The Name is Roy, and you can always find me near the camera.
Many photographers begin their "About Me" pages with a nostalgic declaration like, "Since I was young, I’ve always loved taking pictures." However, my journey diverges from that typical narrative. My fascination has always been with understanding how things function, particularly in the realm of electronics. Growing up in a small town, I found that my school didn’t offer any courses on electronics, so I turned to the local library. There, I immersed myself in the limited selection of books on electrical engineering, and it was in that same section that I stumbled upon literature about cameras, sparking a new interest.
As I navigated through high school, my curiosity about photography deepened, leading me to purchase my very first SLR camera. I ordered it through the Sears catalog, a thrilling experience that felt like a rite of passage. The package included the camera itself along with two kit lenses, providing me with the tools I needed to explore this newfound passion. Each click of the shutter became an opportunity to experiment and learn, blending my love for understanding mechanics with the art of capturing moments.
This unique blend of interests has shaped my approach to photography. Rather than simply snapping pictures, I found joy in the technical aspects of the craft, from understanding the intricacies of camera settings to experimenting with different lenses. My background in exploring how things work fuels my creativity, allowing me to capture images that tell a story while also showcasing the beauty of the mechanics behind the lens.
But growing up on a cotton farm just outside of Needville, I found my surroundings offered limited photographic opportunities. My camera often captured the beauty of sunsets and the vastness of the fields, and without a dedicated space to develop my film, I had to send it off for processing, which quickly became costly. This lack of control over the development process meant that while others appreciated my photos, they didn’t quite match my vision or expectations more and more.
As time went on, the allure of electronics began to dominate my interests again. There was always some gadget or device to tinker with, providing a steady stream of income and diverting my focus from photography. This gradual shift meant that my passion for capturing images took a backseat for many years, as I became more engrossed in the world of technology and its endless possibilities.
Then around 2005 or 2006 when my sons began their journey into baseball and soccer. I picked up our digital point-and-shoot camera to capture some memories, but it just didn’t meet my expectations. The camera was too slow for my liking, and I found myself constantly missing those crucial action shots that I wanted to capture.
Determined to improve my photography, I invested in a digital SLR that was compatible with my old lenses. After a few games, I realized that manual focus was limiting, so I upgraded to some new autofocus lenses. That was the moment I truly caught the photography bug, and I was eager to explore it again.
After that initial baseball season, I was hooked and sought out new subjects to photograph. I wanted to move beyond the typical sunsets and landscapes, so I discovered "One Talent Source", which offered photography workshops in my area. I quickly signed up for a session featuring "models in blue bonnets" in Brenham. After that first shoot, I returned home with over a thousand photos, thinking I’d be set for a while. However, just two weeks later, I found another workshop in Wallis and couldn’t resist signing up again. Fast forward ten years, and I was still actively participating, now as a mentor for "Texas Photo Shoot Workshops", where I had the pleasure of working with a variety of fascinating individuals, including DJs, singers, and even models from Playboy and the Silver Screens.
Now I’m not a full-time photographer tethered to a 9 to 5 schedule, and honestly, I have no desire to turn my passion into a conventional job. I've observed many photographers who clock in and out, often counting down the minutes until they can leave. It’s disheartening to see them during a shoot, visibly drained and just waiting for the clock to strike five. How can one truly tap into their creativity when they’re merely biding their time? I often think about the last client of the day, especially on Fridays, and I can’t help but feel a bit sorry for them. In contrast, I find myself completely immersed in my sessions, sometimes losing track of time until my equipment runs out of power. I’ve even worked in the dark, relying on headlights and flashlights to capture the moment.
Over the past two decades, I’ve witnessed countless individuals walk into a store, purchase a camera, and within a few months, they’re diving headfirst into wedding photography, lured by the promise of quick cash. However, many of them soon realize that the reality of the job is far more demanding than they anticipated, leading to burnout and a swift exit from the field. That’s not the path I want to take. My goal is to keep photography enjoyable and vibrant, allowing it to remain a cherished passion rather than a burdensome obligation.
By prioritizing fun in my photography, I find that my creativity flourishes, resulting in even better images. When I’m engaged and enjoying the process, it reflects in my work, and I believe that’s what truly resonates with my clients. Photography, for me, is about capturing moments and emotions, not just fulfilling a job description. I want to continue this journey with joy and enthusiasm, ensuring that every click of the shutter is a celebration of my love for the art.
Having shared sufficient information about myself, I would now like to pose a question to you...
No matter what type of portrait I create for you, I absolutely guarantee you will be THRILLED (not just "satisfied") with your portraits or I will do whatever is necessary to see to it you are THRILLED, or I will give you all your money back. No hassles and no hard feelings either. If you're not THRILLED, I don't deserve to be paid. That's just the honest way I feel about my photography.
Needville, TX 77461 (Fort Bend County), just outside of Sugar Land, and not far from Southwest Houston.
If I'm unable to take your call, please leave a message with your contact number, and I will return your call as soon as possible.
