We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thelma Gutierrez Chandler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thelma Chandler, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

It was during a family and friends’ picnic at the neighborhood park in July 2020, that a family friend approached me and asked if I could take their daughter's senior photos. I was happy they trusted me to do it. However, my initial response was why me? They know that it is my passion to take photos of my kids and family. I am also a self-designated photographer during gatherings and outings. I was anxious, but I agreed to do the senior photoshoot. I told them they could always hire someone else if the images I produced were not good.

After that session, which by the way, I found to be very relaxing and fun, I knew it was time for me to test the waters, my equipment, my skills, and how I could incorporate all the tools and my know-how into photography. This family friend validated my “talent.” Going behind the camera “professionally” for the first time gave me the realization that I can maybe, just maybe, cultivate my talent into something profitable. Having a supportive husband, kids, and family friends gave me the boost to keep going and start a plan for future photo sessions.

Thelma Chandler, 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?

We are a military family. My husband has been in the United States Air Force for over 20 years now, and we are parents to two beautiful children. I am a full-time work-from-home employee of a Fortune 500 company as a Configuration Management Analyst and Quality/ Validation Engineer. Since July 2020, my first paid photography session, I have taken several seminars, webinars, and live video training. I have learned a few techniques and photography styles from the people I consider mentors. I also joined a few groups of women photographers here in Colorado. and across the United States. I am a self-starter and follow through with my vision/mission.

I won my first Photography contest back in 2020. I was one of the Top 20 winners out of more than 1000 entries for the Quintessential Colorado Photo Contest by The Gazette and co-sponsored by Mike’s Camera. A few of my images were published in The Gazette’s Newsletter as Photo of the Day.

Over the past two years, I’ve tried several photoshoot sessions – Family, Maternity, Newborn, Special Occasions, Senior, Graduation, Engagement, Weddings, Nature, Landscape, and Animals. I also do Real Estate Photography which I find very relaxing. While all these sessions are great, my heart is settling on the Family, Senior/Graduation, and Real Estate sessions. Mini sessions like Fall and Christmas are my favorites too.

The one situation I helped my client with recently was when a wonderful mom messaged me and asked if I could retake their family photos. She mentioned that they had a photoshoot just recently, but it didn’t turn out as she planned. The issue was she felt there was no guidance (posing-wise) during their family photoshoot. So, I checked my calendar and found a perfect time and place for their photoshoot. After the session, she sent me a message saying ” Thank you for tonight. All of us loved how genuine you were. I wish that every family getting their pictures done experience someone like you. It was truly a wonderful time.” Time like this gives me a moral boost, this is a validation that not only do I satisfy myself being a small business owner, but I also give a little bit of happiness to my clients.

Listening closely to my client’s vision of their photos helps me execute and fulfill what they want. After all, it is their prized memories they will hold on to for a long time. It is my pleasure to have captured that memory for them. My slogan is “Photography with a Heart”

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

I live in a family-oriented neighborhood. Being a member of the community Facebook page, I learned a lot about families needing a photographer for their special occasions. What helped me build my reputation within my market is the continuous self-advertisement that resulted in many bookings from my neighbors. I’ve set up a few mini-sessions for Fall and Christmas, even a sporadic session like, “If it snows tomorrow, let’s brave it and have your instant Christmas Card Photos Made by me.” Sending out an announcement on the community page helped me spread my events. They are very supportive of me. I get bookings through word-of-mouth. To this day, most of my new clients are through recommendations from my previous, current, or returning clients. I am very thankful and grateful for all the love I receive not only from my family and friends but also from my neighbors whom I have never met prior to their photoshoots. Their beautiful and sincere recommendations make my small business known both within the community and outside my community. I am flattered that someone as far as Commerce City, Denver booked with me for their Senior photoshoot. That is a 2-hour drive to my location!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, witnessing my own growth in photography is the most rewarding aspect. From self-doubt to self-confidence, the fact that I make my clients happy through the images I capture of their special moments is very humbling. I love it when my clients share with me their appreciation and love for my photos. Photography through my camera and special lenses feeds my creativity. I get to experience its flow. I see some perspectives that later I share with my clients once the images are processed. And of course, it is rewarding to always give back all the praise and glory to the one who makes all things possible for me and my family, I thank the Lord Jesus for all the blessings!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thelmachandlerphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgchand76?mibextid=ZbWKwL (Thelma Chandler Photography Ltd.)

Image Credits
Pictures by Thelma Chandler Photography Ltd.