Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Harrison.
Hi Chris, 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?
My journey into photography and media didn’t start with a traditional creative path, it grew out of a deep passion for people, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.
38:16 Media LLC was built from the ground up with a simple but powerful mission: to help people and businesses show up confidently, professionally, and authentically. What started as a small operation in a shared 400-square-foot space quickly evolved as demand grew. Within a year, I expanded into a dedicated ~1,000-square-foot studio in Mansfield, Texas, complete with multiple backdrops, professional lighting, and a podcast and content creation space. That growth wasn’t accidental, it came from being intentional about quality, client experience, and community relationships.
I specialize in professional headshots, business portraits, and brand photography, but over time, 38:16 Media has grown into a full creative partner for clients. Today, we also offer event photography and videography, drone services, real estate media, studio and podcast rentals, and content creation for entrepreneurs and organizations. I work with individuals, small businesses, and corporate clients who understand the value of investing in their brand and want imagery that reflects who they truly are.
A big part of my story is family. My wife, Chrissy, and our children are a constant source of inspiration, and 38:16 Media is very much a family-driven business. That mindset shapes how I work, relationships matter, trust matters, and serving the community matters. I’m deeply connected to local organizations, chambers, nonprofits, and businesses throughout the DFW area, and many of my clients come from those relationships.
Looking back, the biggest factor in getting to where I am today has been consistency, continually refining my craft, investing in education, embracing technology and automation, and always focusing on delivering a premium, personalized experience. I don’t just take photos; I help people see themselves and their businesses differently. That’s what keeps me going and what continues to drive the growth of 38:16 Media.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, there have been plenty of challenges along the way.
One of the biggest struggles early on was wearing every hat, creative, marketer, editor, accountant, client experience manager, all at the same time. Learning how to balance the creative side of photography with the realities of running a business took time, patience, and a lot of trial and error.
Being a self-taught photographer made that learning curve even steeper. I didn’t come from a formal photography background, so much of what I know was learned through hands-on experience, countless hours of practice, studying industry leaders, and learning from both successes and mistakes. That process was challenging, but it also taught me how to problem-solve quickly, adapt, and constantly refine my craft.
Another challenge was scaling intentionally. As demand grew, so did the pressure to grow quickly. I had to learn that growth doesn’t always mean saying yes to everything. Being selective about the clients and projects I take on, while still honoring relationships and community commitments, was a tough but necessary lesson.
Like many creatives, there were also moments of self-doubt, questioning pricing, direction, and whether I was moving fast enough. Those moments pushed me to invest more in education, mentorship, and systems so I could show up with confidence and consistency.
Lastly, balancing business, family, and personal well-being has been an ongoing challenge. Building 38:16 Media while staying present for my family required learning how to set boundaries and create workflows that support both.
Looking back, every struggle played a role in shaping how I operate today. Those challenges forced me to be more disciplined, more intentional, and more aligned with my values, both as a creative and as a business owner.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the core of my work, I help people and businesses show up confidently and professionally through intentional visual storytelling. At 38:16 Media LLC, I specialize in professional headshots, business portraits, and brand photography, working with entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and organizations that understand the value of investing in their image.
Over time, the brand has expanded into a full-service media company. In addition to photography, I provide event photography and videography, real estate media, drone services, and content creation. I also operate a dedicated studio and podcast space in Mansfield, Texas, which allows clients to create consistent, high-quality content in a professional environment without the pressure of large production teams.
What I’m most known for is creating a premium, personalized experience. I don’t just take photos, I guide clients through the entire process, from preparation and styling to posing and image selection. Many of my clients come in feeling unsure or uncomfortable in front of the camera, and one of the things I’m most proud of is helping them leave feeling confident and seen. That transformation is a big part of why clients return and refer others.
I’m especially proud of building 38:16 Media from the ground up as a self-taught photographer and growing it into a trusted creative partner within the DFW community. Expanding from a small shared space into a fully equipped studio in such a short time validated that the vision, the work ethic, and the focus on relationships were all paying off.
What sets me apart is my approach. I combine technical skill with genuine connection, strong communication, and a deep understanding of branding. I treat every session, whether it’s a single headshot or a large corporate event, with the same level of care, intention, and professionalism. My background in business and my commitment to continuous learning allow me to think beyond the image and focus on how that content will actually serve my clients long-term.
At the end of the day, my work is about more than visuals, it’s about helping people tell their story with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, my wife, Christie, deserves the most credit. She has been my biggest support system from day one, believing in the vision even before it fully existed. Her encouragement, patience, and constant reassurance have been foundational, especially during the seasons when the road felt uncertain. She’s been a steady voice reminding me why I started and who I’m doing this for.
Our son, Christopher Harrison, has also played a powerful role in my journey. His belief in my work and his encouragement to truly trust myself and my abilities pushed me to see my craft differently. Hearing that affirmation from your child carries a different weight, it reminded me that I was good enough and that what I was building mattered.
I’m also incredibly grateful for my friend Kory Williams, who has been a consistent sounding board. He’s someone I can bounce ideas off of, talk through challenges with, and lean on for a second set of eyes when I need honest feedback. Having someone outside the day-to-day operations who can offer clarity and perspective has been invaluable.
Above all, my faith in God has been the foundation of everything. I believe God gave me both the heart for people and the creative eye and mind to capture life in meaningful ways. That faith grounds me, guides my decisions, and reminds me that this work is about service, connection, and purpose, not just business.
I’m also thankful for the clients, collaborators, and community members who have trusted me with their stories. Their belief in 38:16 Media has helped shape the business into what it is today, and I don’t take that trust lightly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.3816Media.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3816mediallc?igsh=MWRudXNyeWFjNzUyMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ChbqJEPbk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3816media-llc/
Image Credits
38:16 Media LLC
Kory Williams Photography
