History
How it started
In the Fall of 2024, I began working as a Traveling Directory Photographer. Here, I was assigned to churches and retirement communities across Texas. Day 1 of training brought me to a small Lutheran church in La Vernia, where I shadowed two of the best Portrait Consultants in our company.
The day was filled with unexpected breakthroughs and quiet accomplishments as we cheerleaded congregation members through their sessions. Families of all sizes, married couples, individuals, clergy, and staff, all dressed in their Sunday best for picture day.
We'd quickly acquaint ourselves, position our subject, encourage authenticity, and then snap a portrait.
The majority of the day folks would trickle in on the half hour, and we'd be able to spend ample time in each sitting. However, our protocol encouraged 12 minutes or less per sitting, which, depending on the congregation size, was sometimes necessary to remain on schedule.
It was our responsibility, and my favorite part of the job, to encourage self-confidence by capturing the highest-quality candid moments of authenticity. We're notoriously our own worst critics - and portraits can be challenging territory - especially if uncharted. Bringing out the best side of someone brought me immense fulfillment. The only thing I found myself lacking was time - to listen and connect even deeper with congregation members.
WHERE IT WENT
I figured, shoot, if there's a company already doing this thing successfully, ain't that more of a reason to go my own way too? The words of my father reverberated through my noggin, "Ain't nothing to it, but to do it." Pops was right. I had become a top-tier portrait consultant, easily connecting with subjects to the point where many would confide in my gentle presence.
As my journey continued, a sentiment emerged and echoed from those confiding few.
Recently aware of their frailty, and often despite tenacious physiological persistence, many would lovingly admit that the portrait I was taking would likely be used for their obituary. I was honored, but began working with a heavy heart.
I felt a deep sense of urgency to listen, learn, and commemorate each person who sat in front of my camera; however, my window of opportunity would need to increase significantly. Instead of 12 minutes, what if each participant had an hour and some change to yap about their legacies and lived experiences to their heart's content?
I surveyed many families and individuals to evaluate interest as I brought this idea to fruition. To my delight, I received a resoundingly positive response from all parties. From here, the need was clearly identified.
I created a scalable business model that prioritizes charitable reinvestment back into participating communities. Developed and implemented operating procedures, standards, and best practice guidelines for future employees. All while filming, editing, and refining the interview process through 15 pilot interviews.