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Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Squirewell.
Patrice, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and I can always remember having creative calling from a very young age. Whether it was poetry, drawing/calligraphy, or dance. Art was always a part of my life, but not something that I necessarily leaned into. I attended undergrad at Winston-Salem State University and I moved to the Atlanta area shortly after for grad school at Life University. Upon receiving my master’s degree – it was time to begin my career. Along the way, my family lost a jewel in our family. My Nana was such a sweet spirit and was so proud of all of her grandchildren, but as much as I loved her – we did not have one recent picture together. I was crushed to not have those memories with her in an image that I could cherish.
This led me to push for photos of our family as much as possible – and the start of my photography journey. I found any and every reason to document memories with the people I love the most as I realized you can never have too many memories captured. Fast forward to my first DSLR camera investment and being behind the lens felt so organic and natural. From then on, I haven’t looked back!
The name Pearl’s Lens Photography (P. Lens Photography) pays homage to my Nana. Whom I’d like to think would have more of our family photos all over her living room right now if she could.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about entrepreneurship is smooth. The learning curve is high and there are so many great photographers in the area, but the artistry in my photography actually came pretty easy for me – composition, posing, color grading, etc. My road to finding my own identity as a photographer has been all about pouring everything I can into being the type of photographer that was not easy to find in the Black community. It took a lot of courses, training, practice, successes, and fails to get here – and I still have a lot to learn in the industry, but I’m proud to be a very detail-oriented, documentary-style, professional photographer that serves in our community.
Outside of finding my identity as a photographer, I also started this journey as a new wife and mom. Learning how to navigate and balance it all has been the hardest part of it all. I’m a wife to an amazingly supportive husband, David, and a mom of two little people that stole my entire heart – Maddox (2) and Memphis (1). And as much as I want to pour my entire being into my business, I have to make sure I’m giving the time and energy my family needs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a documentary-style photographer that loves the candid, in-between moments more than anything else. That allows me to capture timeless images that clients can feel when they look back on their session with me. My goal is to freeze time, moments, and feelings whether it’s a family session, engagement, wedding, or branding! I’m not just a look-and-smile photographer. My intent and goal is for my clients to feel something during their session and capture the individual personality of each person I encounter.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
God, my husband, and my family. They are the “why” behind this business and reason I’ve been as successful as I have been. From the prayers that I’ve sent about where this road will lead me all the way down to the family/friends that lend a hand with photoshoots or babysitting. None of this is possible without them by my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.plensphotography.com
- Instagram: @p.lensphotography
- Facebook: P. Lens Photography
Image Credits
P. Lens Photography
