Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Henderson.
Hi Desiree, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I actually fell in love with photography because of Instagram. Though I’ve never heard another person say it I can imagine that’s the case for many. Seeing as my mind composed thoughts as images I had never connected with another social media platform like I did with this one. Having had a knack for art [painting], I gravitated towards the creativity of still photography and began playing with light, shadow, color, and angles. This soon became somewhat of an obsession. One that felt completely practical because professional photographers are a thing. No doubt that could be me. My first camera was gifted to me by my grandmother (she believed in me) and since then photography has become a priority in my life. In spite of all the male figures who seemed intent on disapproving of this “hobby”. I spent years being a “cog” in the system this world pressured me to fit into and I cared to do that no more. It wasn’t for me. Seven years later and it remains a priority. One that my husband has always prioritized as well so much so that three years ago he joined me in this adventure and together we capture some of the happiest moments in people’s lives and we love it. Capturing the authentic and showing it’s beautiful. That’s at the heart of what we do at Ezer Photo.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh my goodness. There have been so many challenges! Luckily you learn so much from them. They’re necessary for growth. Some are smaller in scale, having to do with a specific moment. Some, however, are ever-present. My husband still teases me about my first engagement shoot. The shoot was taking place in multiple locations. Halfway through the shoot we would hop in our cars and drive fifteen minutes to the second spot. I showed up to the first in my well-loved 2001 Acura Integra and began to shoot. When we went to move to the second location my lovely car wouldn’t start. The day was hot, I’m in the middle of a shoot I’m being paid for and my car won’t start. The couple asked if I wanted to ride with them and so I did, choosing to deal with the car later. At the second location, my camera began having issues. I asked someone to bring me my laptop so I could empty my card because I only had one SD card. *gasp* Dumping the footage didn’t help. The things I wish I knew then would fill a book. Naturally, I did the only sensible thing. Choking down my pride, I pulled out my iPhone 5 and began taking photos, apologizing with every click. Luckily, with strong skills in photo manipulation I was able to add elements so that they didn’t look like flat phone camera pictures seeing as in 2014 iPhone pictures had no depth. Some of those photos ended up being their favorites and they still hired me for their wedding but I often wonder if it’s as memorable for them as it was for me.
A big obstacle in my career has definitely been one that surprised me. No one tells you how hard small businesses have it. Not because of the obvious things like lack of sales, marketing, competition, etc. Rather because it often feels like the system is against us. In a country known for “The American Dream” it shocked me to learn that it is not as supportive of people molding that dream for themselves rather than fitting into a dream designed by others. That has been a struggle. You are on your own, swimming upstream, hoping to make it another day. Feeling crazy because no one sees it. The vision, the effort, the love. Only you. I knew owning and operating my own business would be hard but not that everything, including the system I belonged and paid taxes to, would be so against me. Not that knowing would have stopped me but I certainly could have been more prepared.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ezer Photo?
In the above bot if it was an option I would choose “Business / Creative”
So much more than a couple of flies on the wall, we are present and engaged. We listen to you, advocate for you, and assist you in any way we can; nothing less than best friends, if only for a day.
We do everything in our power to make your day as great as it can be. Strong attention to detail and an even stronger sense of empathy; knowing full and well what your wedding means to you. Though we desire to provide couples with a catered experience it doesn’t mean it’s without fun. It’s a wedding after all, so let’s celebrate and capture it beautifully!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Over the span of the Covid-19 crisis, we learned that people come first. Shifting our drive for business and survival to focusing more on our client’s needs is not easy but it’s the right thing to do. Even in just adapting and finding new ways to do the job.
Pricing:
- Weddings Start at $4,500
- Drone Wedding Photography $500
- Engagement start at $400
- Adventure Engagement starts at $700
Contact Info:
- Email: ezerkenegdo.design@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.ezerphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ezer_photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EZERPhoto/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/EzerPhoto/
Image Credits
Desiree Henderson
Raul Navedo
Ezer Photo Also
