Today we’d like to introduce you to Charla Storey.
Charla, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Oh man, whew… it’s always so challenging to type about yourself! When I was 16 I had a baby, crazy right Iknow. So, I homeschooled and watched kids in the family for money and to finish school. When I was 19, I was looking for my 1st official job, naturally, I was looking at the Mall, after 3 months I got my 1st job offer at a children’s photography studio named Kiddie Kandids. Over the next 7 years, I worked my way up from a part-time photographer/associate to being a Regional Trainer/Manager, responsible for training, the quality of photography countrywide, hitting financial goals, writing training manuals, marketing etc, and every job in-between. In 2010, the company I worked for went out of business. it was a shock, and rather heartbreaking. At this point, I was freelance shooting families, children, and weddings on the side.
A little backstory in 2008, I started a freelance photography business with my best friend, photographing Families and kiddos on location on the side. In 2013, I fell in love with photographing weddings, shifted gears and began Charla Storey Photography! I love that weddings have a little pressure, and keep you on your toes, as well as giving me an opportunity to be every kind of photography all in one day! Commercial, Product, Portrait, Event, Photojournalist, Artful, Editorial, all while witnessing people have such beautiful celebrations of love! And so began the hustle!
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?
I think owning a small business, or any business for that matter, is like life. It will have peaks and valleys. We have to learn, grown, learn and grown again. It allows us to really take the time to enjoy the Peaks, and get the most learning we can from the valleys. It’s about the journey of creating what you love and evolving your style, and inspirations. Owning your own business is certainly a labor of love!
I have experienced a beloved company closing, co-owning a business, as well as being a small business owner entrepreneur. Each season has had hard times. Often with weddings, in particular, there are no business trends to follow, it can vary greatly year to year, so learning to be flexible and think ahead has been a key take away!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Charla Storey Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am Charla Storey, a Fine Art Photography, Specializing in Weddings and Editorials. I believe in love, that travel awakes your soul and unbelievable sunsets can change your life, and bring you to tears. I photograph real people, their weddings, their talents and their families. I tell real stories.
I am a lover of light, as well as shadow, and love to tell a story with curated images, an eye for detail, and authentic moments. I feel like I am known for capturing beautiful weddings, and editorials and making them look on in the same! I am so proud to be apart of a community that encourages and uplifts each other. I have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, was selected for Best of Style Me Pretty 2017 and currently have the Cover of D magazine, as well as many other beautiful publications over the years. Seeing your work published is always an accomplishment, but seeing your client’s stories shared is and used as inspiration is such a surreal feeling. I am so thankful and honored to get to document life, and I take great pride in my imagery and my customer experience.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am so excited to see where the next year leads my business. The last year I have been working with many workshops and classes teaching fellow creatives. I have several exciting projects I am working on as we speak!
I am teaching a few local social media classes, hosting galleries, working on podcast premiers, teaching at 2 upcoming workshops as a guest and gathering the final details for my own workshop.
Coming from a training background, and having a love for people, teaching photography has been a passion of mine for so long. I had been so nervous to teach, but I live for the ah-ha moments and helping those around me grow and develop. I have a love for photography and want to see those that share that passion do great things.
Exciting things are on the horizon for sure! I cannot wait to share more details about it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charlastorey.com
- Email: hello@charlastorey.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlastorey @charlastorey
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.
