Meet Paige Drysdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Drysdale.

Hi Paige, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Photography and content creation have always played a part throughout my work or life somehow in one way or another. I have been drawn to photography and writing ever since I was younger. In high school, I worked on developing photos in the darkroom while in photography classes, which was exciting to be able to see the reveal of a photograph. Instead of being able to view images on the camera screen, you had to be surprised with the developed final image. Soon after, I moved into the interest of getting into modeling/acting to work in front of the camera. I attended modeling/acting classes, vocal/singing lessons, dance lessons, and anything to help encourage and develop skills in the industry. As I became more of an adult, I decided to study filmmaking in college to understand more about production, the film process, and the in-betweens to the industry that school could teach me. Afterward, I decided to dive in and seek all the opportunities the production industry offered. I wanted to gain experience overall in the industry instead of solely focusing on just one market or job. For the last few years, I have been working on developing my own photography business, Paige Drysdale Photography. I officially started my small photography business about a year ago. Since then, I have been working with clients doing all kinds of photography, building clientele, and furthering my experience.

Before the pandemic, I had moved to Cabo San Lucas after visiting family and found a job opportunity I decided to pursue. I began working with local cruise excursions and restaurants, doing photography, helping with brand development, and creating marketing content. When the pandemic started, I had to move back to the states. That’s when I dove into the real estate market doing residential photography since marketing content for realtors was in high demand. Although, it was something that was my day-to-day job. I then began creating my own photography business for my independence as a business owner, which allowed me to work more artistically with photography and reach different clientele. Part-time, I taught modeling and acting classes through an agency school, helping artists with their professional development in the industry and preparing them for agency signings. As I am building my own business with photography and model coaching, I still work with other fashion brands as a photographer, which has brought a new side of fashion and commercial photography to my professional portfolio. I am excited to see where new opportunities arise with this side of my work as an artist.

I am thrilled to have this opportunity to get the word out about my business and its development. There are many new projects that I have wanted to explore, and viewers will hopefully see a fresher take on my new direction as an artist. That said, I will continue to further my expression as an artist through modeling, acting, and filmmaking.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most business development stories, it has not been the clearest road. I will say that some of the struggles I have encountered are the lessons I had to take from those experiences. Things will happen in your life that you have no control over, and you’ll have to try to find balance or peace to carry on with reaching your goals. Starting anything on your own is hard and can get lonely finding out who will be standing by you alongside the journey, but you will also come across people who will be a part of the building of your success. Still, these are things I have to remind myself about all the time. I am still in the practice of being able to fulfill these affirmations to feel self-success, although with all that being said, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work within an industry that allows me to express my creative passions.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In the beginning, I was focused on modeling and acting. I worked with a few agencies and did commercial print work, worked a bit with fashion, a few acting gigs, etc. I began networking with photographers and other artists and started to freelance model alongside. Though I was not very vocal at first, I had been involved in photography and film for quite some time on the production side of the business. With my photography, I can’t say I have a specific niche or market but still developing my artistic style. Like modeling and acting, you must adjust to the different characters/roles you are being cast for. This is why alongside my photography business, I also provide model coaching. By being a professional model coach and photographer, I can help my clients further themselves within the industry more than just providing photos but also guidance on reaching the goals they have set for themselves. As for photography, I would apply the same thought. I love to explore all different sides of what the business has to offer and seek new opportunities that will extend my professional portfolio and spark new creative direction. What I would say sets my work apart is that I have had the opportunity to experience various industry roles, not just as a photographer. When I work with clients, I want to offer more than a photo and understand the different aspects of the creative process. I appreciate all the different jobs that make a production successful. Though there are many fields in the business to focus directly on, I can say that all different types of creative expression are of interest to me, and I find myself having a hard time centering on one way as an artist. Photography and model coaching has been something I have found in alignment with my professional career and a very big passion. Still, I will continue to express myself in other ways creatively. Instead of focusing on one particular position in this industry, I am excited to be able to bring a few different ideas together to develop a unique business. I hope to have more opportunities to further myself professionally and showcase the work I am becoming proud of.

What would you say has been one of your most important lessons?
There are many lessons I have learned and more for me to learn further down the road, without a doubt. I can’t say there is one lesson more important than the other. Something I would say I have learned from gathered lessons over time I have been through is to be passionate, stay driven, and be yourself. It’s a cliche thing to say, but speak up about your ideas and express them. Fearful of what people may think of your work or ideas can hold you from advancing forward in your career. Communicating those ideas effectively, though, is what helps those ideas become of value. If you want to advance at something, go and practice whatever that might be and network with others who are like-minded and some that are not. Understanding different people’s perspectives will help you navigate how to accomplish your goals and how to communicate effectively with people—all being said. Still, everyone has their good and bad experiences, but the lessons learned may give you an advantage on how to accomplish your goals moving forward. It is also important to take time for yourself, to take a minute to re-ground yourself throughout your journey. What I mean by that is doing the things that keep you connected to yourself, whichever hobby. You can only reach your goals if you are cared for along the way.

Pricing:

• 1 Hr Outdoor Photoshoot $150
• 1 Hr Studio Photoshoot $250
• Polaroid Photoshoot $120-$200 (price varies for outdoor vs. studio)
• Actor/Model Prep Package $350 (studio)
• Model Coaching (pricing based on consultation)

Contact Info:

• Website:https://paigedrysdalephotography9.godaddysites.com
• Instagram: @paigedrysdalephotography

Image Credits
Models featured: McKensie, Morgan, Jess, Henley, Ashley, Skylar, Isabel, & Jaidee