Today we’d like to introduce you to Patti Darby.
Patti, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was a sophomore in college, I worked at a daycare and I was always put in charge of taking photos of the kids for their parents. I soon began babysitting for a family from the daycare and one day instead of paying me. They offered to give me their DSLR camera in exchange for babysitting because they knew I loved taking pictures. Fast forward eight years and my cousin, who came to Texas for Christmas break, asked me to take photos of her and her family. I took their photos and that evening after I sent her a few she asked me to go to dinner. At dinner, she ‘ambushed’ me and told me that I needed to seriously consider starting a photography business because I was good at capturing authentic moments. I had honestly never considered starting a business but thought it sounded like fun and I was definitely miserable at my 9-5 and figured it couldn’t hurt to have a creative outlet.
A short 12 months later, I have grown my business into a successful Fine-Art Wedding Photography business for couples who love authentic photographs. My first year, I was able to serve six amazing couples and I am currently booked for 22 weddings for 2020 and starting to book for 2021. I was able to leave my full-time job as a teacher and have felt so much relief and happiness in my new endeavor. While still being able to support my family.
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?
I wouldn’t say that it has been smooth. While growing my first year, I worked 50+ hours a week as a teacher and drove ALL over Texas for free shoots to build my portfolio. I missed out on a lot of time with my girls and husband and struggled with burnout. There was some frustration because I knew I wanted/needed to leave my full time job because I was miserable, but financially we couldn’t make it happen. I invested every penny I did make back into my business and didn’t start having the ability to pay myself until recently. When I was finally able to do that, I quit my teaching job and began working for myself.
The days are still funny to me, I’m not always sure what to do with my time and I’ve had to learn and am still learning how to be my own boss. I will say it’s nice not to have my entire day scheduled around someone else. I get to pick up my daughter from school, participate in her activities, and have lunch with my husband. All of which never happened when I was a teacher. I would definitely say the struggles are well worth the end result.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a Fine-Art Wedding Photographer. I capture authentic and pure moments between couples and help freeze those precious moments in time. I’m constantly told by my couples they love how I can photograph raw emotion while still producing gorgeous light and classic photos. I’m most proud of my work ethic. My husband calls me a work-a-holic, but I’m really just dedicated to giving my couples the best experience and photos possible.
I’m different from everyone else because I’m me. I know that’s a lame answer, but the truth is that there are so many amazing photographers, some of who are technically better photographers than me, but no one loves their couples as I do. My couples become a part of my family. I don’t want the only time I talk to my couples to be the day I book their wedding and their wedding day. I want to share in their wedding planning and be there for them after their wedding day. I always told Charles (my husband) that if I was going to spend time away from our family, that I wanted to be in the presence of family in return. Yes, beautiful pictures are the cherry on top, but the relationships and the purpose behind my business is what makes me truly unique.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Ooh, that’s a tough one. I had such a wonderful childhood it’s hard to narrow it down to just one memory. When I think back, my most favorite memories always include us laughing together as a family. Whether that is at the dinner table, on a family vacation, or passing on the stairs, laughter always has a way of making me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.pattidarbyphotography.com
- Phone: 512-966-7391
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @pattidarby
Image Credit:
All photos are taken by Patti Darby
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