Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrie Dollins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas. I have had the privilege to live in several areas of Kansas and North Texas, but my home is in Frisco, Texas with my husband, two children and two fur babies.
My journey as a photographer started at a young age; I would see rolls of 35 mm film in the refrigerator from the recreational images my father used to take of his kids, family and friends. I would always ask to look through his boxes of pictures he would keep put away. I loved the stories and feelings that would unfold from just a single picture. To see the life my parents had built before me, enlightened and intrigued my young mind. The weight and importance of capturing images that told a story stuck with me over the years. As time passed and I became a mother, I rediscovered the importance of quality imagery of my own growing family. I picked up my first DSLR and just began shooting and creating the foundation of my business. I was searching for the foundation I wanted to build my business upon when something occurred to me. My mother had suffered several strokes and the phrase “how sweet our memory really is” had always been with me. It was inevitable that my business would be called Sweet Memory Photography.
Being behind the lens has opened doors to many opportunities. Sweet Memory Photography is now headed in the direction I’d always hoped it would. The most important thing about being a photographer or a creator, in my opinion, is to learn and grow daily. I have spent countless hours and financial resources to enrich and advance my skills, learning the ins and outs of capturing the best imagery for my clients. I spend many days creating content on the computer — from editing images to producing marketing materials, album design s and more. I wear many hats in my business and am very proud of the imagery that I am producing today, but there will always be room for growth.
Has it been a smooth road?
As an owner of multiple businesses, I don’t feel the road has ever been smooth, exactly. There are peaks and valleys and you have to learn to find your way throughout those times. There are lessons in each day as well as many levels of success and celebration, and being able to transition in a professional manner is key. I think in the beginning I struggled with keeping my photography focused on my passion while factoring in the financial responsibility I had. I feel like it’s two different animals, channeling your passion and also focusing on the financial aspect.
With my industry, the struggle is that we are in the digital age and everyone has a camera in their hand, so you have to be able to transition and offer a vision and service that really stands out and justifies the client hiring you rather than feeling like they can just do it themselves. I feel that I do that with not only just the images and clients I work with, but with my personality and entrepreneurial spirit.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sweet Memory Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company, Sweet Memory Photography is a professional photography company that specializes in senior, influencer and wedding photography. I am most proud of the difference imagery makes in peoples ‘ lives and how it makes them feel. It’s very important to me to create a great experience and connect with clients. The number one thing that sets my photography business apart from others is me. I say this so often when I’m shooting — “If you cannot laugh with me, you cannot work with me. ” I create a fun, loving atmosphere and let whoever is on the other side of my lens simply be themselves. My favorite images are always the moments I catch when someone lets loose and experiences that moment of freedom.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
My success is first defined by my role as a mother of two beautiful children and wife to a wonderful man with supportive friends and family.
As an entrepreneur and business owner, I know that success comes in many forms, whether I am learning something new, gaining a new client, or branching into a new realm of photography. I also think you are fooling yourself if you define success as a definite thing. There is always room for more — more knowledge, more networking, more reach, more income — and that is why success is a living thing to me. I am proud of where I am today, but I want to keep pushing the bar; I want to create a life of financial freedoms and infinite passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetmemoryphotographs.com
- Phone: 903-227-2809
- Email: audrie@sweetmemoryphotographs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetmemoryphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetMemoryPhotos/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SweetMemImages
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/SweetMemImages/pins/
Image Credit:
Michelle Rice Photography
Audrie Dollins
Sweet Memory Photography
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