Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Goddard.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always liked pictures. As a kid, I treasured disposable cameras and raced around the school photographing everything. In college I put it to use when I was hired by the school newspaper. I loved photojournalism. It was the key to breaking through my introversion. I needed to tell the stories around me.
Photography is and always has been a universal language that helps me connect with a wide range of people and briefly experience their lives. I’m on the court during games, backstage with rock stars and come face to face with everyone from starving artists to political leaders. It’s taken me coast to coast and into dozens of schools, religious centers and homes. Every day is a new adventure and everyone has a story. This lifestyle has a strong pull on me. I get to be everywhere and do everything.
Has it been a smooth road?
I fought myself the entire way. As much as I loved photography in college, I was convinced that, for me, it was a hobby and not a career. Print was dying as digital media surged to life. The people who successfully adapted seemed way more talented than I could hope to be. I pursued a degree in criminal justice and got a job as the ATF administrator for an arms manufacturer. Meanwhile, people still asked me to take photos of them, and those shoots led to more opportunities. People were willing to pay me for something I genuinely enjoyed doing. It was pretty obvious I had to make some changes. It took me a couple months to be financially self reliant. Those months were definitely hard, but I had a great support group of friends and family helping me.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jean Gaudet Photography – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in dramatic portraits, but my photos are a happy mix of dark and light. They capture the drama of dark images mixed with the flattering light of brighter styles. I’m so thankful for the photography gurus who opened my mind to more complicated lighting techniques. Once I learned that I started seeing the world in terms of light. It changed everything for me. The ability to transform the scene in front of you into something entirely different feels like magic. It’s addictive.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the creative lifeforce here. In some cities I’ve visited, it takes a lot of convincing to get people to pose and they always seem hesitant to expend creative energy. There may only be one or two full-time photographers in those cities, but here there are thousands of brilliant creatives who want to collaborate on all kinds of projects. I love the people here. With them I have discovered some of the most beautiful locations, talents and souls this metroplex has to offer.
My only complaint is the Texas heat, but it’s worth it for the variety of landscapes- skyscrapers, forests, waterfronts, and farmland are only miles apart.
Pricing:
- Basic Portrait sessions start at $200
- Wedding packages range from $800-$2500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeanphotog.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbkrex/
Image Credit:
Briana Ross, Molly McBride, Hannah Vincent, Abel Maldonado, Madi Escamilla, John and Katrina Blaha, Collin, Lindsey Carpenter
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.
