Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Dickerson.
Hi Chris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Photography and videography began as a way for me to document family vacations and everyday moments with my daughters. During the pandemic, I helped a friend by filming a wedding, and that experience inspired me to pursue the craft more seriously.
At the time, I was working as an elementary school principal. As my business grew, I eventually transitioned into a career in communications and media, which allowed me to continue telling stories professionally while building my photography business.
This journey is also deeply personal. My late grandfather was a professional photographer, and although I never had the opportunity to learn from him, his equipment now sits in my office as a reminder of the legacy I hope to carry forward. Today, I photograph weddings and families throughout the Philadelphia area, with the goal of eventually taking the business full-time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting a photography business requires a significant investment in equipment, education, and marketing. I was also building the business while working as an elementary school principal and raising three daughters under the age of five, which meant many long days and late nights.
Another challenge has been establishing myself in a competitive industry—building relationships, growing a network, and earning people’s trust. None of that happens overnight, but staying consistent and continuing to improve has helped me build momentum.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, I serve as a communications director, creating media and helping tell the stories of my school district. Outside of that role, I specialize in wedding and family photography, capturing meaningful moments in a natural and timeless way.
My background is somewhat unique. Before moving into communications, I was an elementary school principal, and I also hold a degree in music with experience performing piano and teaching. Those experiences have shaped how I work with people—they taught me how to lead calmly, connect with different personalities, and be comfortable in front of a crowd.
I’m most proud of building my photography business from the ground up while continuing to grow as a storyteller in my professional career. I believe what sets me apart is the combination of creativity, leadership, and genuine care I bring to every person and story I have the opportunity to document.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe thoughtful risk is often necessary for growth. One of the biggest risks I took was investing in mentorships and courses early in my photography career. Those opportunities can be expensive, and there is never a guarantee that the investment will pay off.
I also accepted several projects for little or no pay with the expectation that they would help me gain experience, build my portfolio, and grow my network. Whenever you give away your time, there is a risk that it may not lead anywhere. Fortunately, those decisions created valuable relationships and opportunities for me. They taught me that risk should be intentional—there should always be a clear purpose behind what you are investing, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Pricing:
- My photography packages start at $3500
- My photo and video combination start at $6800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chrisdickersonphotofilm.com
- Instagram: chrisdickerson.photography
