We were lucky to catch up with D’Landria Fowls recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi D’Landria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on was an exhibition entitled Project Restoration. It was my very first endeavor of this kind as a photographer. Project Restoration explored the relationship between fathers and their children to resolve societal misunderstandings and help cultivate lasting bonds. I began the project in hopes that those that participated as well as the audience would be inspired to heal and restore broken relationships. In order to participate, fathers had to complete a survey that included demographic questions such as the number of kids they have and their favorite memory with their own father. From there, I arranged a complimentary photo shoot with the father and their children. The photo shoot was tailored around a special activity that they enjoy together or place that they frequent. During the shoot, I asked further questions to get a feel for the father’s relationship with their own father and the impact that it has on how they rear their children. I was completely blown away by how receptive people were to the idea. They trusted me with their stories and allowed me to share parts of it on various social media platforms. The idea for the project came at a time in my life in which my creative juices were flowing and I truly felt connected to the world around me. Who I didn’t feel very connected to was my father. I grew up in a single parent home. My father wasn’t completely absent but he was not the primary parent. I knew things about him but I didn’t completely know him. I craved a more deep, meaningful relationship with him. An idea came to mind to have monthly daddy/daughter dates. This would consist on us hanging out and doing something fun together. Either he or I would select the activities. He loved the idea and we enjoyed each other’s company. I learned so much about him. After witnessing the success of what I thought was a small gesture, I decided to pay it forward and help others to improve their relationship with their father.

D’Landria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a fascination with cameras and capturing anything that caught my eye.  I love to travel! I have seen many breathtaking views and sights all over the world. I find myself mesmerized by vibrant hues, patterns and some of life’s most precious moments shared between people who love each other. These moments held forever in an image have the power to trigger emotion and entice the senses.  Photography elicits a spiritual revelation that allows one to take the uncommon, the unrefined, the unnatural and expose its beauty for the world to see. It was through the urging and support of a dear friend that D. Michae’ Photography was born. D. Michae’ Photography (DMP) provides premium digital photography service. DMP specializes in special occasion portraits and event photography. What sets me apart from other photographers is is my focus on building relationships with clients. I don’t want to be just the family photographer. I desire to grow with families and capture special moments that will last a lifetime. At D. Michae’ Photography, we are committed to “framing reality one moment at a time.”

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I interact with clients via email, text, social media and my business website. I generate a client profile which includes important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries and future service dates that may have been mentioned in conversation. I use this as a guide to follow up with clients for service. You must master the art of the followup in order to grow your business. We all have busy lives. Our clients are no different. Clients forget things so a quick follow up can be key to gaining business and clients appreciate the reminder. I also send out a quarterly newsletter to clients to keep them updated on promotions, ways to book services and to say thank you for their business. Additionally, I have a referral program that provides a discount to clients that refer me to others.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Each year since my business was established, I have worked diligently to grow the business. Each year my clientele as well as my profits increased. Then the pandemic hit in early 2020. This was a devastating time for everyone, my business included. People were afraid and dealing with the impacts of the pandemic. Taking family photos was probably the last thing on their minds. Events were cancelled. People were confined to their homes for awhile. I nearly broke even that year. With the end of the pandemic nowhere in sight, I was discouraged. As the world began to regain some sense of normalcy at the end of the year, I entered 2021 with a renewed vigor to adjust to the times we were living in. Now more than ever it became increasingly important to to capture moments with the ones that you love. Many lost loved ones due to the Coronavirus myself included. I decided to share the message of the necessity to capture moments with loved ones while you have the opportunity. I realized that my marketing strategy had to adjust to the times that we are in. I posted a few times a week on social media consistently to increase engagement with my clients/followers. I also decided to promote “porchtraits.” This would allow clients to feel a bit more secure taking photos from the comfort of their own front porch. I even partnered with an organization that I previously worked with to offer porchtraits at a special rate to their members. This endeavor was a huge success. My efforts did not go in vain. I saw more than a 50% increase in profits from 2020 and one of my photos was featured on the Instagram page of a popular lifestyle brand. This has given me the confidence boost that I needed to propel me to keep the business going and generate new innovative ideas to be successful. 2022 will be an even better year!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dmichae.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmichaephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmichaephotos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/d-michae-photography-dallas