We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dunice Harrell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dunice, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I’d like to share the story behind The Gift of a Lifetime (GOAL) Program, a project that holds a very special place in my heart. This initiative was born from the belief that every senior graduate, regardless of their financial background, deserves the chance to celebrate one of the most pivotal moments in their life with a professional portrait.
The idea for GOAL came from a deeply personal realization: many students, particularly those from low-income or underserved communities, miss out on having their graduation commemorated with a professional portrait due to financial barriers. For these students, not being able to capture this moment can feel like an opportunity lost, a celebration diminished. I knew I could change that, not just by offering photography services but by creating an experience that was empowering and affirming.
In 2023, I launched a campaign aimed at making senior portraits accessible to every student, regardless of their financial situation. The response was nothing short of inspiring. Students and families from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area reached out, sharing their stories and gratitude for the opportunity. That’s when The GOAL Program took form, expanding from just a photography service into a mission-driven initiative. For many of these students, the graduation portrait is not just a keepsake—it’s a symbol of everything they’ve overcome, a tangible reminder that they are worthy of celebration.
This program continues to grow, and with further support and sponsorship, I see it evolving into something even more impactful—offering workshops, mentorship, and creative opportunities for young people to explore their passions. Through GOAL, we’re making sure that every student gets to experience their Gift of a Lifetime, regardless of their circumstances.
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’m Dunice Harrell, the founder of Dunice Harrell Photography, and my journey into photography began with a love for working with the younger generation. From leading young adult programs at my church to mentoring young people in my corporate role, I’ve always had a deep sense of responsibility to empower the next generation. This passion shaped everything I do. The younger generation has incredible potential, and I see it as my mission to help them prepare to take the baton from us and carry it even further, creating the kind of change we may not have been able to accomplish.
My transition from using my favorite hobby, photography, to make a difference in the community happened when I realized how powerful a professional portrait can be. For a young person, especially a high school or college graduate, a portrait is more than just a photograph—it’s a moment of recognition, a moment where they can see themselves as capable, successful, and ready for what’s next. That’s where Dunice Harrell Photography was born, with a commitment to not only capture beautiful images but to empower young people to see their worth and potential through my camera lens.
Products, Services & Creative Works:
At Dunice Harrell Photography, we specialize in capturing senior portraits, headshots, and branding photography for high school and college graduates, as well as emerging professionals entering the workforce. Our services are designed to go beyond the image. Each session is a chance to empower the individual, helping them to step confidently into the next chapter of their life.
The Problems We Solve & What Sets Us Apart:
One of the biggest challenges we solve is making professional photography accessible to young people, especially those from low-income or underserved communities. Photography, especially for seniors and graduates, is often seen as a luxury, but I believe every young person deserves the chance to commemorate their achievements with a beautiful portrait, regardless of financial constraints. What truly sets us apart is our focus on empowerment, personalization, and community. For me, photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about telling stories and showing young people who they are and who they can become. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter sessions. Prior to the day of the photoshoot, I take time to understand each client’s journey, their personality, and their goals, and I craft an experience tailored just for them. I also leverage my background in leading young adult programs in my career, church and the community to connect deeply with my clients. I understand the unique challenges they face and aim to inspire and guide them through this transitional phase in their lives. Whether it’s through mentorship, volunteer programs, or photography sessions, my goal is always the same—to help them see that they are capable of greatness.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I am most proud of the impact we’ve made with the GOAL Program. Knowing that we’ve been able to provide professional senior portraits to hundreds of students who otherwise wouldn’t have access to this opportunity fills me with immense pride. It’s about more than just a photo; it’s about making sure these young people know that their achievements matter and are worthy of celebration. Beyond the photography itself, I’m proud of the mentorship and guidance I’ve been able to offer through my work in the community. It’s always been my goal to help young people feel seen and empowered, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to do that every day.
What I Want Potential Clients & Followers to Know:
I want young people and their families to know that this is more than just a photography business—it’s a mission. I’m committed to helping the next generation step into their future with confidence, armed with a sense of their own potential and the knowledge that they are capable of making even greater changes in the world than we have. Whether you’re looking for senior portraits, branding photography, or professional headshots, I aim to create empowering, personalized experiences that reflect each client’s unique story.
My work is about capturing moments, but more importantly, it’s about celebrating people—where they are and where they’re going. I want every client to walk away from their session feeling inspired and confident. I want people to know that community is at the heart of everything I do. I’m proud to be deeply involved in my local community, whether through volunteering, leading youth programs, or making professional photography services accessible to underserved students. I consider the younger generation apart of my purpose and calling, and I’m here to help them see their worth and embrace their future with confidence.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most defining moments in my journey came early on, when I was just starting to build my photography business. I had this deep passion for capturing the stories of young people, but like many entrepreneurs, I faced significant challenges—particularly around funding and accessibility. At the time, I was working full-time in a corporate job while trying to grow my photography business on the side. I was balancing long hours, investing every bit of time and energy into making my dream a reality.
The toughest moment came when I created an Instagram ad to initially try to reach students that I could offer free senior portraits to in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I hit a wall when I received an overwhelming number of students who hadn’t received professional senior portraits because their families could not afford it. There was a moment when I questioned how on earth am I going to provide portraits for all of these students from high schools all over Dallas-Fort Worth. I didn’t have the funds or studio time to accommodate everyone. But giving up wasn’t an option for me. I believed too strongly in the mission to serve these students, and I wasn’t going to let financial or logistical hurdles stand in the way of that. I decided to get creative. I reached out to a few local studio owners, negotiated free or low-cost on studio time, and even held outdoor shoots to make sure the sessions continued. I also launched a crowdfunding campaign, tapping into the power of community support. The response was incredible—family, friends, and even people I had never met came together to donate funds, helping me keep the project alive.
Through this experience, I learned that resilience is about adapting and pushing forward, even when the path seems uncertain. That moment of struggle didn’t just test my perseverance—it strengthened my resolve and showed me the importance of leaning on my community and staying committed to the bigger picture. From that point forward, I knew that no challenge was too big to overcome if I stayed focused on my mission.
Today, I’m proud to announce that this program has officially grown into a nonprofit organization that will not only serve the community but thrive on the foundation of resilience and resourcefulness. Every student I photograph, every portrait I create, is a reminder that challenges can be overcome—and sometimes, the struggle is what makes the end result even more powerful.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When I started Dunice Harrell Photography, I knew funding would be a challenge. I used my personal savings to buy essential equipment—my first camera, lenses, and basic lighting—allowing me to offer discounted sessions and build my portfolio. The breakthrough came when I launched a community-based initiative (GOAL) offering affordable senior portraits to underserved students. I was fortunate to receive a community grant by the Otis and Rosie Brown Foundation that helped fund additional equipment and studio rentals. Around the same time, I launched a crowdfunding campaign, and the support from family, friends, and even strangers was overwhelming. Every dollar earned went back into the business, allowing me to upgrade my gear and expand. With the backing of the community and that initial grant, I was able to continue supporting my clients with heart and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.duniceharrell.com
- Instagram: @msdunicephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdunicephotography
Image Credits
Dunice Harrell Photography