Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Gloria.
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 going to college in San Antonio to pursue dentistry, my counselor explained I needed more extracurricular classes. Since I had already taken all my physical education classes, she presented a list of the classes I could take. Photography was on that list, and I thought to myself, I always wondered how a roll of film is developed, so my curiosity brought me to a whole different world.
The whole concept of photography and lighting became second nature to me. I decided after a year of photography classes, I wanted to change my path. Thankfully my parents were fully supportive and after going to college in East Texas, I decided to make my home in Dallas. I began working as a photographer assistant and after year, I began shooting as a commercial advertising photographer.
I also had the opportunity to go to New York and shoot on catalogs and Ads for Macy’s and a few other companies. Over the past several years, I’ve been fortunate to shoot on catalogs for Fortune 500 companies and National ads. There came a moment where although I was extremely grateful for all the opportunities I had, I felt there was something missing… and, I didn’t quite know what it was. Then, it happened, I met two separate women at two separate events at two separate times.
I felt this nudge, this force, telling me I’m supposed to photograph them. I finally approached them and explained I am supposed to photograph them. If that wasn’t a leap of faith, I don’t know what is! At the time, I didn’t know one of the women was suffering from non-suicidal self-injury or cutting, and the other woman suffered from anorexia nervosa. As I photographed the woman, my brain took over and all I saw was objects and light. My camera instantly became a shield helping me to separate my heart and emotions and allowing me to use my brain solely.
This is when I began to understand my gift and purpose. Over the years I nurtured my gift and I have helped many people through their pain, diseases, and medical conditions with Visual Healing. The photo sessions help my subjects to move beyond what is seen, and they become empowered connecting and reconnecting with their bodies, minds and souls through imagery. This is truly a gift, I handle my gift carefully and gratefully each time I have the opportunity to help someone through Visual Healing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since I’ve been in this business for 28 years, I can confidently tell you that there has been many challenges I’ve faced in this business. Back in the day, you had to really understand light, f-stops and shutter speeds. We didn’t have instant gratification at the touch of a finger. As technology changed from film to digital you had to keep up with every single thing, just as you do today. I literally had the opportunity to shoot with one of the first digital cameras that were made, I remember I had to learn DOS in order to run that camera, that’s when I was in New York.
Unfortunately, I saw accomplished photographers go out of business because they didn’t keep up with technology, you have to be a sponge when it comes to technology, it’s constantly changing. Another big challenge is the decrease in value of professional photography. Everyone has a camera in their hand these days, it’s our cell phone. It’s absolutely amazing to see what people can do with their phone. I don’t want to see that as an obstacle instead, I want to see that as inspiration. You just have to adjust and keep going.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Debra Gloria Photography – what should we know?
I’m a professional photographer and I’m blessed to say this has been my only job for 28 years. I have a studio in Deep Ellum, which I share with two photographers. I shoot product and environmental photography, over 10 years ago I decided to capture people and love it.
I am a diverse photographer so my specialty would be I specialize in the light.
Understanding light and walking into any situation and making a photograph is a craft. Mixing daylight and strobe and making it look natural is something I’m proud of. The look on my client’s face says volumes when they see the images on my computer as I shoot. I’ve told you a little bit about Visual Healing earlier.
Being blessed with this gift, then continuing to develop this unique photographic experience separates me from other photographers. We are living in a life of social media… most of the world is taking photographs of fun and joyous occasions. However many of us haven’t ever visually captured our pain, authentically… it’s not common. We have the control with photographs to allow people to see the facade we want others to see.
Whatever you may be running away from could possibly be the vehicle to positively affect the lives of others if you choose to confront it. I’m humbled to have the ability to offer this amazing experience.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
When you are photographing your subjects in a vulnerable way, they’ve got to trust you. I believe part of that trust is through consistency. They can see your work, that can speak for itself. They can also talk to somebody who has been photographed previously by yourself. Another way you can build that trust with your subject is to simply have a conversation with them prior to your shoot.
I offer a free consultation to everybody so I understand what they want to achieve in their photo session. Integrity is a big one, through consistency my subjects know and understand that I respect their privacy and under no circumstances the images created will be published without their consent.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4024 Elm Street STE B Dallas, TX 75226
- Website: http://www.debragloriaphotography.com/
- Phone: 214-675-2081
- Email: fotogrldg@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotogrldg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debra.gloria
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fotogrldg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/debra-gloria-photography-dallas
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