Meet Clauthia Fields | Wedding and Senior Photographer and Videographer

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

Hi Clauthia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I was 7 I decided I wanted to be a writer and a film director. I grew up in a challenging community and a home, and I wanted to highlight or share with the world some of the problems from a different lens than what I had previously seen in any media. I had a camera in my hand from that point until I was about 27. Unfortunately in school my passion shifted and I began studying science and psychology because those things seemed like they had a direct path to impact the community and issues I wanted to support. Honestly it was also easier for me to handle math problems as opposed to writing about and facing issues I really had not emotionally processed myself. As a kid I didn’t understand that. So I switched and became a science major because that was easier. LOL. Fast forward, I did a few years in medical school but didn’t finish because my son became really sick. What do you do with a bunch of science degrees, you teach. So I can become a science teacher, teaching biology, chemistry and physics. I was really good at it, I did want to become a child psychiatrist after all. About 15 years in my career as a very creative science educator. My student said to me you are a great motivational speaker and you are very inspiring, why don’t you go do something with all your talent. That was in 2015, the words resonated with me for a long time, but I didn’t take action. I started a mentor group for girls to try to show them how beautiful they were on the inside and outside. This group was called Why Im So loud in honor of girls acting out when they feel a little displaced because they do not have a positive way to shine or showcase their energy and beauty. A concept I could totally relate to, I had My family, the group and my teaching career. I thought I was all set. Fast forward another 3 years, I began speaking at all the schools in my district. I thought surely this was the height of my goals. Nope, in 2018, my son graduates and I needed a senior portrait photographer, we went to several places and I was unhappy with the quality, I hadn’t touched a camera in over 10 years. I bought a new camera and I took his pictures, then more friends, then more friends. Then a friend’s wedding, then a cousin’s wedding. Before you know it I was transforming into my whole self. I was smart, funny, cool and creative. From there WISL Studios was born. A place to help every young girl become and see the beauty that God has blessed them with.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
No it has not been easy, I mentioned before that I ran from this is highschool because I am not good at writing and articulating my feelings in a clear way. In one since I am too flowery I over do concepts and in another, if there is a such thing for dyslexia for grammar I have that. It is very challenging for me to create words in a standard English form. I have several novels and screenplays and poems, but they are all in my closet and my computer because when I bring them out they have so many grammatical errors that people ridicule or critique my lack of skills so bad I go back into my closet for years at a time. This time when I started my business, I said I would not quit, I would overcome all of my challenges, my grammar woes, my financial struggles, my lack of sticking to things and jumping to the next. I will stay committed to this journey. I will walk through every door that is there. I will confront all issues and insecurities that arise. That is not easy, sometimes I post a picture and people critique, I write a blog and people criticize my grammar. I take a course and I do not get what I need. This time, I will continue. This last year, my mother came to live with me after a stroke, she had dementia and then I broke my leg in 6 places on a dirt bike. I am in my 8th month of recovery. My mother passed away in december. Life throws you a lot of curve balls sometimes. I thought I had a lot as a kid, but I am determined that God is walking with me and on this path. I can’t quit because this time I know he is here. This time I know all the challenges and schooling prepared me to get through this moment. Running a business, and still having a full time job and being a mommy of did I mention 6 kids. Is no easy feat. But I do it every day with a smile. This year I took a few months off with all that happened and I took some time with a counselor for mental health. As an aging 45 year old black woman I must be conscious of my longevity. But this is why I am so loud. This is why I know you are so loud and your beauty deserves to be plastered across a 40 inch canvas, not because you are vain, but because your story is bold, unique, beautiful and loud.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok day one, we are resting hanging out as family, catching up our kids getting to know each other. We are grilling and playing games and watching a good movie. The next day we are headed to six flags and hurricane harbor because we love roller coasters and anything water. The next day we are hanging out riding dirt bikes and going to the park to play Knock out. Our favorite park Plano Nature trail and Cottonwood Park. We also love Heights park in Richardson. I love to take pictures at Prairie Creek park. We would eat at 5 guys and Pie Five. We would get Brisket from Black smoke Barbecue. We would probably go to a restaurant or two, I would let them choose. If they felt like afterwards, we would love to go on a mini camping trip, head to Hamilton Pool and then Lake Travis and go to waterloo and Zip lining.

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?
Wow, this is a great question. I always say God, sorry if I am not allowed to say that, why was my road so windy, why was my path so crooked or jagged. I truly believe everything I was supposed to go through was meant, even my trauma as a child. My mother who was bold and brave and lively with so much energy living through her trauma learning to just smile no matter what. My college professors helped a girl who didn’t know chemistry at all learn and love it and teach thousands of kids in a way to not only master a subject, but learn to tackle challenges even if you see no use for chemistry. For my district leaders who lead with compassion and love in a field, so challenging that more people run from that enter each year. I am a combination of gifts imparted to me by others. When I look through my camera, as cheesy as it sounds, I am looking for your soul, for the beauty in you because I believe, life’s paths show and it’s so beautiful no matter how jagged.

Website: www.wisl-studios.com

Instagram: @wislstudios

Facebook: @wislstudiosllc

Image Credits
Rai Photography & Design