Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny Mays.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Maybe you could say it was serendipity or a happy accident, I’m still not sure which, but you could say I just fell into photography. I was a handbag designer. The line had been growing much faster than I ever could have imagined, and the work and travel involved began to demand more of my home and family time than I had anticipated. Let’s be real: It’s hard to have a serious conference call while holding a fussy baby and watching a toddler smear boogers on the wall. I was burned out.
But in the little spare time I had, I would take photos of my children as a creative release and a way to relax. Friends saw the photos and started asking me to take photos of their families. Before I knew it, I was getting a DBA and my website was up and running. So was I. The past six years have just flown by.
I’m always looking for ways to continue to grow and create. That’s just me. About two or three years ago, I saw my very first Family Film. That’s all it took. I was hooked … instantly. I loved how each film seemed to capture the heart of soul of each family member in a fleeting moment of time. Each film is so much more complex than a photograph, but still requires the proper principles of photography along with movement and sound. I devoured every class I could find. I wanted to figure it out and I did … eventually.
After winning a few awards for my films, I was asked to come on board with Everyday Film School as a mentor to students who already have the basics down, but want to take their films to the next level.
While these family films have my heart, word has gotten out about my work, and lately I’ve been asked to create corporate/promotional films. I love the creative challenge of successfully communicating the overall feeling, voice and tone of another person or brand. It’s one thing to “do you,” but it adds a whole new dimension when you’re challenged to mix your style with another.
Has it been a smooth road?
I believe that doing anything worthwhile takes a significant amount of determination and sweat equity. That’s what’s required to become a true master of your trade. One of the things I still struggle with most is managing a healthy work/life balance. I’m passionate about my photography, yet still want to savor every moment with my husband and five little ones. Yes, five!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sunny Mays Photography & Film – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Over the past six years, I have been both humbled and honored to receive multiple awards for photography. Most often these awards are for my in-home lifestyle work, which includes newborn and “A Day in the Life” type of sessions. While I’ll always enjoy photographing families, my Family Films have quickly overtaken photography as the must-have family favorite. The recent spike in requests for Corporate / Promotional films is very exciting as businesses of all sizes are seeing the advantages of using their promotional film to set themselves apart from competition.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love living in the haven of a small town, yet still being within minutes of two metropolitan cities, Dallas and Ft. Worth, each with its own unique — and completely different! — vibe. That dichotomy in both landscape and architecture can be a muse for a creative soul. But, most importantly, I love the people. It’s that simple. I’ve lived all over the country, but there’s just something about the friendliness of the people here that just resonates with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SunnyMaysPhotography.com
- Phone: 281-451-8409
- Email: Sunny@SunnyMaysPhotography.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/SunnyKMays
- Facebook: Facebook.com/SunnyMaysPhotography
- Other: Vimeo.com/SunnyMays
Image Credit:
Photo of Sunny Mays was taken by Niki Wise Photography & edited by Sunny Mays
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