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

Hi Dena, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balanced has changed a lot over time. I work a full time job along with running my photography business, so some days are more balanced than others. For the most part I work hard on trying to keep everything balanced with my family/personal and business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’m a Portrait & Wedding Photographer based out of Texas. I mainly started with high school seniors and families. After that I started getting into photographing weddings. I’m a very personable person and pretty much an open book, so I try and make my clients feel a comfortable and at ease in front of the camera.

When I started really pursuing photography as a business it was a slow start, I was not confident enough at the time to think it would turn into anything but a hobby. Working a full-time job, which I still do today, being a mom and a wife, and trying to find workshops to attend and any other ways to better my skills can be overwhelming.

Some lessons that I have learned, is don’t quit, have faith and it’s all in God’s timing and learn as much as you can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The area I live in has grown over the past few years, as well as being close the Houston. I don’t have a specific restaurant that is my favorite.

We would go paddle boarding in the Woodlands area as well as eating lunch or dinner around that area. They also have plenty of bars if they wanted to go have a drink.

Take a boat ride on Lake Conroe or do some fishing.

Houston area has a ton of museums to go and visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost would be my husband and daughter. They have been my biggest support system since the beginning. I would always ask for photography equipment as gifts for the holidays or birthday. My daughter for being comfortable in front of the camera and would model for me all the time when I needed one.

To all my clients who have supported me throughout this journey and I finally found a group of other photographers who encourage and support one another.

Website: https://denasimmonsphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/U9AXCjRMn2IjZVRnOTWJQnd?domain=instagram.com

Facebook: https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/SoLNClYLpOho6jX3NtGDWah?domain=facebook.com

Other: TikTok: https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/b_2xCG6x9ZuJ26AYpFKXHet?domain=tiktok.com

Image Credits
Headshot photo of me: taken by Matteah Gingles Photo and edited by me.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.