online photography course called The Capture Course, and it allows people to learn how to use their cameras in manual mode from the comfort of their home. I’m really passionate about capturing candids that you can frame around your home to remember them and be reminded of how precious life is. I think equipping moms, future photographers or those who love to travel to use their cameras that they’re using in auto is a fulfilling and fun new venture of mine.
We also hosted The Capture Course live in our home in Richardson twice last year, and I foresee a similar editing class in the future. But I’m taking those dreams as I have time! Launching The Capture Course seemed to take a bit out of me, but I will be filming a few bonus videos to add to the online course next month which is exciting!
Pricing:
- The Capture Course is $149 online
- Weddings start at $3,800
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindsaydavenportphotography.com
- Email: lindsaydavenportphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lindsaydavenportphotos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindsayDavenportPhotography/?ref=bookmarks
- Other: https://lindsay-davenport-photography.teachable.com/p/the-capture-course
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
