Check Out Renecha Dudley’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renecha Dudley. 

Hi Renecha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved photography growing up my passion for it has grown over the years. When I was in college, I took a beginner’s film photography course and loved it! I enjoyed working in the darkroom and developing my film. It was interesting how technical flaws could result in surprising and beautiful effects in a photo. I also liked how sometimes a film photograph looked like it had a gritty surface and a fabric overlay. Once the semester ended, I decided to change my major from Communications to Fine Arts. I then graduated from Wright State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a focus in Photography. 

I started my business Behind The Lens With Renee back in 2017, and it has been a blessing ever since. I have a studio space near downtown Dayton, that has been amazing to work in. I love being creative and bringing my client’s visions to life. The type of photography I do is seniors, maternity, family, special events, and product photography. I also do branding photography and I’ve had the opportunity of working with different businesses such as Wick Therapy Candle, Tressworld Hair Growth Stimulator Company, JaeLuxe Shoetique, Legendary Avenue, and Afropunk Brooklyn back in 2019. Taking on these different projects allowed me to develop new relationships and creative challenges. I am always learning and growing to be the most well-rounded photographer I can be, which makes it a career I can be passionate about. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My honest answer is ‘NO’ but nothing comes easy in life and I’ve always learned you have to put your best effort forth. There are things I’m still learning and that statement is so true you literally learn something new every day. I’m working hard because I want my business to continue to grow and be the best it can be. One thing I did find as a struggle was pricing my work because I didn’t want to overcharge or undercharge. All artists have a different way of how they may do their pricing. Non-creatives often don’t understand planning, shooting, countless hours of brainstorming, and the editing process. As a business owner you want to be fair to your clients but fair to yourself. The work you put in to get to the point you are today is not a cheap fair. I’ve learned when pricing your work always consider your skill level and hours. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in portraits. I love being unique and bringing the creative side out of my clients. I also love making them feel like the best versions of themselves. When I photograph my clients, my goal is to convey their personalities through a single image. My favorite space to shoot in is the studio because I love how I can play around and recreate using different strobe lighting etc. I think what sets my work apart is my ability to recreate my client’s vision with a fashion edge to it. I always get told my work has a clean fashion style look. I’m always open-minded to what my client may want and I always give my input when asked. I also enjoy going to abandoned places and capturing amazing pictures. This is something I don’t do as often anymore but keep telling myself I definitely need to consider doing this again. I have captured some beautiful photos, especially at The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio (I know it isn’t abandoned but it’s a nice place to photograph). 

I believe that photography allows you to make imagination into a reality so that’s what I try to do for my clients. Photography is an art and it also allows people to express themselves. 

Contact Info:

• Email: renechadudley@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.btlwithrenee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renechadudley/ 

Image Credits
Behind The Lens With Renee