Today we’d like to introduce you to David Gort.
Hi David, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Proverbs 18:16 I have always found joy in making others happy. I like being behind the scenes doing what I can to bring an event to a great end. I had no idea that the avenue I would use to bring joy would be photography, and I did not think that I would grow such a love for the craft. My name is David Gort, I was born and raised in Oklahoma, I am married to my lifelong sweetheart Angela. I’ve been here in Texas for 30 years, but make no mistake, I’m Sooner born, I’m Sooner bred, when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead. Boomer Sooners!!!!!
When I started DGort Photography in 2010, my goal was to become a wedding photographer. So, I attended Richland College here in Texas, where I studied wedding photography. After I completed my course work I was able to book several weddings, and I thought I was surely on my way to becoming a highly sought-after wedding photographer but God had different plans for me. In 2014, while I was at church, I crossed paths with an anointed and talented Gospel artist/actress CeCe Godbolt. As they looked at the shots I had taken at church, she and her husband recognized a passion in my work to capture the moment. They said they were able to re-live that day at church in the shots they saw. God formed a bond between us that would take me places to take photos for events far removed from wedding photography. I know He allowed our paths to cross because they chose me to be her personal photographer.
Being the photographer for CeCe Godbolt Ministries opened so many doors for me to grow, meet new people and venture into areas I did not know existed for me, personally, to shoot. It’s been so much fun. I’ve met some really great personalities and I’ve done a little traveling as well. I photograph families, birthday parties, baby showers, graduations and weddings, of course! I’ve been able to do product shots for several small business owners and some sporting events. Some of my work has even made it to a couple of local and national magazines. I’ve been blessed to also shoot a couple of CD covers, capture stage plays, book signings, women’s conferences, and awards shows. It is always humbling when people tell me how one of my photos made them feel; sometimes, I’ll go home and look at the shot again, and it’s then that I’ll realize the energy and emotion that was actually frozen in time. Because my goal/focus is always to give my clients the very best product I can and to give it to them in a timely manner; and because I want them to love their images, I want them to be glad they chose DGort Photography; I’m always kind of surprised when I go back to “see what they saw”. This journey is awesome and I would not trade it for anything. To think, I just wanted to be a wedding photographer… Yes, God is truly making room for the gift he gave me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth there have been a few ups and downs. In 2014, my apartment was burglarized, the thieves took all of my photography equipment, my cameras, my lenses, my laptop and many other personal items.
I was forced to start building from scratch. It was hard, but God kept His hands on me, He allowed me to rebuild and replace the equipment that was stolen. Whenever I need something to help me take a better shot, God makes a way.
There was a time while I was taking pictures at my church, I dropped my camera and I was sure I had damaged both my camera and lens. I was totally distraught, I had my camera and lens checked out and although my camera was damaged and had to be replaced my lens had no damage.
Covid-19 has also created many setbacks as well; In 2020, I was set to begin touring with “Soul Purpose,” the stage play written by Cherica Curtis, as their staff photographer but with the pandemic, the tour had to be postponed, I was also set to shoot a new stage play called “The Bishop’s Wife” written by Evelyn Jones-Reed but again because of the the pandemic this production had to be postponed too.
My business has slowed down a little but it hasn’t completely stopped. Business continues but it comes with masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing now. I do a lot more outdoor shots than I used to… its all a part of the new normal.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
DGort Photography was created as an avenue to display my passion for taking quality photos and providing them at a reasonable price point in a market that is saturated with great photographers. Capturing memories, providing excellent customer service, helping our clients bring their ideas to life and capturing “WOW” moments with a detailed experience, are some of the things we offer to help each client feel relaxed and confident that they chose DGort photography which is all a part of the extra effort we go to for each client. Our clients recognize my services as a ministry; this allows my clients anticipate to relive their memories through the photos I’ve taken.
The clients see the love I have for my craft in the photos they are provided. Most of my clients see me as a family and they are often repeat customers.
DGort Photography offers courteous, professional, cost-effective, photo shoots. Our focus is on providing high-quality photos that fit into your budget and we are eager to do what we can to bring their vision or ideas to life!
At DGort photography “Nothing As Beautiful As You”
What was your favorite childhood memory?
In the summer of 1978, when I was 12, my mom, two aunts and I took a road trip, of sorts, to St. Minnesota to visit my mother’s brother and his family. It was the first time I traveled out of Oklahoma. We went by bus. My mother and aunts were not accustomed to flying and while the 18-hour ride was not a problem, they did not want to drive. I was so excited! So many firsts -my first cross country trip and my first experience on a bus ride. I remember looking out the window as we passed through the different cities and states, admiring the countryside when I wasn’t sleeping. When we arrived in Minnesota, my uncle and aunt were waiting to pick us up. They took us everywhere and showed us how beautiful St. Paul and Minneapolis were. I remember them taking us to the IDS Center, the tallest building in Minneapolis. I had never seen a building so tall, from the outside, it seemed to disappear into the clouds. We went in and took the elevator to the highest floor, where we could look out over the Twin Cities. It was breathtaking. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but beauty. When it was time to return home, I didn’t want to go, I could have stayed there forever. Then, they told me about how cold the winter months were. I don’t like cold that much, so I was ready to get back to sunny, warm Oklahoma.
Contact Info:
- Email: dgortphotography@yahoo.com
- Website: www.dgortphotography.weebly.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/d_gort_photography
- Facebook: www,facebook.com/dgortphotography
Image Credits
Personal Photo ~ Credit: Shoott Photography Gallery Photos ~ Credit: DGort Photography
