Today we’d like to introduce you to Trisha Dash.
Hi Trisha, 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?
Some of my earliest memories include a camera in my hand. My father was big on recording our family legacy and daily lives. He never vocalized this passion; however, he was a fantastic photographer & videographer. From home movies to developing film and taking Polaroids, I did it all; thus, my love for photography was born. I knew by first grade; I wanted to be a photographer. I started taking photography seriously during my freshman year of high school. I began building my portfolio by collaborating with friends and family. I was shooting on a Canon Point & Shoot camera, which required two double-A batteries that only held a charge for twenty minutes. The struggle was real, but I made the best with what I had. I want to give special thanks to my friends Cathy Rojas, Sydney Byk, and my cousin Deanna Davis for modeling for me in the early days of my career. Those initial pictures helped me get accepted into The Art Instuite of Austin later in 2014. It was my mother that gifted me with my first professional camera for high school graduation.
Even though I had the gear, the portfolio, and the raw talent, I still lacked the confidence to take a chance on myself and enroll in art school. I let the opinions of others pressure my dreams. So after graduation, I packed my bags and went to Sam Houston State University to become a Psychologist. Soon after deciding to study psychology, I realized that path was not for me. Once I completed my first semester, I then transferred to Central Texas College to study computer science. I was a few classes short of getting my associate’s degree in computer science. I woke up one morning and decided to take a chance on myself. By this time, I was twenty-one, married, and my husband refused to support my choice to attend art school. Long story short, we divorced, and the next year I applied to the Art Institute of Austin (A.I.) and got accepted.
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?
My road to success has been an uphill battle with many personal challenges along the way. Getting a divorce and going back to school became the least of my struggles as a young adult. While attending A.I., I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and IBS. On top of battling lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, these illnesses caused me to frequent the local E.R. during my treatment process. Soon after, my school and work balance began to suffer. I was a full-time student and a part-time employee at glamour shots LLC and Lifetouch Portrait Studio. In sheer determination to reach my goal, I quit glamour shots and decided to spend more time concentrating on my health & studies. I graduated from the art institute on December 15th, 2015. Soon after, my photography career took off, and I never looked back.
By 2017 I had consistent clients, an amazing portfolio, and creditability as a central Texas area photographer. While my career was taking off, my very foundation started crumbling underneath my feet. 2017 was also the year my mother and father got diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Naturally, my main priority was then taking care of my parents. I made my business work around their treatment schedules. In 2019 both of my parents’ conditions progressed, and nothing more could be done for them concerning treatment. Taking care of two dying parents while running a photography business was a lot to process and accept. I had no idea the amount of resilience, strength, and endurance I truly possessed. My greatest joy in life was caring for my parents when they needed me the most. After an intense and brave battle with their health, my mother transitioned in May 2019, and my father followed in November 2019.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an internationally published photographer & creative director that specializes in Fashion, Beauty, Commercial, editorial, and Portrait Photography. I love using lighting & composition to create mood and drama in my images. My work can be found in magazines, including Vogue Italia, Elegant Magazine, Shuba Magazine, & Style Cruze. When you book with Trisha Dash Photography, expect to receive tack sharp images with gorgeous velvety skin tones and bold, vivid colors that are whimsical, candid, and striking. I come alive on set when I’m shooting; I’m like a kid in a candy store ready to burst at the seams. I use my excitement to get my models, clients, and everyone set pumped and prepared to create. That’s my secret to how I always get the winning shot. I am so proud of my many accomplishments, especially those within this last year.
After losing my parents, the grief I had avoided hit me like an anvil from a Tom & Jerry episode. Through all the pain and hurt, I picked myself up and used the gift God blessed me with again. I am slowly healing and learning to rebuild my foundation one click at a time. One of my proudest moments as a photographer was winning “Best In Show Portfolio” in 2015 for my “Men of color” series with a black male cast. Four years later, that same series got published in vogue Italia. I am currently working on three series I hold close to my heart. My new “Women of Color- Woman Strong” series and the sequel for my award-winning “Men of Color.” Often time’s, powerful stories go untold. My mission is to shed light on those stories. I continue to celebrate people of color who are often overlooked throughout my career. The next series I am working on is called “Earth Angel” and dedicated to my late mother’s memory. As well In the coming year, I will be launching a modeling agency.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Days of the old fashion and advertising campaigns are over! Some trends turned into movements, and 2020 showed me that some trends are here to stay. It’s incredible to see the fashion industry become more inclusive and authentic. The industry is shifting to using more average-size models for high-end campaigns versus the industry standards seen ten years ago. I expect to see many other companies lean in this direction of advertising. With the industry-standard changing, this opens up new jobs and networking possibilities for artists.
Pricing:
Look-Books:
- Look-Books: Full Day Rate (8HRS) $800
- Look-Books: Half Day Rate (4HRS) $600
- Catalogue & ECommerce Fashion: Full day (6HRS) $600
- Catalogue & ECommerce Fashion: Half day (3HRS) $450
- Model Tests – Starting at $350
- Creative Direction – Starting at $700
Contact Info:
- Email: info.trishadash@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.trishadash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishadashphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishadashphoto
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrishaDashPhoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvgO4RETfMtCRon2q3EF7ZA
Image Credits
first two images in long African skirt taken by Charles Gleen Photography The two behind the scenes pics were taken by Deedee Bailey Thes rest of the images were taken by me Trisha Dash Photography
