Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallary Denson.
Hi Mallary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love for photography began back in 2006. I was a senior in high school and decided to choose Yearbook as an elective. I chose Yearbook because it seemed to be an easy class for my senior year, but I had no idea that it would be the kickstart to my life of freedom. When my teacher put that camera in my hand, the rest was history. I began to rake photos of EVERYTHING (photos for the yearbook in addition to photos for my personal benefit). Once I graduated, my mom purchased a camera and I immediately claimed it and became the “unofficial” family photographer, and I took my role very seriously. I still have several photo albums filled with the pictures I took during that time.
Over the next nine years, I worked odd jobs and also studied elementary education at University of South Florida. Once I graduated and began teaching, I brought my first professional camera (Nikon D3200). I also brought my passion for photography into my classroom. I took tons of photos of my students and displayed them all around my classroom. On my first Parent-Teacher Conference Night, my students rushed their parents in to show them all of the photos I had taken. After several parents asked me if they could have the photos at the end of the year, I thought to take my passion more seriously. So, I began to study, take courses, binge-watch YouTube videos, and practice nonstop.
After 2.5 years of this, I decided to turn my passion into a legitimate side hustle. And a year later, I turned that side hustle into a full time business (which has been going strong ever since).
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My journey through entrepreneurship has been amazing so far. There have been many celebratory milestones reached, but also scalp scratching and hair pulling moments as well. Two of my top struggles were: finding clients and pricing my service. I soon found that these two things are extremely common topics that a plethora of other photographers struggles with as well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am African American female portrait photographer located in Tampa, Florida. I specialize in family, maternity and birthday sessions but have the ability to make anyone’s vision come to life. I have a creative eye, genuine spirit and the ability to make each session so much fun, clients forget about any worries leading up to their session.
I am most proud of being able to be the boss of my own business. As a young girl, I never even thought about being a businesswoman. My dreams all included being an employee, so to be able to make a living better than I could have imagined males me extremely proud.
What sets me apart from other photographers is my personality and genuine love for my clients. I strive to make each client feel and look their best in front of the camera. I dance, make corny jokes (some of them are pretty good), ask clients to do awkward things that bring genuine smiles and laughter. Each client feels like family once the session begins.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people who know me through social media platforms do not know that I grew up as an extreme introvert. Teaching, actually, allowed me to open up and be more social to the masses. Now, it’s kind of hard to shut me up.
Pricing:
- Packages start at $400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.capturedbymallary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captured_by_mallary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapturedbyMallaryPhotography
Image Credits
A ll photos taken by me: Mallary Denson photographer of Captured by Mallary Photography
