Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobbie Jo Majors.
Bobbie Jo, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
This is my 20th year as a full-time professional photographer. I began when the industry was much different than it is today. In the beginning, I wanted to learn how to consistently create and know without a doubt it would be good every time. I was shooting film and I was anxious with each role to see how I had improved. I was so hungry to learn. I read books, a lot of books. There was no internet, Pinterest or Google. Haha! I went to the library. I went to school to learn lighting, posing, set design, composition, how to properly use studio and natural night. I have never stopped learning. Just this year I’ve traveled to Indiana and Florida taking workshops and classes to further my education and to stay relevant in the industry. I’m rare in that I have a full-time studio location. 3.5 acres with a river, pond, old cars, barns, green space, etc. plus, I own all my lighting, backgrounds, props, etc. I have a 20-year collection of great, classic, timeless items to be able to create so much variety with. I’ve had to constantly change with the times. Film was replaced with Digital, we switched over, Marketing for business has gone from mail pieces to social media, It’s all changed so much! One thing that has been consistent is our customers know quality. They see that today “everyone takes pictures” and there are only a few photographers. Someone who is able to create light. Enhance a persons body by simply lighting, moving and shaping them to show all the best curves and lines. That, in my mind is true art.
History… I have been a business owner/professional photographer for 20 years. You could call me “old school” (only professionally) 😉 I learned the art of professional photography on film. I shot weddings And portraits with strobes on a medium format camera before digital cameras came on the scene. I have been working on this craft for years (20 whole years) WOW! Honestly, that’s crazy to even write.
Education… The past 20 years have been full…Full of creativity, lots of hard work, a ton of awesome people and endless hours of education. I’ve traveled all over the country taking courses on business/ posing/ sales/ lighting/ set design/ the manual camera/ retouching/ technology/ pricing etc. It’s been a lot practical and paid learning to understand and be able to create light from darkness and or use existing light to best create a powerful or soft/edgy or moody portrait. Over the years I’ve studied the power of posing the male and female body and talk about old school (nerd alert) I’ve even taken an intense course on hands- from a beautiful older woman from Italy whom I could hardly understand but wanted to cry because of her passion for the details. Fine art professional portraiture is all about the details and you can’t offer clients what you don’t know, yet. I’d encourage all amateur photographers to not skip learning the details.
Equipment..I have personally & financially invested all the very best equipment Cameras, lenses, lighting, computers, programs, gizmos, and gadgets galore! And; and most importantly they know how to use these tools to best of their ability. I love the quote… “you can purchase a beautiful grand piano and not ever learn how to make beautiful music.” Or “you can purchase the very best cookware that does make you a chef.” I could go on… My whole point here is… “buying a camera does not make you a photographer- It makes you interested in photography.”
Soapbox..being that I have been in this industry for so long. I guess I hope people can still see, appreciate and understand that there is a big difference in becoming and being a professional at anything. Including professional photographer. If you say “I really love photography” You should understand you can’t skip all the steps and “just decide” or deem yourself a professional. You learn, work hard and become professional. That’s how we continue to have a need for photographers in the future. It’s not about the camera, it’s never been about a camera because ANYONE can buy a good camera. It’s about the art of photography- lighting, posing, composition and creating an experience for your clients.
Inspiration… I assure you…Anyone successful at anything didn’t achieve it overnight. It’s taken a lot of investment, time, education, effort, dedication, late nights, sacrifice, grind, discipline, love AND a God-given gift poured into the mix to achieve real success. I am truly thankful and am beyond grateful to have stayed the course in this ever-changing industry that supported my family full time for the past 20 years. I am thankful and inspired to be and continue becoming the professional I aspire to be.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s always taken courage, tenacity and a willingness to grind! To stay in business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We specialize in seniors. That’s our daily work. We also do commercial, and family photography as well but that is usually from the business/ families of our seniors.
What were you like growing up?
I was a total girly tomboy! I played sports and was a competitive gymnast. I was a talker, bubbly, fun outgoing for sure. I was the kid who was loved by the teachers but always in trouble for talking. Haha
Pricing:
- We are a boutique business. Our creative fee begins at $750.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Majorimages.com
- Phone: 817-795-9922
- Email: bobbiejo@majorimages.com
- Instagram: Bobbiejo
- Facebook: Bobbiejo Elliott-Majors
Image Credit:
Major Images
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
