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

Hi Deb, how does your business help the community?
I believe the well-being of a nation depends on the health of its individual families and communities. In a sense I regard the members of the community I live in, Garland, as extended family. As a Garland photographer and one who loves my work, I feel I can best serve my community by offering free service to help promote local businesses, local events, local charities, and local history. In Garland I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of photographing “Becoming Garland Avenue”, a delightful original musical drama about the early history of Garland by local Kay Wheeler Moore. I had so much fun capturing the Ms. Garland Senior American Pageant 2017 and the creation of a Sculpture Garden, a community event involving community members and local artists making outdoor art out of recycled bottles. I had a blast helping two local women business owners, Karin Wiseman of Karin Wiseman Collection and Trayc Claybrook of the Frocksy promote their businesses by photographing three teens in different downtown Garland settings, wearing a variety of Karin’s custom jewelry and Trayc’s colorful vintage clothing and marketing those images. Witnessing this pandemic’s negative impact on our downtown businesses, I did my best to promote their curbside pickup through photographing owners and employee along with respective shops and restaurants. Then I created a collage for each business and posted each on social media with contact numbers. Volunteering my services is not only a good way for me to serve my community, but a means of networking and further developing my photography skills. A win-win for all involved.

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.
I fell in love with photography during the year I lived in Shanghai. At the time my greater passion was writing fiction and memoir. My love of writing continues to influence how I approach capturing images and my choice of subject matter. For me photography is all about visual storytelling and emotional connection. Both are key elements to whatever I photograph. When it comes to working with an individual or a family, I do all I can to help them achieve the personal story they want to tell through images. I’m predominately a natural light, lifestyle photographer. Besides doing hired shoots for individuals, teens, and families and freebies for charities and community activities, I’m passionate about working on long term photography projects. Currently, I’m working on an inspirational book involving images of trees I captured around the world. I have a major thing for trees. Once Covid-19 gets under control, I’ll get back to working on another inspirational book I’m passionate about, having do do with a group of talented and inspiring women over 50. I also love doing creative things with my photography. Some of my fine art products are available at the Frocksy/Karin Wiseman shop in downtown Garland. When it comes to photography, like any art form, I’ve discovered I learn most by doing, but it’s also important to to associate with and learn from other photographers. I plan to do all I can to keep on learning and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting who had never been to the Dallas area, I would first take them to downtown Garland. Where we’d have lunch, would depend on the kind of food they love. We have variety in downtown Garland, including great barbecue, Tex-Mex, Seafood, and pizza. Afterwards, we’d check out the Frocksy/Karin Wiseman shop, Wild Grace, and Alston’s antiques. Then have coffee or tea at Rosalind’s Coffee House. Spend a day at Firewheel Mall and go to a movie. On another day we’d explore the White Rock Lake area, including the Dallas Arboretum. Next we’d take the train to downtown Dallas and go to the DMA and West End. On another day have fun at the Dallas Zoo. On one of the day’s have fun checking out the Bishop Arts District.

 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My involvement with Garland Eyes Photography Club and the Garland Eyes website and Facebook page continue to impact not only my development as a photographer, but my relationship with my community, Garland.

Website: www.taketoheartimages.com
Instagram: taketoheartimages
Facebook: facebook.com/taketoheartimages