Today we’d like to introduce you to Douglas Burns
Hi Douglas, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
That’s a really open question. I got my first camera in college and have been working behind the lens ever since. My first job was shooting for a local TV news station in Lubbock – if it bleeds it leads, run-n-gun, get what you can and move on to the next story. Thankfully that gig only lasted about 18 months before the news director decided they didn’t want me to stick around any more. Fine with me. News is either a love it or hate business and I defiantly DIDN’T love it.
From there I moved back home to Houston and built a career working in corporate media as well as gigging on some big budget commercials and low/no-budget feature films. I think only one of those films actually made it to distribution. Along the way I’ve had the opportunity to lens projects for the BBC, National Geographic TV, ESPN, Dr Phil, and more corporate media than I care to think about.
Along the way my wife and I started and ran a boutique travel agency for nearly 10 years next to all the media work I was doing until the pandemic shut the world down. Once that happened I decided I didn’t want to continue in the travel industry (though my wife is still employed full time there) and looked at what I truly loved – photography.
I tried my hand at fine art family portraiture for a short while, but it wasn’t really me. Not my style, not my personality. I’m just not comfortable selling art. I’m much more comfortable in the a B2B environment where I can help companies communicate their stories.
This year has been a big re-brand for me. I’ve revamped my website and my LinkedIn profile. Taken a class on entrepreneurship at the local university. And really put myself out there to build a business I can enjoy and one I can potentially scale – totally centered around corporate and commercial photography.
I’m excited about the potential and the work is much more satisfying both professionally and artistically. There’s just something rewarding about walking into a room with 4 grey walls and creating something visually exciting. I also love working in industrial environments where real people work and celebrating those that make industry move.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing about life or business is smooth sailing all the time. I’ve had several years where I wasn’t sure where my next paycheck is coming from. And this year ranks right up there with them. I actually made more money during the pandemic collecting unemployment than I made this year. That said, I prefer the challenge of being self employed. I know that I’ve actually earned my paycheck. Not having the safety net of a regular paycheck from an employer keeps you on your toes.
We’ve been impressed with DNB Productions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
DNB Productions is a Houston-based corporate photography with a mission to help businesses leave a lasting impression and connect with their target audience. We specialize in creating custom commercial imagery that perfectly aligns with a diverse range of business needs. No matter if it is for industrial settings, workshops, product showcases, or promotional campaigns, our goal is to create compelling visuals that reflect the essence of your workforce, products, and facilities. We are committed to develop a customized image library that enhances your marketing efforts. With every project, we ensure that the final images reflect your brand’s identity and values.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I’m looking to make a connection with my clients, and have their images make a connection with their target audience. I want the work I produce to be a benefit to my clients and help them achieve their goals.
I’m always looking for heroes. Who or what can I celebrate with my photography. I’m looking to elevate my subjects as much as possible. And I’m happy to do that in the business world.
At the end of the day, I’m a story teller. I just use images, lighting and composition to tell those stories instead of words and paper. I’m looking for my images to grab people, make them say wow, and communicate on behalf of the client.
Pricing:
- Commercial Photography starts at $1650
- Team Headshots start at $1300
- Event/Expo Headshots with instant delivery starts at $2150
- Individual Headshot pkgs starts at $895
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dnbproductions.com
- Twitter: @DouglasBur47152
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@douglasnburns
Image Credits
all portfolio images are credit to Douglas N Burns
bts shots are photo credit Jim Lokenberg
