Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ladrena Bolden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

LaDrena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

My first client was my niece. I have always been interested in photography and the details of photography. I attended my niece college graduation, and it was the first time I honestly used a camera with the idea of starting a business. I did not know anything regarding the settings or the functions of the camera and how they all coexist with each other. I purchased my camera and the store I purchased from set my settings up for me in a manual setting.
My family allowed me to practice with them that weekend and the pictures were beautiful as well as some beautiful moments that were captured.

LaDrena, 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?

My name is LaDrena Bolden. I am a mother of two, soon to be college graduates. I am new to the Dallas area (08/2021) and I am still trying to find my tribe and learn my way around the city. I wanted to learn photography because whenever I was near a photographer, I enjoyed being creative with poses and I also have the eye to catch some of the things that most would think are minor.m, example the way you may sit or how you clothes are laying. I know that it is a lasting moment, which is why I enjoy capturing those moments and seeing clients smile.

I am still learning my niche; however, I do like lifestyle photography, events, family, and nature.
What I would like my clients to know is that I think of what would I like as a client and try to capture those moments. Example, think of weddings, most of the time the photographers are focused on the bride when the door opens and fail to capture the Groom’s first look and response. Sometimes it is the in the moment laughter and conversations that are had during events. The moments that you think of later. I want to capture those. One of the pictures that I love is one that I captured of my uncle sitting looking at the beach and then when he turned and waved. Just catching him in thought when he was not paying attention became the family’s favorite, as he passed 8 months later.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes. I wish there was a community in which you could learn and shadow in different areas without there being a fear of competition. I think everyone has a gift and no matter what it is, you cannot be in everyplace at the same time. Also, just because we may be in the same field, my focus may be different than yours. Just having the time and the willingness to mentor others that may want to learn and grow in business. Networking without judgement.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

The way I have funded my business is with my own resources. I have used my own income to purchase the equipment that is needed to start my business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Bold_photog
• Other: I am working on my website and other social media platforms.