Meet Paula Goforth | Paula Goforth Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paula Goforth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, how do you define success?
For me, success isn’t about numbers or awards—it’s about impact and connection. I define success by knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, whether that’s through capturing memories that a family will treasure forever or simply making a client feel seen, valued, and cared for during their session.

On a personal level, success also looks like balance—having the freedom to spend time with my family, to invest in the people I love, and to live with joy and gratitude. If I can look back and see that I’ve built meaningful relationships, served others well, and stayed true to who I am, then I consider that a success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography journey has been shaped by both passion and perseverance. From the very beginning, I was drawn to capturing the little details and fleeting moments that tell a bigger story. Over the past 15 years, that spark has grown into Paula Goforth Photography, where I now specialize in maternity, newborn, and family sessions.

What sets me apart is the experience I create for each client. I want families to feel cared for and stress-free, so I’ve built a curated client closet, designed my studio to feel warm and welcoming, and stocked it with everything needed for newborn safety and comfort. When a family walks in, they can relax, knowing I’ve thought through the details so they can just focus on being present with each other.

The road to where I am today hasn’t always been easy. Moving to the DFW area during COVID meant starting over from scratch in many ways. I didn’t know anyone outside of my family, and it felt daunting. But I pushed through, leaned on my daughters’ encouragement, and found a local photography community that cheered me on when I needed it most. Those challenges taught me resilience and reminded me why I love this work so much: because it’s not just about photos, it’s about people.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Every time a new mom hands me her baby or a family invites me to capture their milestones, I’m reminded that this isn’t just a job—it’s an honor. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success comes from connection. If people walk away from their session feeling seen, loved, and cared for, then I’ve done my job well.

At the heart of it all, I want the world to know that Paula Goforth Photography is about more than pictures—it’s about preserving memories, celebrating connection, and telling each family’s story with love and authenticity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want to give them a true taste of what makes this area special—blending Texas charm, outdoor adventure, and plenty of fun along the way.

We’d definitely start at the Fort Worth Stockyards, soaking in the cowboy culture, catching a cattle drive, and maybe some live music. It’s such a great way to experience the roots of Texas. I’d also plan a little day trip to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It’s just a few hours away, but the scenery is breathtaking—mountains, lakes, and those golden sunsets that are worth every minute of the drive.

Back in Fort Worth, we’d spend a day at the Fort Worth Zoo and the Botanical Garden, two local gems that show off both the beauty and family-friendly side of the area. For a touch of culture, we’d stop at the Kimbell Art Museum, and then maybe get some fresh air with a walk or bike ride along the Trinity Trails.

For something unique and memorable, we’d head to Glen Rose to explore Dinosaur Valley State Park. Walking where dinosaurs once roamed always makes for such a fun adventure (and of course, great photos!).

And when it comes to food, I’d have to take them to Babe’s Chicken Dinner House. There’s just nothing like it—the comfort food, the big family-style portions, and the warm atmosphere always make it a favorite.

By the end of the week, they’d get a little bit of everything—history, nature, culture, and Texas flavor—all wrapped up in the places that make this area feel like home to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Gosh, this is such a hard one because I’ve been impacted by so many incredible photographers here in the DFW area. When I moved here five years ago—in the middle of COVID, into a new home, and only knowing family—it truly felt like starting over.

One of the best decisions I made was joining a local DFW photography group. That’s where I found a community I instantly connected with, and through it, I met some amazing photography friends. Jessi, Jen, Stephanie, Taylor, Danielle, Gillian, Kaylee, Natasha, and so many others have supported me, encouraged me, and cheered me on during times when I honestly felt like throwing in the towel.

They became such a breath of fresh air in this new chapter of my life. It means so much to have a community of women who not only understand the photography world, but who also focus on truly supporting one another. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. It’s a beautiful reminder that community over competition really does change everything.

Website: https://www.paulagoforth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulagoforthphotography

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Image Credits
photo taken By JCP Photography