BY BRITTNEE NAVE

STAR CORRESPONDENT

A mother capturing pictures of her child would be the roots of a career for one local photographer.

Derina Turner is a self-taught photographer in Elizabethton, who now owns her own business called “Derina’s Studio.” According to Turner, it all began with pictures of her own children.

“When my son was a baby I couldn’t afford to pay a photographer,” she said. “So I started just with a regular camera and as I could afford it I would upgrade to a better one. Finally, I started doing it professionally for hire and turned a bedroom in my house into a studio.”

Turner, who has been capturing images for over three decades now, was issued her business license in 2013.

Sticking to her roots of taking her own images due to high prices, Turner aims to keep the cost of her services lower.

“Due to having my own studio in my home I don’t have to charge outrageous prices and can keep it affordable for people who are in the position I was in when I was younger and stuff starting out,” she said. “Pictures are forever and they are a memory that will never be taken away. I enjoy capturing the moment for people, whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, senior pictures.”

Although Turner has her own studio, she also goes on location for outside shoots and works with her clients on the studio in her home for decoration themes.

“There are many ways I can change my studio around from it being for a girl to a boy to a sweet 16,” she said. “That’s the beauty of having multiple backdrops. I can customize it to a client for whatever session they want to meet their needs.”

In addition to her own props, clients can also bring in items they want for shoots as well.

One such upcoming shoot in which a client has been hands on with props is for a memorial.

“I’ve never done one like this before, so it’s touching and a special moment,” she said. “I’m going to try to make something good out of it. It’s special that they chose me for this.”

For Turner’s favorite photos, she loves capturing moments for high school seniors.

“I really love senior pictures and prom pictures,” she said. “They’re really fun and I enjoy them.”

Over the years Turner has gotten usual clients she regularly photographs.

“There are people who come in for Christmas photos, and then usually one through the spring or summer for that same person,” she said.

Turner feels especially proud of her ability to photograph children with special needs that had previously been more difficult to photograph by others.

“I feel good about that,” she said. “It feels like I’m providing a safe space. When you go to bigger places, it’s more distracting and hard for children with special needs. They need a quiet place.”

For more information on “Derina’s Studio” you can check out her Facebook page, call her at 423-512-0751 or email her at xderinax@yahoo.com.