Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelle Cates.
Chelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Being a photographer wasn’t really on my “when I grow up” list, but here I am! I was always a creative person, but 20 years ago when I went to college there weren’t a lot of degree options for creative people. I graduated from Baylor with a degree in Psychology, but like a lot of people never really used my degree. I was in corporate sales for many years before taking a chance and opening my own design company. We specialized in children’s rooms and I loved it. It was during that time that my son, Carter, was born premature and my world changed. In my 29th week of my pregnancy, I developed HELLP syndrome and delivered my baby boy at 29 weeks. Having a baby in the NICU meant putting my business on hold and focusing on him. Little did I know his journey would be very long and difficult.
After a very long NICU stay, we transferred him to Boston where he would receive a 5 organ transplant when he was 9 months old. Being so far away from home meant trying to keep friends and family up on the latest information… this was before Facebook! So I had a little blog I would write updates on and post pictures of him. This is where my photography adventure began.
Several times during my son’s hospitalizations, he was the sickest baby on the unit, there were so many uncertain days. I knew if he didn’t survive, those pictures were all I would have to remember him by. So I got a camera with a few more options and worked on learning how to take better pictures of him, even in the dark hospital rooms. I met so many moms in the hospital also fighting to save their babies and they began to ask me to take pictures of their children too.
After almost two and half years in the hospital, we brought our sweet baby boy home to Dallas. All along the way documenting his journey that someday we would show him how incredibly special he was. As Carter got stronger, so did my desire to get out there and be creative. Having a regular job wasn’t really an option as I needed the flexibility to be with him. And so Chelle Cates Photography was born. It was a natural fit for me. I love children and I bring an appreciation to each session what a gift everyday is. Today we have a gorgeous studio right on the square in Downtown Garland and continue to grow each year!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Owning a photography business means being a CEO, marketing director, photographer, accountant, web designer, social media guru and 15 other jobs! Some of those things come very easy to me… so those have been “smooth”. Some of those things are so far out of my comfort zone and will probably always be a struggle. It’s always easier to do the part you are good at. I would say my biggest struggle is the business side. Like many creative people, I would much rather be designing a new set then working on the numbers. I have found this to be true with most of my photographer friends so at least I’m not alone in my struggle! The good thing is there are people who love numbers and spreadsheets and I let them have all that fun work!
Chelle Cates Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Once my son was healthy and we were learning our new family normal at home, I really began to dive into photography and focus on photographing children. I love designing sessions where they can come and have fun and do something new! We have grown our portfolio to specialize in maternity, newborn, milestones and of course, children of all ages! In the fall, we create custom sessions for families.
I am most proud of the relationships I have with my clients. Many of my very first clients are still coming to see me and what an incredible honor to watch them grow and have more babies, start school, get a new puppy… it really is an extension of my own family. Looking back at sessions is always so much fun to see how much everyone has grown and changed! Even clients who have moved away still come back for sessions! To know how much they trust me to capture their family drives me to do my best everyday!
Creativity, I would say is what makes my studio different from others. I am always looking, collecting ideas, dreaming of new ways to photograph your children. I always want to do something different and unique for you! I love color and vibrant images that highlight your child’s personality. And I know the best way to capture true smiles is create a session where your child is focused on having fun and not just sitting and posing! I always have an objective for them so they are thinking about that and not worried about what I am doing the whole time!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success in the photography world has so many meanings. For me, when clients come back over and over and share me with their friends and family means I have done my job successfully. I have created beautiful images they will cherish forever. Owning a small business means taking risks and hoping your vision translates to your ideal clients. When people comment on an image or say they wished they lived closer so I could be their photographer, it makes me feel successful. In addition to all the touchy-feely emotions, running a well-rounded studio that offers a great customer experience and delivers a beautiful product is always the true measure of my success. I am always working to improve our process and make changes to add to the customer’s experience.
One of my personal success goals is always giving back. I truly believe God put me on this path to share my talents with charities and other small business owners. I have been so honored to be part of several organizations which offer services free of charge to parents whose baby is going to pass away and children battling illness. My family and I volunteer regularly for Hugs Cafe, Make A Wish & Special Olympics. I make it a priority to give back as much as I can… it truly does reward my heart.
Contact Info:
- Address: 610 W State Street
Garland, Texas 75040 - Website: www.chellecates.com
- Phone: 214-492-3262
- Email: chelle@chellecates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chellecatesphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chellecatesphotography/
Image Credit:
Kimberlin McKenna (personal photo)
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.
