Today we’d like to introduce you to Juniper Saint Butcher.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I think my love for photography started the day my dad brought home a family DSLR camera. It was meant for all of us to share, but it just kind of gravitated toward me. I was always the one carrying it around, taking pictures of my friends, filming random videos, and documenting anything that caught my eye. I didn’t even realize it at the time, but I was already training my eye to notice little details and moments.
When I was 17, I landed a job as a television broadcast editor. I was also spending hours making YouTube videos in my childhood bedroom. That mix of editing and creating content just made sense to me, and it’s where I really started to connect the dots between creativity and storytelling. At first, I thought film would be my future, but photography started growing faster than I expected.
What I love most about photography is how it brings me closer to people. I get to tell their stories, capture who they are, and give them something that feels true to them. I still have dreams of working more in film someday, but right now, photography is my happy place.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Photography was far from an inexpensive hobby. When I first started I was making flash diffusers out of paper plates and picking up beginner lighting and backdrop kits off Facebook Marketplace. At one point, I had to drop out of college due to finances and teach myself everything I could about photography using YouTube, trial and error, and hours of research. Even now, I still buy much of my gear used, and I have no problem sewing my own backdrops to save money. Plenty of people told me photography would never be a sustainable career, but I had the stubbornness and determination to prove them wrong.
On top of the financial hurdles, I also live with anxiety, so meeting new people and putting myself out there can be nerve-wracking. I am queer and nonbinary, and I never know exactly how people will respond to that. But those same experiences have shaped how I approach my work. I know how intimidating it can feel to be in front of a camera no matter who you are, so I work hard to create an environment where folks feel seen, respected, and completely at ease. I take the time to get to know them, offer gentle direction, and make space for their true personalities to shine. My goal is for every person to leave their session feeling confident, celebrated, and proud of the images we created together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a portrait photographer based in Dallas and serving the greater DFW area, including Fort Worth, Denton, Plano, Frisco, and beyond. I specialize in creating portraits for seniors, couples, families, and individuals that go beyond the digital screen and become real, tangible artwork you can enjoy for a lifetime. My work is known for two things: transforming images into heirloom-quality pieces like albums, framed wall art, canvases, and fine prints, and building a truly inclusive, safe space for every person who steps in front of my camera.
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything I do. I make it a priority to ensure that every person, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, body type, race, or background, feels celebrated, respected, and seen for exactly who they are. I know that being in front of the camera can be intimidating, so I focus on creating an atmosphere where people can relax, express themselves authentically, and leave the session feeling empowered.
One of the things I am most proud of is helping clients turn their photos into something lasting. It is one thing to see your image on a phone screen, but it is something entirely different to walk into your home and see a framed portrait on your wall, or flip through a custom album and relive those moments again and again. I love knowing that the artwork I create will be a part of someone’s life for decades, sparking memories and pride every time they see it. My goal is for my clients to look at their photos and think, “I did that,” and to feel that sense of joy every single day.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
You can DIY just about anything. You can craft your own props, thrift your wardrobe, and believe it or not, you can even build your own camera. The point is, you do not need the most expensive equipment to start, you just need resourcefulness and the drive to learn.
My biggest piece of advice is to master the basics of photography first. Learn how to use light, understand your camera settings, and practice until those skills feel second nature. Then, focus on the people side of photography. Talk to people. Build long-lasting relationships. The connections you make will be just as important as the images you create.
There is an endless amount of information out there with YouTube, books, workshops, and even free community groups. Keep experimenting, keep pushing yourself, and keep going, even when things feel hard. Growth in photography is a mix of curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to try again and again until you get it right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saintbutcher.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/saint.butcher
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/saintbutcherstudios
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/saint-butcher-studios-dallas
Image Credits
Branding images by Abby Pfaff, all other images by Saint Butcher Studios (Myself)
