Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Callahan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a love for photography, even as a small child. I can remember sitting with my grandmother for hours looking through old photo albums, admiring the people and places in them. My mom would say that I loved being in front of the camera as a child, haha! I know she has tons of photos of me doing silly poses with big cheesy smiles. Once I got a little older, I was always the one with a camera capturing the fun at family & friend get-togethers.
I actually never intended to start a photography business. It all truly began as a hobby. My husband surprised me with my first DSLR camera in 2010 so that I could use it for vacation photos and document the fun with our two little boys. I enrolled in continuing education courses at Collin College to learn all of the functions of my new camera, along with the basic fundamentals of photography and composition of images. I always craved to learn more!
As I was posting & sharing images of my own littles via social media, I had friends and acquaintances reach out to ask about taking pictures of their family & kids. I didn’t know if I was quite ready to take my photography to other families, but I was absolutely excited to try! From there, things just dominoed- take pictures, share, post, tag, etc. via Facebook. More requests would come in. I would also ask friends to practice with their little ones as test subjects, especially the babies (which I would come to learn is where my passion lies). I decided in 2011 to make it a true business and never looked back.
Fast forward to 2018, I have run a successful photography business for almost 7 years. I’ve also added two more baby boys to our crew for a total of 4 rambunctious boys aka mommy’s test subjects. I am officially a full-time, stay-at-home working mom juggling their craziness right along with all the aspects of running an in-home business.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s exactly been a smooth road, but not all that difficult either. The two things I struggled with most were pricing structure and finding a business name that fit me and my brand. I went through several pricing changes and package adjustments over the years. I felt like I finally figured it all out about 2 years ago as things have been running smoothly ever since. I now have packages at various levels of investment to help accommodate families and each of their different needs.
I went through a name change at the beginning of 2017 and I’m so relieved & happy I did. I struggled with my previous business name because I felt like it didn’t represent myself or the brand I was offering my clients, but I didn’t want to fool with the not-so-pretty paperwork to change it. I also worried about losing the clients I’d had for numerous years. Ultimately the paperwork was quicker than I thought, and my clients shared their love for the new name and supported me along the way! I’d say to anyone out there contemplating a name change, DO IT! The sooner the better. I couldn’t be more thrilled to own The Organic Grace Photograph Co. and all that it represents.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in portrait sessions for babies ages newborn thru 1 year, along with children and families. I have an in-home studio located in Rockwall, TX that is specifically sized for littles ages 1 and under. Most of my work is done outdoors at various locations around DFW. I also do some graphic design work kind of “behind the scenes” when special requests come in for custom invitations, greeting cards, or even nursery art/wall decor.
My favorite images of children and families are created organically (naturally). I love capturing all sides of a child’s personality from the serious to the silly. My passion is to create images that really highlight a child’s spirit, or expose the undeniable bond in a family. I love to shoot at locations that are raw & secluded, far from the hustle & bustle. I include a lot of gorgeous scenery and dramatic skies in my images which is at the core of my artistic style (and a hidden love for landscape photography). I play music at my sessions to help set care-free, mellow moods. I have all the patience in the world with littles who may be on the shy side at first, slowly working & playing with them to bring them out of their shell. I like to give various prompts (phrases, actions, dance moves, etc.) to get genuine reactions & true connection from all subjects involved.
I am proud of how much I have grown as an artist in 7 – 8 years. More than that, I am proud of the relationships I have cultivated with my clients, and am honored that they trust me with their memories year after year. I am proud of the images I create for them.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The DFW metroplex is a great place for a photography business. It’s almost always warm, and you’re able to work outdoors year round. There is a plethora of settings to satisfy every customer, from downtown sceneries to lakeside sunsets and endless fields of wildflowers.
Pricing:
- Newborn Packages start at $650 + tax
- Portrait Packages (all other subjects) start at $450 + tax
Contact Info:
- Website: www.organicgracephotographco.com
- Phone: 2146824986
- Email: info@organicgracephotographco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organicgracephotographco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrganicGracePhotographCo/
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.
