Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Fulleylove.
Debra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I got started in the photography world about 7 years ago, right after my own wedding. I remember the struggle in finding a photographer for my wedding, but also I found so much interest when I did finally find one. I remember styling things like my jewelry and my shoes on my wedding day and remember thinking “I hope my photographer takes a picture of this!” It was those little things that drew me in but it still never clicked.
Shortly after getting married, I really enjoyed going around and just taking pictures of anything I could find! I ended up using my new sister-in-law as a model and did some senior photos for her. When I put them on Facebook- I started getting inquiries from more and more people to go and take pictures of them. ME?! They wanted to pay ME to take pictures of them?! I was shocked, but very flattered!! Once I realized this is something I could actually do, I started looking more seriously into perfecting my craft and learning the business side of things.
I officially launched Fulleylove Photography in 2012. I fell more in love with photographing weddings and started focusing in on finding my niche with photographing weddings. I remember my first couple of years only shooting a couple weddings and by 2015, I had 37 weddings on my calendar. It was something I was passionate about. Having just been a bride a couple years back, I loved reliving “the big day” over and over again with all my couples. Honestly, I’m just a hopeless romantic and what girl doesn’t enjoy all things wedding related?!
Here I am, getting ready to celebrate my business’ 5th birthday in June and I finally found like I have found my calling. Yes, I love the weddings- the ones full of blooming flowers, delicate details, stunning dresses, and delicious cake; but what I have really found out is that I love my couples. I love that they are celebrating their love; that family and friends have gathered together to celebrate them. And they have chosen ME to capture it in photographs to be able to pass down to future generations. My desire with this business was never for fame, as there are so many photographers out there who truly have more amazing talent than I do. My desire is to love on and serve my clients the very best I can so that their wedding day will be a day they remember as the day they celebrated love with their closest friends and family. The photographs I take will hopefully be able to display their love to generations to follow!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I mean, when I got started, I really didn’t even know where to start. Then I started, and I didn’t know where or what I wanted to focus on. Eventually, when you find your niche, you realize there is about 1,000 other photographers out there who have the same niche! So naturally, I would compare myself to all these AMAZING photographers in Houston and so easily become discouraged. I remember there were times, that I thought about selling my camera. I remember times, that I just wanted to quit. And then I would think about the clients that did hire me, the couples that did trust in and choose me to capture something so momentous in their lives. If they believed in me, I needed to also. I needed to believe I had something to offer that no-one else had. And what I do have to offer is me. I do not believe I am anywhere near the best photographer out there, but what I do have that no-one else does, is me. I know my passion, I know my determination, and I know my love I have for my clients and my job.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fulleylove Photography – what should we know?
Fulleylove Photography is a wedding and lifestyle photography company. We focus on weddings and couples, but we also photograph families, seniors, and do maternity photos as well. I love the wedding side of things, but there are also so many other occasions in life that should be documented through photos. I’m happy to photograph an expecting momma, or a soon to be graduate. I wish everyone would realize how special photographs are but many of us don’t realize it until it’s too late and someone is no longer with us.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I try to be as genuine as possible from beginning to end with my clients. I want them to see me as a person and friend, not just someone there to do a job. With that, I feel like people are able to relate with me and want to hire and work with me. I was once a bride and can easily relate to brides planning a wedding. I’m also a mom and know what’s it’s like to try and get them to smile for picture (not easy!) But being open with them through emails and social media has been a great way to build relationships and become successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.fulleylovephotography.com/
- Phone: 281 684 8980
- Email: contact@fulleylovephotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fulleylovephoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/fulleylovephotography
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/fulleylovephoto
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