Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Spellman.
Hi Joy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello, my name is Joy Spellman—though in the photography and event world most people simply call me J Dionne. I’m originally from a small town Hope, Arkansas, through my Corperate IT job relocation to Frisco, Tx in 2016 I’m the owner of J Dionne Productions, where our mission is to capture memories that last while elevating our clients’ total event experience through photography, photo booths, graphic design, marketing, and creative design implementation.
What started as a passion during the pandemic has now grown into a full business with a team that supports our clients and their visions nationwide. What most people don’t know is that I still work 100% in corporate America. LOL—yes! Many assume I just run around with a camera all day…but absolutely not.
In fact, corporate America is the reason I started photography in the first place. When I relocated to Texas, our office no longer had anyone to take professional headshots for new hires. They suggested we use the security camera—ewww, not a great look. I received the green light to purchase a camera so we could document our new hire and intern programs—and then the pandemic hit. With all the extra time, I became a student of photography. Truthfully, I’m still a student today.
At J Dionne Productions, our signature services include:
Professional Branding & Headshots
Milestone Birthdays
Event Photography
Photo Booth Rentals
All services are custom-tailored to our clients’ needs.
Growing this business to where it is today took hustle, consistency, and a willingness to learn. I treated my business the same way I manage business in corporate America—with structure, systems, policies, and contracts. I grind, I study, I evolve, and I show up.
Networking was instilled in me at a very young age, and most importantly, I have never met a stranger. When you build a strong brand and your clients feel comfortable, safe, and confident sharing their most private or special moments with you, that is a gift. From a mini session to a milestone or a large corporate event, I cherish every client the same. People are people, and when you are in the business of service, you must show up as your authentic, genuine self—every time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not — and honestly, I don’t think it’s supposed to be. There are so many types of photography and so many styles of photographers that when you first start you’re literally just taking pictures to learn, explore, and figure out who you are behind the camera. It takes time to discover your lane. I’m a big believer in finding my lane and staying in it.
One of the hardest lessons for me was mastering my own style and being confident enough to tell clients, “Thank you for reaching out, but I think another photographer would be a better fit for what you’re looking for.” That takes maturity, discipline, and true understanding of your craft. Not every client is my client — and that is okay.
Another hurdle was truly understanding my audience and learning how to separate business from personal. Business is business. Joy Spellman and J Dionne operate as two separate entities. Friends and family don’t automatically equal customers, and customers don’t automatically equal friends. Setting boundaries, policies, pricing, and expectations is how you survive in this industry.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it has been necessary. The challenges helped me sharpen my vision, protect my brand, and show up as the creative and professional I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
J Dionne Productions is a creative brand built on excellence, authenticity, and connection. We specialize in professional branding, milestone celebrations, event photography, and photo booth rentals. Our goal is not just to take pictures, but to elevate the entire event experience through photography, design, marketing, and thoughtful implementation.
What sets us apart is perspective. I am a woman working in two male-dominated spaces—technology and media. That duality gives me an advantage when capturing people: I can relate to women in ways a man can’t, especially with posing, comfort, and capturing confidence. At the same time, I know how women want to see men captured—clean, strong, polished, and intentional. That eye for detail and experience across different environments allows our clients to trust us with how they show up in front of the camera.
I’m also incredibly proud of our diversity. We work across industries and audiences—from nightclubs and party promoters to corporate clients, nonprofits, milestone birthdays, and branding shoots. That range tells the story of scalability, versatility, and the ability to move in different rooms and deliver the same level of service every time.
Something readers should know about our brand is that every booking begins with a consultation. Alignment matters. We want to understand your vision, your comfort level, and how you want to be captured. No two projects or clients are the same, so we meet people where they are and provide a customized experience that feels genuine and professional.
At the end of the day, J Dionne Productions is not just about photography—it’s about creating moments, building confidence, and documenting memories that truly mean something.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice is this: don’t compare your Day 1 to someone else’s Year 5 or Year 10. Photography is an art and a skill, and both evolve over time. We are always learning—especially today with technology and AI changing how we shoot, edit, and create. Be yourself, stay true to your style, and build a brand that represents you.
Second, keep shooting. Every shoot will teach you something—whether it’s about lighting, posing, equipment, people, or problem-solving. Some shoots will push you out of your comfort zone, and you have to be okay with that. Growth happens there.
Lastly, find a mentor. A real mentor. Someone who challenges you, gives honest feedback, and doesn’t mind investing time and knowledge into helping you develop your brand. Having someone who has already walked the path makes a huge difference in how you grow, how you price, and how you position yourself in the market.
If I had known early on that your style doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s and that evolution is part of the journey, I would have stressed less and focused more on being intentional.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jdionnephotography.com
- Instagram: @JDionneProductions
- Facebook: J Dionne Productions
Image Credits
J Dionne Production Individual Photo- @ D Lacy Photo
Individual Photos – @ J Dionne Productions
