Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Boyd.
Hi Stephen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It was a cold and stormy night…just kidding. name is Stephen Boyd, and I am a photographer located in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. I was a professional photographer in the early 1990s, working in my father’s studio. My father was very successful, and he had a business model that was unheard of back in the day of film photography. Customers received their proofs the same day as their photo shoot and received their finished photographs within one day of placing their order. Most of our work came from photographing events (engagements, weddings, reunions, anniversaries, etc.), local sports, and portraits.
I was fortunate to learn the business from not only behind the camera but in the darkroom processing film and making prints. We did everything ourselves and none of our work was sent out to a third party. However, as the saying goes, family and money don’t mix. After having a falling out with my father, I left the photography business to pursue other interests.
Somehow, I knew that I would return to photography. I am an artist at heart, with photographs being the medium I use to express my creativity. So now after almost 30 years, I have returned to photography, and I am slowing building a name for myself. I enjoy the creativity. I try to take photographs every day/night to improve my skills, not only as a photographer but as an artist. I enjoy all types of photography but primarily focus on portraits, products, and food.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like every endeavor, I have had my share of struggles along the way. My biggest struggles have been advertising and pricing. You have to have a portfolio to promote your work and get clientele, but you have to have clientele to establish your portfolio so you have examples of your work to promote. I have been lucky in that I have worked with some great models (including family members), who have been very supportive and have helped me establish my business. In addition, JEM Studios Dallas has been a tremendous help to me. They are very supportive and have not only assisted me but other local photographers by promoting our work on various social media platforms.
Like every new business, pricing has been a struggle. I want to be competitive, but I can’t afford to give my work away. It has definitely been a learn-as-you-go experience for me, and I have definitely learned from my mistakes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love taking environmental portraits. I think it’s important for my work to tell a story. Including interesting backgrounds/settings, specific to a theme or subject’s interest, in my photographs, helps draw the viewer’s attention. However, by keeping enough separation between the subject and background, the viewer’s attention is still on the main subject.
As a photographer, I am always interested in learning about my client’s wants and needs, and their vision for the final work product. I work collaboratively with my clientele to make their experience enjoyable and bring their ideas and visions to life. It is my job as a photographer to make the subject(s) look his or her best.
Any big plans?
Over the next couple of years, I really want to grow my business and explore other genres like macro, nature, landscape, and street photography. Ultimately, I would love for one or both of my sons to take up an interest in photography. Whether they want to work with me or on their own, I would help them become successful.
Pricing:
- Portraiture: $250 sitting fee plus $150/hour. Clients will typically receive 20-30 proofs for each hour of shooting and 6 edited photographs.
- Product/Food: Contact for cost estimate.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boydphotocreativearts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boyd_photography_art
