Meet Isaac Westbrook | Photographer

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

Hi Isaac, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process for starting my photography business was that I could turn my artistic talent into creating photos since I knew how to draw. I told myself I would take photos that tell a story in my artistic way. I went into the photography business, having the tools of an artist. Still, I needed to gain the technique and knowledge of a photographer and the business mindset of running a business in photography. I went on YouTube to look at videos of experienced photographers giving information about using a camera and learning what accessories are needed for a camera. From a business aspect, I asked friends who are entrepreneurs in their category about starting and maintaining your business. Once I knew what I needed, I used my family members as models to practice. Then, I began volunteering for free photography services to shoot for community events to build my portfolio. This helped my photography business to shoot for local public figures, celebrity singers, athletes, and organizations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer who specializes in sports, portfolios, events, wedding, maternity, and concert photography. Being the photographer who I am today was not easy at all. I had a lot of setbacks due to my mother having cancer, a slow business and not getting any exposure, and also not having the knowledge of running my own photography business. It was extremely rough but by the grace of God and preserved through unexpected obstacles, I managed to do a great job in getting my work to people who noticed it and working big-time photography gigs. I still receive many no’s and silent responses when networking with others and companies (laughs). However, I have been blessed tenfold with unexpected emails and messages inquiring about my services. Without the struggles and rejections, there is no growth, lesson learned, or testimony to share with others. I embrace it all faithfully because it made me the man I am today and continues to make me a better person. I thank God for everything that has happened to me. My brand is all about making memories for a lifetime and having long relationships that I do not want to fracture or separate. Most importantly my brand is about helping people in the world. Which is why I do community service with my photography for different shelters in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. I will support anybody because you need people on your side who elevate you to actually grow into the person you need to be. You never know the same people you help, maybe the same people you need in the future!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I really do not have too many favorite spots in Dallas. However, if a friend of mine is visiting Dallas, TX, one place I will show him or her is a place called Select and Start. This place is an arcade gaming bar that has all the retro 90’s arcade games while you socialize with other people have a drink and enjoy some music. I would warn my friend that finding a parking spot is not the best in Dallas, so get there early. I would also hang out at Klyde Warren Park. This park is so relaxing even when it is a lot of people. Plus, Klyde Warren Park has so many public events on the weekends for everyone to enjoy!

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?
I would like to give multiple shoutouts to Kelsey (Instagram keldabarber87), Carlton (Instagram carltoniv), Tre (Instagram jentrega), Catrice (Instagram omnifariouscreations), and Patrick (Instagram pcrowephoto). They all have helped my photography business and experience grow by giving me the wisdom, and experience. I really thank Kelsey for spiritually giving me bible verses and talking as a man of God about how to carry my business through God’s ways. Also, I would like to give a special shoutout to my nephew Kamden Brown (Instagram kam_shootsmedia) for giving me the inspiration to do some videography now. He is a twelve-year-old who has a lot of potential to be a wonderful videographer and photographer as he gets older! I am very proud of him!

Website: www.ikewestphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikewest_photography/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ikewestphotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ikewest-photography-desoto

Image Credits
Madison Truscan Photography IkeWest Photography