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Meet Wendy Childress

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Childress.

Wendy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m Wendy, owner, and photographer of Wendy Childress Photography. I was a stay-at-home mom with our three young children when a close friend and I met for coffee and she asked what I planned to do when the kids grew up and left for college. I hadn’t really thought much about it, she suggested I find something I loved to do and to follow that path so that by the time they were grown I’d have something all my own. I had always loved photos and was the one who always had a camera with me so I felt a natural pull towards photography. I decided to get some formal education so I’d feel like a legit photographer. I completed a certificate program at Mira Costa College while interning for a local studio to gain hands-on experience both on location with clients and on the backside of a photo biz.

In 2012 I had my first paying family client. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them and they loved their photos. From there, my business started growing through word of mouth. I was photographing mostly families and had an occasional newborn session and even a couple of weddings. In 2014 I photographed my first high school senior and I was hooked! I came home from that session and was so hyped I could barely stand it. That’s when my passion and my business really blossomed.

 Jump forward a few years and my business is thriving. I photograph mainly high school seniors and family portraits. I absolutely love what I get to do every day and am so thankful to my friend for giving me the nudge so many years ago.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I firmly believe you have to work hard for anything worth having. I’ve literally built my business from the ground up which wasn’t always easy. I was determined to not start in debt so I designed my logo, my website, created all my marketing materials, etc. Juggling all this while working with clients to create beautiful images for them and raising three young children was at times hard to balance.

I spent countless late nights after the kids went to bed creating the framework for my business. My number one priority is my kids and husband and I worked hard to not let my dream become their burden. I wanted to create a business I was proud of but I also wanted to be present with my family. There were times when I was afraid it wasn’t the right timing for our family but my husband supported me 100% in following my dream and encouraged me to keep working toward my goal. His support meant the world to me and allowed me to dig into what I set out to do.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a natural light photographer specializing in high school senior portraits and family portraits. I’m the photographer who is smiling behind the camera with my families, being silly and adventurous with my seniors and tearing up with my newborns. I have such a connection with my clients, they become clients for life!

What I’m most proud of is my ROLEmodel program. Each spring I hand select a group of high school seniors for my program. I photograph their senior portraits as well as fun styled shoots throughout the year. More importantly, they create a sisterhood and come together to serve the community. I love how girls from different high schools in the county come together with a common bond of wanting to give back to others. They make new friendships that last beyond their senior year and are such an inspiration to their peers. These girls are such a blessing to me, they reinforce my belief that there is good in the world and that young people care about the well being of others and the future.

I’d say what sets me apart from others is my knack for allowing others to feel comfortable in front of the camera. I believe in authentic relationships and I am an open book. During my sessions, I get to know my clients and share my family life with them as well before I ever put my camera in their faces. I want them to enjoy their experience just as much as they enjoy their photos. By the time their session is over, I want them to not only feel confident in my artistry but to have had a great time.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over I would have taken more workshop classes and participated in more conferences specific to the genre of photography I was interested in at the very beginning. Completing the certificate program was helpful in gaining knowledge of photography and business but I feel like there is more value in learning from pros in the industry who have learned what works and what doesn’t work. There are so many great options for this nowadays. Those who have created successful businesses have so much valuable information. They can help jump-start your business by giving you tangible ways to help you start and grow your own business.

Pricing:

  • Senior portraits start at $450
  • Family portraits start at $400

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Headshot: Michelle Miller Photography

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