Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel White.
Hi Chanel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
C. White photography began with me as a stay-at-home mom, struggling to find her identity in such a big world. I’ve always known that I would do something pertaining to art. In 2010, I started off taking photos of my children. They couldn’t have been no more than two or three years old. I would create photoshoots within my apartment at the time and use my flip phone to capture the photos. I would practice editing on photoshop before I really understood why I was doing it. Over time I realized I had a hidden talent just waiting to be discovered.
I battled with depression, anxiety, and well I was afraid of stepping out into the world. I struggled with support from family at the beginning, leaving me with very little confidence to push through my anxiety. I use to believe I would self-sabotage and always end up backing out for fear of failure.
Fast forward to today and no one could have convinced me I’d be published over 20 times within a couple months! None could be possible without the support of my amazing husband Nathan and my children. You see, my daughter Aavorie (13) is my helper. She often times travels with me to shoots and assist me however she can. Nathan II (11), my son, has also stepped up to help me out by keeping an eye out for my things while at large events. My baby girl Aaliyah (7), or should I say supermodel lol, she is my muse. She loves everything about modeling and feeds into my creativity on every level. She’s definitely a 2.0.
Back in April of this year, I answered a request for a photographer. It was from a woman called Patonia. Little did I know she would shift my career in a totally different direction and not only did she provide an opportunity for me to be published with you guys here at voyage Dallas but also, USA Today, MSN, Yahoo, the daily journal, Detroit free press, the times, and many others. She bravely spoke about a situation going on at work and it gained the likes of USA Today. She demanded I work alongside of her with this very important situation and I did. Now her story is being told across the nation and how exciting it is for me to be a part of the possible changes that can come from it.
Before getting published, back in December, I had been invited to a model party. My first actually, and I was excited. I had the privilege to meet some of the most amazing photographers that Dallas has to offer. I had the privilege of mingling with creative directors, such as the amazing Raquel Belt and Briana Dodd. I gained so much knowledge on lighting from the amazing Dominique “Trezz” Johnson.
Shortly thereafter, I stumbled upon the best group in the DFW area for photographers. It hadn’t been active long but wow, did I find a jewel. Jeremy Hunt, a creative and kind photographer that decided to put together a group for local photographers to gather, shoot, ask questions, and learn more about photography. It was a way for me to get out there and face those monsters that I felt creeping behind the corner. There I learned how to work with my camera, break down the settings and learn how to manipulate the camera to do what I needed it to do to capture some of these amazing shots. The group can be found on Facebook under the name DFW model and photo nerd out. For anyone interested in meeting some of the most amazing photographers.
Since meeting with them, meeting Patonia, and everyone mentioned I’ve landed on the cover of prestige magazine (an international magazine based out of the UK) and my daughter has also been back cover on the same magazine! How amazing. This has been the most amazing two years of my life. I come from a very dysfunctional upbringing and I would have never found the confidence to push forward if it weren’t for all that took place. My grandmother has even provided me with ample of love and support. It’s definitely overwhelming but in a good way.
C.White Photography isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about capturing emotion within each snap. I have a story, my story runs much deeper than what can be told here, but everyone has one. My job is to bring that out. Finding the glimmer of brilliance within a moment’s notice. It’s my job to give my all to making moments last forever.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Is it ever? For anyone? Maybe, but as for me, no. Not at all. I had a longing for purpose away from just being a stay-at-home mom. Don’t get me wrong, that’s one tough job and rewarding in so many ways; however it wasn’t quenching that creative thirst for me. I had my children and my wonderful husband and yet I still felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. I have lost two siblings on this journey. Chateva (25) and Michael (24). That was maybe the toughest moment ever for me. It definitely slowed down my work productivity and left me feeling empty inside. One of the toughest parts was not gaining custody of my niece after my baby sister’s death. She’s cared for by a relative but she’s my heart. I wanted nothing more than to be able to bring her up in a world of wonder and happiness.
That took a lot out of me for a while, but I was only resting. Learning and thinking of how to pick up the pieces was how I spent most of my days back then. I’d say it took a whole two years to get back in a groove and it feels great to be back.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a private photographer. I can be booked for events, weddings, fashion, family, real estate, portraits, editorial and newborn. What I love most about what I do, is making a connection with my clients. I am just as excited and thrilled to be there taking the photos. Creating a level of comfort is Important, especially when you have the important task of capturing their personality in the photographs. It’s definitely helps to have that connection between model and photographer.
I believe what sets me apart is my level of skill but my vision. My vision is something even I don’t completely understand. It never lets me down. I think when someone loves what they do, it just isn’t a chore. It becomes a way of life. I see photography just as I see the beauty of the world.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory, hmmm, I have a few, lol. Dancing on my grandfather’s feet. That was such a warm and loving time. He would turn on some Luther Vandross and we would dance and he would try to sing, lol. It was funny but something I will always remember.
Contact Info:
- Email: Cwhitephotography16@gmail.com
- Website: www.cwhitephotography.org
- Instagram: C.white_photography
Image Credits
Chanel White, Jalisa Bolton, Aavorie O’Neal
