We recently connected with Denice Woller and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Denice with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My parents absolutely inspired my work ethic. I grew up on a dairy farm in south central South Dakota. Anyone who knows the lifestyle of a dairy farmer understands they are not known for taking breaks, because they can’t. The cows always have to be milked. I love that I had a chance to be raised in this way, and I am thankful that even though our family doesn’t live on a working farm, we have been able to raise our children on an acreage with farm animals to help instill a strong work ethic in them. Sometimes working too hard comes at a cost, however. Working as a full time photographer, and additionally as a photography instructor for so many years has taken a lot of time away from my family. As a high schooler my mom warned me that when I grew up and had a family I should slow down. Well, I am a slow learner in that regard. I just try to do it all, all of the time! I simply love what I do so much that it is hard to stop, because portrait artistry, and sharing that passion with college students brings me so much joy. Lord willing, I will never stop sharing the authentic stories of others!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
The studio I built in the hayloft of our barn is located just outside of Mankato, Minnesota, I have worked as a professional portrait artist for over 20 years. My passion is documenting Rural Americans in their natural habitats so that they can pass along their legacies to future generations. Farming and ranching documentary is my specialty and few things bring me more joy than seeing the faces of my clients when they see the ‘beauty in their daily mundane.’ I love that my niche is something so unique, and important for their family history!
I am also passionate about senior portraits. One day, the teens I work with will want to pass along their legacies to future generations. If you ask me, nothing marks the start of that journey into adulthood like a senior portrait. Plus, it is just plain fun to let these young people be authentic while also looking glamorous in front of my lens.
Portrait artistry is my life. While a student at Bethany Lutheran College I utilized my photographic talents and graduated with an AA degree in 1997. In 2002, I earned a degree in Media and Theater Arts from Montana State University, Bozeman. In 2006, I earned an MA degree in Studio Art from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I have been an Instructor of Photography at Bethany Lutheran College since 2002, have worked as a photojournalist for various publications, and have photographed all genres. Those experiences have led me to my current focus as an independent portrait artist for Rural Americans and high school seniors. Everyone has an authentic story, and I am so blessed to be able to share those stories every day!
Everyone has an authentic story, and I am so blessed to be able to share those stories every day!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Perseverance- My Dad died when I was 19. It would have been easy to disregard the path that God was putting before me, but listening to Him, and not always what I thought was the most ‘practical’ or ‘easy’ has led me to owning Woller Photography for 20 years now, all while raising 4 kids and teaching. His death is also one of the biggest reasons I began taking Legacy photos. I don’t have photos of Dad working on our farm, and I want to change that for as many others as possible!
Handiness-I love building and creating things. I built my studio, wired my lights and lamps, and love to repurpose farm related items. I love that when I am working in my studio office that it is a place that I literally designed and built myself, plus it is so easy to share with others. It also speaks to my farming roots.
Adaptation-Photography has changed so much over the past 20 years. I actually still shoot and teach film photography, but it isn’t my main medium anymore, despite my hesitancy to switch all those years ago. There will always be something changing when technology is involved (hello AI!). Don’t be afraid to embrace change, nor to stand out from others by doing what you love. There is only one you, and if you are a creative, you will never be happy if you aren’t creating for your soul.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal clients are those who are willing to invest in themselves now for their family history through the printed image. Portrait artistry is a luxury,. My photographic specialties are not reproducible because each individual and situation is unique. No matter whether I am capturing high school seniors or hard working Americans, if they understand the importance of printing their legacies so their future grandkids will see them, I have succeeded, and given them much joy in the meantime!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wollerphotography.com
- Instagram: wollerphotography and leavingyourlegacy and exploringeveryday2023
- Facebook: wollerphotography
Image Credits
Jen Denton (the two photos of me). All the rest are my photos!
