Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Burton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Harlen Handley Photography began with family. My husband’s grandfather, Robert Handley, was known as the photographer in the family. He would take pictures of everything and everyone; if they would return from a trip you could look at the pictures and feel like you had been on the trip as well. As for myself my grandmother, Marian Harlen, was an actress and model in the late twenties- early thirties. As teenager I wanted to follow that path and began modeling at 12 and the next 8 years I did just that, but after my son was born I wanted to switch my role. I had always had affinity for photography and just art in general and began to take pictures with my husband’s old camera of our son and of things we loved. After a while I began to fall in love with it. After my husband’s grandfather’s passing I was given his cameras, as the family had seen that I had a passion for photography, as well, and my love with photography grew to a whole other level. That’s how this all got started.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting your own business can (and will) always have its struggles. The first and foremost would be building a client base. It has been slow growing my client list but it has allowed to me make a bond with them and has allowed me the availability to be able to photograph their milestones throughout the years.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Harlen Handley Photography is a portraits and events photography business, specializing in natural light outdoor simply, styled casual family, maternity and young children. Every time I do a session it is my goal to have every picture show a family as they are; all the silly quirks and candid moments, I think that is more real that the perfectly posed pictures. I put a chunk of my heart and soul into each session to make certain that they are perfect.
When it comes to doing fashion and street photography style sessions for high school seniors I find that having a background in modeling helps me to have that edge when they want their pictures to a more sophisticated feel.
Some of my boudoir clients have mentioned in the past that my calming and outgoing personality has made them feel more comfortable when they have been nervous about their sessions. I always pride myself in helping women feel gorgeous and comfortable in their skin and to help them see what everyone else sees in them.
I feel like everyone should be able to afford gorgeous photography so I try and make sure my pricing is fair to allow more people to have frame worthy portraits for their home.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a great place for photographers we have a stellar advantage vs other major metropolitan cities to have urban, rustic and even ocean scenes with a short drive for our clients. It gives you a chance to meet and photograph all sorts of different people, backgrounds, and lifestyles. If you were to start your own photography business I would say to not compare yourself to other photographers is in the Houston area but instead to make your own road to stand apart from the rest, that way you make sure your work is genuine and 100% you.
Pricing:
- Family Sessions starting at $250
- Senior and lifestyle starting at $180
- Maternity starting at $200
Contact Info:
- Address: Pasadena and surrounding areas
- Website: www.harlenhandleyphotography.com
- Phone: 7138177952
- Email: sierra@harlenhandleyphotography.com
- Instagram: @harlenhandleyphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/harlenhandleyphotography
Image Credit:
Personal Headshot by Skyley photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
