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

Hi Neslie, what matters most to you?
Integrity. Always my integrity. If I say I am going to be somewhere or do something I stick to that. I have always tried to be dependable and trustworthy and honest. I strive to hold that same lifestyle as a business owner. I want my clients to trust my work ethic, creativity, and know that I will always try to put their best interest first.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I first made the decision to start taking pictures professionally I promised myself that I would stay affordable. As a single mother, the thought of having professional family portraits taken never came to mind because I could not afford them. My first year I spent my time taking pictures for free. I wanted to build up a portfolio and also earn the trust of my clients. At this moment 90% of my clients that I have booked have all been referrals from past clients or word of mouth. I stay active in my community and I volunteer my photography services at many events every year. I never got in to photography for the money, but I have been very fortunate that the money has been consistent and stable for the past few years. This journey has not been easy by any means. I have wanted to quit, I have been extremely critical of my work, I have compared it to others and would feel discouraged at times. Through this journey I have learned to fall in love with the process of practicing and becoming a better photographer with every photoshoot. I wouldn’t change this for anything. All the trials and errors have only made the rewards so much sweeter. I love what I do.

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?
One of my favorite views of the Dallas Skyline is near the intersection of N Zang Blvd and E Greenbriar Ln. There is a large field that hugs the Trinity River and is perfect for a picnic or to snap a few pictures. Anytime I get a chance to visit the heart of Dallas I have to swing by The Bodega at Hi Line! The staff and atmosphere is unlike anything else I have experienced. The staff is quick to learn their customers by name and they make you feel at home. Anything you order from the menu will be amazing, especially if you get a Night Rider Cold Brew coffee on the side. Depending on the day there might be live music, a DJ, an intense chess match, a UFC event, or a friendly game of darts. It is truly one of my favorite places to go in Dallas.

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?
Thankfully I have some of the most supportive people in my life. My mother, stepdad, sister, and three children keep me motivated and they make me want to push harder every day. I have been extremely fortunate to have met some amazing entrepreneurs along the way and their success brings me so much joy and I would love to give a few of them a shoutout. Deanna Lantzer (Crafting By Night), Natalie Johnson (Natalie Ann Cosmetics), Airto Castaneda-Cudney (Night Rider Cold Brew), David Zhu (The Bodega at Hi Line), and Sam Guzman (Sam Guzman Photography). Each one of the entrepreneurs have impacted my life and journey in one way or another. They have each inspired me with their love and passion for their business.

Website: www.nesliefudgephotography.com
Instagram: nesliefudgephotography
Facebook: nesliefudgephotography

Image Credits
Neslie Fudge Photography