Today we’d like to introduce you to Dean Coffman.
Hi Dean, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2018 I got out of Active Duty Army one day and joined the local Sheriff’s Office the next. I was very dedicated to my job, and my mentors identified that it was consuming a lot of my time. They pulled me aside one day and told me to get a hobby that didn’t involve work, or I risked burning out. I actually had to think pretty hard about it. Most of my life had been dedicated to the service of my country or community up to that point. I’d always really enjoyed taking photos with my cell phone, and I was curious how people made a “real” camera work. So, it was decided, photography. My girlfriend gave me my first camera, and I was off to the races. I couldn’t get enough, but I was worried. I often picked up a hobby and put it down without picking it back up. This was different though. My camera was always with me. I was always reading, attending a class, or going to some seminar. There were short periods of time I would put the camera down, but I missed it. I started posting my photos on social media, and a friend reached out and asked me to do photos of their family. Several friends and family later, I was highly encouraged by those around me to start charging. I was putting real work in now, but I just didn’t want to make it into a business. I kept it strictly part-time and charged just enough to pay for new equipment. Fast forward 4 or 5 years, and I now have a full-time studio; I’ve been honored to shoot dozens and dozens of weddings ad have found a niche in working with families and children. I eventually branched out into teaching classes and helping others find the same joy I do in photography.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been anything but a smooth road. Working a full-time job, managing other businesses, and location failures all lend to the character the business has today. Our first studio location turned out to be challenging to say the least. We had a small room in the back of a dance studio, and I always felt like we were sneaking in and out, even though we were paying plenty to be there. The neighbors next door were so loud, and there was an embarrassing odor that permeated the walls all hours of the day and night. The kind of odors you can’t have when you’re doing a newborn shoot with a 7-day-old little one. After about 8 or 9 months, we knew we had to move. It was pure luck we found our current location, and we love it. We have an amazing little group of local businesses around us, and we all support each other.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of the things we are known for is our versatility. We do a little bit of everything from weddings to cake-smash birthdays for toddlers. We offer professional printing in the studio and a lot of personal and custom options for website galleries and storage. I’m most proud of the volunteer work we have been able to participate in. A lot of our free time is happily donated to local organizations like the police department, children’s groups, and veterans’ organizations. We also rent our studio space out for other local photographers who need a space to work.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
By far, the most important thing I’ve learned is to find ways to keep loving what you do. Don’t be afraid to shake it up and do something new or branch out into something outside of your comfort zone. I have no problem with saying no, but saying yes has pushed me into areas I never thought possible.
Pricing:
- Wedding packages from $1300.00
- Family Photos from $180.00
- Event Photography from $100.00
- Photography Studio Rental from $75.00 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: southernshootsphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/southernshoots912
- Facebook: facebook.com/southernshootsphotos
- Other: southernshoots.com
