Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Dotson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began in Alief, Texas, where I grew up. My mom, a hairstylist, would often bring home magazines from work, and I would eagerly cut out pictures to decorate my room. My walls were soon covered with images—posters of athletes, pages from Sports Illustrated, and scenes from *National Geographic*. By the time I was in high school, I was already capturing moments on video, often roaming the hallways of Elsik High School with a camera in hand. Still, I hadn’t yet realized that photography was my true calling.
After high school, I started driving 18-wheelers, working for companies like Coca-Cola and hauling freight across Texas. I transported everything from gasoline to liquid nitrogen. But on weekends, I returned to my passion—photography, capturing family events and gatherings.
One night, while on a beach in Miami, I heard God’s voice clearly. He called me to return to Houston, give up truck driving, and enroll in school. I followed that calling and enrolled at the Art Institute of Houston within a month of my Miami trip. My time there was incredibly rewarding—I spent four years honing my craft, winning several awards, and having my photos displayed on every floor of the institute.
After graduation, I felt God calling me again, this time to move to Washington, DC. With no job lined up, I took a leap of faith and relocated. A few months later, I landed a position as a real estate photographer. It was the perfect job—I never felt like I was working. Instead, I felt like I was fulfilling my purpose, meeting clients, making new friends, and mastering the art of photographing architecture and real estate.
In 2018, I returned to Houston with no clientele. Starting from scratch, I took a 9-to-5 job during the week and spent my weekends photographing. I worked extensively in Galveston, capturing around 500 beach houses. By this time, I had photographed over 5,000 homes across Maryland, Virginia, DC, Austin, and Houston.
Once again, I trusted God and took another leap of faith—I quit my job and returned to photography full-time. Within a week, I had two major projects in Mexico City, where I spent nearly two weeks photographing pyramids, world-class entertainers, and a Mayan village community. Upon returning to Houston, I secured another significant job with FedEx, capturing both ground and aerial footage of their facility. This was the confirmation I needed.
Since then, I’ve worked closely with the City of Houston, particularly with Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas, and my photos have frequently appeared on the front page of *Houston Real Producers* magazine. As my business grew, I realized I needed help, so I built a strong team of editors and photographers to keep things running smoothly. Being able to pick up my camera and go to work every day is truly a blessing.
There’s still much more to come. I’m focusing on selling my fine art prints and building a collection of stunning images from across the United States—and eventually, the world—showcasing God’s beauty and the talent He’s given me.
Looking ahead, I envision opening a fine art gallery to showcase my work and establishing a photography school in Alief to teach kids this incredible craft. Even though this year marks the 10th anniversary of my business, I feel like it’s just the beginning. The journey continues, and I’m excited for what’s next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Photography equipment is expensive! It’s not always easy to afford a new camera, laptop, drone, or lens. The saying “it takes money to make money” definitely rings true when it comes to photography.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dotson Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What should we know?
Dotson Photography is a seasoned company, founded on integrity and driven by a deep passion for our craft.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
Dotson Photography specializes in corporate branding, lifestyle portraits, professional headshots, and everything real estate photography related.
What sets you apart from others?
With experience, knowledge, and a passion for what we do, we go beyond just showing up for a paycheck. I’m here to give my clients an unforgettable experience and deliver photos that will last a lifetime.
What are you most proud brand wise?
One of my proudest moments was capturing the essence of a Mayan community and village in the depths of Mexico’s Yucatán region through photography. I strive to create images that could grace the pages of National Geographic, and these particular photographs have been copyrighted at the United States Library of Congress.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
Our company is founded on principles of integrity, providing a comprehensive range of photography and video services.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dotson.photography/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dotson_photography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DotsonPhotography.co
