Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Rice.
Cody, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’d like to start off by firstly saying thank you to Voyage Houston for this opportunity! I appreciate you having me.
My journey dates to my junior year of high school. It’s when I first started my career in working with youth and is the field I am still in to this day. It’s funny to me because up until that time, I had never expected to work with children. I just never pegged it as my style, and frequently avoided kids. Everyone wanted to hold new babies, and then there was me. But that year, I became involved in a Vacation Bible School for elementary students: a week dedicated to working with kiddos. Oh joy. I couldn’t tell you why or how I felt called to participate, but I did. Or you could just say I did it on a whim, with no idea of just how much of an impact the camp would have on my outlook. It still surprises me to this day.
After High School, I traveled to the “promised land” of College Station, Texas (obligatory gig ‘me) where I continued to work with students. I took on a bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, fully intending to keep my options open as I knew my work experience had narrowed itself into the Education field. Silly me, though. After graduating from Texas, A&M, I tried my luck with a corporate job. While it was a stable opportunity and the prospects were high, I felt like a caged animal. I missed the love, joy and pure energy that came alongside working with my kids. It wasn’t before long that I left that position to pursue what I’ve always come back to.
Since this all began, I have been a Camp Counselor, High School PAL, Swim Lesson Instructor, Substitute Teacher, and finally, am currently a Middle School Technology Teacher & Football Coach. You name it, I’ve done it. I’ve invested the better portion of my career to working with students – they give me life. It’s funny how the spontaneity of one moment can change your life forever.
I am fortunate in that I have found what I would label as my “calling”, which also breathes life into my independent time away from work. Kids have given me a new perspective of the world and have taught me to be fully appreciative of what little time we have here. I think that is a big inspiration as to why I ended up falling into photography as a hobby: I wanted to frame those meaningful, soul-baring moments that I’ve experienced. Once it fell on my radar, I really couldn’t tell you how many inspirational Instagram photos I browsed through before I finally decided to the pull the plug and purchase a Canon Rebel T6i. It only took one photo of my dog named Peaches before I was absolutely hooked.
Because of this journey, I now run a small photography business outside of work, where I showcase my portfolio, known as “Chasing Cody”. I am inspired every day by my students, fellow photographers, and the precious time we so graciously get to spend here.
Life is a beautiful thing, and photographs are memories that can never fade.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think when you’re working with students, every day is a challenge. It’s just a matter of whether you choose to rise to the occasion or not. But when you work with kids all day, every day, they become “your” kids – you want the best for them, so you be the best you can.
As far as starting “Chasing Cody” goes, I think it was challenging in its own way. The struggle stemmed more from being hesitant instead of taking initiative. I would constantly question whether I was “good enough” or if I should even bother trying to start. A lack of confidence is probably what really held me back for the longest time. As with everything in life though, you don’t get better by not practicing. So, I put myself out there. I ran free photo-shoots with friends, messed up a lot of photos, had disappointments, had laughs, but ultimately improved. Each session was a learning experience for me. Eventually I ended up where I am now: Understanding that I have a long way to go, but proud of what I’ve done.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chasing Cody – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I run a local photography business known as Chasing Cody. I take photographs ranging from engagements, couples, families, portraits, maternity shoots and finally landscapes. I give preference and specialization to shooting with couples. There’s just a lot of intimacy there that I really vibe with.
I think I’m just proud of finally starting down this path. It took a long time for me to muster up the courage to pursue something I was passionate about at a professional level. I think my perspective on life is what truly differentiates me from others. I take photos because life is meaningful to me, and I want to frame that happiness for others to see.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I think my end-goal is to become a full-time travel photographer. Getting paid to take photos and travel, to see what the world really has to offer. Traveling to destinations that for most of my life I’ve spent day-dreaming of even experiencing. Don’t get me wrong, I love where I’m at with my career and kids will ALWAYS be a significant portion of my life, but I would love to turn my small-business into a global-scale project.
Pricing:
- I run a flat rate of $100/session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chasingcody.com
- Email: contact@chasingcody.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingcody/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cody.rice.942
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chasinggcody
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.
