Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles McCoy.
Charles, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I pretty much always love taking photos. I never had a professional camera to use but did everything on my iPhone. One day, a friend told me I should get into it with fitness since I love it so much. I didn’t think much of it because I was more interested in just training then doing photography work. A few months have passed and it clicks to me that I should at least play around with the idea. I had a co-worker of mines who’s a super talented photographer who recommends me some cameras to look into. I decided to go with a Nikon 5300 to shoot around town but I literally didn’t do anything with it (typical Charles) haha.
Finally, my friend asked me to photograph their Crossfit competition in Houston for practice and I got some good reviews for a first-timer. I decided to keep at it with some tips from friends and family along the way. Ten months later I’m photographing close friends to help with my creativity and Crossfit events around the state of Texas. It really took off quickly but I can say along the way I learned so much from networking in Austin as well at each event I’ve done so far. For being self-taught and learning daily from my inspiration photographers, I would have never thought I’ll get this close into photography or at least have people love what I do.
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?
It has not been a smooth road for sure. I have done some photos to the point of looking back it now I cringe a little. It really just made me work twice as hard to get it right in my composition/lighting setups for the right frame I’m looking for. I reached out to so many events and gotten a no to do photos for them but it didn’t discourage me from continuing my work or continuing to network around the fitness community. It also sucks to not have some of the lenses you want to get the ideal shot you want. It’s so expensive to do this hobby and book more work to get the tools you need.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, shoot with a Nikon D850 for fitness and sports photography. I’m currently teaching myself how to do more portraits and some off-camera flash portraits to build up a new client base. I’m so proud that it’s my vision and ideas put into a shot I’m seeing in my head and what I want everyone else to see what I see. What sets me apart from others is my personality when talking to my clients. I’m relatable and warm-hearted because I know what it’s like to feel uncomfortable in front of the camera and also want someone who’s so normal and can have a genuine conversation with through this experience.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I love Austin’s downtown area because you can take so much different shots and its super popular with athletes as well general population who’s interested in fitness. I wish there was more murals and landscape buildings up North in case clients who doesn’t want to go downtown for fitness pictures.
Contact Info:
- Email: CharlesMcCoyPhotography@gmail.com
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
