We recently connected with Dendra Chavez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dendra, thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

I expressed an interest in photography and talked to anyone that would listen about how excited I was to learn the skills and save to invest in a professional camera. A friend from church recognized how strong my desire was to learn photography so her and her husband gathered all of their coins and any extra they could afford and gave me my first start to saving for a camera. It took a little while but once I had enough, I was able to make the investment and that is where my journey began.

I have always remembered this generous and kind gesture to make my dreams come true. Since then, I have been able to capture so many special moments for my family but have done so for many others. It has been humbling and rewarding to reflect on my journey and how it has blessed others. This kindness from someone believing in me enough to help me start working towards my dream has left a lasting impression on me and is so meaningful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been interested in Photography for as long as I can remember going back to the days of watching National Geographic with my dad and looking at the Nat Geo magazines for hours. I was intrigued by the vibrant colors and seeing so many different things that were out in the world.

As a young girl that grew up in rural Alaska, I never thought it would be a possibility or reality for me to create such beautiful work with a camera. It wasn’t until my friend, a professional photographer, offered to take my pictures with my parents when we found out my dad had terminal cancer. He sadly passed about a month later and I was left with not only a lifetime of memories but also the beautiful images she took of us together. It was that moment I realized I need to invest in myself to capture good quality images for my family. Since then, I have studied and honed my photography skills. As I started to post personal photos on social media that several people reached out to me asking if I can take their photos. The requests were starting to come in so frequently that I started my own photography business.

I provide high-level design and quality images to serve my clients for them to cherish in a more beautiful way. I strive to create a fun and comfortable atmosphere where they can incorporate elements of their culture and personality into their session. Often times, this session is the first professional experience they have had so we spend some time together to prepare and ease any jitters. I have been told that this is the most fun they have had, and they enjoyed the whole experience. I offer not only heirloom art for their homes, but also a wonderful experience. I have seen firsthand the benefit of having quality photos in my personal life and I am happy to capture that for my clients.

I am most proud of the trust I have gained from my clients to capture many milestones in their lives. It is rewarding to hear my clients express their satisfaction with what we created together.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think the most valuable strategy for building a good reputation within the Photography industry is to be prepared, on time and consistent with your customers. Offering and sustaining good quality customer service will pay you in dividends with word of mouth. I strive towards being professional, positive and thorough with my customers, so they feel heard and taken care of.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find it rewarding as an artist to be able to meet people that have a specific need for images and being able to not only capture their vision, but also go beyond what they envisioned by incorporating my artistic ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dendrachavezphotography.com
• Instagram: dendra_chavez_photography
• Facebook: Dendra Chavez Photography