Today we’d like to introduce you to David Queener.
Hi David, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Photography has always been a part of my story. As a kid, I remember my father investing in a camera and spending time in a dark room, so our family photo albums are filled with memories from my childhood and beyond. Which is one of the main reasons I gravitated to photography, from my college years to having a family of my own, I always wanted to capture those memories that highlighted the best time in our lives. As my children got older this hobby of mine grew, especially when they started high school and start playing sports. I also did things like cover prom and senior pictures for them but I never considered starting a business until 2017. I was experiencing some of life’s hardships and focusing on photography provided an outlet. I guess you can say I used it as a coping mechanism which led me to fall in love with the art all over again. I began taking classes and studying the heroes of our craft. The more of the art I was exposed to, the more I was determined to learn. Eventually, friends and family members hired me to do portraits, which brought me here today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road because there is a huge learning curve. When you first buy a professional camera, you immediately realize there is more to this photography thing than you thought. Understanding things like lighting and composition definitely takes practice and patience. My first struggle was finding a mentor that would help me progress as photographer. I eventually just decided to take a class and things graciously progressed from there. And of course, finding the balance of starting something new, taking care of a family, working crazy hours to support everything is another challenge.
In 2019, I felt positive momentum in growing a business. I had several weddings scheduled as well as a growing loyal clientele. But as with many people around the world, the pandemic stifled that momentum and as a result, I had to shut everything down. The uncertainty of where things were going left many businesses at a halt. My clients started to have smaller weddings, smaller budgets, and ultimately, my services were no longer a priority. Shooting weddings are still a passion of mine as I enjoy capturing memories and special moments for others. However, lately I have focused primarily on family and individual portraits.
Another struggle has been building a network of creatives that can work together. Prior to the pandemic, there were creative meet-ups being held all over the city where photographers got together and learned from each other. Of course, the current state of the world is prohibiting this type of collaboration. Working with others and building a team gives everyone the opportunity to develop their gifts and define their style. I just feel to reach a certain level of success you need a team. No one in this world becomes successful without the help of others. Currently, I have my wife and other family members as assistants but I am still looking to build a team.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So, at QueVision Photography we specialize in portraiture and our focus has been working with clients celebrating milestones or the special occasions in their lives. We are known for being punctual, patient with clients, delivering photos on time and more. Overall, we are known customer service and providing a great product. Our services focus on birthday portraits, graduation and/or senior portraits, anniversary and/or engagement sessions, and family portraits to name the bulk of our work. We also love just creating visual concepts with models and other creatives. Working on my own projects has just been rejuvenating.
One of the things I am proud of as a photographer is the feedback I get from my clients. I remember one of my first clients telling me I made them feel more confident about themselves after delivering their portrait. Since then, that has been our aim. Every client deserves to feel confident and beautiful. When going over the proofs with my clients, I reiterate what would make this portrait perfect and so far, we’ve delivered. That is what sets us apart, I want everyone to feel proud and excited about their portrait.
How did you choose your business name?
When I decided to start a business, I was also still learning how to use my camera equipment and the concepts I was learning brought me back to a time in 2004 when my ophthalmologist declared that I was legally blind. For about a five-year period I had struggled with my vision and no one knew why until I was diagnosed with Keratoconus. For those not familiar with the disease, it’s when the shape of your cornea becomes disfigured and starts thinning which affects the way light is processed in the back of your eye and you lose focus causing everything to be blurry. In 2005 I got my first cornea transplant and for the first time in a long time I could see clearly. I think sometimes we take for granted our ability to see, and as I looked around and saw the details of the things around me, I became grateful. So as I reflected on this, I wanted my business name to incorporate how my vision was restored. Great photography tells a clear story, my story, my vision.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The one thought I would like to share is try to monetize your passion if at all possible. There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to make a living off something you are passionate about. Taking baby steps is the key. Your passion may not pay all of your expenses at first, but if you are willing to put in the work and be patient, you will see it’s definitely possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and be prepared to receive it. With that in mind, I believe everyone could use a mentor, so if you are lucky enough to have one embrace it and be coachable.
Contact Info:
- Email: david@quevisionphoto.com
- Website: www.quevisionphoto.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/que_vision_photography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/quevisionphoto
Image Credits:
All photos by QueVision Photography
