Meet LaDawn Rhodes | Photographer

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

Hi LaDawn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I initially started back in November of 2022 taking extremely cheap photos for neighbors and friends to try and make some extra money for my husband and I. I ended up falling in love with it and my books were full after only a few months, and I knew this could grow into something much bigger and better. I decided to go full throttle with it in April of 2023, and I haven’t looked back since. In June of 2024, I quit my 9-5 and went full time with photography. It is easily the best decision I have ever made. With our family growing in October 2025, I am blessed with the extra flexibility. I couldn’t picture working anywhere else or doing anything else. I truly love what I do!!!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a portrait photographer! I typically take photos of seniors, couples, families, etc! Some would argue that DFW specifically is oversaturated with photographers. However, I believe the main aspect that sets my business, LD Photography, apart is because I stray away from industry standards. I tend to over deliver, which can go against the grain of our industry, but I believe that this has had an immense impact to my success. My books are always full, and even in the slower months I am typically able to fill my schedule. With that being said, I am definitely most proud of replacing my full time job’s income and then some in my first full year being full time in photography. It did not come easy, as I spend 60+ hours a week working on some weeks. From shooting, editing, marketing, social media, and engaging with clients, it definitely is a hustle! LDP is here for the long haul and I am doing everything in my power to make that happen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a photographer there are so many neat locations I get to see! One of my favorites to visit with out-of-towners is the Stockyards! It doesn’t get more Texan than that. If you’re looking for some pretty views and maybe a hike or a sunset, Tandy Hills is a pretty little place as well as Murrell Park! If you’re looking to get some shopping done, I recommend Highland Park if you’re in Dallas or The Shops at Clearfork if you’re in Fort Worth. If you’re somewhere in between, Southlake Town Square is a great choice! If you get hungry and are looking for a Texan meal, I highly recommend Hutchins BBQ near Northlake.

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 have to shoutout my husband, Tanner. He has been my number one supporter throughout this entire journey. He helps me in more ways than I can count. From emotional support to physically helping me with shoots, and even picking up the house and cooking when I am slammed with galleries to edit. He was my number one encourager when I decided to make the leap into being solely a full time photographer. He has never spoken negatively about my business and truly helps push me through all the hard times. I couldn’t have done any of this without him!!

Website: https://www.ldphotography-tx.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ld.photography.tx?igsh=MXMyYjd2ZHQwM3l3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DudxhFTjP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
LD Photography