Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Cornelius and Ray Nickles.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Our story started about seven years ago. I (Bobby) was working a side job as a manager of a teeth whitening Kiosk in the mall. While trying to build my photography business I had taken several side jobs. Even cleaning apartments and organizing homes. I would do anything to be able to fulfill my dream of being a photographer. Ray was also working in the mall a few kiosks from me. Her personality was electric. We started chatting one day and discovered we both had a passion for photography. A few weeks later I received a call from London. Yes London, about a corporate holiday party at Reunion Tower. They needed photographs of the event. I had meet someone at a charity action and gave them my card. Somehow it traveled to London and landed on this guy’s desk. I went to Ray telling her the exciting news and asked if she would like to assist me with the event. She agreed and we had a blast at the event. We realized we made a great team. Over the next 4 years we did all kinds of photography events. We did mini sessions for Easter, Valentine’s Day, Santa Photos. Oh, and we cannot forget the Bluebonnet mini sessions. We met several people along the way. Making friends and clients. Starting out small we took on any photography job we could get. We even did some weddings. Our first wedding was in a bar. This bar was old, dark and dirty. We remember the father of the bride spraying air freshener everywhere in this bar. The wedding cake was on the pool table. I was so nervous because of it being so dark that the photos wouldn’t be very good. Well they turned out great! Ray and I then realized we could handle any situation thrown our way. Even clowns that were, well let’s say not appropriate with Ray. But no matter what we did, we always ended up with a laugh and having a great time.
After a while we decided to look into getting a studio. We had been doing photos for a private school and had just enough money to open up Stockyards Photography. That is how Stockyards photography started. Just two regular people with a passion for photograph and a desire to succeed.
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?
This hasn’t been the smoothest road. Like I said before we both were working odd jobs. Ray is a single Mother of 3. She was trying to take care of her wonderful children and work several jobs while still doing photography. When we began we took any photography job that came our way. Because of trying to building a reputable business. I was very lenient on how some of our clients treated us. 90 % of our clients were easy to work with. The other 10% were sometimes a struggle. I have been hit by children, talked down to by dads, made to feel uncomfortable in some situations. Ray was asked to do crazy photos in dangerous areas. The good thing is we always could handle the circumstances. We meet all types of personalities. It is never boring and we love it.
Other areas of difficulty were finances of course, building a client base, making mistakes but always corrected them to the best of our ability. Sometimes being taken advantage. For the most part thought is having been great.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Stockyards Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Stockyards Photography is now a group/co-op of photographers with their own business names working together in order to make our dreams come true and clients have the best experience possible.
Last year we meet Aileen Wilson of Aileen Wilson Portraits, www.aileen-wilson.com. She became a member of Stockyards Photography and changed the way our studio operates. She inspires us with her creativity and attention to details. Our studio is now more organized and well maintained. Aileen really keeps us in line. We are so thankful for her.
Then we have James Garner with Boonietunes Photography, James is a crazy, fun, and a happy spirited guy. He has so much passion for photography. Please check out His website at www.boonietunesphotos.com
Our newest member is Mellany Herrera of Mellany Herrera Photographer. Mellany specializes in Newborn Photography. We are all so excited to have someone in the studio that works with Newborns. www.mellanyherreraphotography.com
Bobby Cornelius of Cornelius Photography and Cornelius Property Photos www.bobbycorneliusphotography.smugmug.com Bobby specializes in Real Estate, Drone Aerial, High School Senior Session and more.
Ray Nickles of Infinity Love Photography, www.infinitylovephotography.smugmug.com
Specializing in Events, Real Estate, High School Seniors, Maternity and more.
Last but not least we have Uber! He is our Spanish speaking photographer. This photographer is very caring and patient. Specializing in Pets, Landscape, Events, Professional Head Shots and more. www.uberphotos.smugmug.com
Again, we are a group of photographers with our own style, personalities and ways of running our businesses. We all share a space at Stockyards Photography. Clients may choose the photographer that best meets their needs.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are looking forward to growing Stockyards Photography Studio. Eventually we would like to have a standalone building with natural light, and state of the art lighting systems. We plan on staying in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. These is a great place for outdoor photos as well. The Stockyards has several areas that make great backgrounds for photos.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2511 RODEO PLAZA
Fort Worth, TX 76164 - Website: www.StockyardsPhotography.com
- Email: StockyardsPhotography@gmail.com
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.
