Meet Dallas McNeal | Photographer

Well, it wasn’t something that was initially considered. As far as photography is concerned, I was always photographing animals, landscapes and architecture since I was a child with a 35mm camera. I found myself venturing into the digital age with my cell phone which led my husband to invest in and gift me with an entry level DSLR camera. This love of photography unknowingly coincided  with my somewhat obscure career that spanned 30+ years. For most of my professional career, I was a hand model working with top photographers, directors, and ad agencies throughout the Southwest. During that time, I was also a make-up artist working for high end cosmetic companies at well known stores and exclusive boutiques. Both of those industries require a level of customer service and attention to detail to deliver what the client is expecting and more. When the opportunity to begin photographing people arose, I was hesitant to move forward with the endeavor due to my lack of “experience” behind the camera. Through much prayer, I took the plunge 5 years ago photographing a private school’s student portraits and I never looked back. That was my first time to capture portraits with zero experience (except what I had visually encountered on the other side of the camera as far as art direction and lighting). It was still only a hobby up until 2 years ago to photograph weddings, families, high school Seniors, and newborns. In February of 2020 I decided to move forward and start “advertising” through social media as a portrait photographer. Obviously there was a setback as I was not an essential business at the time and it was difficult to generate an income. However, I used that time to study and streamline what genre of photography that suited me best. This also was the perfect time of transitioning from in front of the camera as a hand model to behind the camera as the photographer. I could have given up, and at times I did consider for several reasons. In fact, I thought about applying for a full-time job outside of the industry, but my husband, Tim, encouraged me to continue to pursue photography as a career. With his continual help and knowledge of IT/computer skills, I have been able to learn the skills necessary for editing and keeping up with the ever-changing technology in the world of photography. So, through prayer, encouragement, word of mouth, hard work and determination, a business was started.

My psychological approach with photography is that my client is the art… I capture the beauty as to who they are both inside and out. When I hear the gasp of delight in a client’s voice or see the tears of joy on a momma’s face during a reveal session, I know I personally achieved my goal of blessing them with portraits that will touch their hearts for a lifetime. With each client, regardless of age, I want them to look and feel confident and embrace their beauty or handsomeness. To get there, I focus my attention on knowing the client and creating a session unique to them. I believe that what is most important is the experience and the end result of the time spent preparing for the portrait session. I love to get to know my clients (especially the high school Seniors) what their hobbies are and what type of photograph stands out to them. I ask numerous questions to see what location will suit them best, and sometimes (after we create what they wanted) I will take the time to think outside of the box to create something just for them relating to something they love and enjoy. A couple of those times led me to create an underwater portrait (yes, underwater), using portable strobe lighting out on location and composite portraits made specially for them. Those portraits, including others have been published in magazines designed for Senior Portrait photography, and I am honored to have received recognition for my work. It was not easy, but I was up for the challenge. Probably one of the hardest obstacles to overcome is myself. An example is wrestling with my own doubts and struggles questioning if the work I put forth is to the standard of the client. I am always critiquing my work to see where I need to improve or desiring to learn the next level photography to create that “Wow!” response for the client. Those struggles drive me to study and practice how to achieve that look that I’m wanting for my client. I have learned some simple lessons along the way that I believe can be applied in any area of someone’s business or life in general. Some of them include that my identity is not in my work – I will say this again – my identity is not in my work. So when someone likes (or dislikes) my work it’s the work they are evaluating, not me as a person. It’s not an easy lesson to learn and I am still learning, but it is so freeing. This way, I get to be me and enjoy the life I get to live without the thoughts of other people’s opinion of my work defining who I am as a person. Another lesson that I have learned is that you are not too old to learn something new. I turned 50 years young in 2020 when I decided to start this business. Despite the timing of the pandemic and my age, I continued to move forward. I am completely self taught with the help of reading the manual of the camera, furthering my education through online classes and practicing those skills. I know I am not the most talented photographer, but through hard work and perseverance, I am determined to give the best work and experience possible for my clients.

Oh, fun! First stop will be staying at either the Crescent or the Statler in downtown Dallas or the Anatole near downtown. While staying in downtown Dallas, it would allow fun daytime adventures to the Dallas Museum of Art, then a walk around Klyde Warren Park with the plethora of food trucks to satisfy anyone’s hunger. For dinner, I would highly recommend Crushcraft for a Thai street food experience that will not disappoint. Next I would plan a day around Highland Park Village and enjoy the exclusive boutiques that Dallas has to offer for the most sophisticated shopper. A dinner at Bob’s Steak and Chop Shop is a must for an amazing Filet Mignon with a glass of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Depending upon the time of year, I would reserve a horse drawn carriage throughout Highland Park to see the holiday lights. A more eclectic adventure would include the Bishop Arts District with the boutiques and cute coffee shops. Then it would be off to Deep Ellum in the afternoon to check out the fun murals that downtown has to offer. Another day would include a stroll around the Anatole hotel grounds to see the largest Wedgwood Jasperware Vase in the world, art from China, Japan and Southeast Asia dating as far back as the 5th century BCE that is just mesmerizing. We would end the evening by having dinner at SER Steak + Spirit on the 27th floor of the Anatole overlooking the city lights of downtown Dallas while listening to a jazz pianist. Along with other fun, delicious restaurants such as Son of a Butcher and HG Supply on Lower Greenville, we must stop and have a unique dessert at Milk Cream that consists of a heated crimped ice cream filled donut with an assortment of toppings added inside. There are so many places to consider, one would have to stay at least a month to even get a glimpse of what Dallas has to offer. But before leaving, a little excursion would staying one night or a weekend at the Hilton on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall. One afternoon or evening event would include a Sail with Scott catamaran trip around the lake with a BYOB picnic basket of treats to eat and drink while enjoying the view of the sunset. Then it would be off to Bin 303 for the most fabulous hamburger ever, yes, ever. This would, of course all take place in between fun photographic portrait sessions at the different locations perfect for those Instagram worthy photos.

Wow, there are several people that come to mind immediately. First and foremost, God, who has blessed me with a gift that I get to share with others. Next is my husband Tim who has selflessly supported this opportunity even when it has been a financial sacrifice to continue to invest in camera/photography equipment including classes, editing software, etc. For my family (including my sweet in-laws) that have been my cheerleaders and promoters on social media along the way. For the friends that got me my first job at the private school (Poetry Community Christian School), and to those that have given me (or allowed me to borrow) expensive photography equipment because they saw the potential in me. To the other photographers that have personally helped with finding my direction with the heart of community and not competition. To the clients that have trusted me with their portraits or their special occasion events and recommend me to their friends and family. I truly would not be having this interview today if it wasn’t for their love and support.