Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Fenske
Hi Gabrielle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Gabrielle Fenske, owner and photographer of Forever Joy Photography. I have loved photography, and everything about it since I can remember. My favorite thing to do growing up, was pull out all of my Grandmas old photo albums, and hear all the stories behind the pictures. As I got older, I took classes in high school and college, but always kept photography just as a fun hobby. Having kids only deepened my love for photography. I wanted to remember each stage, every toothless smile. It made me realize how quickly time flies, how quickly you forget those little moments and crooked toddler smiles. So, just like your typical mom, I used my camera and all my focus on capturing my sweet babies. I would post my pics on my personal social media, and after awhile, my own family and friends started asking me to take their pictures as well! After a few months, I decided to try and make it into a little business. Here I am, 10 years later and still going strong. I couldn’t have done with without the love and support of those family and friends, for encouraging me, sticking by my side from the very beginning, and continuing to be my biggest cheerleaders.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road, especially trying to build your own little business. I would say my biggest struggle I have found over the years, is learning how to have the confidence to put myself out there, and market myself and my work. Trying to keep up with all the social media trends, photography trends, is definitely an ever evolving work in progress. I also struggle with work life/mom life balance. One of the biggest pushes for me to start my own business, was so I could have the flexibility to be there for my kids as they grow up. Both my kiddos are in travel ball, and if you know travel ball, you know your free weekends are limited lol. So, I have to keep myself in check when scheduling clients, especially for the fall season. It’s a puzzle that involves each kid in different parts of town, at the same time, along with booking sessions in between game times, or tournament weekends. A puzzle that I wouldn’t trade for the world! When they say it takes a village, it’s 100% true, and we have the best village anyone could ask for.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in portrait photography. More specifically, in families, children, boudoir, events, milestone sessions that are anywhere from bump to baby, all the way to graduation. I have also started getting more into travel photography. I have been to California 3 times now, and going back for more work in October! Ive also done shoots in Cabo San Lucas, and all over Texas. Seeing the world from behind my lens is something I will never tire of.
I treat each and every session as if it was my own. Tailoring, and customizing, to fit the needs of all my clients. I put my heart and soul into my photography, and I firmly believe if you love what you do, then it’s not work! Photo sessions can get stressful, especially if you have tiny ones. I make it a point with my clients, to make sure their session runs smoothly, fun, memorable, but most of all, stress free. Im proud of the fact that most of my client base, is from word of mouth, and they trust me year after year to capture their biggest moments and memories. It makes my heart so happy, when clients text me and show me their family photos displayed on their walls around their homes. Knowing that they have those photos to look back on and smile, and to hand down from generation to generation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foreverjoyphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverjoyphotography?igsh=MWtpdHlscjNycHh4OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/xSWJUN4pTZex9VkC/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
