Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Dial
Hi Brandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My 5 children are adopted. When we would fill out paperwork to begin the process of each adoption, we would have to include a current photo of ourselves. We would go through multiple photographers before we would finally settle on a picture to include with our profile. Just before our fourth adoption, my husband told me if I thought I could do better I should try and gave me my first camera for my birthday.
I took a couple of beginner classes and shot every day for months. I would shoot in different lighting situations and different subjects, moving and still. I always had people in my images, I’ve never been interested in landscape photography.
When I was finally confident that I could find the correct settings in any situation (and more importantly, know my limits for shooting a given situation), I started charging people for portraits. Honestly, I was not very good. I learned the business and the craft as I invested time and money and was eventually able to charge enough to improve my gear as I improved my skill.
I learn something new every time I shoot. I continue to improve by shooting often and challenging myself to do something I’ve never done (i.e., a pose, lighting change, prompt), every session. The best compliment I’ve ever received was from a client at my last wedding. They walked into a reception I was shooting and said to me, “I knew it was you shooting this wedding. I could tell it was your work.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The photography market in Utah is completely saturated. It is nearly impossible to survive with photography as your only income. Many hobbyist photographers take the leap to professional photography and undermine established, qualified photographers for a time. That is, until savvy clients realize that they are not qualified to provide the type of product an experienced photographer offers. It takes a pretty large investment of time and resources to do a consistent and quality business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a owner/photographer of a portrait photography business. I have been in business for about 16 years. I offer services from birth to death. I shoot births, newborns, cake smashes, senior, family, boudoir, and wedding portraiture. It is really hard to specialize in Utah. When clients know that you can provide a great product they trust you to shoot so many life events! I had to learn them all.
I have a studio and shoot both indoor and outdoor sessions. I have been in a studio for the last 12 years. I shoot and edit true to color. I love the challenge of shooting multiple types of portraits throughout the year.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Stick-to-it-tive-ness. Many photographers come and go, but if you stay with it, during the droughts, the imposter syndrome crisis, the equipment malfunctions. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it.
Pricing:
- Families $400
- Newborns $400
- Seniors $250
- Wedding Packages start $2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dollfacephoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandyatdollfacephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/provophotographer/
