My Journey to Becoming a Portrait Photographer in Dallas, Texas
How does someone become a portrait photographer? What grueling trials must one endure to earn the title?
Well, to be honest—not much is needed to become a portrait photographer. At its core, a portrait photographer is simply someone who captures portraits of subjects, whether it’s a model, couple, family, or even pets. It’s a broad field that overlaps with many other types of photography, like wedding photography (by the way, if you need a wedding photographer in Dallas, I’m your guy). The first step? Picking up a camera. And yes, your phone camera counts!
But I know what you’re really here for—the story of how I became a portrait photographer in Dallas.
My First Steps into Portrait Photography
As I mentioned in my first blog post (which you should totally check out), I started my journey back in ninth grade when I was assigned to the Digital Arts pathway in high school. This meant I had early exposure to Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere, and After Effects, along with hands-on experience using DSLR cameras. The first camera I remember holding was a Nikon D3300, a beginner-friendly DSLR that introduced me to the world of manual focus. The quality was noticeably better than my Samsung Galaxy J5 (not exactly the highest standard, but hey, it was a start).
At that point, I was shooting in JPEG instead of RAW, which meant limited flexibility when editing. But the magic of photography had me hooked, and I kept experimenting. By 11th grade, I upgraded to a Canon T7i, which introduced me to the concept of a prime lens—specifically, the 50mm f/1.8 (also known as the "nifty fifty"). Seeing that beautiful bokeh (the dreamy blurred background behind a subject) for the first time? A game-changer.
One of the first portraits I took on the Canon t7i as part of a school assignment in 2018
Growing My Skills as a Portrait Photographer
My passion for portrait photography only grew from there. I often borrowed the Canon T7i from my school, practicing my craft with friends. We'd gather outside the now-closed Fry’s Electronics near Northwest Hwy, capturing moments and refining our skills. My high school photography teacher became a mentor, pushing me to experiment with composition, lighting, and editing.
After high school, I attended community college, and with some refund money (and zero financial literacy at the time), I bought my first camera: the Nikon D3500. That camera saw me through countless portrait sessions—until I got a bit too comfortable. I took a break from photography, and the camera started collecting dust in my closet.
Portrait of my friend, Chepi, which I took on my Nikon D3500
Portrait of my friend and model, Trevor, captured on the Canon t7i
Rediscovering My Passsion for Portrait Photography
Flash forward past my time as a Wingstop cook and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads in 2021. I wanted to reignite my love for photography, so I bought a new 50mm lens for my Nikon—only to find out it wasn’t compatible. Frustrated, I did what any emotionally unstable photographer would do:
- Sold my camera
- Returned the lens
- Opened a credit card to buy a brand-new mirrorless camera
That’s how I ended up with the Sony A6400—my first mirrorless camera. Holding it for the first time, I felt like a true photographer. While I stand by the belief that gear doesn’t make you a better photographer, I also recognize that the right tools help you unlock your full potential.
Portrait of my friend, Zai, when we went on a work retreat at Bridgeport. Captured on my Sony a6400 and Sigma 16mm
Portrait of my friend, Karla, upon first trying out off camera flash my photography mentor, Hector J Gonzalez.
Becoming a Portrait Photographer in Dallas, Texas
Under the continued mentorship of my high school photography teacher, I dove into off-camera flash photography, which shaped the dynamic portrait style I use today. Eventually, I upgraded to a full-frame mirrorless camera—the Sony A7C. This was the turning point.
With every portrait session in Dallas, my confidence grew. I could see someone—a client, a model, a family—and I knew I could deliver the best portrait they had ever seen. Of course, beauty is subjective, but my goal is always to capture someone in a way that feels both real and timeless.
Portrait of Zai when I was trying out a on-camera flash from NEEWER that would later break the next day. Captured on my Sony a6400
Portrait of my cousin, Mario, when we went to an abandoned car parking building. Captured on my Sony a6400.
Portrait of Trevor once more as a viking, captured on my Sony a6400.
Why Choose Me as Your Dallas Portrait Photographer
If you're looking for a professional portrait photographer in Dallas, Texas, I’d love to work with you! Whether you're in need of:
- Professional headshots
- Couples photography
- Creative portrait sessions
- Family portraits
- Wedding photography
I bring years of experience, a passion for storytelling, and a deep understanding of light and composition to every session. Let’s create something amazing together!
📩 Ready to book a session? Contact me today!
