Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Collura.
Mandy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After nearly 9 years in a 9 to 5 job, I called it quits to focus more on my newly born baby girl, my four-year-old son and to fully support my husband in his new career as a police officer. Also, allowing me to ultimately to turn my photography side hustle into a full-time gig!
While at home raising babies, my passion for photography organically grew into full-time business! My passion began in 2014 when a senior in high school took a chance on me to capture her senior portraits. I have invested in education, gear and I am fully self-taught (thanks to YouTube and Google) and photographed so many free sessions to gain my experience and build a portfolio!
I have photographed everything from families, headshots, product photography, seniors, dogs, kids, and weddings. Where I have found my love and niche in the photography market is within weddings and couple photography! A huge responsibility in weddings, but the heart and the reason behind photographing them reach further than just the images.
Photography has given my family the opportunity for myself to stay home to raise the kiddos, make my own schedule and have the flexibility to work with my husband’s schedule. I am so thankful for photography and God’s blessings to pursue it!
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth having comes easy, right! While being a business owner may seem glamorous and all, it doesn’t come without its hiccups! My biggest struggle being a stay at home mom and business owner has been navigating balance! Although each day is different and has its own obstacles, one day may look like 2 am editing, blogging, and the other business tasks. Finding God’s grace and allowing myself to understand that has been life changing for sure!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Currently, I specialize in wedding and portrait photography! I find myself gravitating to love stories and one on one connection with my clients! I also still find joy in photographing families and special events throughout the community!
What I am proud of as a business owner is a simple fact that strives to remain affordable for my clients! When pricing can be an ongoing debate, I have found security in offering my photography at a reasonable price. I love when a client books with me due to a lower-than-market price and then are blown away by the outcome.
Clients can expect to feel comfortable during their shoot, taught posing techniques to relieve the stress of having to “know what they are doing” and most of all a friend and someone to bring their visions to life!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I highly recommend anyone starting out to be in Dallas/Fort Worth! The hometown feel and community over competition movement within the photography business is amazing out here! I have learned and bounced ideas off of other local photographers throughout my time in photography.
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages starting at $1,000
- Headshot Packages starting at $150
- Family Session starting at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mandylorraine.com
- Phone: 817-682-5587
- Email: mandylorrainephotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mandylorrainephotography
- Facebook: @mandylorrainephotos
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.
