When people were asked to stay at home, 214.235.3239 wasn’t exactly bursting with text and voice messages nor was the Misty@PhotographyByMisty.com email filled with anything but junk mail. However, our team took a couple of months to knock things off the never-ending to-do list. Occasionally an on-location headshot request would come through, yet for the most part our Canon Camera shutters stayed shut.
And then . . . a little magic started to happen. Other than a Plano or Dallas headshot request, our first portrait session was high-school graduate K. It was a breath of fresh air (literally as we stayed outside) to be interacting with people face-to-face. High School portrait sessions are my and associate photographer Jenny’s favorite subjects. They are full of life, optimism, hope, invincibility and have flawless complexions.
A few maternity photography requests trickled in, as well as baby portraits and more and more business portraits. Some headshots were merely to update LinkedIn profiles while others were for new career path endeavors.
Senior portraits, maternity photography sessions and baby pictures is where Photography by Misty started more than 18 years ago. It felt really great to roll it back a bit. Yes, we still offer family wall portraiture and individual photography sessions, however corporate photography work has been the bulk of our business for quite awhile now.
Then the phone started ringing with branding photography sessions and product photography inquiries. Some came from PPP lenders wanting to highlight their clients, while others were from individuals started side hustles. People working from home started brainstorming about and creating new avenues of revenue. Many of those businesses are based on the needs of people protecting themselves and others from Covid-19. Some of Photography by Misty’s clients are now marketing touchless key tools and children’s face masks.
Our favorite photoshoot requests since March 6, 2020? Adult birthday photography sessions have hands-down been the best. Whether it was J, celebrating 69 years here on Earth or D calling in a desperate last-minute plea (as her other photographer canceled at the last minute), we absolutely LOVE that people are celebrating themselves. J and I popped a bottle of champagne at 9am on a Saturday. D is one ahhhhmazing young single mother and healthcare provider. They not only celebrated themselves, but we celebrated right along with them. My son taught me last year that Americans are the only society that curses versus embracing their age. These fun and fabulous (new) friends definitely know how to treasure their wisdom and experience.
And… we had a first at Photography by Misty. We shot an adult Baptism. Never have we ever taken family portraits and event photography of an adult’s rededication to Christ. In our opinion, now is the perfect time to turn to God. Our client is dedicated to, with God’s help, securing a positive second half to her life.
The brightest, shiniest lining to Photography by Misty’s C-word story is all the friends we made with darker skin (my skin is so white, I’m just about see-through). During the past 6 months, we have organically photographed so many amazing friends with Onyx-highlighted hair. It opened the door for honest and real conversations and, of course, new friends.
Whether it’s personal or business stories, a topic for positive conversations is the silver lining the past 6 months. What’s your silver lining?
There is so much goodness in Plano, Dallas and Frisco... where to begin?
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