Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Campbell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I graduated college, the recession was in full swing. I was 22 and looking for work, I found it in the form of an events photography company that worked at parties, sporting activities, and business conferences, using greenscreen. This is where I learned how to shoot quickly and carry on fun conversations with guests, to ensure that everyone was having a good time. Most of my friends were getting married and, at the wedding, I would introduce myself to the photographer and ask them if I could follow them around all night. If they had any tips for me, I would love to hear them. Most of them found this amusing and ended up giving me insights on how a wedding worked. I loved it. I ended up working for several wedding photography companies in Houston, as a contract photographer. After 5 years, I knew that I could do this on my own and provide my clients with a better, more personal experience.
My company started-up in 2015. I didn’t have much money for advertising, developing a website, getting on social media, etc., to try to get my name ‘Out There’. But, with crossed figures and a leap of faith, I put myself on platforms like The Knot, Google, Yelp, etc. I expected that the first year would be slow like any business is at first. However, the response I received was overwhelming, humbling and more than I ever expected. I have met some amazing couples, with whom I am still friends today. I get to hear all about peoples’ love stories, how they meet, who made the first move and really get to know them. It is a gift to be able to share in the celebration of two people coming together as one. My goal has always been to make beautiful pictures while making sure that everyone is having fun and my couples are as stress-free as possible. Everything I do in my business is straightforward, easy to understand and stress-free.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A smooth road. No, unfortunately not. There have been a lot of late nights, stress, being overwhelmed with work (witch is a blessing and a curse). Second shooters come and go, my album publishing company went out of business and the work requires a lot of time away from family and friends. When you have a business, it is your baby. It is the only thing on your mind. I cater to my client,s to make sure that they are 100% happy. This is one of those jobs where you work, whether you are sick or not. And, boy I have worked sick before!
Everything job has it’s good and bad. For me, photography has always been all good. I love my job. I love what I get to do every weekend. I have been extremely blessed over the past 4 years, and I can only pray that it continues, so I have the privilege of working with even more incredible couples.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Campbell Brand Photography – what should we know?
My business is Campbell Brand Photography and I specializes in weddings, engagements, bridals, portraits, and events.
I am known for bright, colorful images that capture special moments between two people.
I am most proud of my reviews and being on The Knots’ “best of weddings list” for the past two years. What makes the best of list so special is that the only way your company is put on the list is if your couples leave you consistently amazing reviews. It is humbling that people are so happy with the work that I have been selected for that list. As a company, it is my job to make my clients happy. However, it still makes me so proud when couples let me know just how happy they are.
What sets me apart. My dad was the type of guy who says, “If there is no tag, it must be free”. Yes, that is a dad joke, however, it has always made an impression on me. Everything has to be up front, easy to find and understand, with no hidden fees and no chump change. This is how I work. All my prices and services are up on my website, along with an extensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. People who come to my website can see everything. The number one thing that sets me apart is I Guarantee Minimums, not maximums. My couples are guarenteed no less then 600 pictures. I have delivered up to 1200 before and there is no extra charge to recieve those images. I also provide a Rights Release, so you do not have to come to me to get your images printed, if you don’t want to. You can take them anywhere you like to have them reprinted. So, when you see a price on my website, that is what you actually end up paying.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am so lucky to have great people in my life who have always supported and encouraged my photography. I have been learning photography since I was 15 years old and people have always pushed me to not give it up.
I would have to recognize my parents, first and formost. They have been a guiding support system, put me in all kinds of competitions, paid for equipment, materials, entree fees, spent hours driving me around back roads, so I could find things to photograph, and so much more. They really are amazing, even to this day.
My first photography teacher (I had her for 2 years in high school), probably taught me more about photography than any other person ever has. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but, Karen Ferren is the best art teacher I’ve ever had.
In 2000, my senior yr. in high school, I won Best in Show at the Houston Rodeo, Art Division. The picture was then auctioned off to the Harley Davidson association, as a scholarship for collage. That was a long time ago, but a very cool moment, that will never forget.
My husband. For the past 9 years, he has been nothing less than my biggest fan. He has my artwork displayed on his office walls, at his work. He tells everyone about my business and hands out cards. He is understanding and supportive when my work interferes with our date night. He has come to photo shoots and meetings with clients, and everyone loves him. He is my rock and my cheerleader. I am very blessed to have him in my life.
Pricing:
- All our Prices and services are on my website. Our packages start at $1,200.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Campbellbrandphotogaphy.com
- Phone: 832-764-0954
- Instagram: @Campbellbrandphotogaphy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campbellbrandphotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/campbell-brand-photography-the-woodlands
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/campbell-brand-photography.com
Image Credit:
Danielle Campbell
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