Meet Monetri Barnes of Memorable Occasions Photography in DFW

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monetri Barnes.

Monetri, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey with photography began in High School. I decided to join the photojournalism class during my sophomore year. So that year I asked for a camera for Christmas. My dad brought my 1st camera, a Canon Rebel GII. Once a year, my high school had a drunk driving reenactment, and I can remember those images as if I took them yesterday. The dramatic images captured during the event blew my mind. From that day I was hooked! I was always the girl taking photographs around the school. In my senior year, I became the photo editor and was allowed to decide what photos went into the yearbook, proud moment! Present-day if I see someone from school, they ask “are you still taking those photos.”

Capturing photos at school transferred over into my daily routine and I became the “family photographer.” If someone in my family had a sporting event or a birthday party, I was the photographer. That’s when I started to think about not just being the family photographer but creating a photography business. Memorable Occasions Photography was then created. With self-promotion and referrals from family, I started to gain more clients.

Fast forward a few years, I had my 1st kiddo, and I slowed down on my journey to growing my business. My focus shifted and I had my 2nd kiddo. So by choice for years, I continued to be the family photographer who had a few paying clients.

Over the past four years, maybe longer, it’s been a gradual transition back to being a serious professional photographer and being an official business owner.  I’ve had the opportunity to capture politicians, musicians and work with other creators in the entertainment industry. Having support from family and friends made a huge difference in growing my business. My mom keeps me on my toes as she is my biggest critic. She’s going to tell me like it is good or bad which I’m grateful for! I still take pictures for my family, but now everyone understands I’m operating a business. So when they see me with my camera, they know its Memorable Occasions Photography!

I enjoy “Creating Memories To Last A Lifetime.” (did you catch the tag line, lol) Lifestyle photography is my specialty. However, I also enjoy capturing editorial, family, branding, wedding, and senior portraits.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it hasn’t but that bumpy road is what helps me gain my strength and knowledge. So I’m growing stronger and gaining knowledge on a regular. It can be a struggle to stay focused on my overall goals while getting lost in my busy day of being a single mother and trying to make sure my bills get paid. I do however believe EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON so no need to stress, as GOD, always takes care of everything.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Memorable Occasions Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My goal is to make every client’s experience with Memorable Occasions Photography distinctive. When my clients are in front of my camera, I want them to have fun and enjoy themselves. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years with my clients because they consider me their go-to photographer for all their photography needs. It’s rewarding to know they enjoy their experience enough to refer me to their family and friends.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I love that there are many talented creatives in DFW, and there is a vast network for local creatives. However, as a black business owner, I believe our community needs to continue striving to build more resources to help each other become more successful while growing our businesses. I’m grateful for those resources we currently have for our creative community. I will continue to explore my city and surrounding areas and look forward to meeting new clients daily!

Pricing:

• Photo Sessions $275 & up
• Headshots $175
• Special Events $125 hr (minimum 2hrs)
• Wedding Packages $1075 & up

Contact Info:

• Website: memorableoccasionsphotography.com
• Phone: 817-893-8540
• Email: memorablepics05@gmail.com
• Instagram: MemorableOccasionsPhotography
• Facebook: MemorableOccasions05
• Twitter: MemorablePics05

Image Credit:
Personal Image- Photo by Phoenix Michele Photography
All other photos by Memorable Occasions Photography

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.