Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorothy Beam.
Hi Dorothy, 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 have always enjoyed taking photos. As someone with Aphantasia {the inability to visualize mental images in my mind}, photos were a huge part of how I was able to see the past. They are the only way I can visually see someone who is not standing right in front of me. That meant that I was the girl who packed 10 disposable cameras for our Washington DC trip in 8th grade, and still ran out! However, when I had my children, I decided it was time to learn more on the subject. I wanted to have, not just pictures, but amazing photos for them to look back on. After I had my daughter in 2013, I decided to start taking photos for other people as well. At the time, I was a full-time tax accountant, so it was truly just a hobby. However, as I learned more, I took more photos of other people, and it quickly grew into a business. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit, and I still had clients, that I realized I could truly turn my passion into a business. In 2022, I left my accounting career to be a full-time photographer, and I couldn’t be happier!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe there are bumps in every road to greatness, and that nothing worth doing is easy. I have spent most of my adult life doing the traditional career because that is what I thought you should do. Something safe. Consistent. However, my husband, David, is a true entrepreneur. He has run his own business for 18 years, and he has been by my side, encouraging and helping me, every step of the way. Each time I have struggled with self-value, knowing my worth, investing in myself & my business, he was there as my rock helping me find the way out. When the pandemic hit, it was a true test of whether my business could survive. I took that moment to change how my business was structured and came back even better than before. I am sure there will be more bumps along the way, and I’m sure that I will be bruised on some of them, but I will always come out the other side stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a studio photographer specializing in maternity through cake smash, portraiture, and branding. I pride myself on being different from other photographers in Dayton. I am known for creating luxury experiences. A photo session with me is memorable. It’s being pampered with complimentary, professional hair and makeup. It’s not having to worry about what to wear because you can use any of the gowns {casual and glam} in my studio wardrobe. It’s experiencing other local business who I have partnered with. It’s not having to choose between locations and sets because I offer traditional studio, lifestyle studio, and outdoor options to each of my clients. It’s not being rushed the day of the session because I only schedule one session per day. It’s having control over how you want to look by having the opportunity to voice your opinions on the edits. It’s not having to worry about finding the time to actually print your photos because I take care of that for you. My sessions are luxury experiences so that my clients don’t have to stress about their photos. They just come for the experience, and at the end, they have amazing pieces of artwork they can pass down to their children.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t know that I believe in luck playing a role in life and business. I believe that when you work hard, good things will come to you. However, I do believe that everything happens for a reason. So, if something doesn’t happen when I think it should, I believe it wasn’t the right time or journey for me. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen later, or maybe something better is waiting down the road for me.
Pricing:
- Session Fees begin at $300
- Wall Art begins at $190
- Collections begin at $990
- Albums begin at $1990
Contact Info:
- Email: dorothybeamphotography@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.dorothybeamphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothybeamphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorothybeamphotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dbeamphoto
Image Credits
Four Acres Photography
Dorothy Beam Photography
