Today we’d like to introduce you to Neslie Fudge.
Neslie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
On December 26, 2015, an F-4 tornado tore through my home town of Garland, Texas as well as my current residence of Rowlett, Texas. The impact on my city was devastating, but through all of the destruction came reverence. The support from my community sparked a fire in me, and I wanted to give back to my city in any way that I could. I realized how short and fleeting life can be and I wanted to capture memories as often as I could.
I picked up a camera, and I have never looked back. On June 6, 2016, I started my very own business. Neslie Fudge Photography took off faster than I had anticipated. I am a self-taught photographer and a single mother of three children. I utilized my newly found talent to volunteer around my city and offered my services. I eventually joined the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce, the Arts and Humanities Commission.
I graduated from the Rowlett Citizens Academy, I host a photography class once a month at the Life Message Event Center. And I am currently in the process of adopting a road here in Rowlett. Through continuous networking and volunteer work, my photography business quickly spread and I was able to book shoots on a weekly basis. I began my business mainly booking senior portraits and family sessions.
Within a year, I moved on to working on commissioned pieces as well as weddings and newborns. I have grown as a photographer over the past two years, and I will continue to grow and hopefully help inspire others to pursue their dreams along the way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a single mother, I can honestly say that I knew hardships were to be expected at every turn. Professional photography is not an inexpensive endeavor. Replacing, maintaining, and expanding my equipment has definitely caused for sacrifices. I have had to learn to live below my means in order to stay afloat and prepare for the unexpected events that are unavoidable in life.
I have struggled with comparing my work to more successful photographers, and at one point I contemplated giving up altogether. I had to realize that the only person I should compare my work to is myself by reflecting on my past work. I needed to look back at some of my first photography sessions and see how far I had come in such a short time and it gave me hope for the future. With every session, I feel more secure, and I learn something new every time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have been asked countless times by people how I came up with my businesses name.
Well, my name IS Neslie Fudge! It has been such a fun journey to see peoples faces when I tell them my name. It is a nice ice breaker, and they always love to learn that I have a sister named Candy Fudge and I live on Carmel Lane. I have always had an extremely outgoing personality, and I love to meet new people.
Being a photographer, I get to capture precious moments and show others around me how I see the world. I love to engage people during photo shoots, play music, be silly with the kids, and I try to leave an impact on everyone that I meet.
What were you like growing up?
I was always the class clown as a child. I wanted to entertain and make people laugh. In high school, I was involved in choir, theater, dance, auto body, and collision repair, and was homecoming queen my senior year. The only times I would get in trouble is because I talk too much. I love to talk!
I love to bring people out of their shells and make them feel wanted and loved. I am a natural caretaker, and I tend to see the best in everyone. It’s definitely a double-edged sword because having such a large heart tends to come with just as many heartbreaks.
Pricing:
- Family Portraits $150- $250
- Newborns $250-$400
- Weddings $750-1500
- Mini Sessions $100
Contact Info:
- Address: 4521 Carmel Lane, Rowlett, Texas 75088
- Website: www.nesliefudgephotography.com
- Phone: 469-235-2003
- Email: nesliefudge@yahoo.com
- Instagram: nesliefudgephotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nesliefudgephotography
Image Credit:
Neslie Fudge Photography
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.
