We were lucky to catch up with Denice Woller recently and have shared our conversation below.
Denice , appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Stepping away from photographing all genres to specialize in Legacy and High School Senior photography was a huge leap of faith. After nearly two decades of steady, word-of-mouth business, narrowing my focus—and stepping into the world of marketing—felt like starting over. It was risky, especially after building a career without ever needing to promote myself. But I knew this was a step God was calling me to take. Embracing this niche has brought clarity, renewed passion, and a stronger sense of purpose. It’s led to deeper connections and more meaningful experiences—for both me and my clients.
Denice , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Denice, the owner and photographer behind Woller Photography, based in Mankato, Minnesota—but I’m blessed that my work also takes me far beyond. While I call southern Minnesota home, I travel for destination sessions across the country, wherever my clients’ stories unfold. I’ve been a professional photographer for nearly 25 years and have also spent nearly that long teaching photography and journalism at Bethany Lutheran College where I’ve mentored hundreds of students in the art and craft of visual storytelling.
Photography was a calling, long before I actually realized it. My mom was the first to suggest I should become a photographer, but in high school, I didn’t see it as a realistic career path. I just loved taking photos. That outlook changed when I started working at a small-town newspaper in South Dakota. I was constantly out in the community, photographing farmers, small business owners, and everyday life—and people genuinely loved my work. That’s when it clicked that I really was meant to use these skills God had given me. It was also then that the seed for my Legacy photography was planted.
I received my Media and Theater Art degree from MSU in Bozeman, MT, and my MA in photography at MSU in Mankato. I began my business in the middle, and also gave birth to four children in five years. Life got so busy, I had health issues, and over time, I felt a strong pull to focus on the work I was most passionate about, and essentially what got me into photography in the first place. That led me to take a leap of faith and niche down exclusively to two specialties: Legacy Experiences and High School Senior Photography. It was a major shift—from generalist to specialist—and it meant learning how to market for the first time. But it’s the best decision I’ve ever made for both my business and my creative fulfillment.
Through my Legacy Experiences, I document the lives and work of everyday Americans—especially those in agriculture. This isn’t your typical portrait session; it’s documentary-style storytelling that captures people doing what they love, whether that’s working the land, running a business, or carrying on a family tradition. My clients receive custom-designed heirloom albums and wall art that preserve their stories for future generations. These sessions are deeply personal and often include multi-generational family portraits, making them a priceless piece of living history.
My High School Senior Experiences are equally personal and intentional. I handpick unique locations that reflect each senior’s style and story. I use creative lighting and thoughtful planning to make every session feel elevated, meaningful, and fun. Seniors don’t just walk away with beautiful images—they leave with memories and a sense of being truly seen and celebrated. They also have the option to travel to destinations that either mean something to them, or sound just plain awesome.
No matter the client, they always leave with printed heirloom artwork—whether it’s a handcrafted album or custom wall art. I believe in the power of the printed image to carry stories across generations. A photo on a drive can be forgotten, but a tangible piece becomes part of the home, a daily reminder of what matters most, and a legacy to be passed on.
“Be Authentically You” is more than a motto—it’s the heart of my work. I’m most proud when clients say their session felt personal, meaningful, even relaxing—or that their images helped them see their life’s work in a new light.
What sets me apart is my commitment to creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind experiences. I don’t do cookie-cutter sessions—every image is crafted to reflect the real, honest story of the person in front of my lens. That begins with how I show up: down-to-earth, genuine, and fully invested. Growing up on a dairy farm, living on a farm now, and working out of a barn studio gives me a deep-rooted connection to the lives I photograph.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about Woller Photography, it’s this: I don’t just take pictures—I tell stories that matter. My work is grounded in faith, family, and legacy. Whether you’re stepping into the future or holding onto the past, I’m here to capture the moments that matter and preserve your legacy with purpose.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I’ve already shared a bit about how I pivoted my business, but this is why. When life is moving a million miles an hour, it’s easy to get stuck in the fast lane, just pushing forward without stopping to evaluate. Everything I was doing in my photography business at the time was benefiting my students in the classroom. It gave me real-world examples to share, techniques to teach, and variety to bring into our conversations. But the busier I got, the less time I had with my family, and that had been the entire reason I opened a studio in the first place.
Then I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. After years of neglecting myself and taking on too much, my body finally said, “Enough.”
At my lowest—when I was so sick I thought I might have to retire completely—God had other plans. He reminded me why I fell in love with photography to begin with: those early days documenting farmers and ranchers in South Dakota. I remembered the reality of their lives and how being accepted into their world to tell their story truly filled me up. I still don’t know anyone else doing this kind of photography, so it took time to believe I could actually make a living pursuing this niche. But I knew I had to try.
So I made a plan: I’d spend my spring break alone in South Dakota, building a portfolio and chasing the type of stories I was passionate about. That was March 2020, and the world began shutting down while I was there. There were even questions about whether I’d be able to drive back home. And still, it turned out to be one of the most incredible weeks of my life. I hadn’t felt that physically well in a long time, and the work I created—documenting people, some of whom I had never met before that trip—was some of the most meaningful of my career. I had followed where God led, and He showed me the next chapter for Woller Photography.
Even in the uncertainty of a pandemic, that trip solidified the direction I needed to take. Families and storytelling became more important to others, too, and my business has flourished ever since.
That said, I couldn’t walk away from high school seniors, they’re just too much fun! I love using my creativity to find amazing locations, design epic lighting, and even plan destination shoots. Most of all, I love helping seniors feel seen during such a pivotal season in their lives. My goal is always the same: to tell their authentic story and help them feel as amazing and unique as they truly are.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Educational photo conferences have completely transformed my business. There are many out there, but I’ve only attended two so far—Imaging USA and SYNC—and they’ve been game changers. For years, I didn’t think I needed to invest in something like that. I had an MA in photography, after all! But after being gifted a trip to one, I quickly realized it needed to become part of my annual business budget.
I’ve gained invaluable insight—not only into improving my photography, but also in learning how to run my business more effectively. The return on investment is undeniable. Beyond education, these conferences have given me something else that’s just as important: community. Photography can be a lonely profession. We have great interactions with clients during sessions, but in between, we spend countless hours alone at our computers, doing all the behind-the-scenes work it takes just to keep the business going.
Being surrounded by like-minded creatives is incredibly rewarding. Some of my greatest lessons have come not from the sessions themselves, but from conversations with fellow photographers outside the classroom. That kind of connection is priceless. And through those relationships, God has also opened doors for new travel opportunities, making the experience all the more meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wollerphotography.com
- Instagram: wollerphototography
- Facebook: Woller Photography
- Linkedin: Denice Woller
- Yelp: Woller Photography
Image Credits
The photo of me was taken by Jennifer Denton. All other photos were taken by me!