Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexie Allen.
Hi Lexie, 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 name is Lexie Allen, and I am the co-founder of Shaded Shots Photography, a local (and traveling!) digital media company created in partnership with Xavier Chavez. My journey in the creative industry began at Communications Arts High School in San Antonio. Known for its top-rated program in communication design, I was blessed with the opportunity to learn from incredibly talented creatives who were (and still are) actively participating in their respective disciplines– I had the opportunity to learn everything from digital design, animation, advertising, video/audio production and editing.
For the past six years, I’ve passionately pursued digital design, photography, and cinematography primarily as just that– a passion. In 2022, Xavier and I took a leap of faith, giving what was once only a “side–hustle” more life and launching Shaded Shots Photography—a small business marketing and events-focused photo and videography company.
Our primary focus is supporting the growth, visibility, and presence of Dallas-area small businesses through impactful visuals. The community response in DFW has been overwhelmingly positive. We have enjoyed working with businesses like FINETUNE Med Spas, VOSH Dental, Alvin Jr. Real Estate Group, as well as local musical artists’ personal brands. This success has lead us to expand into the San Antonio and Chicagoland areas to extend our services to growing businesses in these areas as well.
In addition to our core brand, we’ve successfully launched two auxiliary brands. Sunny Patch Photo is the elder of the two projects, which specializes in family portraiture and seeks to help families of all shapes, sizes, and stages to document the sunnier side of life for generations to come. This project really is near and dear to our hearts– its is my personal mission to foster precious memories in a comfortable, low-pressure environment while documenting the tiny moments that most people don’t realize are treasures until they’re gone.
Sunblssm Brands provides small business owners with strategic branding support for deploying intentional and effective video and visual marketing content. We also provide social media channel consultation and management services or content curation. We’re dedicated to contributing to the success of local businesses and families through education and service.
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?
Even as someone who enjoys the journey more than the destination, our path has never been an easy one. I will say that the challenges have shaped us into the business owners we are today– relentless.
One significant hurdle we faced was the continuous need for learning, navigating through trial and error, and relying on sheer determination to craft and sustain high-value products for the businesses and families we serve.
The journey demanded an immense investment of time and unwavering dedication. Staying at the forefront of the photo and video industry, understanding our client’s evolving needs, and navigating the broader market dynamics required relentless curiosity and tireless commitment. It’s a journey of perpetual growth, where embracing change and constant learning are the keys to not only survival but to thriving in a dynamic business landscape. Dallas is such a diverse, young market that things move fast, and you really have to have your finger on the pulse to keep up.
To fellow business owners, we share this insight with the hope that it resonates with your own experiences. The road is not linear, but each obstacle and setback is an opportunity to refine your craft, exceed expectations, and emerge stronger. Embrace the learning curve, stay curious, and let the journey inspire the evolution of your business into something truly remarkable.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in candid, authentic, and natural-feeling photography. I believe in prompting rather than posing my subjects– think of me as a facilitator rather than the director of your session. Regardless of if we’re cooking or taking a nice walk on the Katy Trail with your family, I am most focused on making you feel comfortable and catching the beautiful moments that happen organically as well as creating opportunities for beautiful images.
I take a lot of time to sit down with my clients and my families to determine the style, theme, overall vibe of the images that you are imagining in your mind, and do my absolute best to ensure that the images that get delivered are better that you could have imagined.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have always been the kid who knows tons of random facts and was strangely good at intuitively reading the sentiments of a room. No one enjoyed watching (and playing along with) shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Family Feud more than me. To this day, I enjoy spending my free time at trivia nights and completing crossword puzzles. It’s just something that makes me happy! I have also always enjoyed spending time exploring the wonders of the outdoors and grounding myself in the wholeness of the natural world.
Pricing:
- Visit Shadedshots.com to inquire and receive a quote
- Social Media Content Management starting at $500/month
- Family Portrait Sessions Starting at $175/Hr
- Maternity Packages Starting at $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shadedshots.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadedshotsphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shadedshots/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDxOlVOchOqTVzSJOUQkr5w
Image Credits
Shaded Shots Photography
