Today we’d like to introduce you to Darla King
Hi Darla, 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 have always been fascinated with photography and taking pictures. When my daughter started playing volleyball, I became obsessed with capturing her journey. I started with a inexpensive camera and a kit lens. I asked a lot of questions, sat by other photographers, watched videos and most importantly, practiced. I began sharing my photos with other team moms and eventually I was asked to do some family photos. I was hooked! I realized that I wanted my subjects to be people and to create images in time that give us the chance to hold on to those memories. I wanted to experience all stages of life and work with all ages. I did a lot of work for free in the beginning so that I could build a portfolio and practice. After a few years, I decided that it was time to make it more of a business. I love spending time with family, friends, meeting new people and exploring locations to create something that captures that moment in time. I have spent years working in the non-profit world as a vice president and director of a food pantry in Rowlett. These past 12 years have taught me that we all have a story and we can capture our story through photographs. We can offer our passion and talent to others so that we can help to tell that story. I love helping other non-profit organizations at events or fundraisers so they can share their journey and story with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a business or non-profit is never easy and it does come with challenges and expenses. If you love what you do, it’s not work. The struggles are expense and obtaining clients. Equipment, backdrops, lights and props are expensive and there is always the need to stay fresh and updated. There are a lot of photographers out there and I’ve learned that it’s your work that has to stand out. I believe in honesty, transparency, and staying to true to my style and my art.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started working in corporate America when I was 17 years old. After 18 years at the same company, I left & I started working for another company closer to home. Several years later, my boss started talking about starting a non-profit. We decided that we build a food pantry. Life Message started in Garland, TX in 2011 and in 2012, we moved to Rowlett, TX. We have been feeding the hungry and serving our community in Rowlett for the past 13 years. Life Message serves approximately 600 families every week with food, offer clothing and have programs & resources for veterans. In my spare time, I developed my passion for photography. Over the years, I have made a lot of friends and connections. I work with other non-profits like the Garland Police Never Walk Alone Foundation, Aisling Equine Therapy and Hella Shriners. We support each other in serving our community and I love being behind the camera to capture all the fun. Like I said, “When you love what you do, it’s not a job”.
What matters most to you? Why?
I give all my thanks to God! He has put me on a path that I never knew I needed. Family & friends mean the most to me. My family supports me and all my efforts to pursue my passions. They volunteer at my food pantry, help me pick up and deliver items to those in need, go to my events and my daughter even helps to be a second shooter. I don’t know what I would do without the support of my family & friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dkingimages.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.d.k.images/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DKingImages
